Study in Karlsruhe

Facts

312,060 Inhabitants ¹

35,821 Students ²

7 Higher education institutions ²

WELCOME TO KARLSRUHE

History and modernity come together in Karlsruhe. The Baroque castle “Carols Ruh” was built in the 18th century and is still a defining element in the structure of the city. All of the surrounding streets lead to the castle so that you can see it from every direction. The layout of the historic city centre looks like a fan from above. That’s why Karlsruhe is also known as the “Fan City”.

Yet Karlsruhe is also known as the “Internet capital of Germany”. The first e-mails in Germany were sent from Karlsruhe, which is the home of the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT).

Many people in Germany associate Karlsruhe with law and democracy. Two important legal institutions are headquartered in Karlsruhe – the German Federal Supreme Court and the German Federal Constitutional Court. Their significance is evident on the Platz der Grundrechte, situated between the castle and the marketplace on Karl-Friedrich-Strasse. There you will find plaques bearing statements on justice and injustice.

Tip

You should definitely try a “Flammkuchen”, a specialty of the region. It resembles a very thin-crusted pizza. You’ll find a large variety of “Flammkuchen” at restaurants in the city.

You’ll discover a pyramid in the middle of the marketplace. It marks the burial site of the city’s founding father, Markgraf Karl-Wilhelm. The Karlsruhe city hall is located at one end of the marketplace. It was completely rebuilt after being destroyed in 1944 during World War II. The plaza is intersected by Kaiserstrasse, the busiest shopping street in Karlsruhe with many shops and stores.

Interview

STEINICK FROM INDONESIA

INTERVIEW WITH STEINICK FROM INDONESIA

Steinick is enrolled in the Industrial Engineering bachelor’s programme at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). He is 20 years old and comes from Indonesia.

What made you decide to study in Karlsruhe?

It was because of the good reputation of the university. I had taken a foundation course at KIT and met lots of nice people there. Many of those acquaintances have become my close friends today.

How did you prepare for your stay in Germany?

I learned German intensively for two years during my studies. I also gathered information on German life and culture via the Internet and at events offered by the Goethe-Institut and the DAAD in my home country.

What was the hardest thing for you about living in Germany? How did you cope with it?

In the beginning I had big problems communicating, because people would use vocabulary in situations I wasn’t familiar with. For example, the expression “Es ist mir Wurst” (Editor’s note: literally translates as “It’s sausage to me”, meaning “I don’t care”). I had problems with the colloquial language too. Luckily, the Internationales Begegnungszentrum (IBZ) offers a programme in which participants can practice spoken German for free. Not only does it give you the chance to improve your German, but you can also meet friendly people from around the world.

How did you find a place to live? Do you have any advice for others looking for accommodation?

Finding a flat in Karlsruhe was very difficult, it seemed to me. That’s why it’s best to start looking a few months before the semester begins. If you’d rather get a room in a student hall of residence, you should apply about two months in advance at a number of the residence halls.

Do you have a part-time job?

I work as a HiWi [Editor’s note: pronounced HEE VEE, short for “Hilfswissenschaftler”, (student research assistant)].

What do you like best about Karlsruhe?

I especially like the internationality of Karlsruhe. You always have the chance to encounter a new culture here.

As an international student, what’s the best way to come in contact with other students?

I actively participate in the university organisation MUNIKA which suits my interests well. In the group you learn about the working methods and operations of the United Nations. Not only is it fun to participate, but you also have the chance to meet people. These contacts can be very important later in life. That’s where I met a couple of students from the same year in my degree programme, with whom I now revise and who help me when I have problems with my studies.

LIVING IN KARLSRUHE

When the weather is nice – and you have good chances of that with some 140 days of sunshine per year – you can soak up some sun, for example, at the Botanical Garden at the castle or in the Stadtgarten. There you’ll find large lawns, beautiful plants and plenty of space to have a nice picnic. There’s also a zoo in the Stadtgarten which you can visit.

If you want something for your ears rather than your eyes, Karlsruhe is perfect for you. “” is an annual music festival featuring nationally and internationally renowned artists and a large accompanying programme. You can also enjoy live music at the “” and the “” at KIT once a year.

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The interweaves art with technical innovations and topics of current interest. The centre is comprised of several museums and institutes. Not only does the ZKM hold regular exhibitions, but also offers lectures and workshops.

In the summertime, it’s very nice to sit outside the many restaurants on Ludwigsplatz.

How to find a room in Karlsruhe

Many university and college towns have dormitories or student halls, and a room there is often the most affordable accommodation. To obtain a room in a dormitory or student hall, you have to apply to your college or university’s student union (). Our ‘Find Student Hall’ function can be of practical help. You only need to make a few mouse clicks to get to the online application form. Find a room and more information about dormitories and student halls in Karlsruhe.

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Facts

WELCOME TO KARLSRUHE

Tip

STEINICK FROM INDONESIA

LIVING IN KARLSRUHE

Links

How to find a room in Karlsruhe

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Cities similar to Karlsruhe

Ilmenau

Geislingen an der Steige

Osnabrück

Freiburg

Iserlohn

Lüneburg

Kaiserslautern

Detmold

Bochum

Heidelberg

Essen

Düsseldorf

Kassel
Where nature meets urban vibes in the heart of Germany

Facts

WELCOME TO KARLSRUHE

Tip

STEINICK FROM INDONESIA

LIVING IN KARLSRUHE

Links

How to find a room in Karlsruhe

Tags

Cities similar to Karlsruhe

KasselWhere nature meets urban vibes in the heart of Germany

Kassel
Where nature meets urban vibes in the heart of Germany