Study in Kiel

Facts

246,601 Inhabitants ¹

36,789 Students ²

4 Higher education institutions ²

WELCOME TO KIEL

Kiel is Germany’s northernmost town. Situated right on the Baltic Sea, it is the last stop on one of the busiest artificial waterways in the world, the Kiel Canal. Kiel is an important base for the German Navy and famous for its international sailing event, the “Kieler Woche“.

The Kieler Woche takes place once a year and includes an extensive supporting programme packed full with concerts and other artistic performances and presentations. During the festival, you can also try out a regional delicacy, a fish speciality known as “Kieler Sprotten“.

The capital of the federal state of Schleswig-Holstein is close to the Danish border. Kiel is a Hanseatic town. You can tell from the typical Brick Gothic architecture. Just outside Kiel, you can visit the Laboe Navy Memorial and see one of the five remaining World War Two submarines, the U 995.

A maritime town, of course, also needs a harbour. And this is located just behind the train station so that you are welcomed by the Baltic Sea as soon as you arrive in town. The road along the Kieler Förde, the Kiellinie, takes you to the seal pool and aquarium which belongs to the Geomar institute. The town’s location on the Baltic Sea also offers you the advantage that after lectures, you can hop on your bike and cycle to one of the many beaches just outside town.

Tip

When the weather’s fine, you should eat a fresh fish roll at a local eatery and then take the ferry to Falckenstein and go to the beach.

Kiel’s attractions include the Old Botanic Garden, the 106-metre high Rathausturm, Germany’s oldest student theatre, the Sechseckbau, and Schrevenpark, which attracts crowds of people in the summer months.

Interview

GUY FROM CAMEROON

INTERVIEW WITH GUY FROM CAMEROON

Guy is 29 years old and is studying Electrical Engineering and Information Technology at the Christian Albrecht University in Kiel.

How long have you been in Kiel and how did you end up here?

I wanted to leave my home country because only a certain elite gets to study there. Fortunately, one of my cousins lives in Lübeck so I lived with him at first. I took an aptitude test in Kiel in June 2008 and then spent a semester preparing for the DSH test.

What should future students organise before they come to Germany?

I did a language course at home and already had B2-level language skills. When I was applying for my visa, I realised I had no idea where Kiel was. It’s better to know beforehand exactly what you want to do in Germany, where you want to go and what documents you need.

What’s your advice to anyone moving to Germany?

The language is key! I found it really useful to meet up regularly with my tandem partner Ole. He helped me improve my German but also to get to know the town better. This made it easier meeting people. A lot depends on your own attitude. I tend to see hurdles as a challenge. “Life’s not always a ball“ is a popular saying in Germany. It’s definitely worth taking advantage of the services and activities offered by the higher education institutions to get to know the new town better.

Do you work part-time?

Since the third semester, I’ve been a tutor at the International Office, where I supervise international students. Particularly students doing a Master’s degree in English here in Kiel have problems with the language and finding accommodation. I try and help them as far as possible.

Why is Kiel a good place to study?

In my eyes, Kiel is a very beautiful, easy-going student town. There are not as many distractions here as in . The professors are very helpful. The university offers lots of inexpensive trips and excursions, especially for international students. During the sailing season, for example, I like to sail on the “Albertina“.

What are the differences between your home country and Germany?

In Jaunde, the capital of Cameroon, there is no sea. I used to travel everywhere by taxi. Here, I cycle. In Germany, the people are much busier than in Cameroon. We stand around on the street and talk. And when we watch football together, we’re much noisier and more emotional than the Germans!

LIVING IN KIEL

It’s easy to relax and unwind in Kiel. The sea is noticeable everywhere in town and automatically gives you a feeling of freedom. Through the higher education institutions, you can take part in inexpensive sailing or surf courses. If you like to spend time in the fresh air, Kiel is the place for you. There are various ferry services that will take you from the town centre to landing stages at Laboe, Falckenstein and Friedrichsort.

Kiel also has lots to offer in the way of culture. Near the landing stage Reventlou is the Old Botanical Garden with the Literaturhaus, where lectures and readings regularly take place. Next to the hexagonal Sechseckbau, there is also a professional theatre where you can enjoy opera, ballet and theatrical performances. Both the theatre and offer student discounts.

If you enjoy strolling through a park, the grounds of the “Forstbaumschule“ are very popular among locals. The park between the fjord and Feldstrasse has an excellent restaurant and it’s also worth coming here for the concerts.

Links

Mention should also be made of Schrevenpark, which turns into an enormous barbecue field in the summer. There are kiosks and restaurants close by where you can buy French fries and burgers. There are also lots of new individual shops and boutiques springing up all over Kiel.

How to find a room in Kiel

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 Kiel.