Study in Konstanz

Facts

84,911 Inhabitants ¹

16,397 Students ²

3 Higher education institutions ²

WELCOME TO KONSTANZ

Konstanz (sometimes known in English as Constance) is situated in southern Germany and is one of the country’s most popular holiday destinations. Located right on the border to Switzerland, the neighbouring Swiss town of Kreuzlingen has „merged“ with Konstanz so that the national boundary runs directly between houses and streets. On a clear day, you can see as far as the Alps.

The town dates back to Roman times. The old part of Konstanz is better preserved than those in many other German towns because it suffered virtually no damage during the two wars. There are still many interesting sights to see, especially from the medieval period. The „Konzilgebäude“ on the banks of the lake dates back to the 14th century. During the council of Konstanz, an ecclesiastical meeting, the papal election of Pope Martin V took place in the building in 1417.

The nine-metre high statue of Imperia on the harbour also recalls the time of the council. However, the figure of the courtesan should be seen satirically. The same is true of the Kaiserbrunnen fountain on Marktstätte. The many figures, such as the water-spouting lumpfish or three-headed peacock with papal crowns are a humorous reference to the council and the town’s history. You can find out about the origins of the satire in Konstanz.

The cathedral of Konstanz is one of the biggest Romanesque churches in the region and a prominent landmark in the town. The town hall with its historic frescoes and the Schnetztor, a town gate from the 14th century, are especially magnificent buildings.

Tip

Get on the Möwe boat to Hörnle and take a barbecue with you. This is a great way of spending a warm summer evening next to the lake. But please don’t leave behind any rubbish!

In addition to its unique architecture, Konstanz benefits from its beautiful scenic location on the lake. The Bodensee is one of the biggest lakes in Germany. During the „Bodenseewoche“ in May, the town’s attractive harbour promenade turns into a meeting place for everyone interested in watersports. Life takes place outside in the summer months, and several festivals are celebrated in this green town.

Interview

ERIK FROM THE USA

INTERVIEW WITH ERIK FROM THE USA

Erik is 34 and in the fourth semester of his Master’s degree in International Administration and Conflict Management at the University of Konstanz.

Why did you decide to study in Konstanz?

I’m a qualified teacher. I decided I wanted to continue my education because it’s becoming increasingly difficult to survive as a teacher in the US. I was also keen to travel and can imagine working in education in the field of development cooperation abroad in future! I spent the first year of my double degree programme studying peace and conflict at the University of North Carolina in Greensboro. Konstanz is a partner university of the University of North Carolina for this programme.

Have the expectations you had of Konstanz been fulfilled?

My expectations have been exceeded! There are so many recreational activities and there is an amazing cultural diversity among students, the local population and tourists. There’s just not enough time to experience and enjoy all the things Konstanz and the surrounding area have to offer.

What was most difficult for you when you first arrived in Germany? And how did you cope?

The most difficult thing for me was coping with the bureaucracy of the town and university. I was well prepared, but I’d advise future students to make friends with other, more experienced students. Don’t try and satisfy all requirements on the first or last day!

What most surprised you about life in Konstanz?

I never thought I’d like life in Konstanz so much. Studies train your brain, the lake and the mountains train your body, and friends and acquaintances train your soul!

What’s the best way to get to know other students?

By taking classes and courses together. Living in student residences also opens doors. You can also make lots of interesting contacts through the university’s sports programme.

LIVING IN KONSTANZ

Konstanz doesn’t have what is referred to in other towns as a „scene“, life here is more low-key. Students live, e.g., in Fürstenberg and Wollmatingen north of the river Rhine. These districts are close to the higher education institutions but also conveniently located for the town centre. Within the town, it never takes you long to walk anywhere. To get to the institutes, it’s best to buy a second-hand bike.

In your spare time, you can buy yourself a drink and sit on the banks of the Rhine River. In the old part of town, you can buy great ice-cream, coffee and snacks or visit one of the many student cafes where you will meet not quite so many tourists.

In the evenings,you can visit beer gardens, bars and dance venues. Sometimes, concerts take place, too. The town magazine „Akzent“ suggests good places to go.

If you’re feeling too weary to walk, you can call a night taxi, which will drive you home. But it’s sometimes hard to get hold of a taxi, so it’s definitely a good idea to invest in a bike!

Links

If you fancy a swim, look for a nice spot along , on or . You can also walk to the beach at Horn, also known as , or go aboard the „„. The ship departs from the harbour, to the left of Imperia. The Schänzle is the town’s biggest sports arena and sports grounds. Many students learn to sail in Konstanz or try out the higher education institution’s climbing wall.

How to find a room in Konstanz

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 Konstanz.