Study in Nuremberg and Erlangen

Facts

518,370 Inhabitants ¹

53,274 Students ²

5 Higher education institutions ²

WELCOME TO NUREMBERG AND ERLANGEN

Nuremberg and Erlangen are situated in the federal state of Bavaria in the region known as Franconia. The locals attach great importance to this point and it’s one thing they agree on: they are Franconians, not Bavarians! The region around Nuremberg is an economic conurbation. Cutting-edge enterprises such as Siemens, Bosch and DATEV have established themselves here and they create numerous jobs. The region’s modernity is also reflected in its public transport network: the computer-controlled underground line 3 in Nuremberg is the first in Germany to operate fully automatically, in other words without a driver.

Nuremberg dates back to the middle ages. During World War Two, the once magnificent city was almost completely razed to the ground by bombs. Many historical buildings, however, were rebuilt in the medieval style. You’ll be amazed at the sight of the renovated Kaiserburg or Frauenkirche. Nuremberg is also the home of the famous Christkindlesmarkt, the world’s most famous Christmas market which dates back to the 16th century.

There are lots of museums in Nuremberg. You should definitely pay a visit to the Germanisches Nationalmuseum with its Way of Human Rights. Albrecht Dürer’s House is located in the old part of town. This is where the city’s most famous artist spent the last few years of his life. Just outside the city are the former Nazi Party rally grounds. The Documentation Centre in the former congress hall houses an extensive exhibition which presents this dark chapter of German history in an interesting and informative way.

Tip

Christkindlesmarkt, Blaue Nacht, Rock im Park and the Bergkirchweih – these are the biggest events in Nuremberg and Erlangen and you should definitely try these out in your first year here. Anyone who wants to be a Franconian has to experience these events!

Erlangen is around 16 kilometres from Nuremberg and is completely different to the “Capital of Franconia“. Bikes are the most common form of transport in the town’s Baroque streets. Students like to relax on the medieval campus or in the Botanical Garden. If you like the countryside and typical Franconian cosiness, you’ll feel at home in Erlangen.

Interview

CLAUDIA FROM BRAZIL

INTERVIEW WITH CLAUDIA FROM BRAZIL

Claudia Sena de Freitas is 24 years old, comes from Brazil and is studying Economics at the Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg.

Why did you decide to study in Nuremberg?

I knew for years that I wanted to go to Germany. I learnt German at school and have been on holiday in and . But I found those cities too big to study in. In terms of size, Nuremberg is just right.

Did you have any problems when you first came to Nuremberg?

I was shocked how the people talk here. Franconian is a language of its own and it will probably take you a few weeks to understand everything.

Do you have any advice for international students who are looking for accommodation?

Don’t move to Erlangen! Even if you have to go to lectures there and Nuremberg is too far away for you – you won’t find cheap accommodation there. There’s a reason why students compare Erlangen with Manhattan. Not only the street blocks look like the American city, rent prices are like Manhattan prices too.

What most surprised you about life in Nuremberg?

I was quite surprised by the sense of tradition the people of Nuremberg have. When you go to Erlangen’s Bergkirchweih, the Franconian version of Munich’s beer festival, for the first time, you’ll be surprised to see that everybody is dressed in festive clothing. You stand out if you aren’t wearing a dirndl or leather trousers! I bought a dirndl straight after my first visit and immediately fell in love with it. A great item of clothing!

Do you think Nuremberg is a good place for international students to study?

Definitely! In Nuremberg itself, rent is relatively cheap and in Gostenhof, in particular, there are lots of international students. Nightlife here is also very varied. Once you’ve got used to the accent, you’ll love Nuremberg!

What is the best way for international students to meet Germans?

You need to be active in the social networks. There are lots of student groups which you can join. Depending on what you’re interested in, you can arrange to meet up with other students or organise cinema evenings. That helped me to settle in.

What is the conclusion you would make at the end of your stay in Germany?

For me, studying in Germany is a dream that’s finally come true!

LIVING IN NUREMBERG AND ERLANGEN

From a culinary point of view, the Franconians like their food to be inexpensive and substantial. They love their “Lebkuchen“, or gingerbread, and “Drei im Weggla“, three sausages in a bread roll. Nuremberg has lots of restaurants and cafés which serve tasty meals.

The Franconians love their sport and you’ll soon find their enthusiasm is catching! Football and the local team 1. FC Nürnberg is particularly popular. Don’t miss the most important match of the season, 1. FC Nürnberg v. FC Bayern München! A real highlight! But the people of Nuremberg are also fans of ice hockey and basketball. If you like to be active yourself, jog or cycle along the Pegnitz river.

Links

The Gostenhof district is ideal for shopping and partying.

Erlangen’s nightlife is on the quieter side. If you want to party until dawn, you can get to Nuremberg in around 20 minutes by public transport. At the weekends, you can travel back on the night bus, or take the first S-Bahn from the main station.

How to find a room in Nuremberg and Erlangen

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 Nuremberg and Erlangen.