Study in Saarbrücken

Facts

180,374 Inhabitants ¹

31,397 Students ²

5 Higher education institutions ²

WELCOME TO SAARBRÜCKEN

Saarbrücken is the capital of the federal state of Saarland and the heart of a flourishing economic region. The town is a centre of future-oriented research, especially in the field of computer technology. Institutions such as the (DFKI), the and the (LZI) at Schloss Dagstuhl are leaders in information science. Additionally, the (IZES), which conducts research into renewable energies, is located in Saarbrücken.

For many years, the Saarbrücken region was a centre of heavy industry. Today, the rusty remains of the abandoned are a reminder of Europe’s industrial landscape in the 20th century. This impressive complex is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site.

Saarland once belonged to France, and Saarbrücken’s inhabitants have always maintained close cultural and economic ties with their French neighbours. This openness and high level of cooperation are reflected in numerous business ventures and academic links between local higher education institutions, such as in Strasbourg and Metz.

Tip

The Saarland offers beautiful views. In this federal state, you can admire the „curvaceous“ river Saar. The „Saarschleife“, a narrow bend of the river near Mettlach, is a Saarland emblem and a unique motif.

When you’re in the Saarland, you should make a point of watching the locals prepare a „Schwenkbraten“. This is a local speciality: marinated neck of pork barbecued over coals on a grid suspended by a three-legged tripod. The procedure is referred to as „Schwenken“, because the joint swings to and fro over the fire. This form of barbecue is a local custom: as soon as the first warm days arrive, everyone gets out their „Schwenker“ (or barbecue). An invitation to a „Schwenk“ session is the ultimate gesture of hospitality!

Interview

SAMANDAR FROM UZBEKISTAN

INTERVIEW WITH SAMANDAR FROM UZBEKISTAN

Samandar Atoev comes from Uzbekistan and is 34 years old. He’s doing a PhD in law.

Why did you decide to study in Saarbrücken?

When I applied to do a Master’s degree in Germany, I had the choice of Saarbrücken and other cities. A deciding factor for me was the study programme offered by the University of Saarland, because it fits in with my academic requirements in so many respects. I also wanted to study in a smaller, more rural and quieter environment than in the hectic atmosphere of a city.

What should future students organise before they come to Germany?

Obviously, you should have all your papers ready and possibly also bring with you additional copies of degree certificates and diplomas. And of course it’s also important that you sort out accommodation before you arrive here. International students generally have problems looking for somewhere to live because it’s difficult to organise from a distance.

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

At the beginning it was really difficult for me to understand the lectures in German even though I’d learned the language really intensively. After around two months though, it was all much quicker and easier.

What’s your favourite place in Saarbrücken? And why?

Everything in Saarbrücken is linked in some way with the river Saar. I like spending time on the banks of the river. Whether you’re enjoying the sun at Am Staden or eating an ice cream on the Berliner Promenade, it’s always nice along the Saar. There are also really good cycle paths for cyclists and nice views in both directions. I like cycling there because I love the countryside and I like to get some exercise.

What’s the best way to get to know other students when you’ve just arrived in Saarbrücken?

It’s best to live in student accommodation. Because this is where you meet students of all different nationalities and it’s easy to start up a conversation. Attending a language or sports course is also a good way of getting to know new people, not just from your own study programme. There are also informal gatherings („Stammtische“) where not only native speakers but also people wanting to learn a language get together. That’s one way of getting to know other people.

Where do you go in Saarbrücken if you need a break from studying?

The best place to relax is the Deutsch-Französischer-Garten (DFG), which is not far from the town centre. From early spring to late autumn, the abundance of plants and flowers there create the perfect setting to relax in. If you want some real peace and quiet, you should go the more rural regions of the Saarland.

Please complete this sentence: „For me, studying in Germany means …

… discovering a new culture; broadening my horizons for my career; facing new challenges and finding out more about myself.

LIVING IN SAARBRÜCKEN

The best way to get around in Saarbrücken is by bike. The different parts of town are relatively far apart and buses run only rarely in the evenings and at night. There is a well-developed network of cycle paths. The more you cycle, the quicker you’ll get used to the region’s hilly terrain. The student dormitories are inexpensive and, depending on their exact location, are close to the higher education institutions or town centre.

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The old part of town around St. Johanner Markt and Mainzer Strasse are popular both among students and locals. There are lots of cafés, bars and restaurants here.

How to find a room in Saarbrücken

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 Saarbrücken.

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NATURE, TRANQUILLITY AND LOTS OF TIME TO DEVOTE TO YOUR STUDIES

The Old Market Square in the city centre was built in the 12th century. © Sophie Nagel

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Saarbrücken
CENTRE OF COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY WITH A FRENCH WAY OF LIFE

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Facts

WELCOME TO SAARBRÜCKEN

Tip

SAMANDAR FROM UZBEKISTAN

LIVING IN SAARBRÜCKEN

Links

How to find a room in Saarbrücken

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Cities similar to Saarbrücken

Reutlingen

Paderborn

Frankfurt am Main

Aachen

Mannheim

Duisburg

Pforzheim

Oestrich-Winkel

Tübingen

Wuppertal

Bielefeld

Bingen

Schmalkalden
NATURE, TRANQUILLITY AND LOTS OF TIME TO DEVOTE TO YOUR STUDIES

Facts

WELCOME TO SAARBRÜCKEN

Tip

SAMANDAR FROM UZBEKISTAN

LIVING IN SAARBRÜCKEN

Links

How to find a room in Saarbrücken

Tags

Cities similar to Saarbrücken

SchmalkaldenNATURE, TRANQUILLITY AND LOTS OF TIME TO DEVOTE TO YOUR STUDIES

Schmalkalden
NATURE, TRANQUILLITY AND LOTS OF TIME TO DEVOTE TO YOUR STUDIES