Study in Stralsund

Facts

59,418 Inhabitants ¹

2,422 Students ²

1 Higher education institution ²

WELCOME TO STRALSUND

The Hanseatic town of Stralsund is located in north-eastern Germany close to the border of Poland. Its historic centre with its beautiful redbrick Gothic buildings is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Even though it might not be as busy as Hamburg or other big harbour cities, you definitely won’t feel bored in Stralsund because there are so many things you can do. Above all, you can enjoy life on the coast of the Baltic Sea.

Stralsund is often called the “Gate to Rügen Island” because it lies so close to Germany’s largest island. Many Germans like spending their holidays at the sea, and that’s why Stralsund is such a popular tourist destination. In addition to tourism, shipbuilding and heavy machinery are important industries for the city’s economy. Furthermore, the sail training ship is docked in the harbour of Stralsund and is open to visitors every day.

Downtown you’ll discover some of the widely known landmarks of Stralsund, including the “Alter Markt” (Old Market), and the with its famous gallery passageway. You will discover a diverse ensemble of historical buildings on the Alter Markt including numerous merchant houses, churches, alleyways and quaint squares. Out of a total of 800 historical landmarks in Stralsund, more than 500 are located in the historic city centre. The Kniepertor and the Kütertor are the only parts of the that still exist today.

Tip

When the weather is really nice, buy yourself a delicious snack at the cafeteria and head down to the seashore. A long sandy beach is waiting for you. There you can take a relaxing walk, gaze out over the water and leave your university stress behind.

The renovated on Mönchstrasse is one of the most exquisitely preserved townhouses of the Hanseatic era in Stralsund. There you can experience the eventful history of Stralsund over the past seven centuries.

Interview

KAN MING “OWEN” LEE FROM HONG KONG

INTERVIEW WITH KAN MING “OWEN” LEE FROM HONG KONG

Kan Ming “Owen“ Lee is 22 years old and is pursuing his bachelor’s degree in Management Studies at the University of Applied Sciences in Stralsund.

Why did you decide to study in Stralsund?

When I came to Germany some years ago, my plan was to take a German course and then go to to study East Asian Politics. But then I decided it would be better to study something completely different. I didn’t know anything about the Baltic coast and, as you might expect, I was able to expand my horizons here quickly.

How did you prepare for your stay in Germany?

I was already interested in studying in Germany when I graduated from secondary school. I found the DAAD homepage very helpful for getting information about funding programmes. I had to fill out a few documents and apply for a visa.

What was difficult for you when you first arrived in Germany?

The language barrier – no question about it. Level A1 is not good enough for normal everyday life. I spoke very slowly, and luckily most people were very friendly to me. Unlike people in Hong Kong, Germans enjoy their life and like to take things slowly. In the beginning I was frustrated at how long things took. But now I’m also trying to slow down my life.

What are you planning to do after graduation?

I’d very much like to become a politician, and that’s why I’m returning to Hong Kong. I believe that my experiences in Germany and my cultural knowledge will help me down the line. I’d like to take the good things I’ve seen in Germany and the Baltic countries and use them to create a better future in Hong Kong.

What do you like best about Stralsund?

I really enjoy taking walks through the historic city centre which is one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites. I don’t necessarily remember the names of the specific buildings or their historical background, but on my walks I imagine how people lived there long ago.

Why is Stralsund a good place to study?

There’s something to make everyone happy. For people who like quiet moments, like I do, you can take a stroll down the historic streets or along the beach. You can experience silence and nature here. But if you’d rather go to parties and meet people, you can go bars. In the semester breaks, I definitely recommend taking a trip to the island of Rügen where you’ll find some of the most stunning landscapes in the world and fantastic sandy beaches.

LIVING IN STRALSUND

If you haven’t already met some nice students at your on campus, the “Buddy Programme” of the International Office will definitely help you make new acquaintances. At the beginning of the semester, it organises a city rally, for example, to help you become familiar with your new home and its inhabitants. It can also accompany you to the authorities and help you take care of bureaucratic formalities. It also offers organised excursions. Furthermore, the university also offers students the chance to try out many different . Diving, Judo, volleyball? Just show up and join in!

In the evenings, you and your friends can go out and spend a night on the town. In addition to the Hafentage, the Wallensteintage are an exciting event you really shouldn’t miss if you want to experience the culture of Stralsund. But aside from such festivities, there is plenty to do and discover during the day and night in town.

Links

As someone living near the sea, you should probably visit the OZEANEUM, a new and large museum that contains octopuses, penguins and numerous aquariums.

If you’re at the Alter Markt and head towards Seestrasse, you’ll likely pass . It was built in 1254 AD and now is home to the city’s archive. It also serves as a venue for regular open-air theatre performances. A few metres further at Olof-Palme-Platz, you’ll see the which stages operas, concerts and plays.

How to find a room in Stralsund

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 Stralsund.