Study in Weimar

Facts

65,228 Inhabitants ¹

4,848 Students ²

2 Higher education institutions ²

WELCOME TO WEIMAR

The quaint town of Weimar is located between the cities of and in the state of Thuringia. Culturally speaking, Weimar has played an enormously important role in Germany’s history. Following World War I, the “Weimar Constitution” formed the basis for Germany’s first democratic government, provisions of which still exist in the present constitution. And in recognition of its cultural significance, Classical Weimar and the Bauhaus sites in Weimar (the Main Building of the university, the small Van de Velde Building, the „Haus Am Horn“) were added to the list of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. For this reason, droves of tourists come to visit Weimar every year.

Indeed, tourism is now one of the main pillars of Weimar’s economy. Tour groups, day-visitors and other tourists, pulled along in horse-drawn carriages, marvel at the city and its numerous historic sites. Many people are employed in the service sector and cater to the guests. But even apart from the touristic attractions, there’s always a lot going on in town.

You can reach Weimar very well by car or Intercity Express train (ICE). The busses take you to most destinations in town quickly. But it’s even easier to get around Weimar by bike. The routes are short and the quaint historic city centre is relatively small.

The best known museums and historic sites are located in the centre of town. In front of the Deutsches Nationaltheater (DNT), you’ll see the famous statue of Germany’s national poets Goethe and Schiller. The Goethe Residence and the Goethe National Museum are located nearby, as is the Schiller Residence, formerly inhabited by the poet Friedrich Schiller.

The is definitely worth visiting. There you will learn all about the legendary history of the Bauhaus and its school of architecture. Weimar is also home to the famous Bauhaus-Universität Weimar, a centre of creative architecture and technical design. You will find the more musically inclined and gifted students at the University of Music Franz Liszt.

The , now a national memorial site, is located near Weimar, and there’s a bus line that can take you there.

Tip

The is a super place to chill between classes. There are meadows where you can play sports or simply dip your feet into the Ilm. If you need some relaxation, you’ll definitely find it in this beautiful park in Weimar!

Weimar is also a centre for the media branch. A newspaper and smaller radio and TV broadcaster have their headquarters in Weimar. So if you’re interested in studying Media, then you’ll have several potential employers at your doorstep.

Interview

ALYA FROM RUSSIA

INTERVIEW WITH ALYA FROM RUSSIA

Alya Grishko is 26 years old and comes from Russia. She studied Media Architecture at the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar.

Why did you decide to study in Weimar?

Because I got my diploma in Architecture in Moscow, I had naturally heard about the famous Bauhaus in Weimar during my studies. On the DAAD website, I learned that the Bauhaus-Universität offered a post-graduate degree programme in “Media Architecture”. That was just the thing I wanted to study.

How did you prepare for your stay in Germany?

First of all, I realised I would have to speak German to enrol in this degree programme, at least at the B1 level. To be honest, I couldn’t speak a word of German back then. It was a huge challenge for me to learn German fast and thoroughly. I attended a German course at the Goethe-Institut in Moscow for an entire year and also had private lessons. After a year I was able to apply!

What should a student, who is planning to come to Germany, take care of before departing?

In my opinion, it’s very important to be able to speak a little German and be prepared to submerse yourself in an unfamiliar culture. I’d also recommend traveling to Germany ahead of time at least once to make sure it’s really the right country for you.

What was the hardest thing for you about living in Germany? And how did you deal with it?

I realised I was totally lost when faced with some of the small things. For example, when I wanted to go the doctor and drove to the hospital (“Klinikum”). In Russia, a “Klinikum” is the place where all the doctors have their offices and you can find one quickly. But in Germany, the physicians have their own practices, located all around town. At first, I felt so helpless. It was a little difficult in the beginning, but after three months, things got better.

How did you find a place to stay? Do you have any advice for others who are looking for accommodation?

I got my first accommodation through the Studierendenwerk – in a student residence hall. I’ve moved several times since then, and now I’m living in a flat-share (WG). It’s nicer there – more comfortable and homier. What’s more, a WG offers you better chances to try German food or improve your German if you speak German to your flatmates.

What do you especially like about Weimar?

Having lived in Moscow, I can definitely say that I like the fact that everything is so close in Weimar. You can bike from one end of Weimar to the other in under 30 minutes. And the routes you take are very short. My advice to future students and visitors – go to the M18, an organisation for students. It’s a great place, full of nice people and good coffee.

What makes Weimar a good place for students?

In my opinion, Weimar is a very special place. It’s the town of Goethe and Schiller, the Bauhaus and the tragic history of the Buchenwald concentration camp. It’s chock full of history and culture, artists, architects, musicians, and simply nice people.

LIVING IN WEIMAR

Although Weimar is one of the smaller student towns in Germany, its students are extremely active. The campus is close to the centre of town. You can apply for a room in a student residence hall, one of them is centrally located at Jakobsplan. You’ll find numerous small cafés and pubs all around campus. The most popular student meeting place is the “” – the student union in Weimar. Inside there’s a small café and student advisors who can answer any questions you have.

You’ll find a number of useful shops and stores in the pedestrian zone around the Theaterplatz. In addition to clothing stores, a cinema and bookshops, there are also numerous souvenir shops where you’re certain to find a little something to remember Weimar by.

Links

If you want to play sports, Weimar has a lot to offer. The swimming pools at the Schwanseebad are a perfect way to cool down. Both the indoor and outdoor pools are open every day of the week. The is an umbrella organisation for numerous sport clubs in Weimar. On the website, you can search for various sports which appeal to you. Joining a sports club is an easy way to meet people in Weimar.

How to find a room in Weimar

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 Weimar.