Study in Erfurt

Facts

213,981 Inhabitants ¹

56,104 Students ²

3 Higher education institutions ²

WELCOME TO ERFURT

Erfurt’s historic city centre is one of its most attractive features – the old quarter is simply enchanting with churches and , the and the – the city’s most famous landmark.

The , an old fortress built at the gates of the old city in the 17th century, still towers majestically over the town. There are 142 bridges in Erfurt. The is the best known. On this small inhabited bridge, you will find a number of traditional and family-owned shops where you can window-shop, while away the time and enjoy yourself. The is one of the cultural highlights of the year and attracts droves of visitors every June.

The Gera River runs through the parks and gardens of the city. You can spend your free time relaxing at the riverside. The egapark in the south-western quarter of Erfurt is another great place to go – supposedly one of the largest and most beautiful park in Germany for recreation and relaxation. There are many exciting things to do around the region as well. Due to its ideal location, there are many places to visit nearby. You can travel anywhere in the state of Thuringia for free with your semester ticket. Take a trip to historic , the or go on a hiking tour through the . The „Rennsteig“ trail, for example, has been taken by hikers and nature lovers for over 700 years!

Tip

You can only call yourself a tried and true Erfurter when you know why people here call themselves „Puffbohnen“ (broad beans).

Erfurt is home to numerous children’s media and broadcasting companies and is the economic engine of the region. Mechanical engineering and horticulture are two significant business sectors as well.

Interview

CHING-HUI FROM TAIWAN

INTERVIEW WITH CHING-HUI FROM TAIWAN

Ching-Hui comes from Taiwan, is 27 years old and is enrolled in the Children and Youth Media master’s programme in Erfurt.

How did you end up studying in Erfurt?

I got my bachelor’s in European Languages and Culture in Taiwan. In one of my seminars, we had an exercise in translating German children’s books. I loved it. I had often thought about going to Germany, and Erfurt was a partner university. It all fit together well. First I came as an exchange student, and then ended up applying for admission to a full master’s degree programme.

What was it like when you first came to Germany?

Pretty difficult. I’m not an especially shy person, but I am compared with Germans. I don’t speak so loudly. People had problems understanding me. And a master’s programme is obviously much different than a bachelor’s, much more intensive and you’re much more on your own. In Taiwan the professors approach you if they think you’re having problems. Here in Germany it’s different. You have to take the initiative yourself.

How did you come in contact with other students?

Many of the students here aren’t from Erfurt, which means they’re open to making new acquaintances. In the beginning I attended a language course and that’s how I met my current flatmate. You can also meet people quickly in sports clubs. And there’s not so many in our degree programme, so we often do things together. There’s also the “Strangers Become Friends” project, through which I met my host family three years ago. We still see each other regularly. In this way, I was able to get to know a generation outside of the campus.

What do you like best about the city?

The city and university are very familiar. I come from a city with a million inhabitants and I studied in Taipei, so this is really laid back in comparison. I like the giant swing on Petersberg the best. From there you can enjoy a beautiful view.

Complete the sentence: “For me, studying in Germany is…”

…a chance to gain a new perspective.

LIVING IN ERFURT

Life in Erfurt is peaceful and familiar. The medieval centre of town with its small streets and squares are energised by some 10,000 students who study at the , the and the . There’s a special feeling of community in Erfurt. You’ll always run into people you know – either on campus or downtown.

Most places are easy to reach on foot – especially downtown. That’s why it’s no problem to spontaneously make plans to meet up with friends. There are plenty of activities offered to students – even outside of the higher education institutions. Most of these activities usually take place downtown around the “Anger” and the Fish Market. The cultural magazine „t.akt“ can help you gain an overview of upcoming events. You’ll definitely get oriented quickly.

When it comes to music, you’ll find what you’re looking for. There are several locations catering to a broad range of musical styles as well as clubs for fans of electronic sounds. You’ll hear an entirely different set of sounds by the musician Clueso. He’s possibly the most famous musical export the city has to offer, and with any luck, you might run into him when he’s not performing at one of the city’s typical concert venues.

You could also meet up with friends at one of the many student cafés in town. You should also hang out at the beer gardens in the summertime where there is always something going on. At the weekends, there’s nothing better than feasting at an extended brunch. You can meet with friends at a café and afterwards enjoy the flair of the weekly market on the cathedral square. On Sunday evenings, you can head over to a pub and watch the latest episode of Tatort (Crime Scene) with your friends.

Links

Or enjoy one of the other cultural activities which the city offers. Theater Schotte is an amateur theatre with an excellent reputation which caters to children and young people. Its vision is to promote creativity, the joy of experimentation and individuality. The artistic repertory ranges from modern plays to the classics. And the admission fee for students is quite inexpensive.

How to find a room in Erfurt

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 Erfurt.