Erasmus in Berlin

Information and tips for Erasmus students in Berlin

Why do your Erasmus in Berlin? There are a thousand reasons to have your Erasmus experience in this city, such as the quality of its Universities, the diversity, its culture or the university atmosphere. Berlin has endless things to do and discover; music, art, knowledge, culture or experiences are some of the things you can discover in the German capital.

Cost of living in Berlin, Germany

The German capital is an inexpensive city, in terms of finding accommodation, compared to other capital cities in Europe. The average cost of living in Berlin is around €900 per month, including accommodation, food and transport.

There are many options for finding cheap accommodation in Berlin. For example, a shared room in a flat costs between €350-€450 per month, while a private room starts at €450. Students also choose student residences for their stay. The cheapest residence can be found from €530 per month and the most expensive can be up to €1,000 per month.

Groceries will cost you around €150, depending on your habits and preferences. However, eating in expensive restaurants is around €25-€30 and €15 in the cheapest. Also, you can set aside €100-150 for general leisure (partying, eating out, going out...).

Public transport is very well connected and runs almost 24 hours a day. German universities provide students a Semesterticket for the entire course. For only €180 you can use all public transport for the whole semester! Some students prefer to use bicycles to move around. It’s an environmentally friendly alternative and, at the same time, you do some sport. You can buy your own second-hand bike and thus save on renting.

Student life, Erasmus parties and leisure in Berlin

The university lifestyle in the city is very varied, there are many students from different parts of the world! In addition, Erasmus parties are organised every week. The city is lively and you'll always find a place to enjoy a new experience, so you won't get bored. Bei Schlawinchen is a place full of Berliners to watch the latest games. For a wide variety of cocktails, your place is Schwarze Traube. It's very popular and doesn't have a menu. You'll tell them your favourite flavour and the bartenders will take care of the rest!

Party options in Berlin are very varied, and there are plenty of techno clubs, especially around Wasrchauerstrabe. The most famous club in Berlin is Berghain, the birthplace of German techno. Another popular choice is WaterGate. It has magnificent views of the river and five floors with different types of music. This city's party scene is known everywhere, but you might be surprised how many times you'll be refused entry to a bar or pub. They don't usually have a dress code, but some have very high admission criteria. It's better to go in very small groups or in pairs.

If you’re looking for something different, Berlin has a lot to offer. Apart from the partying, this German city is full of life in both winter and summer. For example, if you're looking for a Sunday of shopping, food and music, you can enjoy the lively flea market in Mauerpark. There you'll find a wide variety of new and second-hand goods. You'll also be able to taste some of the city's typical food. In fact, meeting up in the parks of this German city for a drink and a good time with your friends is one of the students' favourite things to do. Don't miss Tiergarten, Berlin's main park! It covers more than 200 hectares / 494 acres and it’s a great place for sports and relaxation. It has a biergärten (typical beer terraces), a lake and one of the highest carillons in the world.

Culture and gastronomy in Berlin, Germany

You will fall in love with the city at every step. Its culture is incredible and you have thousands of options to get to know the city. Some of the must-see places are:

• Brandenburg Gate (Brandenburger Tor)
• Bebelplatz
• Berlin Cathedral (Berliner Dom)
• Museum Island (Museumsinsel)
• The Jewish Quarter
• Monument to the Jews of Europe (Denkmal für die ermordeten Juden Europas)
• Alexanderplatz
• The Berlin Wall (Berliner Mauer)

Berlin's gastronomy is different from that of the rest of Europe. Its main ingredients are meat and potatoes (a popular choice among Erasmus students). The most typical dishes are:

• ‘Currywurst’
• ‘Kebab’
• ‘Schnitzels’
• ‘Boulette’
• ‘Frikadellen’

Advantages and disadvantages of doing Erasmus in Berlin

Advantages

• Berlin is one of the most popular European capitals among Erasmus students, the party and university atmosphere is unbeatable!
• This German city is full of culture and art, with lots of museums.
• You can learn and practice German, a very useful language in your future work.
• You'll be able to experience German traditions and customs first hand, and you'll be able to taste typical German food.
• It's a good starting point to visit nearby European cities, with plenty of low-cost flights.

Disadvantages

• It has a high demand for student flats and residences, which makes finding an affordable, well-located place complicated and expensive.
• Registering your residence permit, getting health insurance or doing university paperwork can be tedious and time-consuming.
• Winters are long, cold and lightless, which can affect your mood, especially if you come from a sunnier country.
• Although Berlin is multicultural, Germans can seem somewhat reserved at first.

Cheap student accommodation in Berlin, Germany

Do you need accommodation in Berlin and don't know how to find it? On Erasmus Play you can quickly and easily find the best student flats, rooms and residences in the German capital.

FAQ about doing Erasmus in Berlin

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Other Erasmus destinations

Erasmus in Heidelberg

Erasmus in Freiburg im Breisgau

Erasmus in Mannheim

Erasmus in Mainz