Erasmus in Innsbruck
Information and tips for Erasmus students in Innsbruck
| Private rooms Innsbruck | 6 | 2070/month |
| Studios Innsbruck | 4 | 1865/month |
| Apartments Innsbruck | 20 | 2525/month |
Why do Erasmus in Innsbruck? There are many reasons to choose Innsbruck as an Erasmus destination. This city, located in the heart of the Alps, is the capital of the Tyrol region of Austria. If you're interested in sport, culture and a university atmosphere, this is the city for you! Discovering everything the city has to offer will surprise you.
Cost of living in Innsbruck, Austria
In general, Austria isn’t a cheap country. However, the cost of living in the city of Innsbruck varies depending on the type of accommodation you choose. The average cost for a student can be around €700 for rent and living expenses.
Monthly rent for a room in a residence is around €200-€500. However, if you decide to live alone in a flat, the rent would be over €600. If your idea isn't to live in a residence, but an entire flat seems too expensive, you can rent a room in a shared flat, which usually costs around €250-€450.
As for public transport, it’s a bit expensive. A trip can cost €2.60, both on the buses and trams that run around the city. There’re also semester passes for students under 27: they cost around €139 and you get unlimited travel for six months. Bicycles are also very common in Innsbruck. Austria's government offers a cheaper way to get around the city. Through the Nextbike app you can buy a monthly pass for €9 or an annual pass for €39. This is a more affordable alternative for short distances and very common among locals.
Student life, Erasmus parties and leisure in Innsbruck
The city is full of students, so it's easy to find something to do every day. Innsbruck has plenty of bars to enjoy and meet new people, such as the Katen Noster, which offers a wide range of cocktails and craft beers. On the campus, you'll find the Zappa Music Bar, a university-style bar with affordable prices usually around €5. If you're looking for places to dance, the Bacchus Innsbruck nightclub might be a good option, tickets cost €5.
But there's more to this city than just partying! Being in the middle of the Alps, surrounded by mountains, it's perfect for practicing sports. In fact, with the first snowfalls, skiing becomes the most popular sport. These are the ski resorts not to be missed:
- Patscherkofel
- Axamer Lizum
- Nordkette
- Kühtai-Hochoetz
- Muttereralm
- Rangger Köpfl
However, when the weather gets warmer, people put away their skis and start cycling, hiking, climbing, etc. There are even student groups that organise trips during the year to see all that the city has to offer.
If you're thinking that these sports are expensive, don't worry, there are ways to make it cheaper! All year round you can buy the 'Freizeit Ticket', which costs around €600 for students or €550 if you buy it in advance from 1-31 October. It gives you access to skiing slopes, ice rinks, cable cars, swimming pools, and museums and galleries, such as the Tirol Panorama and much more.
On Christmas, the city is transformed and looks like something out of a fairy tale. The surrounding mountains are covered in snow and the popular Christmas markets are always packed with people. A good way to beat the cold is to try the traditional Glühwein (mulled wine), Austrians' favourite winter and festivities’ drink.
Culture and gastronomy in Innsbruck, Austria
Innsbruck is a city of great history and architecture. Among its world-famous monuments are the Ambras Castle (Schloss Ambras Innsbruck), the Imperial Palace (Hofburg) and the Das Tirol Panorama mit Kaiserjägermuseum, a museum where you can learn about the history of the city and where you can access with the 'Freizeit Ticket'.
The gastronomy is heavily influenced by Italian and German cuisine, therefore, you’ll find many typical dishes from these cultures, like: ‘Käsespätzle’, a German noodle recipe; ‘Wiener Schnitzel’, escalope with different sides; ‘Wurstsalat’, sausage salad; or ‘Speckknödelsuppe’, Tyrolean ham soup. Restaurant menus vary widely in price, but most are around €20.
Advantages and disadvantages of doing Erasmus in Innsbruck
Advantages
- It’s a lively city, a popular destination for students.
- Innsbruck is surrounded by nature and has a wide range of outdoor sports options, both in winter and summer.
- Being a small city, you can get around by bicycle, so the cost of public transport is reduced.
- Although Austria is a country with a high cost of living, Innsbruck has several student discounts that you can take advantage of.
- Learn or improve your German!
Disadvantages
- Although cheaper than Vienna, Innsbruck is still an expensive city, especially for accommodation and food.
- If you're not used to snow and freezing temperatures, winters can be harsh.
- It doesn't have a great nightlife or many cultural activities.
- It doesn't have the same train and flight connections as other larger Austrian cities, which can make travelling more expensive or complicated.
Cheap student accommodation in Innsbruck, Austria
Do you need accommodation in Innsbruck and don't know how to find it? At Erasmus Play we’ll help you find it. You’ll be able to compare the best student flats, rooms and residences in Innsbruck.
FAQ about doing Erasmus in Innsbruck
How much does it cost to live in Innsbruck as a student?
The cost of living for a student is usually around €700 per month (rent and food alone). However, the price varies depending on the accommodation.
What’s student life like in Innsbruck?
It’s a city full of students, parties, leisure, culture and sport. It’s well connected with the surrounding cities and towns and close to Germany, Switzerland and Italy.
How much does student accommodation cost in Innsbruck?
University residences are usually between €200-€500 and a room in a shared flat can cost between €350-€450.
How much is the Erasmus scholarship to study in Innsbruck?
The amount of the Erasmus scholarship varies according to your home country and the policies of your University. We recommend you to check with your institution.
Which are the best areas to live in Innsbruck as a student?
Most Erasmus students live in residences near the Universität Innsbruck. However, as Innsbruck is a small city, the location of your accommodation is usually not a problem.
