Erasmus in Kiel

Information and tips for Erasmus students in Kiel

Do you want to know everything you need to fully enjoy your Erasmus in Kiel? We’ll tell you! Kiel is located on the shores of the Baltic Sea, on the northern coast of Germany. It has almost 250,000 inhabitants and, despite being smaller than other large cities, it offers a good quality of life and an educational environment with excellent institutions. If you like the idea of ​​living in a city ​​with a maritime charm, which hosts “Kiel Week” (the world's largest nautical event each year), this is the place for you.

Cost of living in Kiel, Germany

For students, the cost of living in Kiel is around €700 per month, as long as you opt for accommodation at affordable prices. The most common in this city are studio apartments, which usually range between €420 and €1,200 per month. The average cost is about €600 per month. On the other hand, residences vary between €170 and €420 per month. Other expenses such as shopping and food can be estimated at around €200.

Student life, Erasmus parties and leisure in Kiel, Germany

Kiel has different options to enjoy parties, nightlife and leisure. Max Nachttheater is one of the largest and best known clubs in the city for its varied music from techno to pop, and the special events and theme parties it organises regularly.

If you are looking for something more relaxed, then we recommend Hemingway, an ideal bar to start the night with cocktails and good music before heading to the bigger clubs.

For other plans, the Stadttheater Kiel Theatre is a great option. Its program includes plays, concerts and dance shows that you will be able to enjoy with your friends. You can also take a tour of the fishing villages surrounding the city, they look like they were taken out from a postcard! Visit the beaches to enjoy the sun, or even go camping and sleep by the sea in small cabins called Strandkörbe.

Culture and gastronomy in Kiel

If you are interested in discovering the local culture of Kiel, we recommend exploring some of the iconic places such as the Water Tower (Wasserturm), an architectural icon with panoramic views of the city and the Baltic Sea. The Kiel Maritime Museum (Schifffahrtsmuseum) is a must-see stop for sea lovers, with fascinating exhibitions that tell the maritime history of the region. You can't miss visiting the Church of Saint Nicholas (Nikolaikirche), with a striking Gothic style, in addition to walking through the commercial street Förde or Holtenauerstraße, a great way to discover everything that the atmosphere in Kiel has to offer.

This city is known for its delicious Northern German cuisine, with a variety of traditional dishes and flavours. Some classics that you can try are the “Kieler Sprotten” (smoked sardines that are served both hot and cold and are a local delicacy), the "Fischbrötchen" (fish sandwiches that usually include herring, mackerel, salmon or shrimp, accompanied by onion, pickles and sauces), and the “Matjes” (a summer dish with the mild flavour of marinated herring, usually served with onion, apple, and sour cream). You’ll also be able to taste a wide selection of local craft beers to accompany your meal, or "Rote Grütze", a delicious red fruit dessert with cream or vanilla sauce.

Advantages of doing Erasmus in Kiel, Germany

• The University of Kiel has a great academic reputation and a few study programs that you will be able to choose for your stay.
• It offers a lively and welcoming student atmosphere, with cultural and recreational activities to enjoy in the theatre or open-air nautical events, such as Kiel Week (Kieler Woche).
• Its privileged location next to the Baltic Sea offers beautiful coastal landscapes, little fishing towns that you can explore, beautiful beaches where you can spend the day or practise water sports, and even sleep at night!
• You will be able to experience German culture and learn the language in a practical way, taking advantage of the courses offered by local institutions and practising your skills with local students.
• Lastly, it’s a safe and well connected city, which makes it easier for you to travel to other major cities such as Berlin, Hamburg and even other European countries.

Cheap student accommodation in Kiel, Germany

Do you need accommodation and don't know how to get it? If you use our Erasmus Play search engine, you will be able to compare the best flats, rooms and apartments for students in Kiel, all verified and safe.

Frequently asked questions about doing Erasmus in Kiel

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