Erasmus in Leverkusen

Information and tips for Erasmus students in Leverkusen

Why should you do your Erasmus in Leverkusen? It is a small city in Western Germany with renowned universities, high quality of life, and affordable prices. Additionally, it offers a wide range of leisure activities and is situated between the metropolises of Cologne and Düsseldorf, making it perfect for immersing yourself in the rich cultural heritage of the region. Sounds great, right? Keep reading to discover everything you need to know to maximise your student experience in Leverkusen!

Cost of living in Leverkusen, Germany

Germany is not one of the cheapest countries in Europe, but don't be discouraged! The cost of living in Leverkusen is much lower than that of other major German cities. However, it's important to remember that your expenses will vary depending on your lifestyle. Here are some key points to consider when managing your finances:

First and foremost, the price of accommodations varies based on factors such as location and size but generally ranges from €300-500 per month. Most students opt to rent a room in a shared apartment or a university residence. Renting a private apartment is not as popular since it tends to be more expensive.

On the other hand, cooking at home is always a good option to save money. If you do your weekly shopping at supermarkets like Lidl or EDEKA, you can expect to spend around €40 per week. Eating out is also reasonably priced, but you need to know where to look.

The municipality has well-connected public transport, making exploring the city and its surroundings very convenient. As a student, you can opt to use the monthly student ticket ("monats ticket"), which allows you to travel around the region by bus or train as much as you want for a reduced price. Students in Leverkusen receive many discounts for transport, museums, cinemas, and more. Make sure to inform yourself about how to obtain these discounts and when you can benefit from them.

Student life, Erasmus parties and leisure in Leverkusen

There is a wide variety of activities to do in Leverkusen. For example, you can relax in the Japanese Gardens (Japanischer Garten), one of the most beautiful parks in the country. You can also climb to the top of the Water Tower (Wasserturm) to enjoy the views of the entire city and beyond. Another popular activity is attending a football match of the local team, one of the best in Germany, at the BayArena Stadium (Stadion BayArena). And a plan that never fails is taking a trip to its famous and cosmopolitan neighbouring cities, such as Cologne or Bonn.

Regarding nightlife, as Leverkusen is a relatively small city, its atmosphere is quite calm, and there aren't many places to go out. Most young people come to Cologne, which is a 15-minute train ride away. Being the fourth-largest city in Germany, it offers a vibrant nightlife scene with numerous pubs and nightclubs.

Culture and gastronomy in Leverkusen

Leverkusen is located in the Rhine-Ruhr region, the largest metropolitan area in the country. Therefore, it has excellent connections to other German metropolises. The city celebrates important festivals throughout the year, such as the beer exchange (Bierbörse). These cultural events provide a perfect opportunity to participate in regional traditions and cultures. Another interesting fact about the city is that it is bilingual. The vast majority of its inhabitants understand German, but their mother tongue is Kölsch.

Leverkusen's traditional cuisine reflects the diverse influences of German cuisine, which is known for hearty dishes accompanied by beer and various types of charcuterie. Since the city is located on the banks of the Rhine River, seafood and fish are also common in its culinary scene. Here are its most popular dishes:

• "Rheinischer Sauerbraten": beef marinated in vinegar and vegetable broth.

• "Himmel und Ääd": blood sausage with mashed potatoes and apple compote.

• "Forelle gebraten mit Knoblauch": garlic-fried trout.

• "Apfelstrudel": apple strudel with apples and raisins.

Advantages of doing Erasmus in Leverkusen

• The city is home to several university campuses of prestigious German universities, such as TH Köln. These institutions are known for providing high-quality education to their students.

• Leverkusen offers a much more affordable cost of living compared to other major cities in the country. This allows you to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without worrying too much about your expenses.

• Germany as a whole offers a high standard of living to its residents. You will live in a clean and safe environment, with quality infrastructure and access to recreational activities. It's perfect for making the most of your Erasmus experience!

• Its privileged location not only allows you to easily visit other major cities in the country but also the entire continent! It serves as an ideal base for easily exploring other European countries and learning about many different cultures.

Cheap student accommodation in Leverkusen

Do you want to find accommodation in Leverkusen but don't know how? Don't worry anymore! With Erasmus Play, you can compare the best student apartments, rooms, and flats in the city. Find your ideal accommodation and book it!

Frequently asked questions about doing Erasmus in Leverkusen

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