Study and research in Germany
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Whatever your heart desires
Partying and having a good timeLoads of work, but little pleasure? "Back home, many think that the Germans lack a sense of humour. But that's so wrong," says Tomás about his experiences after one year of studying in Germany. "Only recently I went to an international beer festival – the "World's longest beer garden". 1,700 beer specialities from 75 countries were offered. Most of the German visitors partied and danced without a care in the world – and, what's more, three days long," says Tomás, still a little astonished by the experience.
Wide range of leisure activities to meet every wish: Of course Tomás knew before that many Germans like to drink a glass of beer every now and then in their spare time and go to watch a football match at the weekend. But he could never have imagined how much the Germans enjoy their recreation and relaxation and how many leisure activities are actually offered. "There really is something for everyone. Those who like extreme sports will find something just as will lovers of abstract art or friends of eccentric restaurants.
Universities offer a wide variety of cultural events: Tomás makes intensive use of the cultural offerings at his uni. For example, the Academic Film Club organises evenings that show international auteur films (where scriptwriter and director are identical) and the Cultural Office arranges readings by contemporary authors. But sometimes, Tomás would just like to dance the night away. "The best place to do this is in the student disco held every Saturday in the hall of residence in which his friend Markus lives. Dancing salsa and merengue all night long is the best way to get your head free and forget the stress of studying," says Tomás with his wealth of experience.
His three flatmates keep Tomás up to date on where what student party or cultural event is taking place. But sometimes he also just checks the noticeboard near the refectory. And if Tomás is interested in something new, he'll buy the latest edition of the c.t. magazine, which is published once a fortnight and contains an extensive catalogue of events with diary and tips on going out.
Notepad: Pay attention!:
Dress code
Many discos have a special dress code. So, in some cases the bouncer (or door steward) may refuse you entry if you are just wearing a T-shirt and jeans. But don't despair, your fellow German students sometimes experience much the same. Don't let your anger get the better of you, but aim for the next "palais de dance". Most university towns offer plenty of options for dancing the night away. Loads of music clubs and discos open from 22:00 till early in the morning. While most pubs and restaurants close around midnight at the latest.
Tips and Info: Culture, leisure and spare time
A mini-guide to help you quickly find the right leisure programme.
The state theatre, museums, opera houses, plus loads of comedy, music and cabaret stages, night and theatre clubs and cinemas offer special rates for students. If you want to get the discount of up to 50%, simply present your student ID card. You can find the calendar of events and the opening times in the daily paper or c.t. mag that are full of ideas on going out. You can find a list of all c.t. magazines on the web at http://de.wikipedia.org.
Most cultural facilities additionally have their own websites so that you are just a short click away from finding out what's on in your town or region. For an overview of German museums, just check out the website www.deutsche-museen.de. Opera houses are listed under www.mezzosopranistin.de, while Germany's theatre world is described in www.theater.de. A visit to the multilingual homepage Deutschland online (www.magazine-deutschland.de) can also be worthwhile, because it offers information on concerts, exhibitions and cultural events nationwide.
Learning languages parallel to your studies, taking part in a guitar course, or finding out about the latest trends in the German art scene? The local evening school (Volkshochschule – VHS) is the place to go. Evening schools – and some local educational facilities and church institutions – offer a wide and diverse range of courses, including, not least, sport, artistic activities (like sculpture and photography), and vocational qualifications (like computer courses). In most cases, they also charge student rates. The evening school's current catalogue can be found in bookshops; the educational facilities will be pleased to send you a catalogue on request.
From my personal experience
Liu from Taiwan, studying chemistry
Paradise for fans of classical music
"I don't have a lot of time for going out, because I have to do a lot for uni. Either I'm busy writing a report on one of my experiments or I have to prepare an exam. And, as a student, I don't have that much money – and going out can be quite expensive. That's why I rarely go to pubs or discos. But I don't see that as any great loss, since I'm much more interested in exhibitions and concerts. The range of events is simply outstanding. Whenever I can, I go to the opera or the concert hall. What really fascinates me if when works are performed that have lain unknown in an attic for a long time and have suddenly been rediscovered. That is a unique experience. Unfortunately, my budget doesn't always allow me to buy a ticket. With a bit of luck I sometimes get one of the cheap student tickets for 8 to 10 euros. They are always sold at the box office just before the performance begins. The student ID card is also useful, because it occasionally helps me get a price reduction."
© 2009 Deutscher Akademischer Austausch Dienst e.V. (DAAD), Kennedyallee 50, D-53175 Bonn
Source: http://www.daad.de/deutschland/deutschland/leben-in-deutschland/06267.en.html
Date: 2009-01-08