Information and tips for Erasmus students in Munich

Why should you do your Erasmus in Munich? It is a big city, with many international students, which is very clean and well-connected with other cities and countries. We will advise you now on everything you need to know so your Erasmus experience in Munich is the best it can be. Let’s get started!

Cost of living in Munich, Germany

The standard of living in Germany is quite high, for that reason the prices can be higher than in other European countries. If you do an Erasmus in a German city, your biggest expense will be your rent. In Munich, in particular, a room in a shared apartment tends to be the most chosen option by students, since, many times it is the cheapest one. You can find rooms for € 300-350 per month on our browser.

To grasp how much your cost of living can be in Munich, you should add the expenses from groceries, transportation, or your possible leisure activities to this amount. Transportation in this city is well-known for being very effective as it is well-connected to all the parts of the city. Once you arrive in Munich, you can ask in a tourism office about what kind of offers they have for the monthly public transport ticket. If you show you are a student (with a validated paper or the enrollment of your university), you can get a discount on the public transport ticket.

Erasmus parties and leisure in  Munich, Germany

Munich is full of students, so there are always parties and a great ambience there, doesn’t matter what day it is. You will find a wide variety of options, whatever your musical taste is. There are perfect pubs and nightclubs for everyone. Besides, after winter, when good weather comes around, the famous Biergarten open, which are a type of terraces where you can go get a drink and enjoy the wonderful weather. If your Erasmus is only going to last for the first semester you won’t be able to see all the Biergarten opened. Don’t be bothered by that, since in this case, you will be able to enjoy other traditional festivities known all over the world, such as Oktoberfest.

Just like in most Erasmus destinations, you will find student associations in Munich. These groups of people plan parties, events and activities for exchange students. Joining one of these groups is highly recommended for those who want to know the city and its traditions better.

Culture and gastronomy in  Munich, Germany

Even though you don’t understand German, people in Munich are very kind and polite, and most of them will be able to communicate with you in English. However, they will appreciate it a lot if you try to learn some words in their language, even if it is only the basics. If you want to enjoy your Erasmus experience in Munich to the fullest, you should participate in the traditional events and celebrations of the city. Don’t worry, you will get to know them little by little.

When you go to Munich, some must-stops in the city are the Marienplaz and the Neues Rathaus (the new city council), Englischer Garten (English garden), Residenz (the Royal Palace, which was the residence of the Bavarian monarchy between the XVI-XX centuries) or even visiting the BMW Museum, it is often said that cars are very important for Germans, so this museum seems quite interesting.

Regarding gastronomy in Munich, we can mention dishes like Kartoffelsalat, Semmelknödel, Käsespätzle or such popular ingredients as the Wurst or Weisswurst and pretzels. German beers are also very popular worldwide, but in Munich, you will have the opportunity to try them in the most traditional bars in the city. 

Advantages of doing Erasmus in Munich, Germany

Before deciding to go to Munich as an Erasmus student, be sure to know the pros and cons to make your decision with confidence.

Advantages

• Public transport is efficient and connects the whole city.
• You can learn or improve your German while diving into the local culture.
• Munich is located in the heart of Europe, making it a perfect spot for traveling to many other cities and countries easily and affordably.
• If you join a student association, you'll get deals and discounts at restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and even on public transport.
• Munich has a high quality of life and is one of the safest cities in Germany, making it perfect for living and studying in peace.
• It has prestigious universities, which can be an academic advantage for your future.
• If you love nature, there are plenty of cool excursions around the city, like Neuschwanstein Castle, the Bavarian Alps, or Starnberger See, which is great for chilling out on weekends.

Disadvantages

• The cost of living is high, especially for housing. Finding a room at a good price can be tricky, so it's a good idea to search ahead of time.
• Winter weather can be a challenge since temperatures drop below 0 °C and it gets dark early. But if you like snow, you’ll be able to enjoy winter sports in the nearby mountains.
• For some bureaucratic stuff or everyday life, having basic knowledge of German can really make things easier.

Cheap accommodation in Munich, Germany

Are you looking for accommodation in Munich? On Erasmus Play you can compare different options of accommodation for students in Munich and choose the one that suits your necessities best. You can quickly and easily find accommodation in Munich through our student accommodation browser.

FAQs about an Erasmus in Munich

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