STUDY IN GERMANY - Heidelberg
Everyone has heard of
Heidelberg. The name evokes images of majestic castle ruins on a hillside overlooking the Neckar- Rhine valley. The beauty that comes to mind is not far from reality. Students from every corner of Europe choose Heidelberg as a place to live and learn, and tourists cross the globe for a glimpse at the oldest university in Germany and a stroll along the cobblestone streets of the Old Town. The picturesque appeal of Heidelberg is authentic, and as every photograph turns out like a postcard and every church bell echoes resonating with you, the antiquity becomes palpable.
During a previous study abroad experience in Italy, I was introduced to many Germans who would later tote me with them to their homes in Germany. My interest in German and Germany was instantly amplified, and I knew I had to find a way to get back. I was excited to learn the language, and the best way to do that was to be in the country and immersed with native speakers. I split my time studying and interning in Heidelberg, taking
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part in the student life and planning events the city would come out for in the city center. Getting involved with university activities made me feel like a local, and having the chance to host a poetry slam in German challenged me in ways I never expected.
If you like the feel of a university city mixed with small-town charm and big city essentials (i.e. Starbucks), Heidelberg is idyllic and will not disappoint even the most well-traveled adventurer. I hope this guide sets the wick of curious readers on fire and sparks a burning desire to indulge and lose their hearts in Heidelberg.
The University
The University of Heidelberg is ranked as one of Germany’s elite universities. Of the many positive aspects of studying in Heidelberg, the quality and academic standards at the University are the highest. All faculties boast qualified professors from around Germany and Europe. Most courses are offered in German, so not having a decent handle on the language may prevent you from taking every course of your choice. This also makes the task of giving an oral presentation or taking part in a group project a bit daunting when you’re struggling for the right words. However, there are programs in conjunction with the University in which courses will be conducted in English.
Professors are easily accessible directly after a lecture, however the professors don’t really keep office hours, and trying to find them outside of class time can be difficult. German universities are different from the American university system in a number of ways. The biggest might be that the registration for courses takes place
a few weeks before courses begin, and there are often confusing last- minute room changes. You might find yourself standing alone in a lecture hall when a course has been moved to a different day and time or cancelled altogether. One of the biggest drawbacks to studying at the University of Heidelberg would be when lectures are filled beyond capacity where students who weren’t early enough to get a seat are forced to stand or sit on the stairs for the duration of the lecture. It is also best to check with your adviser before leaving your home university about which course credits abroad will transfer back.
Shopping
Galleria Kaufhof has two locations in Heidelberg. The larger of the two stands at Bismarckplatz, a six-storied department store with a restaurant on the top floor, as well as a grocery store and an assortment of small restaurants on the basement level. The second location is on Haupstrasse. While this location does not have a restaurant on its top level, it does have a food court in the basement.
The strip mall Kurfürsten-Anlage holds a couple of clothing and book retailers, restaurants, a grocery store, and a fitness studio on one level.
Club & Bar Prowler
Whatever style of music you are into, there is a spot to jam in Heidelberg. Big artists generally play in larger cities in the region, but that’s not to say you won’t find a good live concert at Halle02 or a hot international DJ at Karlstor Bahnhof. The bar scene is lively, especially around Untere Strasse, so wear your comfortable shoes because you will do a lot of standing around.
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