Freiburg: Studying in the sunshine capital

In Germany, it’s the only city where the sun (almost) always shines. Founded in the 12th century and tucked away at the western edge of the southern Black Forest mountains, Freiburg is also one of the most picturesque cities in the country.

by Simone Sawall

Freiburg at a glance

 

With its 219 700 inhabitants Freiburg is the fourth biggest city in Baden-Württemberg. You can almost walk to the nearby borders of France and Switzerland.
Like most cities in Baden-Württemberg, Freiburg has a strong economy and a relatively low rate of unemployment: perfect conditions for students and young professionals. The nearby international airport services many of the major international carriers – as well as budget airlines such as EasyJet – making it easily accessible from most destinations. Freiburg has approximately 30,000 students (as well as 16,000 employees at its various institutions), making the city a research center of international significance.The town boasts several renowned research institutes, all of which have strong links to the local universities. There are five Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft research institutions, two Max Planck Society institutes, and one institute of the Leibniz-Gemeinschaft.
One of the trademarks of the city are the so called "Bächle" narrow water channels cutting through the pavement of the old town. Although there are quite a few steep hills in Freiburg, the locals like to ride their bicycles to get from one place to the other.

Universities - Overview

 

Albert-Ludwig University of Freiburg

The University of Freiburg was founded back in 1457 and is one of the oldest universities in Germany. 21,700 students are involved in degree programs in over 60 different fields and 11 faculties. The faculties are spread around the whole city turning it in one big campus. The clinical research at the Faculty of Medicine enjoys an excellent international reputation. Nearly 8,000 medical professionals work at the University Medical Center which serves as the training ground for the school’s aspiring doctors. It is a full-service hospital with 1,900 beds and 13 specialist clinics.
The Faculty of Mathematics and Physics comprises the entire spectrum of mathematical disciplines, and the physics program focuses on nuclear physics and high-energy and elementary particle studies.
Worth mentioning is also the "Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine (SGBM)" and the cluster of excellence "Centre of Biological Signalling Studies (bioss)", which make the University of Freiburg a German elite institution as part of the government’s Initiative for Excellence.
Especially remarkable is the fact that more than 3,000 international students attend the university, a major draw being the courses taught in English during the summer months.

University of Education Freiburg (PH)
With 4,700 students, the PH Freiburg is the second largest university in the city. A concept unique to the state of Baden-Württemberg, the PH combines a pedagogical education with practical experience in schools. It offers not only excellent teacher training but also diplomas in educational science, social work, and education. Masters degrees are available in a wide range of subjects as are doctoral and postdoctoral qualifications in education.

Catholic University of Applied Sciences (FH)
This university trains some 1,400 qualified specialists in practice-oriented study programs in social work, inclusive education, health care and social management. It also has partner programs with many universities across the globe.

Evangelic University of Applied Sciences (FH)
The school offers its 750 students religious, social work and pedagogic courses and is also part of the ERASMUS exchange program.

Freiburg University of Music (MHS)
Since its founding in 1946, the MHS has attracted and educated gifted musicians from around the world. Some of the school’s 550 students are trained as professional musicians, while others concentrate on cross-over studies in contemporary music, early music and jazz. Each year, students perform over 400 concerts across the region.

Recreation in Freiburg

The entire city center is still criss-crossed by a medieval-era water supply system: much-needed water was funnelled around the city in gutters (or bächle) and used to nourish livestock and extinguish fire outbreaks. It’s said that if you step in a bächle, you will marry a person from Freiburg. So watch your step! The citizens of Freiburg are known equally for their love of cycling and recycling. And the eco-friendliness doesn’t end there: Mayor Dieter Salomon is the only member of the Green Party in Germany to hold such a prominent office. In 1992, Freiburg passed legislation that would only permit construction of low-energy solar powered buildings on municipal land, making it one of the most environmentally friendly cities in Europe.
When you arrive in town, first order of business is to buy a bicycle – Freiburg is lined with wide bike lanes and in the warmer months you can explore the entire city on two wheels, then follow the cycle path out of the city to the Black Forest and the neighboring Dreisam Valley. Also, be sure to check the 12th century Münster – at over a hundred meters high, it’s one of the most stunning cathedrals in Europe. The adjacent market square is lined with cafes, restaurants and great shops with fresh agricultural produce from the region.

Don’t forget to take advantage of Freiburg’s great geographical location: the Alsatian city of Strasbourg with its lavish medieval city center and baroque cathedral is easily worth the 50-minute car journey.
The Black Forest, the beautiful Lake Constance and a little further out, the Swiss Alps, are also right there for you to explore.And if you’re in the mood for sheer thrills, then Germany’s most popular theme park – the enormous Europa-Park – is just 30 minutes away.
The city has a bustling nightlife scene and many restaurants and bars offer happy hours on food and drinks. Tacheles is a favorite, while on Monday nights students hit the Waldsee, a scenic lakeside restaurant and bar on the outskirts where DJs and cheap drinks guarantee a great night. One of the most famous clubs is the Kagan where partygoers enjoy a panoramic view across the city from the 18th floor of the new Solar Tower close to Freiburg’s main train station.
During the summer months, students usually hang out at the grassy banks of the Dreisam, the river that runs through the city. With its many narrow alleys and roadside cafes, Freiburg in the summer almost feels like a Mediterranean city.As well as biking, jogging and swimming, the city also offers a great opportunity to watch professional sports – the local soccer team, SC Freiburg, is currently in the first division and even their 25,000 seat stadium (Badenova-Stadion) is powered by solar energy.

Interview with Nienke from South Africa

 

Nienke studies Medicine in Freiburg. In a short interview she tells us a bit about her life as a foreign student in Germany.

Which three characteristics are typically German for you?
At first sight Germans seem to be pretty cold. But once you get to know them better you'll discover that the reason for that is their funny, deadpan humour. Furthermore I think they are very accurate and fond of travelling.

What made you come to Freiburg?
The many hours of sun drew me to Freiburg. I've heard lots of positive things about studying in Baden-Württemberg and also the reputation of Uni Freiburg convinced me.

What do you like best about Freiburg?
The summer in Freiburg is especially beautiful. In general the nature is wonderful. I like that the Black Forest, Switzerland and France are just around the corner. 

Do you have any advice for other foreign students?
In the city center there are many cozy cafés and pubs for example the MuDom Bar. Don't miss out on trekking up the Schlossberg and of course the "Schauinsland" mountain.

Useful links

 

International Office Uni Freiburg
City of Freiburg online
Student Union Freiburg
The city magazine Chilli with loads of information on what's going on in Freiburg