Freiburg: Studying in the sunshine capital

Freiburg. Could there be a better place to study? 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.

Freiburg introduced

Freiburg, Photo: Flickr (cc) messiahy 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.

Overview of the universities

Albert-Ludwig University of Freiburg
The University of Freiburg’s 21,500 students are involved in degree programs in over 60 different fields and 11 faculties. They include Theology, Law, Economics and Behavioral Sciences, Medicine, Faculty of Philology, Faculty of Humanities, Mathematics and Physics, Chemistry, Pharmacy and Earth Sciences, Biology, Forest and Environmental Sciences and Engineering.
The faculties are spread around the whole city with humanities and the University Library in the city center, the Natural Sciences Campus (Institutsviertel) in the north, and the large University Medical Center at the west end.
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 entrance to the KG1 at Freiburg uni, photo: Franz Ehret 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 1,200 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 650 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.

What Freiburg is like

Jack Goodloe came to Freiburg all the way from Little Rock, Arkansas, to pursue a two-year master’s degree in exercise science.

Did Freiburg meet your expectations?

Definately. I immediately fell in love with the city and havn’t regretted the move one bit. Freiburg has everything you need from a big city, but it also has the qualities that make living in a smaller-sized city enjoyable. There are so many foreign students in Freiburg, and of course you quickly get to know German students as well.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I like to get around the city on my bicycle, stop at one of the many downtown cafes and hang out with my friends. The city center has a very relaxed atmosphere, I love it. To make some extra money on the side, I wait tables at an Irish Pub in downtown Freiburg. On some nights I brings my guitar along and perform for the guests in the restaurant.

Did you know?

Freiburg-the new Town Hall, photo by pixelquelle user dirk schmidt 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.

Things to check out

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.

What’s happening?

Freiburg Altstadt, Photo: Flickr (cc) messiahy 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 second division and even their 25,000 seat stadium (Badenova-Stadion) is powered by solar energy.