Study in Bayreuth | Study in Germany

WELCOME TO BAYREUTH

Bayreuth is located in northern Bavaria in the region of Franconia. Some say that the inhabitants of this region are reserved and aloof, but you’ll soon discover that Franconians are nothing of the sort. They are very cordial and provide their guests with a warm welcome.

Bayreuth is idyllically situated on the Roter Main River in a valley surrounded by rolling hills. Its numerous parks and greens make Bayreuth a very green city. Unfortunately, many of the historic buildings downtown were destroyed during World War II or demolished in the following years, but the more recently constructed buildings also exude a charm of their own.

If you ever read up on Bayreuth, it won’t take long until you run across the name of the famous composer Richard Wagner. Wagner came to Bayreuth in 1872 to fulfil his dream of building a performance venue solely dedicated to his operas. In this tradition, Bayreuth hosts an opera festival every July and August. The „Markgräfliche Opernhaus“ downtown is also quite famous. The UNESCO added it to the list of World Heritage Site in 2012. Along with the Wagner festival house and the Markgräfliches Opernhaus, another popular tourist attraction is the Hermitage, a large park in the St. Johannis district.

Bayreuth attracts numerous companies thanks to the international orientation of its university. For years the city has been actively promoting this trend, for example, with incentives for the logistics sector. Bayreuth is also home to the and the . Additionally, the is located in the city of Bayreuth.

Interview

SHANSHAN FROM CHINA

INTERVIEW WITH SHANSHAN FROM CHINA

Shanshan Gao is 23 years old, comes from China and is enrolled in the master’s degree programme Intercultural German Studies in Bayreuth.

Why did you decide to study in Bayreuth?

A friend of mine from China who was already studying in Bayreuth recommended the university to me. I also wanted to study Intercultural German Studies which is only possible in Bayreuth.

How did you prepare for your stay in Germany?

There were several steps. First I had to convince my parents to let me study in Germany. Then I had to take two exams that were required for admission to German universities. And then I had to gather very concise information about what I could study at which university and what life was like in each city. Finally I had to get used to being independent.

What advice can you give other international students who wish to come to Germany?

First, prepare well. Get information about the country and the people, and above all, the degree programme and the university. Secondly, good language skills are a plus. Thirdly, be independent, open-minded and patient and don’t be afraid of pitfalls. Be brave!

What did you find difficult when you first arrived in Germany?

Understanding German was really hard for me at first. What’s more, I had to overcome culture shock because the cultures in Germany and China are very different. I also had to cope with loneliness in the beginning.

How did you come in contact with other students?

I participated in numerous events at the university and in town which helped me get to know many students and make friends quickly.

How did you find your accommodation in Bayreuth?

After receiving the notification of admission from the university, I immediately asked the Studentenwerk about getting an apartment. I applied online and now I live in a one-person apartment in a student residence hall.

How are financing your stay in Deutschland?

My parents are financing my studies in Germany.

What do you like about Bayreuth the most?

I like that the citizens of Bayreuth are so open and friendly. There’s also a very rich cultural scene here and I enjoy the beautiful surroundings very much.

What’s your favourite place in town?

That would be the university’s Botanical Garden because I love nature and there’s a lot of it there.

What would you like to do after your stay in Germany?

Later on I’d like to work at an institute for cultural exchange or as a German teacher in Shanghai.

LIVING IN BAYREUTH

During breaks, students often walk downtown to grab a coffee or just chill for a while. In fact, most places in Bayreuth are in walking distance. Public transportation is well accessible too.

Roundabout 13,000 students strongly shape daily life in Bayreuth. You won’t have to look very long to find a quaint café or pub downtown where you can meet other students.

If you don’t find the hills of Bayreuth daunting enough, you can spend one of your free days hiking through Franconian Switzerland or the Fichtel Mountains. Both mountain ranges are easily accessible and interspersed with numerous hiking trails. Franconian Switzerland is well-known for its bizarre cliff formations and numerous castles. It’s a popular week-end destination for mountain climbers.

How to find a room in Bayreuth

Many university and college towns have dormitories or student halls, and a room there is often the most affordable accommodation. To obtain a room in a dormitory or student hall, you have to apply to your college or university’s student union (). Our ‘Find Student Hall’ function can be of practical help. You only need to make a few mouse clicks to get to the online application form. Find a room and more information about dormitories and student halls in Bayreuth.

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