Study in Dessau-Rosslau

Facts

79,354 Inhabitants ¹

7,052 Students ²

1 Higher education institution ²

WELCOME TO DESSAU-ROSSLAU

At first glance, Dessau-Rosslau is unremarkable. The town centre is small and cosy. The majority of the almost 80,000 inhabitants live in the many smaller villages that belong to the town. But you’ll soon discover interesting parts of the town and be inspired by its impressive architecture.

In addition to the town’s more modern houses, you’ll discover older buildings dating back to the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. From the viewing platform of the „Alter Räucherturm“, you have a magnificent view of the town. You have to climb 131 steps to get to the top, but you will be rewarded by views of Dessau-Rosslau, the surrounding countryside and the river Elbe.

Tip

You should definitely explore Dessau-Rosslau on foot. A lot of nice spots can only be found in hidden corners!

Dessau-Rosslau is world-famous for its Bauhaus architecture. When you see the buildings for the first time, you might not think they look very innovative by today’s standards. But in the mid-1920s, when this style emerged, this kind of architecture was ground-breaking. Walter Gropius, the founding father, was the first architect to functionally separate the complete complex of a building. Examples of this style are the , which you will find all over town. Students of design and architecture still come to Dessau-Rosslau today to admire the unique buildings and study the trade.

Interview

CHUKWUEMEKA FROM NIGERIA

INTERVIEW WITH CHUKWUEMEKA FROM NIGERIA

Chukwuemeka is 30 years old and studying for a Master’s degree in International Architecture at the higher education institution in Dessau-Rosslau.

What made you decide to come to Dessau-Rosslau to study?

It was mainly because of Bauhaus architecture that I decided to come to Dessau-Rosslau. Bauhaus is a very important modern architectural style and I wanted to study this style in greater depth.

How do you like the higher education institution?

The higher education institution is great, small but really very good. There are around 2,000 students, supervision is very good, and so is the atmosphere among students. My course is taught in English and there are around 200 international students from over 70 countries taking it. The people here are very friendly and open. But you need good social skills to find your way around. We are like a small international island in Dessau-Rosslau.

What do you think of Dessau-Rosslau as a place to study?

Great, I love Dessau-Rosslau, especially for its architecture. The town is just really inspiring and study conditions are very good. I have my peace and quiet here in Dessau-Rosslau, but if I want some action, I can go to Berlin. I go everywhere by bike, which is great. Obviously, there’s no nightlife in Dessau-Rosslau, you have to go elsewhere for that. If you’ve lived in a big city, you might find it difficult getting used to Dessau-Rosslau. That’s why some students live in Berlin, they just come here once a week.

Is the town open to international students?

The higher education institution definitely is. I’ve never had any problems, nor have I had any in the town itself, at least not during the day in shops and cafés. In the evening and at night, you have to be more careful. Then things aren’t quite so friendly. As a black person, you stand out in Dessau-Rosslau, and at night, you don’t necessarily want to bump into any drunks. But it doesn’t really bother me.

Did you learn German in preparation for coming to Dessau-Rosslau?

I couldn’t speak German when I arrived in Dessau-Rosslau. Unfortunately, I didn’t have enough time to take lessons. During my flight to Germany and at first, it wasn’t a problem. But I sometimes pronounce place names incorrectly. The first time I took a train from Berlin to Dessau-Rosslau, I mispronounced Dessau-Rosslau and ended up in and was a bit lost. It took me ten hours to get from Berlin to Dessau-Rosslau. But now I can speak some German so I cope OK. I also have a lot of German friends now. I always ask my German friends to correct me and help me learn. This helps me make progress.

What is your advice to other students from abroad?

I didn’t actually have any problems organising things, everything went smoothly. If you come from Nigeria, it takes a while to get your visa. I think I had to wait three months. I’d advise everyone to take German lessons so that you can at least have a basic conversation. Otherwise, you should just look forward to your stay here. Germany is a very open and friendly country.

LIVING IN DESSAU-ROSSLAU

Thanks to the numerous students who come here from abroad, Dessau-Rosslau is a vibrant town despite its size. Parties are often held here in private student accommodation or at the higher education institution and the atmosphere is friendly and familiar. In Dessau-Rosslau, you can travel almost everywhere by bike.

For culture lovers, Dessau-Rosslau has much more to offer than just architectural masterpieces. You can spend a weekend visiting the and find out all about the history of Dessau-Rosslau and the region.

In the evening, you can watch a play at , where operatic performances and musicals are also shown. If you’re looking for a more alternative programme, visit the . During the summer months, this fringe theatre hosts jazz concerts and modern readings, but also plays by the classics such as Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and Heinrich von Kleist.

Dessau-Rosslau is famous for its many lakes, where you can bathe, hike and relax. The rivers Elbe and Mulde flow through the town. After a hard day’s work, you can unwind on the banks of the rivers and enjoy the peace and quiet there. At the weekends, it’s also worth venturing a little further afield into the many woods that surround the town. In the Saalberghau nature reserve, you can spend a day hiking and then take a refreshing dip in „Kühnauer See“. In the landscaped gardens of , you can enjoy the natural environment during a stroll through the grounds.

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If Dessau-Rosslau doesn’t offer you enough options, is only a short train journey away. Often referred to as „Little Berlin“, it takes just an hour to get there by train. is also only 1½ hours away.

How to find a room in Dessau-Rosslau

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 Dessau-Rosslau.

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Facts

WELCOME TO DESSAU-ROSSLAU

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CHUKWUEMEKA FROM NIGERIA

LIVING IN DESSAU-ROSSLAU

Links

How to find a room in Dessau-Rosslau

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Facts

WELCOME TO DESSAU-ROSSLAU

Tip

CHUKWUEMEKA FROM NIGERIA

LIVING IN DESSAU-ROSSLAU

Links

How to find a room in Dessau-Rosslau

Cities similar to Dessau-Rosslau

DETMOLDA ROYAL SEAT WITH WINDING STREETS AND SHORT DISTANCES

DETMOLD
A ROYAL SEAT WITH WINDING STREETS AND SHORT DISTANCES