Life and studying in Vienna — where quality of life comes first

Ulyana Kustikova, a third-year student of the Business Informatics program, shares her experience of participating in an academic mobility program in Vienna — from choosing a university to life beyond the classroom. How to adapt to life in Austria, whether bureaucracy is something to worry about, and why Vienna truly leaves no one indifferent — all in this honest and detailed story.

Not long ago, I completed my second semester in one of Europe’s true gems — the city of Vienna. I spent almost a full year in a place that is anything but monotonous. In the city center, you're constantly surrounded by stunning architecture and works of art. On nearly every corner, you’ll find a palace or another remarkable building — like the Parliament or City Hall — that’s just as beautiful. On the outskirts, the landscape becomes more hilly, filled with lovely parks and trails perfect for a hike or picnic along what’s known as the Wanderweg. Vienna leaves no one indifferent. Whether you want to come here for study — which I’ll talk more about below — or just to visit as a tourist, the choice is yours.

Choosing a University and Preparing Documents
For me, the deciding factor in choosing Fachhochschule Technikum Wien was that my family had recently moved to Vienna. That said, I can honestly recommend this university on its own merits. Its name roughly translates to “University of Applied Sciences,” which aligns perfectly with the hands-on approach we’re used to at HSE and the kind of knowledge you’ll gain here.

From the very beginning of the application process, you can feel the support from the host institution — so there’s no need to fear the paperwork or bureaucracy.
My advice: the key to success is staying on schedule. Take your English proficiency exam well in advance — processing your results can take up to a month. And if you’re at the visa stage, be sure to book your visa center appointment as early as possible.

Housing and Urban Life
As I mentioned, Vienna is a fantastic and highly international city. There’s no need to worry about not speaking German — in all public offices, staff members speak English. After arrival, you must register your residence within three days. If possible, book an appointment at the municipal office in advance.

I lived with my family, so I can’t offer specific advice on dormitories. But one thing remains true: start your housing search early and use all the platforms provided by the university. Technikum Wien doesn’t have its own dorms, so the earlier you begin your search, the more options you’ll have.

Academics
Since the university focuses on applied learning, most of the courses include group-based practical projects as part of your grade. Managing several projects at once can be challenging, but it’s also a great way to meet new people and improve your English.

There’s a wide selection of courses in English. While not all matched the subjects I had to take at HSE, I was able to find and get approval for courses that suited my interests. For example, I got to study robotics and the basics of cybersecurity.

I’m really grateful to the professors — they made an effort to check in with international students, ensuring we felt comfortable and had found teams for the group work. The atmosphere in class was always friendly. There’s no strict division between lectures and seminars: classes start with theory, followed by practical tasks with guidance from the lecturer. This setup made it easy for everyone to ask questions and stay engaged.

Life Outside the Classroom
The first week kicks off with Welcome Week, organized by the university together with ESN (Erasmus Student Network). But the activities don’t stop there — the student community regularly hosts trips, excursions, museum visits, city scavenger hunts, and pub nights.

One of the highlights is the weekly international dinners, where students from different countries prepare and share dishes from their home cultures. It’s not only fun but a great way to connect.

Like many students, I dreamed of traveling across Europe during my mobility semester. Vienna — and Austria in general — is full of things you simply have to see in person. And I haven’t even mentioned the famous Christmas and Easter markets that take place every year. On top of that, Austria borders eight countries, so traveling is easy and affordable. Vienna’s airport is also close to the city, making it simple to find budget flights abroad — if your finances allow, of course.

Studying abroad brings valuable experience, but the real joy comes from the travel, the friendships, and the many shared events. I highly recommend diving into everything your program has to offer.

And if you’re still unsure whether you should apply for an exchange semester — just remember that Vienna has been ranked the world’s most livable city for three years in a row.

Wishing you success and unforgettable memories!

Ulyana's experience in Vienna. Part 1

Ulyana's experience in Vienna. Part 2

Ulyana's experience in Vienna. Part 3

Date

8 April

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International Office