My Semester in Germany: From Getting a Visa to Travelling Across Europe
Alina Nesterkina, a second-year Master’s student on the Marketing: Digital Technology and Marketing Communications programme, shares her experience of academic mobility at Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU). She explains how an international learning environment can help broaden your professional horizons.
Visa
Getting my visa took about two weeks. This turned out to be quite realistic, even though Russian citizens now need to prepare their documents a little more carefully. The main thing is to be patient and collect the full set of documents in advance.
One of the key requirements for a German national visa, category D, is opening a blocked account, or Sperrkonto. This account proves that you have enough money for the whole period of your stay. I opened mine through the fintech service Fintiba. The process was fully online, convenient and fairly quick. This is not financial advice, and the choice of provider is up to you. There are other options too, such as Expatrio. Still, my personal experience with Fintiba was positive.
The other documents I needed were an admission letter from the university, proof of accommodation, health insurance, my international passport, an application form and photos. The consulate worked very efficiently. Two weeks after submitting my application, I received my visa.
Journey
In early September, I flew from Moscow to Nuremberg via Istanbul. With luggage, the flight cost around 27,000 roubles. Everything went smoothly. In general, getting to Nuremberg from Russia is quite convenient and affordable.
Accommodation
All exchange students have priority when applying for a place in a student residence. I did not meet anyone who had been refused a room. The cost ranges from 200 to 450 euros per month. I lived in a student residence on Sophienstraße, in a flat for six people. At first, I paid 220 euros, then 240 euros. My flatmates helped me settle in a lot at the beginning. Of course, there were also a few small conflicts, as often happens when people live together. It is important to know that you will always have your own room, no matter what type of student residence you live in.
SIM Card and Bank Card
I got a SIM card and a local bank card after I arrived. Everything was quick and not too complicated. People everywhere were very friendly and happy to help me understand all the practical things at the start.
University and Studies
The standard of teaching at FAU is very high. The university has faculties of engineering, medicine, education and social sciences. I was mainly interested in economics. My German language courses took place in Erlangen, a small university town. Its economy is largely supported by Siemens and many research institutes. I spent most of my time in Nuremberg, at the Faculty of Social Sciences.
The professors spoke excellent English and were always willing to help. The faculty works closely with the Institute for Employment Research, or IAB. It is one of Germany’s leading institutions in labour economics, and well-known professors come from there to teach.
City
Nuremberg is a historically important city with a beautifully preserved and authentic Old Town. The university buildings are very close to it, so the atmosphere of the city centre is part of everyday life. In the Dutzendteich area, there are buildings from the National Socialist period. The courtroom of the Nuremberg Trials, together with its museum, was only a ten-minute walk from my student residence.
Public transport in the city is excellent. There are three underground lines, and everything can be reached within about 25 minutes. Along the River Pegnitz, there are pleasant green routes for running and cycling. From the main railway station, it is easy to travel to dozens of cities and natural sights.
Transport and Other Expenses
Everyone used the Deutschland-Ticket, Germany’s nationwide travel pass. For students, it costs 43 euros per month. I highly recommend it. It works on all regional transport and city transport networks across the country. I did not have to buy separate tickets in Berlin, Stuttgart, Bonn or Cologne.
Prices in supermarkets are roughly similar to those at home. Some products are even cheaper. Restaurants, bars and services are more expensive, by about 1.3 to 1.5 times. Parties in student residences, organised by student associations, cost next to nothing. Gyms and the university canteen are also very affordable. A full lunch at the canteen costs around 6 euros. In Nuremberg, it is quite possible to live on the minimum amount required for the blocked account.
People and Travel
I made friends from all over the world. There were especially many students from Mediterranean countries and Poland. Together, we travelled around Germany and visited Switzerland, Czechia and Italy. This communication and exchange of views became one of the greatest gifts of the semester.
Conclusion
I grew a lot academically and gained an unforgettable experience. I would definitely recommend Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg to everyone. If you have any questions, feel free to message me. I’ll be happy to answer.
