Discover university cities: Why it's good to study in Bonn

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Student Mebs: “Bonn is colorful, diverse and full of life”

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Private

Bonn served as the capital of the Federal Republic of Germany for around 40 years, and six federal ministries still have their first headquarters there. Between historical splendor and political activity, a multi-faceted university scene also flourishes in the city on the Rhine, says student Gustav Mebs.

The 21-year-old is in his fifth semester studying economics and communication at the Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität. He initially started his studies in Frankfurt an Main. When he did receive an acceptance letter from Bonn, he changed universities again. Here he explains why that was exactly the right decision.

Campus life: location, cafeteria and café

»The start of my studies was a bit chaotic for me: I only received a place at my dream university in Bonn through the replacement process, which meant I missed the first few weeks. As I sat in my first lecture, a little lost and alone, I realized that I had mixed up the lecture hall. After these initial difficulties, I quickly found a connection and have felt totally comfortable ever since.

The university is spread across the entire city. The campus on which an event takes place depends on the faculty. The Poppelsdorf campus is the largest and new buildings are currently being built here. The main university building is in the city center. The name doesn't do it justice, because it's actually the Electoral Palace, which is now used by the university.

There is a large park adjacent to it, the Hofgarten. Many students meet here in the summer, lie in the sun, have lunch and play cards. The Hofgarten is probably one of the favorite places of all Bonn students.«

Housing: shared apartment prices and districts

»Because of the spontaneous move to Bonn, I initially only found a room in a twelve-person shared apartment. As you can probably imagine, it was a bit of a mess. Cooking dinner while ten other people were waiting to get to the stove was absolutely not for me.

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Street in Bonn's Südstadt: Wilhelminian style houses with large shared apartments

Photo: Private

Now I live with good friends in a three-person shared apartment near the main train station. The location is surprisingly quite quiet. I pay 380 euros for my 14 square meter room, including all costs. I can quickly reach the popular districts on foot or by public transport: Poppelsdorf, Südstadt and Altstadt. The latter is really, really beautiful – especially when the cherry trees bloom in spring.

The southern part of town is quite chic, there are many Wilhelminian style houses here. When Bonn was still the capital, important and wealthy people lived here. Today the houses are often used by large shared apartments, and my twelve-person shared apartment was also here. When you walk through Bonn, you can sometimes still feel the flair of the old capital: between the city villas, the former seat of the Bundestag or the UN campus.

Despite everything, Bonn is not dusty or conservative - Bonn is colorful, diverse and full of life. Pride flags hang on many balconies, international students are integrated into everyday university life and there is always something to do even during the week.«

Leisure: culture, pubs and clubs

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›Panama‹ Festival in the Rheinaue: Music on both sides of the Rhine

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»Every summer my friends and I go to the “Panama” festival in the Rheinaue. This year the Swedish House Mafia will be headlining. The Rheinaue is a huge park on both sides of the Rhine that was built on the occasion of the Federal Garden Show in the 1970s.

But we usually go to Cologne to celebrate. Unfortunately, the Bonn club scene doesn't offer much. In complete contrast to bar culture: there are many pubs in the city center around Breite Straße. I like going to 'Steinbeck'. The counter is lit in red, and in the evening a little light shines through the high windows inside. The atmosphere is cozy and the wine is good. The ›Wache‹ has really cheap beer, perfect for students. Bingo evenings and table football tournaments also take place here.

I like moving from one bar to the next, you often meet familiar faces. On the way home I stop at the “Kicherebse” snack bar near the main train station. The falafel tastes particularly good.

Coffee house furnishings, classic jazz as background music, art exhibitions, a hidden door and incredibly delicious coffee are available in the 'Café Camus'. In my opinion it is the most beautiful café in Germany.«

After graduation: what happens next?

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Wide street with pubs: from one bar to the next

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»Unfortunately I will have to leave Bonn after completing my bachelor's degree. There is no master's degree offered here that interests me. I am looking for a course of study in the field of public relations and marketing and will probably move to Cologne, Hamburg or the Netherlands.

There is a moment that everyone in Bonn collectively shares: When you take the train to the other side of the Rhine, you look up from your cell phone and look at the river. This is mandatory – I have no idea why. But its nice!

I still have three semesters here, then I would like to go to Porto for a semester abroad. But I’m keeping the option open of coming back to Bonn later for a job.”