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Student Engert in her hometown and study town of Wuppertal: “A wonderful mix of small and big city”

Photo: Private

The Wupper winds through the city, slopes rise on its banks and form the striking valley.

Steep paths, narrow streets and Wilhelminian style houses characterize the Wuppertal cityscape.

Sabrina Engert, 25, is studying history and philosophy for a Master of Education at the University of Wuppertal.

The Wuppertal native says there was never a reason for her to move away from her hometown.

Campus life: location, cafeteria and café

»The Wuppertal University has three locations: Grifflenberg, Haspel and Freudenberg.

The Grifflenberg campus is the main campus and the central library is also located here.

The Freudenberg campus is just a few minutes' walk up the mountain and is home to mainly technical courses.

The Haspel campus with the Faculty of Architecture and Civil Engineering is located down in the valley.

There is a suspension railway station nearby -

the

attraction of Wuppertal and, in my opinion, the coolest public transport ever.

My events take place at Grifflenberg.

The campus is quite large and is a mix of old buildings and more modern ones with many floors.

That means: climbing stairs.

I always say that the university really keeps us students fit.

Of course you can also use the elevators, but I'm usually too impatient for that.

However, many of the buildings are connected to each other, so you don't have to walk up and down too much.

You have to know your way around to find the fastest routes - but that comes with time.

I also spend a lot of time on the Grifflenberg campus outside of lectures.

I'm part of a double-header group in the university bar.

It has more of a restaurant feel than a bar feel, it's simply a nice meeting place for students, with cheap food.

The Wing Hill, a sprawling slope, is also located on campus.

Here you can watch sunsets and go sledding in the winter.«

Housing: shared apartment prices and districts

»Today's Wuppertal was created almost 100 years ago from the merger of the cities of Barmen and Elberfeld.

I live with my partner in Barmen.

It is green and quiet here, and there are fewer students.

Most live in Elberfeld, which stretches through the entire city center all the way to the university.

I lived there until last year and paid 390 euros for a 42 square meter apartment with a balcony.

In Elberfeld, the northern and southern parts of the city, which are separated by the Wupper, are particularly popular.

Many shared apartments are located in the northern part of the city, where the rents are quite cheap and the trendy and bar district, the Luisenviertel, is right around the corner.«

Leisure: culture, pubs and clubs

»The Luisenviertel is characterized by winding streets, hidden backyards and good restaurants.

In winter, fairy lights illuminate the narrow streets.

One of my favorite places there is Fool's Gold.

It doesn't see itself as a restaurant, but rather as a bar with a small selection of food.

Very close by is Alaturka, a really good Turkish restaurant.

And if you're still hungry after a long night, you should definitely get a pita at Dio's Tavern.

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Car-free axis through the city: The Northern Railway route

Photo: Private

Unfortunately, many clubs have had to close in recent years, including the Mauke tech club at the end of 2023.

I like going to the U-Club, which is a little outside.

Everyone will find something musical here: everything from dancehall to electro beats to oldies.

Many people also go to Cologne or Düsseldorf to celebrate.

On a nice day, I recommend walking or cycling along the Nordbahntrasse.

The more than 20 kilometer long path leads along a former railway line through the entire city.

There are no cars here, but there are cute cafés along the route, such as the Hatter.

Overall, Wuppertal is very green.

On the Hardt, a large park with a botanical garden, many people meet to walk, relax or play cards, and concerts take place on the Waldbühne in summer.

There are some forests, valleys and recreational areas around the city where I like to go hiking.«

After graduation: what happens next?

»For me, Wuppertal is more than just the place where I was born.

It is a wonderful mix of a family-friendly small town and a diverse big city.

When I long for peace and nature, I go to the parks or forests.

If I want city flair and culture, I never have to travel far.

Although there are childhood memories everywhere, I lead a classic student life here.

I met my best friends at university, I am involved in the student council and will soon be writing my master's thesis.

I want to stay here even after I graduate - there is simply no reason for me to move away.

Except maybe one day the German weather, then I would like to emigrate to Spain.«

Would you also like to tell us about your university town?

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