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Student Wieland in Halle (Saale): “Not a metropolis – but still a great nightlife culture and a broad university”
Photo: Matthias Ritzmann / University of Halle
Lively old town streets, spaces for art and culture and a green island in the river: For Paulina Wieland, Halle (Saale) is the ideal university city. The 20-year-old is in her third semester studying mathematics and chemistry at the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg.
Wieland initially chose her place of study for practical reasons: her subject combination was only offered here in the state of Saxony-Anhalt. She has now taken the city to her heart - here she explains why.
Campus life: location, cafeteria and café
»The university has several locations in the city; Because everything is so spread out, each one never feels crowded. I often meet fellow students and I also know the lecturers well now. This creates a family feeling.
My events take place at the Weinberg and Heide campus. The two locations are a little outside, but can be easily reached from the city center by tram. The Weinberg campus is quite modern; there are large research centers here that are also used by external scientists. The Heide campus, on the other hand, feels more comfortable. Stones from various geological epochs are exhibited in the geological garden of the Institute of Geosciences. Further back are the agricultural scientists’ greenhouses. It's green and quiet here, the atmosphere relaxes me even when I'm stressed about exams.
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Photo spot for the end: The lion building
Photo: Private
The Francke Foundations are located in the city center; educational scientists and theologians study in these buildings. The main building, the so-called Lion Building, is located on University Square. It gets its name because of the two lion statues on the stairs. There is a myth circulating that you are not allowed to touch the statues until the final exams, as it brings bad luck. That's why many students take photos here after successfully graduating. The historic auditorium is also worth a visit with its stucco ceiling, chandeliers and murals. Every now and then events take place here, such as classical concerts or certificate ceremonies.«
Housing: shared apartment prices and districts
»I keep hearing that many students study in Halle but live in nearby Leipzig. There are definitely some commuters, the fastest S-Bahn connection takes just 23 minutes. However, most of my fellow students already live locally.
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View of Halle's old town: market square with red tower (right)
Photo: Private
Last year I moved into my first apartment. It is located in Heide-Nord, the district is not necessarily central, but it is close to the Heide and Weinberg campus. It takes me about 15 minutes to get there by bus. I pay 360 euros for 49 square meters.
Many students live in shared apartments in the city center. There are large old apartments here where the shared rent is really cheap. It's the same in the Neustadt, where the rents are even a little lower. The Paulusviertel is particularly popular. It is close to the center and is known for its magnificent Wilhelminian style houses and the many cafés and restaurants. Visiting St. Paul's Church, strolling and eating ice cream, drinking coffee - that's why I like to visit the trendy district.«
Leisure: culture, pubs and clubs
»If you want to swap your coffee for a drink, move from the Paulusviertel to Kleine Uli, Kleine Ulrichstrasse near the market square. Here one bar follows the next – perfect for bar hopping. Since the selection is so large, I have always found a place somewhere. I like going to Café Noir, where you can drink cocktails on comfortable sofas. Right in the middle is the Pizzeria Rote Sauce, where I like to meet up for a meal and then move on.
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Halle, on the Saale: View of Giebichenstein Castle
Photo: Private
Techno parties mainly take place at Charles Bronson. The club under a car bridge is painted with colorful graffiti on the outside. Inside it is a bit winding, DJs from all over Germany play on several floors. Mixed music plays in the Palette dance bar, and there are changing theme parties in the tower.
Many artists live in Halle, especially because of the renowned art college. I think that you can see this artistic flair in the city. You can actually go to an exhibition or opening every weekend.
In summer I like to spend my free time on the Peißnitz, an island in the Saale. It can be reached via bridges, especially from the Neustadt. Large parts of the island are nature reserves. There are also large meadows and an open-air stage. From the boat rental at Ziegelwiese you can rent pedal boats, canoes or stand-up paddle boards and paddle across the Saale.«
After graduation: what happens next?
»I grew up in Saxony-Anhalt and will continue to be tied to the state in the future - in a positive sense! I don't know yet whether I will stay in Halle forever. At some point I will definitely move back to my family near Magdeburg. I could well imagine staying here for my traineeship, which starts in three years. I like that Halle is not a metropolis - but still offers a great nightlife culture and a broad university.«
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