Exchange Report

University: Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
Country: Germany
Semester: SoSe 2026
Duration of stay: 4 months
Level: Bachelor level (undergraduate)
Degree program: Bachelor's Degree Program in Business, Economics and Social Sciences / IBW
Contact: Login to see contact information

1. Preparation

search Information about the city and university and decide if you think you would flourish in it. research the courses they offer and if it fits into your curriculum. research living accomodations as early as possible.

2. Accommodation

I was in a student housing offered by my university. It was quite far away from the center and my university. Beforehand I searched for other accomodations, but i had a really hard time finding anything. After I arrived I learned that apparently "Facebook marketplace" is a good way to look for housing in Berlin at least for a semester.

3. Academic life at host university

I generally liked the course contents but i thought the teaching style compared to WU felt a bit impersonal. The Campus had more or less all the facilities one needs - there i have nothing to complain about.

4. Cost of living in €

Number of months at the partner university (Count from the orientation session to your last exam.)

Preparation before departure (e.g., insurance, vaccinations, visa, university fees)

Travel to/from the host destination (round trip)

Accommodation (rent, utilities)

Everyday living (groceries, local transport, phone, basic expenses)

Monthly living costs (includes accommodation and everyday life expenses)

Monthly living costs in host country compared to those in Austria

Total cost of living for complete stay in €

Student received a mobility grant administered by WU (e.g. Erasmus+, WU Mobility Grant, CEEPUS)

Yes No

Grant type

Other grants received

5. Everyday life

The public transportation was fine, Berlin was just so big that it did take a long time to move from point A to B. Mostly I felt very safe, on bigger events I noticed a lot of police and was barely bothered by potentially threatening people. I did a lot of activities with friends, who were also exchange students. We explored the city a lot and gave me great joy. I was also able to satisfy my need for sport by going running like in Vienna.

6. Exchange semester in a nutshell

I've met and got to know so many new and nice people from different backgrounds and different cultures. The organizational effort stressed me out a bit and at some points felt like I was thrown into cold water at first. Yet I learned to manage new situations better and I am glad to have been able to experience so many new things.

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