Preparation:

The preparations went quite smoothly, as the University of Vienna, like UZH, has its own website with a checklist that clearly describes the individual steps. The University of Vienna does not require a language certificate, even though most courses are taught in English. At the beginning of the semester, everyone has to attend a session where students receive important information for the semester. The Erasmus+ Incoming Team created a module course for all exchange students, which describes all the steps that need to be taken before, during, and after the stay. Course selection is slightly different than at UZH, as each student has to assign points depending on how interesting they find the course. However, it is important to find out in advance how the point system works so that you can attend the courses you want.

Finding a room:

After I received the official nomination letter from the University of Vienna, I started looking for accommodation in Vienna. There are many student residences, shared apartments, and single rooms throughout the city. I decided on a single room in the 3rd district. However, before you start looking for a room, it is important to find out where the faculty building is located, as the University of Vienna has buildings all over the city.


University:

The main university building is located near the city center on Ringstrasse, and the university library is well worth a visit. Each faculty has its own building. The WWF building is about a 10-minute walk from the main university and is easily accessible by the U4 subway line. The workload for the courses is about the same as at UZH, but the courses are more interactive. Performance assessment usually consists of a midterm exam and a final exam. This means that the learning effort is spread over the entire semester.

Leisure/Life:

Vienna is a beautiful city with many old buildings and lovely city parks. It is well worth visiting the old buildings along the Ringstrasse, such as the opera house, parliament, and city hall. Vienna also has many museums that offer student discounts. Vienna also has a wide selection of restaurants, cafés, and clubs. In summer, it is worth taking a trip to the Danube or hiking up the Kahlenberg to enjoy a beautiful view of Vienna. From Vienna, you can also take trips to nearby cities such as Bratislava, Budapest, Prague, and Kraków.

Conclusion:

I really enjoyed my exchange semester in Vienna and would recommend it to anyone who wants to live in a big city without being too far away from home. Overall, I really enjoyed my time in Vienna and gained experiences that will stay with me for the rest of my life.