Studying in Berlin – diversity, visions and your new everyday life in the capital
Choosing to study in Berlin is not just choosing a city – it’s choosing a world full of opportunities. Between international flair, political institutions, artistic freedom and urban diversity, Berlin offers everything a student’s heart desires. No wonder that tens of thousands of students from all over the world begin their studies here every year.
Whether you have just enrolled or are still thinking about where to start your academic career, this article will show you what makes studying in Berlin special, what life is like there and what you should bear in mind when it comes to accommodation.
Why Berlin? 5 reasons to study in the capital
Berlin is not only the largest city in Germany, but also one of the most exciting places to study in Europe. Cultural diversity, technological progress and world-class science come together here.
That speaks for Berlin as a place to study:
- International environment: Multilingual degree programs & students from all over the world
- Academic excellence: Berlin is one of the leading science locations in Europe
- Start-up hotspot: the best conditions for internships & careers in innovation
- Culture & creativity: museums, theater, music, festivals, street art
- Green despite the big city: parks, lakes, the Spree and many places of retreat
In short: in Berlin you can develop not only academically, but also personally.
Universities & colleges in Berlin
Berlin is a real university city with over 180,000 students. Whether humanities, engineering or design – there is a suitable course for almost every subject:
The most important universities at a glance:
- Freie Universität Berlin (FU) – strong in the humanities and social sciences
- Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin (HU) – a university steeped in tradition in the center of the city
- Technische Universität Berlin (TU) – known for STEM subjects, civil engineering & computer science
- Berlin University of Applied Sciences (HTW) – practical degree programs & high number of applicants
- Universität der Künste (UdK) – one of the largest arts universities in Europe
There are also numerous private universities, universities of applied sciences and dual study programs.
Student life in Berlin – between the scene, Späti & everyday student life
Berlin thrives on its colorful mix: from hipster cafés in Neukölln to the historic State Opera, from techno clubs to lectures on critical theory.
Highlights of everyday student life in Berlin:
- Leisure: picnics in Tempelhofer Feld, canoeing on the Spree, flea markets in Friedrichshain
- Culture: Hundreds of museums, galleries, theaters – many with student discounts
- Nightlife: International club scene, bars & concerts that (almost) never sleep
- Mobility: Excellent public transport with semester ticket
- Community: many student councils, networks, initiatives and co-working options
Tip: Plan plenty of time for exploring – Berlin is not immediately obvious, but it’s worth it!
Living in Berlin – How to find your own apartment
The biggest sticking point in Berlin? Living space. Although there are many offers, there are just as many people looking. The combination of a large city, a popular place to study and an increasing influx of new residents often makes finding accommodation a challenge.
Classic options:
- Student accommodation: Inexpensive, but often fully booked for months
- WG: Authentic & social, but not always quiet
- Private apartment: maximum flexibility, but also expensive
- Temporary furnished living: For an easy start
Looking for a temporary solution? How to find a stress-free student apartment in Berlin
In Berlin, it is not uncommon for the search for accommodation to drag on for weeks or months – especially shortly before the start of the semester. If you don’t find a shared flat or student apartment straight away, you don’t have to get stressed or feel insecure.
smartments in Berlin offers an ideal temporary solution: fully furnished temporary apartments that can be terminated at any time, in a good location and with all-inclusive rent.
You can move in directly, without an interview, without a waiting list – and thus have the necessary peace of mind to find a permanent solution on site.
This gives you a relaxed start to your studies and gives you valuable time to look for your long-term accommodation.
Conclusion: Studying in Berlin – more than a place, a way of life
Berlin is not just the capital – Berlin is attitude, diversity, change. Those who study here learn far more than just the course content: how to deal with freedom, dynamism and constant changes in perspective.
If you are open to new things, enjoy interacting with people from all over the world and are interested in city life with depth, Berlin is the right place for your studies – and perhaps for much more.