Photo Courtesy of Freie Universität Berlin
- Ranked 6th in the world in the QS rankings for best student city in 2017, making it a great location to live and study!
- Freie Universität is located in the leafy residential district of Dahlem in southwestern Berlin where you can spend your free time relaxing in one of the cities 2,500 public parks and gardens! Almost 1/5 of the city is covered with trees!
- Immerse yourself in Berlins extensive and important history - from its founding in the 13th century to witnessing two World Wars, the Cold War, and the fall of the Wall.
- See what previous students have to say about Freie Universitat Berlin:
Berlin
To attend the university, you will need to have a sound understanding of the German language as courses are not offered in English. The University operates on the Erasmus credit system (ECTs) meaning one semester of work is equivalent to 30 credits. Students will have the opportunity to join the FU-BEST program that helps gain insight into German culture and language.
Further information can be found here:
http://www.physik.fu-berlin.de/studium/erasmus/incoming.html
Berlin
Berlin is one of the most exciting cities in Europe. As Germany‘s capital and cultural metropolis, it attracts people from around the world. A vibrant and constantly changing city, it is a center of cultural, political, and economic life. Berlin has an eventful history – from its founding in the 13th century to seeing two World Wars, the Cold War, and the fall of the Wall. For most of the second half of the 20th century, Berlin was the fulcrum of a divided Europe. Following German reunification in 1990, Berlin has been experiencing a period of constant change ever since, and it has developed into a truly international city.
Berlin has a unique cultural profile within Germany and is known for its outstanding museums, opera houses, theaters, and concert halls. Being thus well-known for its established culture, Germany’s capital also boasts an unparalleled festival, club, music, and nightlife scene. Berlin’s most famous sights may be the TV Tower, the Brandenburg Gate, and the Reichstag parliament building, but the city’s creative and lively urban atmosphere also relies on numerous galleries, cafes, vintage shops, and flea markets. Each February, Berlin’s International Film Festival, the Berlinale, draws film stars and cinema enthusiasts. The city is also a center for world-class sports, and the Berlin Marathon is a popular event.
About the University
The Dahlem campus hosts 12 of the university’s 15 departments and central institutes, more than 20 libraries, various student cafes and dining halls – including Germany’s first vegetarian university dining hall, university sport facilities, and the Botanic Garden. The campus is surrounded by wonderful green gardens and lakes. Some of Freie Universität’s institutes are located in the nearby districts Düppel and Lankwitz.
For international and exchange students, studying at a German university can be an enriching and challenging enterprise. Compared to other university systems worldwide, studying at a German university is often said to be more independent and free, from the choice of courses to putting together one’s own timetable. The style of teaching and studying at Freie Universität Berlin depends on the degree program chosen, but in general students will encounter a variety of lectures, seminars, or tutorials, demanding active participation in discussions or by giving presentations.
The main language of instruction is German, but there are also a number of subjects held in English, particularly within the Institute of English Philology and the John F. Kennedy Institute for North American Studies. Nevertheless, it is highly recommended that international and exchange students take courses in German. They will be sufficiently supported by a number of student services such as the Language Center.
There is no on-campus accommodation, but the accommodation service of Freie Universität Berlin has various off-campus dorms and single or shared apartments on offer. Since there has been a dramatic increase in the demand for student housing, it is recommend that students wishing to use the accommodation service apply as soon as possible after they have received their letter of admission.
Freie Universität Berlin’s Accommodation Service:
www.fu-berlin.de/en/sites/unterbringung
For information about the cost of living please see:
http://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/city_result.jsp?country=Germany&city=Berlin
University Website (English language version):
http://www.fu-berlin.de/en/
Website for Berlin:
www.berlin.de
German Academic Exchange Service:
https://www.daad.de/deutschland/en/
ThirdYearAbroad (network to support students who study abroad during their degree):
http://www.thirdyearabroad.com/home.html
Other Links
http://www.study-in-berlin.org/
http://www.fu-berlin.de/en/
http://www.fu-berlin.de/en/studium/international/studium_fu/index.html
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/germany/berlin
http://www.iesabroad.org/study-abroad/berlin
Academic Exchange Adviser
If you are interested in applying, you should discuss your plans with your Academic Exchange Adviser (AEA). To find out who the AEA is for your subject area, please see the details here:
Academic Exchange Advisers
