What’s it like to study a Masters in Heidelberg?
The history of Heidelberg has been shaped by its most famous landmarks: the castle that has played a key role in major European conflicts and political shifts and the university that has hosted a more sedate tradition of academic study
Today the town is a popular tourist destination that, like the UK’s Oxford and Cambridge, also serves as one of the Germany’s most important higher education hubs. Visitors come to view the university’s stunning Old Assembly Hall and University Library (the longest-established in Germany); as a student you’ll have the chance to spend a lot more enjoying (and using!) them. You’ll also be able to visit the nearby hilltop castle and take in the panoramic views it offers of the town and river.
Heidelberg’s southern location and sheltered setting makes it one of the warmest towns in Germany. It’s still not quite the Mediterranean, but you should have no problem getting out and about to wander the town’s attractive streets and bridges. Should you need to combine exercise with some (productive) postgraduate procrastination, you might take in the Philosopher’s Walk. Running up a hillside overlooking the river, this route has traditionally been favoured by strolling and conversing scholars from the university below.
Of course, a substantial student population means that Heidelberg offers plenty of opportunities to take a break from more sedate study and scholarly discourse. Many of the town’s pubs, bars and restaurants occupy attractive historic buildings where they provide a mix of traditional food and drink with contemporary nightlife and entertainment.
Large numbers of students also mean that the city offers various accommodation options, though you’re advised to look early and to seek advice from the university’s international office.