Must-Know Tips for Erasmus Students in Graz (From a Current Erasmus Student)
If you’ve been following along, you’ll know that I’m currently doing my Erasmus in Graz for the upcoming second semester (from February to June).
Moving to another country alone can be exciting and terrifying at the same time. After just two weeks of doing my Erasmus in Graz, I’ve already learned lessons I wish I had known before arriving.
In this blog, I’ll be sharing my must-know tips for any Erasmus (or study abroad) student staying in Graz.
Where Is Graz and Why Is It Perfect for Erasmus Students?
Graz is the second largest city in Austria and the capital of Styria. It has around 300,000 inhabitants.
Graz is the perfect combination of history and modern design. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and City of Design.
There are plenty of universities in Graz, making it a perfect destination for Erasmus students.
It has great nightlife, good train and airplane connections to nearby countries, and the fact that you can walk almost anywhere in Graz within a reasonable amount of time.
My Personal Must-Know Tips for Erasmus Students in Graz
Graz is a great place for your Erasmus stay, but knowing certain tips will make your stay even better.
Here are my top 5 tips any Erasmus student should know when studying in Graz:
1. The TopTicket
The TopTicket is a public transport ticket valid throughout Styria. By paying a one-time fee, you can buy unlimited public transport tickets during your semester stay (from September to February, or from March to August).
The TopTicket is available only for students younger than 25 years, but there is another affordable option for students 26 years old or older: the KlimaTicket.
This public transport ticket costs 193€ and is only available for college students. It is a great and cheap option for Erasmus students who want to use their stay for travelling (for short trips).
This ticket is also the one you’ll need to take buses and trams in Graz, so it’s a must-buy.
You can learn more about the TopTicket on the official Styrian public transport website.
2. ÖBB Vorteilscard
If the TopTicket were only applicable to Styria, the ÖBB Vorteilscard is the card you need to buy for flexible travelling throughout Austria.
This card provides a 50% discount on every ÖBB standard ticket. Both cards, the TopTicket and the ÖBB Vorteilscard, can be used together, making your travels in Austria inexpensive.
The ÖBB Vorteilscard has different options, but students under 25 years old can get it for only 21€.
Learn more about the ÖBB Vorteilscard on the official ÖBB website.
3. The ESN Card
The ESN Card is probably the first and most important thing any Erasmus student in Graz should get.
ESN is the Erasmus Student Network, which organizes most Erasmus activities and gatherings.
The ESN activities will be the best place to start meeting people and making friends. And just know, the card is FREE!
This card comes with the Kide App, where you will be able to know about all the activities ESN Graz is organizing.
Check out their Instagram account for more information!
4. Always have cash
If you live in Europe, or if you have ever been to Europe, you will already know that cash is always necessary. Get used to having a minimum amount of cash with you.
In some places in Austria, they won’t accept payments by card, and you won’t have a way to pay.
For example, if you are planning on going to Hallstatt, know that you have to go there by boat, and that the boat only accepts cash. If you don’t carry cash with you, you will have to walk for three hours just to get to Hallstatt.
5. German Intensive Course
Among the services the University of Graz provides, most of them have German Intensive Courses. They are usually 4-week-long courses and allow you to get ECTS.
In my case, Universität Graz has a German Intensive Course worth 6 ECTS!
Knowing German in Graz is a must, since if you go to the countryside, you will realize that people don’t tend to know English. I also think that when you move to another country, it’s a matter of respect to learn at least the basics of the language.
The German Intensive Course has two main advantages: it’s a great place to meet Erasmus students, and it allows you to get first-hand information about Graz and Austria (half of the tips in this blog were given by my German teacher).
Final Thoughts
If you’re planning your Erasmus in Graz, I hope these tips help you avoid some beginner mistakes. If you already studied here, share your tips in the comments. I’d love to learn more. And if you’re curious about Erasmus life in Austria, more posts are coming soon.