Studying in Vienna – your guide to the perfect student life

Big dreams usually require a big wallet. Especially when you live alone for the first time and move out of your parents’ house, the topic of financing your studies can be overwhelming. Suddenly you have to pay for rent, groceries and every now and then you want to go out in the evening – just like a real student should. But do not worry. It can all be managed. After all, you are not the first person to have to overcome the financial hurdles of studying. Where there is a will, there is a way!

On average, students in Austria need about 1,016 euros per month, although this can vary greatly depending on your situation. Compared to other major cities, Vienna is still very affordable. In addition, students in Vienna receive generous discounts at every corner, such as the semester ticket, swimming pools or museums. Nevertheless, it makes sense to inquire about the possibilities for financing your studies right away. In Austria, these include family allowance, study allowance and housing allowance. If you want to know what is behind the different possibilities, what other grants are available and how you can apply for them, read our article on the topic of student financing in Austria.

In addition, many students have a student job, and you will certainly get one quickly in Vienna. As you would expect in a big city, you will not only find numerous opportunities in the gastronomy sector to earn some extra money. Tourism is also a big industry in Vienna, which allows students to earn money. In addition, Austria’s capital is home to many companies that are always looking for student assistants or offer jobs for young professionals. Continue here for the most important facts about part-time jobs for students.

Now that you know how to finance your studies, let us move on to the topic of housing. Even if shared flats have their special charm, many students appreciate the advantages of having their own apartment during their studies compared to a shared apartment that is often only functional. If you are one of those who want to live within your own four walls and do not want to escape to the library for relaxed studying, you will certainly find what you are looking for in a student dormitory. Unlike a small city apartment in Vienna, which is very difficult to organize from a distance anyway, modern student residences offer plenty of opportunities to get to know other students. Here you will not stay alone for long, but you can retreat to your own four walls when you need peace and quiet.

No matter which course of study you are looking for: in the student stronghold, almost no wishes remain unfulfilled. In addition to various public universities, many universities of applied sciences and academic educational institutions, there are also many private universities in Vienna, which provide a wide range of studies.

One of the best-known universities is, of course, the University of Vienna. With over 90,000 students from all over the world, it is not only the largest university in the city, but also one of the oldest universities in Europe. The courses on offer include a wide variety of bachelor’s and diploma programs, master’s programs, doctoral programs, and teacher training programs. You can choose from no less than 178 courses in a wide variety of subjects: Natural sciences, computer science, philosophy, education, art, politics, psychology, economics, and law – to name just a few.

Once you have made your choice of study program, the question will arise as to where you can study best. Ideally, you will have enough peace and quiet in your apartment or you will find your own study rooms in the student dormitory. Of course, the library of your university is also suitable for undisturbed studying. The main library of the city of Vienna not only offers you peace and quiet and books as far as the eye can see, but also a sensational view from the stairs leading to the top. The annual pass costs just 9 euros for students, making it quite affordable. Other popular study spots are the reading room in the MAK, which even has daylight, or the library of the Chamber of Labor in the 4th district – with a garden! If you like to study outdoors, you are sure to find a nice spot in one of Vienna’s many green spaces. This of course includes the Green Prater, where numerous meadows and shady trees await you, or the old Danube, where you can cool off while swimming in the summer.

Vienna is versatile. This is already evident in the huge culinary offer. From vegan ice cream parlors to the typical Viennese Schanigarten, there is plenty for you to discover and taste. Of course, there are numerous student pubs, bars, and discos where you can turn night into day with little money thanks to the favorable student discounts.

If the constant parties are too one-sided for you, you will also get your money’s worth in Vienna. The city is full of history, art, and culture. In addition to a multitude of museums, theater and musical performances, sports activities are not neglected here thanks to the many USI courses. If you want to get to know the city better, you can explore all the corners on foot with extensive walks and hiking trails through Vienna. At some places you will not be able to get out of the amazement. This includes the world-famous Schönbrunn Palace. In addition, there are many festivals and events in the city that you should not miss. In winter, of course, lots of Christmas markets with delicious punch and mulled wine are waiting for you. With a day trip you can even go skiing at Stuhleck in the cold season. If you are drawn to nature in the warmer months, you will find even more leisure ideas in our post on the best day trips from Vienna.

You see: Things do not get boring in Vienna. Of course, the temptations for students are even greater – but fun is part of student life, isn’t it?

In Vienna, there are various counseling services available for students. For financial matters (student aid and grants), for example, you can contact the scholarship office in Vienna. If you are looking for psychological support, which is especially trained regarding student problems, you can contact the Psychological Student Counseling Service. If you have any questions about studying, study law or questions from foreign students, you can contact the counseling service of the ÖH (Österreichische HochschülerInnenschaft). Here you can also get help on the topics of accessibility, social security, student financing and general legal questions about studying.