Saarland University: Student Life, Campus Culture and Life in Germany

Why is Saarland University so popular among students? The answer is simple, it is one of the most affordable Universities for the students as it does not charge tuition fee for its courses.Saarland University came into existence in the year 1948, it is a public University, known for its excellency in Research. It is located in Saarbrucken, Germany.

Students are usually attracted by the University for its multicultural diversity, the 24% of the student population at the University is made up of International students. quality education and great opportunities for the future through post study work availability for the students.

Student Life at Saarland University

This is a mix of a balanced study life, it extends well beyond the classrooms, with a multi-cultural community. The Campus is designed for the growth of its students and it has all the necessities at one place for the ease of the students.

A Diverse International Community

What is that one thing students do not have to worry about when they are planning to study at Saarland University? The answer to it is the environment at Saarland University is friendly. There are students from all over the world. It is multi-cultural hotpot, the students get to experience cultures from all over the world, it further helps student build strong friendships, personal growth.

The best way to become a part of the Saarland University’s Community for the students is to sign up for different Clubs and Organizations like:

• Academic Clubs

• Photography

• Volunteering Work

• Technology Groups

• Environment and Sustainability Initiatives

Some of the popular organizations at University of Saarland are as follows:

• ESN Saarbrucken (Erasmus Student Network) – Organizes trips across Europe and Germany and hosts social events

• ZiS (Centre of International Student) – integration program for International students

• Choir, Orchestra and Theatre groups – for students who are keen about performing arts

• Debate Club and Entrepreneurship Network

The Saarland University focuses not only on the academic growth of the students but also the overall development of the students. There is also availability of many different sports club for the students.

Saarland University Campus Life beyond the Classroom

There are two main Campuses of Saarland University-

• Saarbrucken

• Homburg

The Campuses of Saarland are designed keeping the need of the students in mind. The University is created with all the facilities required by the young minds.

The Saarland University is a blend of academic infrastructure, student amenities and recreational space which are well connected. So, all the necessities of the students are fulfilled at one place.

The different facilities offered by the Saarland University-

• Modern Learning and Research Spaces – Saarland University have an extensive library which provides quiet reading zones, group study spaces and research databases.

• Advanced Learning Facilities – Computer centers, Laboratories for in-depth study in the fields of Science, Engineering and Computer

• Food & Health – Mensa (Cafeteria), the Campus offers budget-friendly meals with veg and vegan options available for the students.

• Fitness Clubs – There is an availability of many training facilities and centers for recreational activities.

• Convenience stores – There is an on-campus convenience stores for the necessities of the students like Supermarkets, Cafes and Banks

• Support Services- There is a complete support system for students

Student Life at Saarland University

Student life at Saarland University is beyond classrooms and labs. The University is home to International students from over 120 countries. The University of Glasgow ranked at #41 in Germany as per Shiksha’s Popularity Ranking.

Wide Range of Courses

At Saarland University, courses are offered at various levels like UG and PG. The University of Glasgow courses, 92 courses at UG level and 65 courses at Graduate for International students in fields like Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Life Sciences, Arts, Informatics and more.

There is also an availability of English-taught courses, over 25 of them for the ease of International students.

The University also has strong connection with Research Organizations in Germany like-

• Research Center for Artificial Intelligence

• Max Planck Institutes

• Fraunhofer Institute

MS Courses at Saarland University

Saarland University MS Courses are available for 30 different specializations for a period 2 years. The tuition fee ranging from INR 0 – 4 L.

Here are some popular MS Courses for Indian students –

Admission Intakes and academic Flexibility

The academic year at Saarland University is divided into 2 Semesters- Winter and Summer.

• Winter Semester: Oct - Mar

• Summer Semester: Apr – Sept

Admissions at MS Courses at Saarland University are very course-specific.

The students can achieve a balanced lifestyle and can maintain their study schedules accordingly. Saarland University has a high employability in Technology and Research Fields.

Career Development and Work Opportunity

The employment rate at Saarland University is around 70%-80% for the Graduate students. The University offers great opportunities for part-time jobs, internships and post-study jobs for the students.

Average Salary – EUR 40,000 – EUR 46,000

Top Sectors – Computer Science, IT, Research, Engineering and Business

The leading recruiters for Saarland University Graduates given below:

• Siemens

• KPMG

• Amazon

• Microsoft

• Intel

Life in Saarbrucken: What can a Student Expect

Students can expect a culturally enriched environment with all the possible facilities available for modern learning for the students.

Everybody knows the Saarland University does not charge any tuition fee but also there are several Scholarships at Saarland University also available for the Indian students-

• DAAD Scholarship

• Deutschlandstipendium

This makes the University more appealing to the students.

Managing Expenses as a Student at Saarland University

Saarland University is known for two things- Research and Affordability. The monthly budget for students ranges from EUR 700 – 1200 depending on the accommodation choice and the lifestyle.

The average tuition fee for UG and PG Courses are given below:

Transportation

Saarbrucken, Germany has a very well-developed and connected Transportation system for the ease of the students like the Local buses and regional rail services that are connected to the University Campus and the residential areas.

The University is located near the border of France and Luxembourg which allows students to go on short trips for relaxation.

The transportation charges are given below:

• Transportation Charges – INR 66 K

(EUR 1 =INR 110.10)

Exploring Student Accommodation

The University manages Housing, that is public dormitories via Studierendenwerk Saarland. The on-campus accommodation are affordable than the off campus accommodation.

• University Residence Hall – These housing are managed by WOGE SAAR. It has its own benefits, it is mostly budget-friendly and it is easy to access facilities at the University.

• Shared Apartment (WG) – This is the best option for International students, as it has low rents than private rentals and also offers a chance to make friends.

• Private Accommodation – This option is usually considered by the students who are planning to stay for a longer time.

Life in Germany for Indian Students

Adapting to the lifestyle of Germany is not very challenging for the students because there are students from all around the world at Saarland University.

Food

There are also provision of Indian restaurants and grocery stores in Germany.

The students can either take meals at the University – Mensa run by Studentenwerk or prepare them. There are various options available-

• Menu 1 – Standard fish and meat

• Menu 2 – Veg/Vegan

• MensaVital – Healthy, balanced food

• Climate Plate

• Free-Flow Buffet

Some popular Indian Restaurants -

• Bollywood Indian Restaurant

• Kerala Restaurant Saarbrucken

Useful Tips

• It is useful to learn German language for International student so, they are able to adjust better.

• Christmas markets and seasonal festivals have a great importance in Germany.

Final Thoughts on Saarland University

Saarland University is a great choice for international student, it offers its students with everything they require, it charges zero tuition fee, provides strong base for Research, global exposure with 24% of international population from over 120 countries.

The University’s infrastructure is also very well aligned with the academic and co-curricular activities that are important for the overall development of the students.

The Campus life offers different cultural activities and social events and also the housing options for the students and another important aspect is the placement rate at Saarland University is 70%-80% as per the unofficial sources for Graduate students.