DISCOVER DRESDEN

FIND YOUR STUDY PROGRAM IN DRESDEN

DRESDEN AT A GLANCE

Dresden is the capital of the Free State of Saxony state in eastern Germany and is also the second largest city in this region. Located on the River Elbe, the city is often referred to as ‘Florence on the Elbe’ because of the common resemblance in the cultural importance and landscape similarities of both cities. Dresden is home to several galleries, museums, operas and theatres and not the mention the many artists and musicians who have started their careers from here. In order to become such a historical and cultural treasure, the city underwent a major reconstruction after it had nearly been destroyed by the bombing during World Word II. Regardless of the challenges the city faced in the past, it is now developing with full power, and in 2016 Dresden signed up for the European Capital of Culture 2025 initiative. Like other cities in the eastern part of Germany, the climate in Dresden is oceanic with slightly different conditions as it has an inland location. The summers here are sometimes hotter than usual with temperatures rising up to 25 °C, whereas winter temperatures reach -3 °C. The transportation system here is excellent as Dresden is a big city and it is well connected with other close cities in Germany. Traveling within the city is also very easy with the public transport links covering all points throughout Dresden. Trams and buses circulate regularly, some even late at night, and people can also travel with one of the four river ferries servicing the city. A lot of people find Dresden to be a better option for them in terms of living or studying and therefore the number of foreigners grows with each year. The diversity of the society gives newcomers the chance to speak in most cases English or their own languages and adapt faster to the new environment.

Academic Year

Summer Semester: April – September / Winter Semester: October – March

Official Language

German

Higher Education Institutions

Population

551072

Living Costs

600 – 700 EUR

STUDYING IN DRESDEN

There are nine higher learning education institutes in Dresden offering exceptional education making it one of the most important contributors to the economy of the city. Students tend to choose universities here since all institutes are offering a wide range of courses with a spectrum covering subjects like Architecture, Dental Medicine, Engineering, German studies and even some subjects that are unique for the Saxony region, such as Agriculture, Horticulture and Landscape Planning and Development. Another great thing about all of the universities here is that their buildings are very well equipped with modern technologies allowing students to not only get the best practical training but to also feel comfortable when spending time at the auditoriums, classrooms and libraries or on the premises of the campus in general. The bustling education community here comprises of German and international students, since higher educational institutes here are very open-minded and tolerant towards foreign students from all over the world. As a result, although most of the courses are taught in German, there are options for programs taught explicitly or partially in English, however it is the applicant’s responsibility to research that prior to the application process. Internationalization is among the top priorities of universities in Dresden and it does not boil down solely to having international students but also to maintaining close relationships with other universities worldwide. Such cooperation activities contribute for a faster and more efficient strategic development in research and teaching. Finding accommodation works as in any other German university town with the help of the student organization Studentenwerk or through independent research. Living in a student residence might be a better option as in this case rooms will come furnished and with most of the utility bills included. Furthermore, young adults will get to live with their fellow students, get to know them better and be closer to the university campus. Prices for single rooms in a shared flat located in a dormitory range between 183 and 300 EUR depending on the type of the accommodation. Those who do not manage to secure themselves a spot in a student hall will have the chance to conduct their own housing research on the private market.

DRESDEN LIFESTYLE

Dresden has various activities on offer, ranging from activities relating to the cultural scene through nightlife activities to outdoor activities. As the city is separated by the Elba River, students get to explore two somewhat different sides – Neustadt, which is the new part and Altstadt where Dresden’s historic district is located. Both parts have leisure facilities and attractions and the city as a whole offers a quite high quality of living. Along the streets of the old town, one can admire the beautiful baroque buildings housing museums, art galleries, theatres ad operas. The younger part of Dresden is also worth exploring as it has numerous shops and popular bars, restaurants and clubs where students can unwind from the stress and pressure during lecture periods. Every summer the city hosts many festivals attracting people with live music and dances, street food and traditional brews. During the days of any festival the streets and parks of Dresden get filled with people creating a colorful and bubbly atmosphere perfect for making new friends or hanging out with old ones. Students can discover the thriving nightlife of the city through some of the iconic night clubs hosting parties with different music genres or through the many cocktail bars and pubs packed with young crowds. Those who prefer to skip a night out and enjoy a beautiful day outside can do so by visiting any of the green parks or gardens located around Dresden and relax with a book under the sun rays. University societies are also organizing various sports events for those who are keen on outdoor physical activities.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES IN DRESDEN

Dresden is a city that can offer many opportunities not only from a living point of view but also when speaking about work. Financial support is one of the most discussed topic when it comes to studying, especially abroad. It is important for students to have a clear vision regarding their work choices and how can those be combined with studying. Working as a student in Germany is allowed to both native and international students, however certain requirements in terms of the working hours and work permits must be considered beforehand. Finding a job role should not be a challenge as there are various options, whether it is on the premises of the university campus or around the city itself, as long as it fits the student’s schedule and does not intervene with their studies. Although university degrees obtained at universities in Dresden are recognized internationally it is equally important for future graduates to be aware of their career opportunities also in Dresden. The latter has one of the most dynamic economies in Germany that has grown significantly over the past 20 years becoming the biggest one in the eastern part of the country. Nowadays it is focused on three major industries - the pharmaceutical sector, the semiconductor one and the mechanical and electrical engineering sector. That being said, qualified professionals have the chance to find a very decent and well paid job even while they are still studying as many major companies are offering internships where participants get the chance to establish connections that can help them in future. Other large companies like Volkswagen, AMD and GlaxoSmithKline have established branches in Dresden offering job roles in different fields. Jobs offers can be also searched in the “Career” section on universitaet.com.