Studying and Living in Bonn

Back in the old days, Bonn used to be a military settlement for the Romans where the wooden fort known as Castra Bonnensis and later Bonna was constructed – mostly because of Bonn’s accessible geographical position on the Rhine, the climate and the beautiful surrounding nature and waters.

Exploring Bonn will ultimately enrich your background through the knowledge gained by walking the streets where people organized and functioned and were substantial traders at a time so far-fetched from where you are now, you will obviously appreciate learning a thing or two about historic eras, architectural impressive Romanesque styles of Baroque and Rococo while the development engraved throughout the city is preserved with pride over centuries.

Bonn maintained constant development, withstanding many hardships and wars. It is not by chance that it became a major center for administrative and political arrangements and handlings. For over 40 years Bonn was the capital city of Germany. Also, 12 United Nations institutions maintain their roots in this city of strong survival, aside from other large German corporations operating in telecommunication and logistics, like the Deutsche Post, Deutsche Telekom, T-Mobile and the Deutsche Welle.

Taking into account the fact that it is more of an administrative and diplomatic center, industries operating here are lighter and somewhat more sophisticated.

The most notable industries spread in Bonn operate in laboratory equipment, switchgear and the likes. As far as agricultural products, they are mainly brought over by the villages close-by.

Arts and culture are more in focus as it is the birthplace of the piano prodigy – Ludwig van Beethoven – and different cultural events happen in Bonn, with the Beethovenhalle as the center of musical and artistic life including drama, opera, operetta, musicals and ballet in several theaters within the city.

Cost of living in Bonn

Bonn as a former capital is a little more expensive when it comes to eating outside in fancy restaurants although there are places where you can grab cheaper dinners.

A random meal at a restaurant may cost around 12€, whereas for two-people it may go up to 40€. A domestic draught beer is cheap, 1.50€ compared to imported beer of smaller size being a little over 3€. Coffee prices are usually standard around Germany, 2.60€ in Bonn specifically.

Grocery shopping is the best way to eat healthy and cheap in Bonn. Prices between fruit and vegetables vary from less than a euro up to 3€ the most. A bottle of a mid-range wine is not so costly, around 6€. For a pack of Marlboro’s smokers pay 5.50€. Water comes in a very good price, 0.23€.

Other basic foodstuff prices:

• Milk – 0.65€
• Bread – 2.25€
• Rice – 1.02€
• Eggs – 1.16€
• Cheese – 5.00€

For transportation you can get a monthly pass at a regular price, at almost 86€ without the student discount included.

If you are not planning to stay in dorms, apartment prices based on location come cross at 750€ for a 1 bedroom apartment in the city center. Outside of the city center the same apartment will cost 490€.

In case you are a person who enjoys to share, then sharing an apartment with other students can be a great idea for you and also affordable. Price ranges are 1.360€ for a 3 bedroom apartment in the city center, while for the same type of apartment you can find a good price out of the city center, around 930€. Spare some money for a basic utility payment which is around 240€ in total.

Keeping healthy and active in Bonn is quite affordable, 26€ for a monthly membership. Going to the cinema to enjoy watching a good movie is affordable, considering it’s a thing you will do from time to time; tickets cost 11€.

Plan your time smartly and give yourself a little leisure time to enjoy impressive theatrical performances which are known to be of great quality.

Universities in Bonn

The University of Bonn founded 200 years ago is known as one of the most important institutes of tertiary education not only in Germany but in the whole of Europe, enjoying outstanding acknowledgement. Over 34,000 students attend courses in the 7 faculties offer which are made up of many institutes, departments as well as clinics.

Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences founded in 1995, is in great partnership with the Aachen International Center for Information Technology, the Bonn University and Aachen RWTH University where you can currently select from 26 up-to-date programs of Bachelor’s and Master’s.

Things to do in Bonn

1. Beethoven-Haus
2. Bonn Minster – The Cathedral
3. Museum Koenig
4. The Art and Exhibition Hall
5. The Rhineland Museum
6. Bonn Museum of Modern Art
7. Academic Museum of Antiquities
8. The Arithmeum
9. August-Macke-Haus
10. Bonn Botanic Gardens and Poppelsdorf Palace
11. Do not leave Bonn without trying out the famous, Himmel un Ääd specialty.
12. Also, do not forget the Bonnsch beer

Things to see in Bonn

1. Beethovenfest
2. The Rodderberg and the Dragon’s Rock – sites of legendary battles in a hill with shallow volcanic crater
3. World Championship of foil fencing
4. Rhine River and breweries
5. Market Square
6. Theaters
7. Rheinaue Castle
8. Rhine Park

For a crazy night-out, check out the Blow up club.