Studying in Munich: Top Universities and Student Life (A Totally Unfiltered Look)
okay, so munich. it's… a lot. i’m leaning heavily into being a *Freelance Photographer these days, which means my whole experience is filtered through a lens (pun intended). and honestly? it’s a beautiful mess. the weather right now is that weird in-between thing - not quite spring, not quite winter. think drizzle mixed with sunshine trying its best, and a stubborn wind that just wants to remind you it's still October. just a short flight/drive away, you’ve got the Alps looking all dramatic, which is a nice distraction when you're staring at a mountain of coursework.
let's get real though. top universities? LMU and TUM are the big names - totally respectable. LMU is more humanities-focused, which is probably easier on the soul if you’re spiraling over art history interpretations at 3 am. TUM is where you go if you want to build rockets or something equally impressive (and probably expensive). i’m not gonna lie, the competition is fierce. i overheard someone at a cafe the other day saying that getting into LMU’s film program is like winning the lottery… twice.
but it's not just the academics. student life is…an experience. rent? prepare to weep. seriously. i’m paying €800-€1000 for a tiny room in a shared apartment - and that's on the lower end! a local warned me on a subreddit (r/munich) to be very careful about student housing scams. apparently, there are people out there who are really good at pretending to be legitimate landlords. trust your gut.
The Glockenspiel
seriously, the Glockenspiel? tourist trap central. but there’s something strangely charming about it. it’s kitsch, it’s predictable, and it’s a Munich institution. but don’t expect deep philosophical insights. expect a bunch of people taking selfies.
The Englischer Garten
this is where you go to escape the city’s intensity. it’s a massive park - bigger than Central Park, almost. you can rent a paddleboat on the Kleinhesseloher See, watch the surfers on the Eisbach wave (seriously, it’s wild), or just find a quiet spot to sketch. i spent a whole afternoon there last week just people-watching and trying to capture the light.
The Beer Gardens
okay, obviously. you can’t study in Munich without embracing the beer garden culture. but don’t just grab whatever’s cheapest. ask a local for recommendations - something like Augustiner-Keller or Hofbräukeller are classics, but smaller, more local spots can be a goldmine for authentic Bavarian vibes. “Drunk advice” from a friend: always order a Maß (liter of beer) but pace yourself! it's deceptively strong. i’m still recovering from a particularly enthusiastic Oktoberfest evening... which was, by the way, a sensory overload of oompah music and pretzels.
job market? moderately competitive, but definitely manageable if you have the right skills. a lot of tech companies are moving to Munich, so programming and data science are in demand. but also, don’t discount the creative industries - there’s a thriving arts scene here, which is great for someone like me (trying to figure out how to make a living selling photos of schnitzel). check out LinkedIn for openings.
Cost of Living - The Lowdown (as of late 2023, ballpark figures):Expense Estimated Cost (€/month) Notes Rent (shared) 800-1200 Depends heavily on location and size. Groceries 200-300 Can be cheaper if you shop at Aldi or Lidl. Public Transport 80-100 Student discounts are available. Health Insurance 120-200 Mandatory in Germany. Check with your university for options. Phone/Internet 30-50 Entertainment/Food 200-400 This is where it can get expensive! Total (approx.) 1430-2350 This is just a rough estimate - your actual costs may vary.
Seriously, manage your budget. it's a necessity, not a luxury.
So yeah, Munich. hectic, expensive, but undeniably cool. it's a city that’ll challenge you, inspire you, and probably make you crave a decent cup of coffee (the local coffee scene is...evolving). if you’re thinking of studying here, just be prepared for a wild ride. and don’t forget to pack your walking shoes - you’ll be doing a lot* of walking. you can find more student reviews and advice on StudentUniverse.
You might also be interested in:
- https://topiclo.com/post/networking-events-and-professional-communities-in-kermnshh-dont-sleep-on-this-seriously
- https://topiclo.com/post/banguis-bills-are-wild-what-a-freelancer-actually-pays
- https://topiclo.com/post/d-salaries-is-the-pay-enough-to-keep-you-sane
- https://topiclo.com/post/local-etiquette-and-traditions-how-not-to-offend-people-in-akure
- https://topiclo.com/post/gdask-in-the-deep-freeze-a-sleepdeprived-photographers-chaotic-guide