Living in campus housing in the University of Mannheim is far more different than living in Drexel University housing. To start off, the dorms are both for Mannheim students and exchange students, making it easier to meet full-time students and vice-versa. The other difference is that the student housing buildings aren’t actually on campus. Because the Mannheim Palace was gutted and turned into a school, that’s all that it is on campus – a school. So the student dorms are located in various places around the city, which I find to be much more immersive and adventurous.
View of my apartment from the front door entrance.
All of the student dorms look generally the same, with the main difference being how big the rooms are. They typically all have a similar layout of bedrooms, bathrooms, and a shared kitchen. It’s very similar to living in a suite style dorm in Drexel. The biggest difference, however, is that the students that live in these dorms aren’t just freshmen, they’re all different ages, majors, and come from various sorts of backgrounds and walks of life.
Shared flat kitchen.
The apartments are fully furnished, so you don’t have to worry about bringing too much needless housing items along with you. The kitchens often come with pots and pans from previous students that have left them behind for you. The bedrooms even come with sheets and comforters so that you don’t have to go out and buy any!
Picture of part of my room.
When I first applied for student housing, I was quite nervous about the roommate/living situation. I didn’t know what to expect, specifically about the layout of the rooms. I was a little scared that I would have to share a room with someone I had never met before. Especially since the apartments are mixed gender. But I quickly figured out that the bedrooms are singles, so you have a space all to yourself. Even though I’m the furthest thing from anti-social, it’s incredibly comforting to have your own room when you’re dealing with the transition of living in another country.
Sink and mirror that’s conveniently in every bedroom.
And, if by any rare chance you end up not living in student housing, you can always find housing through private accommodation. The University even has specific advisors for this particular reason, fully equipped and prepared to help you find an apartment through private accommodation, that will gladly help translate documents and important paperwork for you. I know that student housing was one of my largest concerns when moving to Germany, but rest assured that you’ll be well taken care of when you arrive in Mannheim!