TUM OVERVIEW 4

1 EACH CAMPUS 5
TABLE OF CONTENTS

2 SPORTS 10

3 STUDENT CLUBS 14

4 LANGUAGE CENTER 16

STUDYING AT TUM 19

5 WHAT TO EXPECT 20

6 COURSE REGISTRATION 23

7 EXAMS AT TUM 26

STUDENT LIFE IN MUNICH 30

8 DISTRICTS IN MUNICH 31

9 COST OF LIVING 39

10 ACTIVITIES IN MUNICH 44
 HEY, I'M MARKUS
We’ve talked before about various topics about TUM.

Find out what studying at TUM and living in Munich has to offer
in this quick guide. Enjoy :)

LET'S G O OO !

Markus
M AR K US R U T S TUD YI NG AT TU M 3
M AR K US R U T S TUD YI NG AT TU M

Let's Get Started

TUM OVERVIEW
IN THE FIRST PART, WE’LL COVER EVERYTHING
YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT TUM.
 01
CAMPUSES
Let’s start with exploring which
campuses TUM has.

LET’ S GO OO !

M AR K US R U T S TUD YI NG AT TU M 5
 MAIN CAMPUS
STAMMGELÄNDE
Located in Maxvorstadt, the central
borough of Munich, this historic campus
hosts the Departments of Architecture,
Civil, Geo and Environmental
Engineering, Electrical and Computer
Engineering, and the Schools of
Management, Governance, and
Education.

The TUM School of Medicine is situated at

the Rechts der Isar Hospital in the district
of Haidhausen, and the TUM Department
of Sport and Health Sciences is located in
the Olympiapark, the former site of the
1972 Summer Olympics.

It is a wild mixture of different

architectural styles. Some facilities are
very modern while others look a bit old
and outdated.

On this campus you have a rooftop

terrace with a cafe from which you can
see the whole city and if the weather is
good even the alps.

Next to it are the Pinakotheken (art

museums) with much green space,
where students chill and play sports.

M AR K US R U T S TUD YI NG AT TU M 6
 GARCHING
About 10 km north of Munich, Garching
has become the largest TUM campus. It
houses the Departments of Physics,
Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering,
Informatics, and Mathematics.

This campus is notable for its

collaboration with numerous research
institutes, including the Max Planck
Institutes for Plasma Physics,
Astrophysics, Extraterrestrial Physics, and
Quantum Optics, the Forschungsreaktor
München II, the European Southern
Observatory headquarters, and the
Leibniz Supercomputing Centre.

The campus is huge and very open and

it takes about 30 minutes to get there
from Munich by train. Since there is no
supermarket you can only get lunch at
the mensa or in one of the few and
more expensive restaurants that
recently opened.

In the summer there is a techno-festival

at the lake next to the campus.
Most famous on this campus is a slide
inside the math building. Rumors have
it that a student got expelled because
he used a food tray to slide down.

M AR K US R U T S TUD YI NG AT TU M 7
WEIHENSTEPHAN
Located in Freising (35 km north of Munich),
the campus Weihenstephan is a hub for
expertise in life sciences, focusing on the study
of life processes and structures of living
organisms and combining key competencies
from molecules to ecosystems, nutritional
medicine, biogenic raw materials, and
biotechnology, incorporating artificial
intelligence in research.

The School of Life Sciences at Weihenstephan

offers a wide range of research topics and
educational programs for chemists, biologists,
physicists, and engineers, and is recognized
internationally as a leading authority in
integrated life sciences

STRAUBING
About 130 km north of Munich, the TUM
Campus Straubing focuses on integrating
sustainable technologies in our economy,
emphasizing interdisciplinary education in
fields like chemistry, biotechnology, and
engineering.

It offers diverse academic programs in

Bioeconomics, Chemical Biotechnology,
Technology of Biogenic Resources, Sustainable
Management and Technology, and Biomass
Technology, with many courses available in
English.

Because Straubing is a small city, student life is

less anonymous than in the bigger cities, at the
same time it has a smaller range of things to do.

M AR K US R U T S TUD YI NG AT TU M 8
HEILBRONN
Heilbronn campus specializes in digital
transformation, information engineering, and
family enterprises, bridging business,
engineering sciences, and information
technology.

It provides bachelor’s and master’s degree

programs in Management and Information
Engineering, with an international focus and
practice-oriented research.

The campus features state-of-the-art facilities

and small learning groups, with centers
dedicated to digital transformation, family
enterprise, and informatics, enhancing
research and business applications in
technology.

TUM ASIA
TUM Asia, a subsidiary in Singapore, was
established in partnership with the National
University of Singapore and Nanyang
Technological University, offering various
Master's and Bachelor's programs and focusing
on research for improving Singapore's public
transportation.

M AR K US R U T S TUD YI NG AT TU M 9
 02
SPORTS
Let’s discover the Sports
classes where you can spend
you free time

LET’ S GO OO !

M AR K US R U T S TUD YI NG AT TU M 10
 SPORTS
At Technical University of Munich
(TUM), there are lots of sports you can
do. They have access to a big sports
center called “Zentraler
Hochschulsport (ZHS)” with lots of
different sports classes. The ZHS is
available for every student from every
university in Munich.

What kind of sports?

You can find more than 600 sports
classes. Whether you like playing team
or individual sports, indoor or outdoor
sports, everything is covered. The ZHS
offers team sports, climbing, fitness
classes, martial arts, dance, and many
more. Basically, anything you wanted
to do and on top of that many different
sports classes that you haven’t heard
of.

Clicking through all of the offers is fun

and you’ll definitely find some
interesting kinds of sports that you did
not know about.
There's something for everyone,
whether you're just starting or really
good at sports. For more popular
sports there will be different offers
based on experience to make sure that
everyone is at the same level of
experience.

M AR K US R U T S TUD YI NG AT TU M 11
 SPORTS

Where does it take place?

The main sports center is at the TUM
Campus in the Olympic Park. It's a big
area with many sports facilities like
football fields, climbing walls, and
tennis courts. They also use other
places like Lake Starnberg for water
sports.
So, if you're at TUM and want to play
sports, have fun, or compete, there are
lots of choices for you!

Who can join?

Mostly students and staff from
universities in Munich, Freising, and
Landshut can join.
But if you're a student from another
university and live in Munich, you can
also take part. Family members of
these people and members of the ZHS
club can join too.

M AR K US R U T S TUD YI NG AT TU M 12
 SPORTS

How to join a class

To join a class, you need a ZHS Card
with the basic ticket which costs 12 €
for one semester. This card lets you
sign up for many different free sports
classes. Most classes are taught in
German. Some classes that are more
resource intensive will require you to
pay a bit more in addition, like
swimming classes, skiing or kitesurfing.
Basically, any sports that require water
or mountains might cost a bit more.
And lastly, for climbing and gym, you
need an additional license that proves
that you are able to use the facilities
properly.

Make sure to sign up early. Especially

popular sports classes are sold out very
quickly. Registration starts before the
lecture period.
1. Go to the website of ZHS and
navigate to → ZHS-Card & Tickets →
Tickets → Basic Ticket or click here
2. Click on the green button “buchen”
3. You will then be redirected to a
form that you have to fill out
4. Click on “weiter zur Buchung”, then
check your details before clicking
on “kostenpflichtig buchen”

M AR K US R U T S TUD YI NG AT TU M 13
 03
STUDENT
CLUBS
Discover where can you get
involved in extracurricular
activities

LET’ S GO OO !

M AR K US R U T S TUD YI NG AT TU M 14
 STUDENT CLUBS
Student life is vibrant and diverse at The student clubs let students
TUM, partly thanks to the numerous explore their interests, discover
student clubs available. With more talents, and work towards their
than 140 student groups, TUM offers visions, while meeting people with
a wide range of activities that cater similar interests and having lots of
to various interests, from social fun.
causes and sustainability to
innovative technologies, A notable event where student
entrepreneurship, arts, and initiatives present themselves is the
intercultural dialogue. You will TUM Student Club Fair. There you can
definitely find something to follow learn about the different clubs, meet
your purpose. like-minded people, and find new
ways to get involved.
Click here to find out more about the
different categories of student clubs: Whether you're interested in social
Academic & Education activism, technology,
Business & Entrepreneurship entrepreneurship, or the arts, there's
Culture & the Arts likely a student club at TUM that
International & Country-Specific aligns with your passions.
Networking & Career
Religious & Spiritual These clubs not only enrich the
Social & Diversity university experience but also foster a
Sustainability & Health sense of community and belonging
Technology & Research among students and help students
to have good connections and a
career after you have finished your
studies.

For more information, click here

M AR K US R U T S TUD YI NG AT TU M 15
 04
LANGUAGE
CENTER
Wanna learn a language? Let’s
see what languages are offered
and how to register for them

LET’ S GO OO !

M AR K US R U T S TUD YI NG AT TU M 16
 LANGUAGE
CENTER
Maybe you don’t speak German yet,
learning languages is a fun hobby for
you or maybe you want to do an
exchange semester. In all of these
cases, the language center is the
right place for you.

The TUM Language Center offers an

incredible amount of free language
classes for students. You can either
choose classes during the semester
or intensive courses during the
semester break that last 1 - 5 weeks.

LANGUAGE
CLASSES
You can study soooooo many languages:

Arabic Korean
Chinese Dutch
Danish Norwegian
German Portuguese
English Russian
French Swedish
Hebrew Spanish
Italian Turkish
Japanese

See? Soooo many languages.

M AR K US R U T S TUD YI NG AT TU M 17
 KEY FEATURES
Intercultural Communication
Emphasis is placed on speaking practice.

Certificates and Testing

For some languages DAAD tests are
offered, which are recognized certificates
useful for those planning to study abroad.
Simply sign up for the test on the website.

Events and Activities

The Language Center also hosts various
events like movie nights and workshops,
providing a fun way to practice languages.

Language levels
The language classes are divided
according to the CEFR system: from A1
(beginner), to A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2 (which
basically means you’re a native speaker)

REGISTRATION
Registration Deadlines
Registration opens and closes before the
start of the semester. Log into TUMonline,
click on “Courses” and search for the
language you want ot learn. I recommend
applying for several courses to increase your
chances of getting into one. If you get
accepted to several ones deregister from the
ones that you don’t want so that other
students can take your spot instead.

Credits
Depending on which program you are
enrolled in, language courses can earn you
ECTS credits.

For more detailed information, you can visit

the TUM Language Center website.

M AR K US R U T S TUD YI NG AT TU M 18
M AR K US R U T S TUD YI NG AT TU M

Let's Dive Deeper

STUDYING AT TUM
THIS PART COVERS EVERYTHING RELATED TO
STUDYING AT TUM
 05
WHAT TO
EXPECT
Student life in Germany might
be drastically different from
what you would experience in
other countries.

LET’ S GO OO !

M AR K US R U T S TUD YI NG AT TU M 20
 WHAT TO EXPECT
TU I T I TI O N FEES

If you are a citizen of the EU, Liechtenstein, Iceland, or

Norway you pay a semester fee of 85 €. However, TUM
recently introduced tuition fees for other citizens
making it one of the few public universities in
Germany that charges tuition fees. The fees range
from 2,000-6,000 € per semester

S TR U CT URE O F PR OGR AM S

TUM has a more structured and focused approach to

degree programs, especially at the undergraduate
level. Programs are often less flexible in terms of
course selection compared to universities in countries
like the U.S., where there's a broader liberal arts
education and students have more electives.

DU RA TI O N O F STUDY

Bachelor's degree programs typically last for 3 years

(6 semesters), which is shorter compared to the
typical 4-year undergraduate programs in countries
like the USA. The Master’s degree programs take 2
years to complete.

A C ADEM I C CA LENDA R

The academic year in Germany is usually divided into

two semesters - the Winter Semester and the
Summer Semester, which is a bit different from the
quarterly or trimester systems used in some other
countries. The winter semester is from October till
March, Summer semester is from April to September.

M AR K US R U T S TUD YI NG AT TU M 21
 WHAT TO EXPECT

DOC TOR AL STUD I ES

The approach to PhDs in Germany is often more

independent. Doctoral students are typically seen
more as junior researchers rather than students.

ST UD ENT LI F E

With less emphasis on campus life and extracurricular

activities compared to countries like the U.S., student
life is much more self-organized. There are no gates,
the buildings are a bit more spread out and there is
no possibility to live on campus.

I N C LASS

Most classes will be graded based solely on one exam

at the end of the semester. Only in rare cases, there
will be coursework during the semester that will be
graded. Furthermore, there is usually no mandatory
attendance. Students sometimes choose classes that
they don’t attend, study at home and then write the
exam at the end of the semester. Class sizes might be
much bigger than in other countries. Depending on
your program you could sit in a big lecture hall with
several hundreds of students.

M AR K US R U T S TUD YI NG AT TU M 22
 06
COURSE
REGISTRATION
Find out which courses to
choose and how to register.

LET’ S GO OO !

M AR K US R U T S TUD YI NG AT TU M 23
 semester modules

WHICH 1
informatics, computing
architecture, discrete
structures,programming
COURSES TO 2
software engineering,
algorithms, functional

CHOOSE p r o g r a m m i n g , a l g e br a

d a t a ba s e s , o p e r a t i n g
3 system, IT security,
analysis
Typically there is a recommended
computer networks,
schedule for each program. You 4 theoretical computer
should be able to find it on the website s c i e n c e , p r o ba bi l i t y t h e o r y

of your program. numerical programming,

5 electives,
ba c h e l o r s i n t e r n s h i p
Of course, you don’t have to stick to it.
electives,
You could take more / fewer classes or 6 ba c h e l o r t h e s i s
completely different classes. However,
the schedule is designed in a way so
EXAM PL E O F F UL L P L AN
that you have foundations at the
beginning of your studies and
subsequent classes later on.

Most students stick to the

recommended schedule, so by sticking
Day Class & Time
to the recommended schedule you will
Monday
see your friends in every class and are Math (13:15 - 14:45)
all at the same stage.
Tuesday

full plan
Entrepreneurship &
On your program's website, you'll find a Business Ethics
course guide. This might be a (11:30 - 13:00)

recommendation for the current Math (16:45 - 18:15)

semester or a full plan for all semesters.
They can be tricky to locate. Check the Wednesday
Economics (8:00-9:30)
download area of your program's Entrepreneurship &
Business Ethics
website or ask fellow students for help. (13:15 - 14:45)
If it's your first semester, don't stress. Economics (15:00 - 16:30)

You'll likely get all the details at the

Thursday
kick-off event. Operations Research
(9:45 - 11:15)
Math (16:45 - 18:15)
To the right you can find examples of
how the schedules could look like. Friday
Operations Research

💡
(11:30-13:00)
If you don’t have a recommended Accounting (15:00 - 18:00)

schedule it makes sense to talk to

students in higher semesters to find
out which classes are interesting and EXAM PL E O F SE ME STE R P L A N
which get you a good grade.

M AR K US R U T S TUD YI NG AT TU M 24
 HOW TO
REGISTER
Once you are enrolled you can register for classes. There are two different
approaches.

Alternative 1: Study Tree

This takes a bit longer, but it will give you a better overview of the courses that
you can choose from.

1. Log into TUMonline

2. Click on “Study Status / Curriculum” (Studienstatus / Studienplan)
3. Click on the “+” icons to see more content
4. The orange plus resembles a course, click on the plus to get to the exam
and lecture registration. The green dot is the exam, the red triangle is the
lecture. Click on the green icon to register. Below you can see an example
of how it would look like.
5. You are now forwarded to the course registration. Finish the registration.

+ [ c ou r s e n u mb e r ] co ur s e nam e
- [ XYZ1 23 4 ] Mat h
- Mat h
exam participate
Mat h
- Mat h
course participate
Mat h

Alternative 2: Course search

This alternative is faster, but sometimes a bit trickier when courses have similar
names. So pay attention you choose the correct one.

1. Log into TUMonline

2. Click on “Courses” (Lehrveranstaltungen)
3. Type the course title in the search bar
4. Select your course and register for it.

Fi l t er by cou r se no . / co ur se t i t l e

M AR K US R U T S TUD YI NG AT TU M 25
 07
EXAMS AT TUM
Let’s explore how exams are at
TUM and how to prepare for
them.

LET’ S GO OO !

M AR K US R U T S TUD YI NG AT TU M 26
 EXAM TYPES
Exam types include written exams, oral
exams, and project-based assessments, but
the standard is the written exam. Especially
in big lectures you might have multiple
choice exams.

In some study programs, you’ll have so-

called “Grundlagen- und
Orientierungsprüfungen (GOPs)” which
test the suitability of candidates for the
degree program in the first two semesters.
They might have special regulations, e.g.
you’ll get exmatriculated if you fail a GOP
twice, so prioritize GOPs if you have one.

While sometimes there is graded

coursework, you will mostly have only one
exam at the end of the semester that will
make up the whole grade of this class.

EXAM CONTENT
Exams mostly combine calculating and
reproducing theoretical knowledge.

Calculation tasks are typically quite similar

to the exercises you did in class. So do them
several times and think about how the tasks
could be altered in the exam.

For theoretical knowledge it's good to know

everything, but if I'm short on time, I focus
on ideas that cover three or four topics first,
because they can be tested easily.

The best preparation is of course doing old

exams, but it can be tricky to find them.

M AR K US R U T S TUD YI NG AT TU M 27
 REPEATING AN
EXAM
If you fail an exam, don’t worry. You can
retake an exam as many times as you
want. The retake exam will take place
at the end of the next semester.

However, once you pass an exam you

cannot retake it. So it is not possible to
improve your grade, once you passed
the exam. This is the reason why it
might sometimes make sense to skip
an exam if you really want a good
grade. However, keep in mind that
you’ll have to study for the retake exam
along with the other classes you have
in the next semester, which increases
your workload

GRADING AND
ASSESSMENT
TUM follows the European Credit Transfer
System (ECTS) for grading, which is a
standard across European universities.
Grades are awarded on a scale from 1.0 (very
good) to 5.0 (fail). With a 4.0 you just about
pass, anything worse than that means
you’ve failed.

M AR K US R U T S TUD YI NG AT TU M 28
 FINDING OUT MORE ABOUT
THE EXAM
There are mainly three ways through Other students
which students can find out more Talk to everyone you know. Especially
about the specific exams. students that Students who are one
year above you might remember
Studydrive how the exam was like and maybe
This is an online platform where they can give you tips in regards to
students share and access self- the exam.
created study materials, such as
lecture notes and exam descriptions. Your student council
The third way and also the least
Sometimes you will find helpful promising is to contact the student
documents like “exam questions WS council. Sometimes they have some
2021/2022” or “Gedächtnisprotokoll advice or remember some questions
WS 2021/2022”. A that were asked or maybe they know
“Gedächtnisprotokoll” (literal someone who does know something.
translation: “memory protocol”) is
basically a document where students
gathered the questions that were
asked duringn an exam so that
students of the next generation have
better chances of getting a good
grade.

M AR K US R U T S TUD YI NG AT TU M 29
M AR K US R U T S TUD YI NG AT TU M

Let's Enjoy Life

STUDENT LIFE IN
MUNICH
THIS WILL COVER THE DISTRICTS OF MUNICH,
COST OF LIVING, AND ACTIVITIES IN MUNICH
 8
DISTRICTS IN
MUNICH
Find out in which district you
wanna live

LET’ S GO OO !

M AR K US R U T S TUD YI NG AT TU M 31
 ALTSTADT-
LEHEL
This historic center combines charm
and modern amenities. It's centrally
located with easy access to cultural
attractions and higher rental prices.

The Altstadt-Lehel district comprises

the old town with Marienplatz as its
center and the neo-Gothic New
Town Hall. The stores sell traditional
Bavarian costumes and exclusive
fashion, while the Viktualienmarkt
offers delicacies and specialties. The
famous Hofbräuhaus dates back to
the 16th century.

Highlights in the English Garden

include the Chinese Tower with its
beer garden, the Greek-style
Monopteros temple and the strong
current of the Eisbach with the
Eisbachwelle, a standing wave that is
popular with surfers.

M AR K US R U T S TUD YI NG AT TU M 32
 SCHWABING
Known for its bohemian vibe, art
scenes, and vibrant community. It
offers diverse housing options with
slightly higher rental rates. The area
is well-connected with good public
transport and is home of the English
Garden, one of the world’s largest
urban public parks. Students spend
their days here during the summer
taking a swim in the river, playing
volleyball and hosting student
parties.

MAXVORSTADT
Home to the universities, art
galleries, and historic architecture.
It's a culturally rich neighborhood
with higher rental prices.
Maxvorstadt is the university district
of Munich and offers small galleries
and important cultural sights,
including the 3 art museums of the
Pinakothek, where masterpieces
from past centuries can be seen. As
well as bookshops and independent
boutiques, it is home to student
pubs and trendy restaurants serving
everything from Chinese dumplings
to upmarket tapas. Summer
concerts are held on the leafy
Königsplatz and open air films are
shown.

M AR K US R U T S TUD YI NG AT TU M 33
 GLOCKENBACH
Trendy and vibrant, this area is
famous for its nightlife and diverse
community. It has a range of
housing options, usually at higher
prices due to high demand.
The affluent Glockenbach district is
considered the center of Munich's
gay scene. The trendy bars and
nightclubs are lively until the early
hours of the morning. Local
attractions include the gender traffic
lights with same-sex pedestrian
couples and the Staatstheater am
Gärtnerplatz. There are also
boutiques, galleries and an art
museum. The church of St.
Maximilian offers views of the Isar.

HAIDHAUSEN
Offers a charming and well-
connected environment with historic
architecture. It has a strong
community feel with average rental
prices for Munich.
Au-Haidhausen is a trendy district on
the Isar. There are beer gardens on
the banks of the river and popular
picnic spots in summer. The
extensive Deutsches Museum shows
exhibitions on the history of German
technology, while the Gasteig
cultural center from the 1980s offers
a varied program of theater and film
performances as well as classical
concerts. There are traditional pubs
as well as international restaurants,
stylish wine bars and rustic inns
serving Bavarian cuisine.

M AR K US R U T S TUD YI NG AT TU M 34
 NEUHAUSEN-
NYMPHENBURG
Features tranquil streets, green spaces,
and a mix of architectural styles. The area
is known for its Nymphenburg Palace
and Nymphenburg Palace Park quality of
life with slightly higher rental costs.
Among the sights in the elegant
Neuhausen-Nymphenburg district are
the baroque Nymphenburg Palace with
its adjacent park and botanical gardens.
The leafy streets are lined with elegant
buildings from the late 19th century, into
which family-friendly restaurants and
cozy bars have moved. The Hirschgarten
offers a huge beer garden. The nearby
1972 Olympic Park hosts sporting events
and rock concerts. BMW Welt showcases
old and modern cars and motorcycles.

SENDLING
A dynamic neighborhood with a mix of
urban convenience and community feel. It
has good transportation links and offers
various housing options, generally at more
affordable rates compared to central
Munich.
The residential district of Sendling is known
for the Hellabrunn Zoo with large
enclosures modeled on the animals'
habitats, as well as the extensive green
spaces along the riverbank. In winter, the
Flaucher facilities attract visitors with
opportunities for cross-country skiing. In
summer, the pebble beaches are ideal for a
picnic and a swim. Beer gardens such as
Zum Flaucher serve local beers and hearty
dishes such as grilled chicken and
sausages.

M AR K US R U T S TUD YI NG AT TU M 35
 MOOSACH
A tranquil, family-friendly area with a
suburban feel. It offers a variety of
housing options at more affordable rates
and is well-connected to the city center.
The quiet residential district of Moosach
is known for the Borstei, a housing estate
from the 1920s with gardens, public art
and a small museum. The origins of the
old parish church of St. Martin date back
to around the year 800. Concerts,
readings and exhibitions take place in the
17th century Pelkovenschlössl. There are
fashion and electronics stores in the
Olympia shopping center and the district
offers numerous rustic Bavarian inns.

BOGENHAUSEN
An upscale area with elegant streets and
green spaces. It tends to have higher rental
prices but offers a sophisticated living
environment near cultural attractions
Bogenhausen is an upscale neighborhood
with jewelers, designer boutiques and
exclusive grocery stores in the wide
Prinzregentenstraße. The neighborhood is
known for elegant 18th-century buildings
and also for the golden peace monument
near the Isar River, which depicts an angel
on a column. Works by the Bavarian artist
Franz von Stuck are exhibited in the Villa
Stuck, an art nouveau museum. Opera
performances and concerts take place in
the magnificent Prinzregententheater.

M AR K US R U T S TUD YI NG AT TU M 36
 PASING-
OBERMENZING
Known for its suburban atmosphere,
green spaces, and family-friendly
environment.
In the lively Pasing-Obermenzing district
there are Bavarian and international
restaurants, small boutiques and
neighborhood and neighborhood stores
around Munich-Pasing station as well as
fashion and lifestyle chains in the large
Pasing Arcaden shopping center. The
Pasing Fabrik is a cultural center in a
former industrial plant where art where
art, concerts and plays are presented
today. To the Blutenburg Castle, located
on the banks of the Würm and dating
back to the 15th century also includes a
sculpture garden. The quiet residential
streets are lined with lined with elegant
villas.
It is generally more on the affordable side
of rental rates.

LAIM
Although Laim has existed as a village
longer than Munich itself, it only
experienced its population growth with the
opening of the marshalling and goods yard
and the subsequent incorporation into
Munich.
It is a comfortable and well-connected
neighborhood with a variety of housing
options. It's more affordable compared to
central Munich and offers easy access to
parks and amenities

M AR K US R U T S TUD YI NG AT TU M 37
 HADERN
Offers a peaceful suburban experience with abundant green spaces. It has a
range of modern and traditional housing at generally more affordable
prices.

M AR K US R U T S TUD YI NG AT TU M 38
 9
COST OF LIVING
Soo how much does it cost to
live in Munich?

LET’ S GO OO !

M AR K US R U T S TUD YI NG AT TU M 39
 COST OF
LIVING
Of course the living cost depend a lot
on your lifestyle. If you regularly want
to eat out, go to bars, clubs, concerts
and splurge on experiences you will
obviously pay much more than
someone who lives very frugal and
forgoes these experiences.

ACCOMMO-
DATION
Nevertheless, even if you live frugally,
living in Munich is relatively
expensive compared to other
German cities. Especially when it
comes to rent. According to
“Süddeutsche Zeitung”, which is one
of the largest newspapers in
Germany, the average rent of a room
in a shared flat is 720 €. Student
dorms are more affordable, yet hard
to get in and have long waiting
times. Apply as early as you can and
you may have the chance to get a
room for 300 - 400 €.

M AR K US R U T S TUD YI NG AT TU M 40
 FOOD
Managing food and grocery expenses is an
essential part of a student's budget. On
average, students in Munich can expect to
spend around €150-€200 per month on
groceries. Shopping at discount supermarkets
like Aldi and Lidl can help keep these costs
lower, compared to the more expensive ones
like EDEKA or REWE.

Eating out in Munich can vary in price, with

meals at budget-friendly restaurants ranging
from €8 to €15. For a more economical option,
university canteens (Mensa) offer affordable
meals specifically priced for students. You can
expect to pay € 3 - € 6 at the Mensa.

💡 You can use the Mensas of other Universities

in Munich as well, as the student card is issued
by the same organization.

Balancing grocery shopping with occasional

dining out, and taking advantage of student
meal options at the university, can help
manage and reduce overall food expenses
while living and studying in Munich.

TRANSPORTATION
Germany recently introduced the
Deutschlandticket (”Germany Ticket”). In
Bavaria, you can buy this monthly for 29 €,
which will give you full access to all regional
public transportation within Germany. It’s
basically a flatrate - you can take as many
trains as you want as long as you have this
ticket.

M AR K US R U T S TUD YI NG AT TU M 41
 PHONE &
INTERNET
Staying connected is crucial for us
students, both for academic
purposes and for staying in touch
with family and friends.

Students can expect to spend

around €20 to €40 per month for a
mobile phone plan, which typically
includes a certain amount of data,
calls, and text messages. Prepaid
options can be more budget-friendly
and flexible for students (but let’s be
honest, we need that plan unless you
want to only catch up when you are
near a public wifi spot at the central
station or university).

For the internet, the cost usually

depends on the type of
accommodation. In student
dormitories, internet may be
included in the rent. In private
rentals, students might need to set
up their internet service, with
monthly costs ranging from €5 to
€40, depending on the speed,
amount and provider.

It's advisable to compare different

plans and providers to find the most
suitable and cost-effective option.
Taking advantage of student
discounts and promotional offers
can also help in reducing these
expenses.

M AR K US R U T S TUD YI NG AT TU M 42
 HEALTH
INSURANCE
As a student in Germany, it is
mandatory to have health insurance,
which covers medical, surgical, and
prescription drug expenses. The cost
of student health insurance in
Germany is around €110 per month.
This insurance ensures that students
have access to necessary healthcare
services without facing significant
financial burdens from medical
expenses. International students
must typically show proof of
adequate health insurance when
enrolling in a university or applying
for a residence permit.

SUMMARY
The monthly cost: at least 800 € if
you live in a dorm, or at least 1,100€ if
you live in a shared flat.
Accommodation
Warm rent in a shared flat
(”WG”): 600 - 900 €
Dormitories: 300 - 400 €
Food: at least 200 €
Transportation: 29 € per month
Health Insurance: about 110 €
telephone/Internet: 45 €
In addition: activities like sports,
museums, concerts, etc. depends
on your lifestyle

M AR K US R U T S TUD YI NG AT TU M 43
 10
ACTIVITIES IN
MUNICH
Find out what makes life so
special in Munich

LET’ S GO OO !

M AR K US R U T S TUD YI NG AT TU M 44
 ARTS AND
CULTURE
Pinakothek Museums: Dive into the world
of art at the Alte Pinakothek, Neue
Pinakothek, and Pinakothek der Moderne.
From old masters to contemporary art,
these museums are a haven for art
enthusiasts. These museums are not only
huge, but you can also get in there for 1 €
on every Sunday, which is amazing for
students.
Bavarian National Museum: Witness the
cultural history of Bavaria through an
extensive collection of art and artifacts.
From medieval times to more recent times
you will find regional sculptures and
handicraft.

GREEN SPACES
AND
OUTDOOR
English Garden: One of the world's largest
urban parks, it's perfect for picnics, jogging, or
just relaxing by the Eisbach river. You will find
many students here during the summer,
taking a dip in the cold Eisbach or playing
volleyball or spikeball.
Olympiapark: Built for the 1972 Olympics, this
park offers a variety of sports facilities and
hosts concerts and events. From the top of the
olympia hill you can listen to these concerts
for free while watching the sunset. The
olympiapark also offers a lot of sports events
where you can watch pro athletes compete.

M AR K US R U T S TUD YI NG AT TU M 45
 NIGHTLIFE
AND
SOCIALIZING
Glockenbachviertel: Explore this trendy
district for its lively bars, clubs, and cafes. It's
a hotspot for students to unwind and
socialize.
Werksviertel: Once known as the largest
party area in Europe, it offers an array of
clubs and bars to suit every taste.
Bahnwärter Thiel: This is one of the more
alternative parts of Munich. During the day
you can find second-hand shops,
handicrafts, cafes, and street food. During
the night the techno club opens where you
can party until sunrise.

EDUCATIONAL
OPPORTUNITIES
Deutsches Museum: The world's largest
museum of science and technology. You can
go there so many times seeing something
new every time. Students can buy a ticket for
one year for about 20 € and visit the museum
as many times as they want.
Guided City Tours: Join historical or thematic
city tours, often available at discounted rates
for students. I personally would recommend
one of the “free walking tours”, this kind of
tour is tip based, so you will simply pay in the
end what it was worth it to you.

M AR K US R U T S TUD YI NG AT TU M 46
 CULINARY
EXPERIENCES
Viktualienmarkt: Discover Munich's famous
food market. It's a great place to sample
local Bavarian specialties and international
cuisine.
Student-friendly Cafes & Restaurants:
Enjoy affordable meals and coffee in various
cafes and mensas around the universities.
Between the TUM and the LMU, there is the
student district where you can find many
affordable meal options and cute cafes.
Especially the Schellingstreet is known for
its student-friendly offers.

BEER GARDENS
These traditional Bavarian outdoor restaurants
are areas, where you’ll sit in the shade of big trees
on big tables that are typically shared with other
people. You’ll get served beer and traditional
Bavarian food. A special feature about this is that
as long as you buy some drinks you can bring
your food. The “Chinesischer Turm” in the
Englischer Garten and the “Hirschgarten” are
popular choices.

M AR K US R U T S TUD YI NG AT TU M 47
 SEASONAL
ACTIVITIES
Tollwood Festival: Celebrate culture and
arts in this summer and winter festival,
featuring international music, theater, and
environmental activities. This is a bit more
alternative and centered around arts. You
can find delicious food from different
countries as well as handicraft and artistic
shows.
Oktoberfest: You have probably heard of it.
The worlds-biggest beer festival, which is
held annually. It's not just about beer; enjoy
traditional Bavarian music, food, and
parades or go on one of the many rides.

Spring Festivals: Participate in Frühlingsfest,

Munich's spring festival, featuring beer tents,
fairground attractions, and Bavarian
traditions. It’s like the little sibling of
Octoberfest and it takes place at the same
place. However, it’s less crowded than
Octoberfest.
Christmas Markets: Experience the festive
spirit at Munich's Christmas markets, with
handmade crafts, warm Glühwein, and
traditional snacks. It’s a bit expensive, but
strolling around is free and its an experience
you don’t wanna miss when you’re here.

M AR K US R U T S TUD YI NG AT TU M 48
 FREE
ACTIVITIES
Attend Free Concerts at the University: The
Hochschule für Musik und Theater often
hosts free concerts and performances by
students, offering high-quality
entertainment.
Visit the Hofgarten: This Renaissance-style
court garden, located next to the Residenz,
is a peaceful spot for a break with beautiful
flower arrangements and a central pavilion.
Explore the Viktualienmarkt: While the
food might tempt you to spend, simply
exploring this bustling market, with its wide
variety of goods and lively atmosphere, is a
delight in itself.

Free Events and Festivals: Munich hosts

various free events and festivals throughout
the year, such as street festivals, open-air
cinema nights, and seasonal markets. One of
them being the “free and easy”, where you’ll
have two weeks of free concerts.
Visit the “Haus der Kunst”: The entrance to
this art museum next to the Englischer Garten
is free on every last Friday of the month
starting at 4 pm.

M AR K US R U T S TUD YI NG AT TU M 49
 THANK YOU
FOR READING!

M A RK US RUT

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