Nicholas – Vienna University of Economics and Business – Austria
Semester 2, 2022
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) / Bachelor of Science
Studying at Wirtschaftsuniversität (WU) in Vienna, Austria was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that allowed me to immerse myself in a new academic environment, explore a vibrant city, and make lifelong friends from all around the world. In this blog post, I want to share my experience studying at WU, living in Vienna, travelling from Austria around Central Europe, and a memorable ski trip organized by the university.
One of the most remarkable aspects of my exchange was the opportunity to meet people from all over the world. WU has a diverse student body with a large intake of exchange students, and through university organised events I was able to make friends with people from countries all around Europe, the Americas and some I had never even heard of before. Learning about their cultures and sharing my own was an enriching experience that taught me so much. We would often explore the city together, trying different types of food and visiting museums and galleries.
Vienna is a city that has so much to offer. It is full of history, culture, and art. The architecture is stunning, and walking through the streets feels like taking a step back in time. There are numerous parks and green spaces where you can relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery. One of my favourite things to do was to take a stroll along through the Prater a park next to the university that is twice as large as New York’s Central Park. The liveability of Vienna is also excellent. Public transport is reliable, and there are many affordable options for eating out and shopping.
One of the best things about being in Vienna was the ease of travel around Central Europe. Vienna is a transportation hub, and it is easy to reach many other cities in the region by train or bus. I was able to visit several neighbouring countries, including Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic, all within just a few hours. It was a great opportunity to travel with new friends experiencing different cultures and see some of Europe’s most famous landmarks, such as the Prague Castle and the Budapest Parliament.
At the end of my exchange, the university organized a ski trip to Zell am See in the Austrian Alps, which was an unforgettable experience. The trip was organized by the university’s Erasmus Buddy Network, which is a group of volunteers who help exchange students feel welcome and integrate into campus life. We spent four days skiing and snowboarding, taking in the stunning mountain scenery and enjoying the company of our new friends. In the evenings, we would dress up for thematic parties and enjoy the towns local bars.
Although there is a Vienna offers plenty in the form of culture, what you don’t expect is Vienna’s endless nightlife. There was never an excuse not to go out and there were many clubs in the city that catered to all tastes in music. The student bar Loco was a Wednesday Night staple which provided the karaoke classics. Praterdome located in the Prater amusement park was an instant favourite hosting international DJ’s attending monthly. One of the greatest nights out during my exchange was taking my new friends to Flex nightclub to listen to Australian artists Lime Cordiale. As we danced the night away, I could see the excitement and joy on my friends’ faces as they experienced something new and exciting. It was a fantastic cultural exchange, with my Australian roots and my friends’ diverse backgrounds coming together to create an unforgettably enjoyable night. This experience, along with many others, reminded me of the incredible value of studying abroad and the opportunities it presents for personal growth and cultural enrichment.
In conclusion, my exchange to WU in Vienna was an incredible experience that allowed me to grow academically, socially, and culturally. The university’s innovative design and approachable professors made the academic experience rewarding, while the city’s rich history, culture, and beauty made it a fantastic place to live. The ease of travel around Central Europe allowed me to explore many new places, and the ski trip organized by the university’s Erasmus Buddy Network was the perfect way to cap off my exchange. I feel lucky to have made such amazing friends and to have had the opportunity to experience all that Vienna has to offer.
Find out how you can apply for exchange via the QUT Student Exchange website.
