Claire – Vienna University Business Economics
Semester 2, 2023
Bachelor of Business
Establishing Roots.
My exchange took place at the Vienna University of Economics and Business (WU). Arriving in
September for the winter semester, I got to experience a dissipating summer and glimpse the snowy
city in December.
The WU incoming team handles exchange students and will be your saving grace as you settle into
Vienna. Turn to them for assistance with any questions related to living and studying. The other
organization to know is the EBN Team. They organized social events that led to me meeting my
closest friendship group. They planned an incredible ski trip, wine hike, and numerous European
excursions such as Krakow, Poland!
Above all, DEFINITELY take part in the WU cultural orientation program and the pre-semester
German language courses. All the other students do. It’ll help you find a clique and take you to the
most famous monuments around.
As for classes, expect to participate. For myself, presentations made up a large percentage of the
assignments. Classes tended to be concentrated between 20-30 students. You will be working in
teams with people from around the world. Therefore, anticipate the benefits of this…and hurdles.
Students connect using Whatsapp and luckily, the University uses the familiar Canvas platform for its
modules. At WU, lectures and tutorials are not separate, but combined in a single classroom-based
session (it’s a nice change, I promise).
In terms of living, OeAD is easily the most popular accommodation for exchange students. The
majority stay at Molkereistraße since it is right near WU campus. Otherwise, Tigergasse and Gasgasse
are ideal areas as well. The world-class public transport system speaks for itself. Thus, regarding
language, you will be completely fine on English. German is helpful, but not essential.
Flourishing in Vienna
In Vienna, you have the luxury to make your exchange exactly what you want because the city
supports it all. Its central location is perfect for accessing the rest of Europe. Flixbus and OBB trains
will become your best friends for affordable transportation. The city has a plethora of bars so that
you’d never need to repeat a spot. The Europeans love a good night out, so expect to see the sunrise
a couple times (yes…clubs only close at 6am). When it comes closer to Christmas, the city
transforms. Extravagant light ornaments and cozy Winter markets make Vienna terribly romantic.
You’ll be able to guzzle traditional mulled wine and decadent hot chocolates. This, of course, is in
addition to one of the biggest open-air ice rinks in the world.
For my foodies, Vienna has a café and restaurant scene that is the equivalent of cloud nine. The city
atmosphere is further shaped by grand architecture and hours can be spent wandering the city
gardens. There is even a butterfly house (Schmetterlinghaus) to explore. You’ll never be short of
activities and some things I did, and implore you to do are: picnicking at palaces, hiking in Salzburg,
night swimming in the Danube, classical and contemporary concerts, and wholesome
accommodation cook-ups!
Also, for my sake, please make sure to buy tickets to the WU ball at the Hofburg Imperial palace as
soon as they are released. This event is something unique to Vienna that could never be replicated
elsewhere, and they sell quickly!
Final Tips
To be successful, you need to dive into new things.
The context of studying abroad puts you with diverse people who share your motivations. You will be
rewarded for investing time and energy into the new people you meet. It’s a perfect condition for
personal growth and learning about culture.
My only warning—the exchange rate is not kind to our Aussie dollar. You are looking at 350 euro per
week if you’re out and about (and that is on top of rent). Save every dime you can before departure,
then spend it all aboard because it will be the most magical time of your life.
Wishing you the best of luck!
P.S shout out to ‘the Band’. I’ll have an Apfelsaft gespritzt with you lot anytime.
Find out how you can apply for exchange via the QUT Student Exchange website
