10 things I liked about Munich – and why the story doesn’t end yet

In my first blogpost, I tried to answer the question: “Why Munich?”. I wrote that I chose the destination because of its parks, its cultural venues, its safety, and the city’s chill rhythm of life. Four months later, I still agree but I have ten more points to add to the list.

I liked Munich for its convenient location. I took trips to Prague, Berlin, Salzburg, Regensburg, Nürnberg and, of course, Zurich. The nine-euro-ticket was an amazing option but also buses were quick and cheap!

I liked Munich for its people. Before my exchange, I was told that Munich locals were arrogant. But this stereotype has not been confirmed. They were mostly helpful, friendly and down-to-earth.

I liked the expansive options: so many restaurants and cafés, exhibitions, festivals, events. There was something going on at several venues every night of the week. I am so glad that I came after the Covid restrictions were lifted. The city was buzzing and alive.

I liked the spots to cool down during the heat wave. The Isar, Englischer Garten, shady terraces…

I liked my temporary home. My uncomplicated, supportive flatmate, the nice landlord. The neighbours, who always greeted me and anyone who walked past. The cute two restaurants next-door, where locals come together to celebrate special occasions or just to chat over pizza and beer.

I liked my room, which enabled me privacy and relaxation after adventures in the city. I felt safe.

I liked my courses, that I was flexible to structure my assignments and didn’t have that many contact hours. I met lovely people from Munich, the area and from all around the world in my seminars. My lecturers were engaging, open-minded and encouraging. I learnt a lot.

We produced a podcast, conducted an investigate research and wrote an article. Wrote blog posts, held presentations. I wrote two articles for the independent student paper Philtrat and participated in their workshops. I got practice in the field that I want to stay in and got constructive feedback that will help me with my future work.

I liked the excursions: the tour in the Media Lab Bayern (where we learnt that Munich is a media hotspot!), the printery of Süddeutsche Zeitung and the Maximilianeum, where the Bayerische Landtag is located. To visit the main quarter of the biggest oppositional party, Die Grünen, and to speak to their deputy.

I liked the beer – Augustiner Helles, Franziskaner Weissbier – and, of course, the huge, fresh Brezn that you can only get at beer gardens.

Finally, I liked meeting new people, making new friends, switching between languages. We cooked together, went out, explored and relaxed.

An Erasmus friend told me that he’s been counting the days until he’s able to go home. Since the beginning. For me it’s the other way round: I’ve been documenting each day since I arrived and I don’t want to miss a single day! I don’t want the story to end.

But I am sure that it doesn’t end yet: I have friends who will continue to live and study in Munich. Many of them will stay and work there. I have friends from abroad who are determined to come back for visits. We will have our reunions and revisit our favourite places. But for now, I will try to enjoy the remaining bit of my stay and make most of it!

It’s day 110 and I can answer confidently: “That’s why Munich!”