Student Life

  • Exploring Munich: A Student's Paradise
    Munich offers a wealth of experiences for students to discover both on and off campus. From thought-provoking exhibitions and vibrant festivals to trendy cultural clubs, there's never a dull moment. Cycling beside the serene waters of the Isar River and indulging in local delicacies at Viktualienmarkt are quintessential aspects of student life in Munich. The Englischer Garten, a sprawling public park in the heart of the city, is a beloved haven for locals and visitors alike, perfect for relaxation and recreation. For those seeking a quieter escape, the Pasinger Stadtpark offers picturesque surroundings, where you might even glimpse beavers along the streams. For a memorable day trip, Lake Starnberg, Germany's fifth-largest lake, beckons, along with the nearby Andechs Monastery, a magnificent Baroque church that boasts its own historic brewery. Cyclists will delight in the numerous scenic bike routes that wend through the countryside and lead back to the city. Additionally, if you're looking to connect with fellow students while exploring Munich and beyond, TutoRIA, a tutoring program organized by LMU's International Office, offers an array of events and cultural activities at unbeatable prices. This provides the perfect opportunity to make new friends and create unforgettable memories in Bavaria and throughout Germany.

  • Sports and Recreation: Your Gateway to Fitness and Fun
    For sports enthusiasts, the blend of the majestic Alps, serene Bavarian lakes, and historic Olympic venues offers an unrivaled array of activities. The Zentraler Hochschulsport (ZHS) is your one-stop shop for all things sports and recreation. With an impressive lineup of 90 different sports, there is something for everyone. Whether you're looking for indoor aerobics, rock climbing, skiing in the Alps, sailing on Lake Starnberg, or seeking to find your inner peace with yoga—all without breaking the bank—there's an option for every interest.

  • Cultural Immersion: Oktoberfest and Beyond
    Whether it's singing, producing music, or writing, there's a platform for every artistic inclination within the LMU community. The city's calendar is packed with festivities, providing countless chances to forge new friendships and create unforgettable memories. As the home to Germany's largest and most authentic beer gardens and breweries, Munich is world-renowned for hosting the Oktoberfest – the annual folk festival that draws millions of visitors from across the globe for nearly a month. The Oktoberfest began in 1810 as a celebration of the marriage between Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese and has since evolved into a global phenomenon. During the Oktoberfest and Frühlingsfest, you can experience vibrant Bavarian culture firsthand. Men often wear lederhosen, while women don dirndls. In the beer tents, you'll find long communal tables where strangers become friends. Music fills the air, with live bands playing traditional folk songs and popular tunes that get people dancing and singing along. It's worth noting that the brews served at the Oktoberfest and Frühlingsfest are not for the faint of heart. These beers pack a punch that can quickly transform even the most reserved into a jolly reveler. But be warned – indulging in too many of these potent pints can lead to a lighter wallet and a heavier head the next morning. After all, a liter of beer at the Oktoberfest can cost up to €15 – a small price to pay for the memories (or lack thereof) that you'll make during this extraordinary extravaganza. During this time, you can also explore Europe's biggest market, where you'll find an abundance of fresh fruit, vegetables, artisanal products, and quintessential Bavarian delights. Additionally, the Tollwood Festival is renowned for showcasing captivating theatrical productions from around the world. The festival also boasts an impressive lineup of concerts and over a hundred free performances, featuring both local and international stars spanning genres such as rock, jazz, pop, salsa, and beyond – there's something to suit every musical taste. But Tollwood is more than just music – visitors can meander through the "Market of Ideas," where hundreds of stalls offer an array of handicrafts and culinary delights from the far-flung corners of the world. In essence, LMU offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience to immerse oneself in a city where culture, friendship, and celebration harmoniously intersect.

  • Nightlife in Munich: Cafes, Clubs, and Beer Gardens
    Munich offers students a range of options for unwinding and socializing. The neighborhoods of Schwabing, Gärtnerplatz, and Glockenbachviertel are sprinkled with trendy cafes and bars that cater to various tastes and preferences. Popular clubs like Neuraum, P1, Pacha, Call me Drella, Milchbar, and many others foster lively atmospheres. Munich is also famous for its beer gardens, with Augustiner-Keller, Chinesischer Turm, Hirschgarten, and Hofbräuhaus being among the most iconic. These venues offer a traditional Bavarian open-air drinking experience among centuries-old chestnut trees. Irish pubs such as Kilians, Kennedy's, and The Shamrock offer a cozy, welcoming ambiance for those looking to enjoy a pint and catch up with friends.

  • Beyond Academics: Student Communities in Munich
    ukino (Instagram), tu film, TEDxTUM, and ESN MESA are some of the exciting initiatives that contribute to the vibrant student life in Munich. ukino and tu film are student-run cinemas at LMU and TUM that screen a diverse selection of films, including classic movies, documentaries, and international productions. On the other hand, TEDxTUM is an independently organized TED event that brings together inspiring speakers from various fields to share their ideas and experiences. These thought-provoking talks cover a wide range of topics, from science and technology to art and social issues. ESN MESA, a local section of the Erasmus Student Network, aims to support international students and promote cultural exchange. ESN MESA organizes a variety of events throughout the year, such as city tours, cultural nights, and social gatherings, fostering a sense of community and helping international students integrate into life in Munich.

  • Triple Live Summer: Munich's Exciting Student Festivals
    The Triple Live Summer is a vibrant fusion of Munich's most exciting student festivals: TUNIX/ GARNIX Open-Air, StuStaCulum, and the Uni-Sommerfest. StuStaCulum is held on the grounds of Studentenstadt Freimann, the largest student dormitory in Germany, showcasing around 100 music and theater performances across five stages. The Uni-Sommerfest, organized by the Student Union and UniKult e.V. since 1995, is Munich's largest student event and attracts approximately 5,000 attendees. The festival's main attraction is the grand open-air stage in the Eulenhof (Owl Yard), where attendees enjoy live performances by local bands. The event also features a diverse range of activities, including poetry slams, debates, improv theater shows, film screenings, and karaoke sessions. As the evening progresses, the festival transforms into a visual spectacle, showcasing the talents of various artists. For those looking to dance the night away, the Uni-Sommerfest offers an array of nightclubs, including a silent disco under the historic glass dome of the Lichthof. Munich's student life is lively and varied, ensuring you'll be making new friends in no time. Special thanks to Irwin Tay and Eric Muires for helping to flesh out this section!

Impressions

Oktoberfest (TripAdvisor)

Kochelsee (Marc Hohenleitner)

StuStaCulum 2023 (Konrad Brambach)

Olympia-Schwimmhalle (Stadtwerke München)

Uni-Sommerfest (Unikult)