Study in Greifswald

Who would have thought? Just a few years ago, being sent to Greifswald by the German Central Office for University Admissions ZVS was seen as a type of punishment by some students. There was even a saying: "Whoever comes to Greifswald, cries two times. The first time when they are sent there by the ZVS; the second time when they have to leave." This is still true for some students. However, the majority makes a conscious choice to study in Greifswald. The university is even the second choice in northeastern Germany, after Berlin, in the field of medical studies.

Small but strong

The University of Greifswald has a lot to offer, from English studies all the way to dentistry. All major faculties are represented here. The number of students has tripled since the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. In the 2009-2010 winter semester, there were some 12,000 students enrolled at Greifswald. Despite this rapid growth, Greifswald is still Germany's smallest comprehensive university. And its atmosphere is still one of familiarity. On average, there is one supervising professor for every 60 students.

A "we" feeling

This familiar atmosphere is not only due to the small classes and short distances in the city. The majority of Greifswald's students identifies strongly with the university and shows a lot of initiative. For example, the older students work as tutors for the first-semester students or look after foreign students and help with finding accommodation and organizing parties for newcomers. The initiation into student life is completed with a traditional enrollment celebration at the St. Nikolai cathedral.

University with tradition

Founded in 1456, the University of Greifswald is one of the oldest in Germany, and the old-fashioned atmosphere can still be felt here. Since the fall of the Berlin Wall, many historic buildings have been restored. For example, in the Maximum lecture hall, you can still sit on benches that date back several centuries. But of course not everything is old in Greifswald. The university clinic, for example, is one of the most modern clinics in Germany.

Author: Nadine Wojcik
Editor: Greg Wiser