What this interview is about:
Starting a degree in a new city means more than just lectures and exams – you’re embarking on a new chapter in your life! With its views of the castle, the banks of the Neckar and the narrow streets of the Old Town, Heidelberg offers a special backdrop for this. But what makes everyday student life here so unique? Students Cleo Singer and Amy León García share their experiences, favourite spots and personal moments.
You’ve both been studying in Heidelberg for quite some time now and have already been preparing for one or two exams. Which places would you particularly recommend for studying?
Cleo: When I want to concentrate on my studies, I actually often prefer Simon & Bearns in Bahnstadt to the traditional libraries. I enjoy the open view of the field, and it’s pleasantly quiet, especially during the week; the coffee is really good and you can easily get a few hours productive work done there. If I prefer to study in a library atmosphere, I choose the smaller specialist libraries in the Old Town; you can often find a seat there more quickly than in the well-known study spots.
Amy: My favourite places to study are definitely the SRH Library and the Friedrich in Heidelberg’s Old Town. I particularly like the SRH Library because it’s smaller and therefore much cosier than most other libraries. There’s a sofa area, small group rooms and, overall, a very pleasant atmosphere. That’s exactly why I can concentrate really well there and just feel at home. If I fancy a bit of a change now and then, I pop into the ‘Friedrich’. They’ve got lovely drinks, good food and great music. For me, it’s the perfect atmosphere for long study sessions.
What’s your favourite Heidelberg moment?
Cleo: One of my favourite moments was a summer evening on the Königstuhl. Spontaneously heading up there after a long day at uni, watching the sunset over Heidelberg and seeing the city lights come on. That was one of those special moments when I realised just how beautiful Heidelberg really is.
Amy: My favourite moments in Heidelberg definitely include the sunrises and sunsets. No matter what time of year it is – the atmosphere and the light are always something special. I also love going for brunch with friends in one of Heidelberg’s many lovely cafés. I particularly enjoy going to the Deer or the Nana. You can sit there for hours and soak up the atmosphere. When I just want to switch off, I love going for a walk along the Neckar. I particularly love the Neckarwiese in Wieblingen or a stroll through the old town, crossing the three bridges. For me, it’s the perfect way to clear my head and experience Heidelberg at its best.
What was the biggest surprise for you in Heidelberg?
Cleo: I wouldn’t have thought there were so many small neighbourhoods, each with its own unique character. At first, I spent almost all my time in the Old Town, but now I spend much more time in Neuenheim, the Weststadt or the Bahnstadt. Heidelberg feels much more relaxed and less touristy there.
Amy: The biggest surprise for me was actually SRH. Before I started studying, I had the preconception that only children of wealthy parents studied there and that many of them might be a bit stuck-up. But that hasn’t proved to be the case at all. Quite the opposite – I’ve found the people here to be incredibly open, helpful and warm. I was also surprised by how many people in Heidelberg get about by bike. Bicycles are simply part of the cityscape here and are the main mode of transport for many people. At the same time, Heidelberg is surrounded by an incredible amount of nature. Within a few minutes you’re in the woods and can go for a walk, a hike or simply enjoy the peace and quiet. I think it’s precisely this mix of a lively city and plenty of green spaces that makes Heidelberg so special.
Do you have any special tips for first-year students?
Cleo: Don’t just stick to the Old Town. Hop on a bike or a tram and explore Neuenheim, Wieblingen or Bahnstadt too. You’ll find plenty of places there that will quickly become your favourites as you settle into student life.
Amy: If I could give first-year students a few tips, I’d definitely recommend walking up the Himmelsleiter at least once. You can start from various points, but I always begin my walk at the castle because I find the surroundings there particularly beautiful. The view and the natural surroundings make every climb worthwhile.
Another tip is the ‘Himmelswiese’. It’s a cosy open-air garden restaurant with music, good food and drinks. There’s always a great atmosphere there and the crowd is a real mix. I think it’s one of the loveliest places to spend a summer’s evening in Heidelberg. Of course, you should definitely go to the student union parties. It’s a really easy way to meet lots of new people, make contacts quickly and fit in easily. Especially at the start of your studies, it’s a brilliant way to become part of the community.
Do you know of any hidden places to study?
Cleo: By the Neckar in Neuenheim: in the mornings, it’s surprisingly nice to read or go through flashcards there whilst looking out over the water. It’s also a great spot for a picnic and for quizzing each other on what we’ve learnt!
What would you have liked to have known beforehand?
Amy: One thing I wish I’d known before I started my degree: in Heidelberg, a car is practically unnecessary. Thanks to the short distances and good transport links, you can easily get anywhere on foot, by bike or by public transport. Not only does this save time and money, but it also makes life here much more relaxed.
Where do you go to unwind after uni?
Cleo: On the Königstuhl! It’s my absolute favourite spot for watching the sunset or when I just want to clear my head. Or on the banks of the Neckar in Neuenheim: it’s a bit quieter there than on the Neckarwiesen and perfect for a stroll after uni. On warm summer evenings, there’s a really relaxed atmosphere on Neuenheim’s market square. And there are great bars and restaurants, such as Bar Centrale or Bairro.
Amy: When I need a break, I’m usually drawn to the countryside. I particularly love being in the Heidelberg City Forest or at the Königsstuhl. I go for a walk there, clear my head and recharge my batteries. In the summer, I also enjoy spending time at the ‘Airfield’. I meet up with friends there, have a bite to eat or a drink, and soak up the relaxed atmosphere. For me, these are the perfect places to get away from the daily grind of university life.
I think it’s precisely this blend of a vibrant city and plenty of green spaces that makes Heidelberg so special.
Do you have any other recommendations for somewhere to eat well?
Cleo: Oh yes! My top recommendation for great ice cream and coffee is OK Kool in Wieblingen. It’s not far from the SRH and perfect for a relaxing lunch break when the weather’s warm. Or Schulzi (Neuenheim) – an Italian restaurant with reasonable prices and an atmosphere that makes you want to stay a while. Or Fresko (city centre): a lovely café with a great selection of pastries and coffee. And finally, two more tips: Suedseite (Wieblingen). You sit with a direct view of the Neckar, and the cinnamon buns are the best! And the Friedrich (city centre): my favourite bar, with a great atmosphere and brilliant drinks. The canteens are, of course, always a good option too – especially if you’re after something quick and cheap.
Amy: If you want to eat well in Heidelberg without breaking the bank, I can recommend Hakims in Rohrbach. They serve delicious BBQ dishes, generous portions and fair prices – perfect when you’re really peckish after a long day at uni. Another favourite of mine is Mahmoud’s. You can find this Arabic restaurant at several locations in Heidelberg, including the Old Town and Bergheim. They serve fresh, tasty dishes at student-friendly prices. I can really recommend Mahmoud’s, especially for a quick lunch or a relaxed dinner.
In your opinion, what’s a must-do in Heidelberg?
Cleo: For me, it’s quite clear: watching the sunset from the Königstuhl is a unique experience, as is spending a summer evening around the market square in Neuenheim and soaking up the relaxed atmosphere. I also love the little street festivals or after-work get-togethers in the different neighbourhoods – they’re often less well-known than the big events, but just as lovely. Another must-see is the enchanting Christmas market in Heidelberg and the fantastic nights out on Untere Straße.
Amy: If you’re studying in Heidelberg, there are a few events you really shouldn’t miss. My absolute highlight is the “Heidelberger Herbst”. The Old Town Festival takes place every year on the last weekend in September and lasts for two days. Throughout the Old Town, there are flea markets, delicious food, live music on various stages, attractions for children and a really great international atmosphere. I can also highly recommend the neighbourhood festivals, known as ‘Kerwen’. Whether in Handschuhsheim, Neuenheim, Kirchheim or Rohrbach – everywhere you’ll find music, good food, fairground rides and a varied programme for young and old alike. Each festival has its very own charm. Another highlight is the “Heidelberger Schloßbeleuchtung”. Heidelberg Castle is spectacularly lit up, followed by a grand fireworks display over the Neckar. It’s a special experience every time and, for me, one of the most beautiful events Heidelberg has to offer.
Thank you very much for talking to us!
