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10 Things to Know Before Studying in Austria

Are you planning to pursue a degree in Austria? Well, you are in for a treat. Austria offers several opportunities for international studies. But, before you can move ahead to plan your studies in Austria, there are a few important things that you should give serious thought to. 

In this blog, we will check out the top 10 things to know before studying in Austria. 

The top 10 things you should know before studying in Austria

Well, let us go through a few important things you should be aware of about the things to know before studying in Austria. 

1. Affordability for the students 

Austria is one of the cheapest countries in Europe for education. Many of the Austrian universities do not charge tuition fees for degree programs. You need to pay minimal student union fees a year. 

Of course, you may still need to work to cover your expenses of study material and stay. However, the pressure of earning is not as severe as in the UK and other countries in Europe.  Food, transport, and daily expenses are also significantly cheaper than in the UK or other Western European countries.

2. It is very easy to make friends in Austria 

Making friends in Austria is quite straightforward. There are several Facebook groups and organised events that connect students from different parts of the world. You should find it really easy to find the students from your community through these initiatives. 

The social fabric of Austria focuses on having quality time with friends rather than binge drinking or other similar activities. The student community is really helpful in helping new students settle down. 

3. You need to learn German

Many universities in Austria offer programs in English. But, for your daily life, it is essential to learn German. Many programs may need you to take a course in German. You can start with a few German phrases for survival, and you should be able to pick up proper German going forward. 

Austrians are generally patient with language learners, and your effort to communicate in German will be genuinely appreciated by locals.

4. Supermarkets work differently here 

You will not find the supermarkets in Austria working in the similar way that you would in other countries. Most of these supermarkets are focused on food and not on the massive one-stop shops that you would find elsewhere. 

The bread and mayonnaise are a few things that Austrians feel proud about. If you're looking for specialty or international foods, explore local markets and specialist shops. It's actually a fun part of the cultural experience once you get used to it.

5. The entire country is multicultural and cosmopolitan

You may find some regions in Austria to be conservative in nature. However, for the most part, Austria is multicultural and cosmopolitan. The major cities like Vienna and Salzburg are incredibly multicultural and liberal.  Many of these cities are filled with international students from almost every part of the world. 

Even smaller cities like Innsbruck maintain a strong international student presence, ensuring you won't feel isolated or out of place.

6. Entire Europe is within your reach

When you are studying in Austria, all of Europe is within your reach. The rest of Europe. Prague, Budapest, Munich, and Venice are all just a train ride away. Switzerland, Italy, and countless other countries are accessible for weekend trips or semester breaks.

The central European location of Austria makes it rather easy to get close to several countries from across Europe. This central European location makes Austria an ideal base for exploring the continent while pursuing your degree.

7. Sundays are completely closed 

Austria is an entirely Catholic country. That should mean you would find everything closed on Sundays. All the shops, offices, markets, and everything else are closed. You will only find petrol stations with basic amenities open on Sundays. 

You may find it a bit restrictive, as you might not be used to it. Plan accordingly and stock up on groceries and essentials on Saturday. Trust us, arriving on a Sunday without knowing this can be quite the culture shock!

8. You will experience the real weather 

Well, confused? What we meant by that is you can have access to real and a lot of snow when you are in Austria. If you are a student of the summer semester, you will have an exposure to real summer. 

This should give you an opportunity to do new things and even unique things at that. In winter, you can indulge in skiing, or in summer, escape to the alpine lakes for a refreshing experience. 

9. Plenty of vegetarian options available 

If you are a vegan or vegetarian, Austria offers you plenty of these food options. We agree that the traditional Austrian cuisine may not be the best one for the vegans, but still you can find better options available. 

There are several vegan restaurants to choose from in Vienna and also smaller cities like Salzburg and Innsbruck. You can even consider cooking at home—thanks to the supermarkets that sell every sort of vegan alternative. 

10. Austria is not Germany

Even though German is spoken widely in Austria, Austria is not Germany. It is a unique country with its own unique traditions, culture, and identity. Remember that Austrians will get annoyed if you tend to group them with Germany. 

 They value work-life balance, putting family and friends above relentless productivity.  Understanding and respecting this distinction will help you connect better with locals.

Get Expert Immigration Support with ImmiLaw Global

These 10 things to know before studying in Austria are just the beginning of your journey. However, there is a legal and administrative side to studying abroad. You need to partner with an expert for the purpose. 

ImmiLaw Global specializes in helping international students navigate the complexities of immigration law and bureaucracy. team of experienced professionals understands the Austrian education system and can guide you through every step of the process, from initial visa applications to residence permit extensions.

Visit ImmiLaw Global to learn how they can support your Austrian study adventure.

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