General Hacks
Welcome! Welcome! I’m very happy you are here with us! New semester is right around the corner! Many new challenges and excitements are waiting for you! :)
If this is your first semester in Bonn a series of short, but informative posts about shopping and international socialising will be very useful! I will introduce you to the places where you can buy everything you may need as a new resident, but also later on, for every day basis.
Shopping in Bonn
Tannenbusch by Klaudia İnanç
If you need something for breakfast or lunch, you can always find a shop somewhere near a place you currently stay. But if you plan a bigger shopping, then you should take a short ride to the Tannenbusch Center. When I’m there I can’t stop myself from buying my favourite olives with almond! Besides food you can find there good quality care products and anything you may need for home - from pillows, blankets to cleaning supplies! Don’t worry everything is student-friendly, or if you prefer, budget-friendly :)
African Market by Sonia Tesfaye Abebe
Bonn has many hidden gems and exploring the city's iconic landmarks, such as the Beethoven House, paying homage to the musical genius, and the captivating Poppelsdorf Palace has been so much fun.
The picturesque Rhine River that gracefully winds through the city presents an inviting backdrop for leisurely walks and moments of reflection. Bonn's charming Old Town, replete with cobblestone streets and quaint cafes, beckons with its historical allure. And, of course, the United Nations Campus is a unique site that embodies the city's international significance.
Beyond the enchanting tourist attractions, Bonn boasts several intriguing spots that add an extra layer of excitement to life here—these are the numerous international food markets and shops representing various nations. Being from Ethiopia, I found genuine delight in discovering the Afro Beauty House, a haven for cultural treasures from Ethiopia and Eritrea. This emporium allowed me to reconnect with elements of home through its array of aromatic spices and specialized hair products, evoking a sense of familiarity and comfort.
Moreover, along Wilhelmstraße, one encounters a multitude of African shops offering an array of multifaceted delights. From essentials like Cassava, Yams, and Plantains to specialty items like Native Rice and Coconut oil, these diverse offerings entice the senses and serve as reminders of home.
International Socialising
The International Club by Klaudia İnanç
Moving to another country is a life changer! Brings new opportunities, new friendships, but unfortunately it also brings difficulties… I know that first weeks are the hardest especially if you decided to come here on your own. How can you overcome this loneliness? There are many groups and associations based in Bonn (or Köln) which keep gathering people together! :) I would like to share with you one of the first ones I have joined once I came here.
WhatsApp Group
International Club, a WhatsApp group, where you get to know people and you are informed about amazing events! Moreover you can get a chance to buy some items for very affordable price!
If you would like to join to this group, please contact me: k.inanc@dependency.uni-bonn.de
The India Student Association of Bonn-Cologne by Prateeti Mukhopadhyay
The India Student Association of Bonn-Cologne provides support and help to Indian students who are currently living or about to start their semester in Bonn-Cologne. The group members are very friendly and you might bond with someone who speaks your mother tongue! The team actively organises events, from Diwali to Independence Day, Durga Puja to Christmas along with meet and greet sessions for the new comers, city tours and fun events like the Bollywood night and other cultural events. They also cater to student needs by organising the “student open house” with CGI (Consulate General of India, Frankfurt) to provide valuable guidance about career design and the European job market. Sign up for the WhatsApp and Facebook group to be a part of the community and do not hesitate to write to them if you’re in need: isa.bonncologne@gmail.com
This group happens to be my personal favourite because I got to know so many Indian students and an opportunity to engage in social events that made my initial snow-clad winter filled with happiness and warmth. International students like us will always long to delve into the comfort of communicating in their own language and organise and be part of events that would make you feel at home and hence ISBAC might be your go to option if you’re an Indian!
Sports & Exercise
Exercise options by Jin Luo
Doing some exercise is important for both physical and mental health^^ Here are several choices of doing and trying sports in Bonn:
Fitness Centers
If you are looking for a well-equipped gym, Xtrafit Bonn-Zentrum near Bonn Bahnhof would be one of the good choices, also Mcfit in Bornheimer Str.129, and Fitness First Bonn am Markt. They all have different days of free trial for every new visitor, hence you can experience it first. They all have special discounts every season. Don’t miss them before making your decision :)
Outdoor activities
If you prefer natural views, then hiking would be one good choice. Drachenfels in Königswinter has wonderful forest views, there is a splendid castle (Schloss Drachenburg) located in the mountain It is worth a visit if you are also interested in the European architecture.
Indoor activities
To have social group indoor activities, skating is a recreational activity that enhances everyone’s experience. Eishalle Troisdorf is an active place to visit, it also has encouraging dynamic music. You don’t need to know how to skate in advance to enjoy this exercise with your friends.
Soccer at Endenich football field by Enock Asamoah
To the guys and everyone who loves soccer, the Endenich football field in Bonn (Röckumstraße 58a) is the place recommended to be on Sundays. Some students as well as football fanatics converge at this venue to play soccer and have fun to release stress from the previous week's activities. This is the best place to be every Sunday evening as you will have the chance to meet and socialize with other students and people in Bonn.
Römerbad by Klaudia İnanç
Did you wake up on a day when the temperature reached 30 degrees and the sun was shining brightly? If so, you definitely need to get out of the house and head to one of the best swimming pools in Bonn – Römerbad. It’s a perfect place to spend a sunny day with friends! You can enjoy your time swimming or sunbathing on the grass :) If you love swimming as much as I do, you should book a whole day for this activity! Trust me, you won’t regret it. Your batteries will be instantly recharged. Take your favourite book, games and of course some snacks! It’s only €2,5 for students. Don’t forget to show your student ID.
If you live in one of the Römerlager dormitories, you have only 5 mins to get to this great place! You can find the address here: Römerbad, Eduard-Spoelgen-Straße 11, 53117 Bonn.