Freimann Student Village

So, after receiving initial (and very limited) information on the Studentenwerk dorms in Munich on February 2nd including an estimated cost of up to 380 euros per month, I was asked if I'd be interested in the offer. In Champaign this price would be very typical, but after sifting through some apartment search results, I came to find that their were apartments for far cheaper. Now, mind you, this was 1.5 months before my departure to Germany, so considering I had received this offer so late after applying for student housing (and even told not to e-mail back asking for details, because they wouldn't have time to respond), I became slightly distressed. My e-mails to various apartment lessors were answered in 1 of 3 ways: 1. No response whatsoever. 2. Sorry, that room is already leased. 3. I'm glad that you responded to my e-mail. I hope we all can create a very friendly living environment and enjoy movie nights together and so forth. Oh, and by the way, I wouldn't mind if any of you use the sauna naked. I love saunas. (Translated from German; edited and shortened for entertainment's sake).

Needless to say, my apartment search produced limited results. Disheartened, I decided to reply back to the student housing offer as my backup. Luckily, I wouldn't be locked in by doing so, because after accepting the offer, the next step was to receive and sign the lease. That was a little worrisome though considering their track record for timely responses (which I still find a bit odd in light of German's stereotypical punctuality). I guess I'm just very used to getting prime treatment by our American universities, seeing as they act more like businesses, and we pay ridiculously frightening amounts of money for such service.

Well... last week I did receive the official offer, and this time they specified which building and the cost. And... the offer immediately won me over!! I was so happy and surprised. 270 euros a month (all utilities provided as part of this price) at the largest dorm facility in Germany, Freimann Student Village, a mere 5 km away from the Technical University of Munich (TUM). I then followed the link to this dorm's webpage and was even more excited to live there!

Above, there is an example of one of the rooms at this dorm, but they do list many different types of rooms and the offer said I wouldn't know exactly what room I'd be staying in until my arrival. It also mentioned my arrival would be April 2nd, which slightly conflicts with my actual arrival date of March 15th. But, my former host-sister and her parents have graciously (or as far as I know) said they would gladly take me back in for a couple weeks. I'm not sure how they are brave enough to do so...

Anyways, here are some insanely awesome highlights of this dorm. Much of Freimann is ran by the students themselves. They have a gym, sports club, sports hall, tennis courts, football pitches, and a sauna (I'm not sure if going naked is promoted here). Not only is it located adjacent to the ENGLISCHER GARTEN, but it also includes Munich's highest beer garden, student-run pubs, an art-cafe, shops that provide the essentials, various restaurants, and the highest cocktail bar in Munich (apparently they have a thing for elevation here). There are common rooms with TVs, party rooms, dark rooms, laundry rooms, tea rooms (many, many rooms), and there's a library. If all that isn't enough, they even have two discos!! I think I'll enjoy it there... just a little. If you read all this and are still content with how much you pay to live on any American campus, then you must have a lot of pocket change...

Englischer Garten (only a small section). And be cautious if you search for more pictures. You may notice some free spirits.

I can't wait to show you guys actual videos/pictures of all this! Only a few weeks left on the countdown.

Tschau!