The University of Mainz

Other than the University of Memphis, the Campus in Mainz is quite old. The university was opened in 1477 and you can tell that buildings on campus arose historically. Therefore nothing really fits together- new houses were built arbitrarily next to old barracks. But nevertheless, it is one of the few campus- based universities in Germany. Another huge advantage: the University of Mainz doesn’t levy fees or tuitions to study there.

We have fewer green space on campus than Memphis does, but we have a botanical garden located on campus, The Arboretum contains greenhouses, an alpine garden and all different kinds of plants, trees and crops. Every student can take a walk through the garden and rest or study there.

One fact I really like about the University is the folksiness on campus. There are different cafeterias such as the “Kulturcafé” or the “ReWi” cafeteria that provide space to sit down with your friends and talk, study or just frolic in the sun for hours. Although to me the campus in Mainz is not nearly as beautiful than the one in Memphis, I think it is way more comfortable, homey and unhurried there.

Everybody enrolled can use the sports’ facilities and take sports’ classes on campus for free, you can sign up for aerobic, dance and fencing classes, self-defense courses and many, many more. The “mensa” provides snacks and drinks all day long and serves lunch for very reasonable prices. Although some of the same meals appear on the menu every once in a while, they are trying to provide four to six different kinds of lunch every day so that students won’t get bored eating there.