The Home4students Guide to Graz
Graz is one of Austria's most popular student cities - not only because of its six universities, but also thanks to its vibrant, youthful atmosphere. As the country's second-largest city, Graz charms visitors with its UNESCO-listed Old Town, striking modern architecutre such as the Kunsthaus, cozy cafés, and a wide range of cultural and leisure activities. And as THE ultimate student city, Graz naturally also boasts a thriving student district and numerous student pubs.
Have you just started a new degree or are you thinking about moving to Graz? In this guide, we'll give you a first taste of student life in Graz.
Student Cafés and Bars in Graz
Graz offers plenty of options for both partying and relaxing. Whether you want to dive into the nightlife after a long day at university or just enjoy a casual drink, there is something for everyone.
The Uni-Viertel in Graz
It goes without saying that, alongside your studies, you should also be able to enjoy your free time – a healthy work-life balance, in other words. In Graz’s Uni-Viertel, you don’t have to look far to find the right kind of diversion. The neighbourhood surrounding Karl-Franzens University in the Geidorf district is best known for its lively nightlife and student scene. Numerous bars, pubs and cafés line the streets here – making it easier than almost anywhere else to meet new people whilst studying.
But the Lend district has also established itself as a popular student hangout. The ‘alternative scene’, cosy cafés and proximity to the Kunsthaus are just some of the features of this neighbourhood that are particularly popular with students in Graz.
Hip student bars in Graz
If you haven’t already had your fill of pasta with pesto by the time you’ve been at uni for a while, you’ll be delighted by the many trendy and budget-friendly student spots in Graz.
Galliano is widely regarded (and undisputedly) as one of the best pizzerias in Graz. With a valid student ID, you’ll get a €1 discount on every pizza here. However, the special ‘build-your-own’ places are also particularly popular amongst students in Graz: various sizes at affordable prices, and – here’s the coolest bit – you get to ‘put them together’ yourself. Pineapple in a burger? Gummy bears on a pizza? Why not. There are nine of these in Graz, four of which are right in or near the university district: the Posaune at 34 Zinsendorfgasse, the Sägewerk Heinrich at 15 Heinrichstraße and the Bier Baron at 56 Heinrichstraße, as well as the Propeller at 17 Zinzendorfgasse. Cheers and bon appétit!
For breakfast or a coffee, we recommend the Tribeka, Café Fotter or Duck’s Coffee Shop – favourite spots for many Graz students. An insider tip is the Famoos, which is located near the university. Of course, there are also plenty of laid-back cafés in the provincial capital where you can study – we’ve already summarised our favourites for you in our blog post ‘Cosy study cafés in Graz’.
Student Bars and Clubs in Graz
In Graz’s student quarter, the Kottulinsky and the Revolution on Beethovenstraße are the number one party venues. If you’re into electronic music, the Postgarage or Club Wakuum are the places to be – local and international acts regularly perform here. A well-known spot for affordable drinks and a relaxed atmosphere is Brot & Spiele, which is particularly popular with students. Dizzy’s also attracts crowds with its happy hour between 5.00 pm and 8.00 pm.
The Lend district is also home to the popular nightclub PPC. If you’ve had your fill of clubbing here, you can always pop into the billiards bar Immervoll opposite. Of course, no list of Graz student venues would be complete without the Scherbe – including its legendary Scherbenkeller. Slightly less ‘mainstream’ but definitely a cult favourite: the Music House on Mondscheingasse, with live music and a hub for the local scene.
Places to Hang Out
Prefer the fresh air? In summer, student life in Graz tends to move outdoors anyway. That’s when students like to meet up in the Stadtpark or Augartenpark to relax together, play Flunkyball, hold Spikebal tournaments or enjoy an after-work drink. Socialising around the Ententeichkurve, trendy concerts and events at the Parkhouse, and the odd art performance are all part and parcel of life here during the warmer months. What’s more, if you take a stroll along the River Mur or past the Citypeach on balmy evenings, you’ll often be treated to (mostly free) open-air concerts – want to save money whilst studying? It’s all part of the deal in Graz.
Living in Graz: Your New Home
Starting student life also means finding a new place to call home. At Home4students, we offer two cozy student residences in Graz. Currently, we have one residence at Leechgasse and another at Neutorgasse. Our Leechgasse residence, renovated in 2017, is located right next to Karl-Franzens-University. It features a fitness room, a terrace, and a multipurpose room. The Neutorgasse residence offers a fitness room, party and study spaces, and is ideally located in the heart of the city.
Securing a spot in one of our Graz residences is simple and free - just register with us online. Our tip: sign up as early as possible! We recommend registering 6 - 12 months before your desired move-in date! Click here to register!
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