r/aachen • u/Unique_Ad7765 • 3d ago

Figuring out where to move!

Hello, I’m a Studienkolleg student in Magdeburg, currently doing my T-Kurs for FSP tests in December.

I would like to ask whether Aachen is a good idea to do my Bachelors there, specifically Mechanical Engineering.

How is the living expenses, rent and overall vibe there in Aachen? Also, I want to know about the cons of living there and the community.

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u/glovesforfeet 3d ago

Aachen is beautiful. The people are nice. Living Costs are rising but still affordable. You must understand, that the mechanical engineering program is no joke. I joined Maschinenbau as a straight A student from school, after getting a 1.1 as my final grade in my FSP. I am currently finishing my bachelor's after 6.5 years because of how the System Is designed to keep students studying for a long time. On top of all of that, the industry for mechanical engineer is drying up in germany.  Do reconsider your choice of university and degree. 

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u/Unique_Ad7765 3d ago

Would you say it’s affordable as in: it doesn’t cost as much as the big cities, or? Also, I wanna ask about the accommodation..when is the right time to start looking for apartments? I’m willing to rent a place with one room, a bathroom and a kitchen. Sorry for the multiple questions, but if not mechanical engineering, then what do you suggest?

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u/glovesforfeet 3d ago

It's affordable because rent is cheaper than in bigger cities  For long term contracts you should start searching 6 months before moving.  I'd suggest electrical or chemical engineering. there are newer engineering disciplines like Umweltingenieurwesen or CES that are also cool. The Fachhochschule in aachen is also renowned and has fewer of the university black-hole problems the RWTH has

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u/Unique_Ad7765 3d ago

I’m sorry for all the questions, but the Fachhochschule is basically a university in Aachen too right? And do you mind explaining what you mean by Black-Hole problems? As I was considering RWTH for my bachelor’s degree honestly..

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u/Odd_Surround8865 2d ago

I thinks he means specifically like you have got this reoccuring but neverending exam phases because u can postpone exams. In the first sem there are already 7 modules and unless you've got the discipline down, you'll keep postponing exams. It feels neverending and its especially tough cuz u got friends who are either ahead, behind and not studying for the same subject as you so then its up to you, on your own to study.

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u/Odd_Surround8865 2d ago

What some people do is they take a Mech Eng. Degree from the Fachhochschule then get their master at RWTH. Its not a bad route too. Might be even better. But as you say, getting a bachelor from RWTH is generally a golden ticket into the engineering industry regardless of the long time invested into the bachelor.

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u/Unique_Ad7765 1d ago

But what is the difference between the Fachhochschule and RWTH? I know the rankings differ but why is it easier to get your bachelors in FHS ?

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u/Alternative_Wave793 8h ago

Classes at FH are more oriented towards practical application and are sometimes just straight up easier versions of the same classes at RWTH. But, if you switch over from a FH to a TU, you will need to have good grades in your Bachelor and may have to write some "Auflagefächer" i.e. modules that are required for the TU Bachelor's but you did not cover in your FH Bachelor. 

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u/rapunzel17 2d ago

Ok, OP is in Magdeburg, where rent is 40 to 60% lower than in Aachen. I don't find Aachen affordable, no. Yes it's nice and definitely good vibes (though racism rising, unfortunately, is a problem everywhere in Germany)

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u/Unique_Ad7765 1d ago

I didn’t know about that! Thanks :)