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Beyond the classroom: Student life in Berlin

Find out everything you need to know about studying in Germany's vibrant capital city
Students alumni garden

As a full-time student at ESMT you can take advantage of our centrally-located campus in the heart of Berlin, exclusive events and student clubs—but you'll also have one of Europe's most celebrated cities at your fingertips, famed for its history, culture and nightlife.

Student group at Oberbaumbrücke

Living in Berlin as a student: At a glance

Berlin is the capital of Germany, the seat of its government and one of Europe's most important cities for entrepreneurship, innovation and tech-startups. But what is it like to study in Berlin?

For a better idea of what student life in Berlin is like, here are some key facts:

  • The largest city in the European Union by population, of its 3.85 million inhabitants, around 200,000 are students.
  • In the EIU's Global Liveability Index 2022 report, Berlin ranked as the 17th most liveable city in the world.
  • Compared to other capitals, Berlin's cost of living for students is low. We estimate average living costs – per month – to be:
    • Health insurance (required): approx. €120 (public) and €40 (private)
    • Rent: €400-800 (private room, known as a WG or Wohngemeinschaft) or €1,000+ (apartment)
    • Food: €200
    • Transport: €49 (with a Deutschland ticket)
  • As a highly international, cosmopolitan city it is not essential for students to learn German in order to live in Berlin. English is widely spoken.

Useful resources for student life in Berlin

Got a question about Berlin? You can probably find the answer on the official website of the city of Berlin.

Berlin is a big city! Find out more about its sprawling public transport networkBerliner Verkehrsbetriebe: BVG - Because we love you | BVG

Relocating to Berlin? We have in-depth information for your move here.

IamExpat offers a wealth of content aimed at foreigners living in Germany

 

ESMT building from outside
Our campus

For full-time students at ESMT, our campus situated on Museum Island, just a short walk from both Alexanderplatz and the Brandenburg Gate, provides a focal point for their student life in Berlin.

 

Housed in the former Staatsrat (State Council) Building of the East German government, today the campus offers state-of-the-art learning facilities, green space and plentiful places to build your network during events, careers fairs or skills seminars.

Explore our campus
Berlin by night
Moving to Berlin?

If you are joining ESMT from another country (or city) to study a full-time program, you are not only joining one of the top-ranked business schools in the world, but you will get a chance to live in one of the world's most vibrant, celebrated cities too.

 

To help you with your move, we've got everything you need to know beforehand.

Find out more
Students outside TV tower
Student support

While studying at ESMT, you can expect support from the community of students, academics, alumni and professionals that you'll be joining as you seek to achieve your personal and professional goals.

 

Find out more about the types of support we can offer.

Student support
Jörg Rocholl speaking at Berlin Global Dialogue
Exclusive events at ESMT

Beyond the core learning experience there are a diverse selection of exclusive events to get involved in at ESMT.

 

Expand your network, take part in discussions and pick up a wealth of new skills and experiences.

Exclusive events

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Berlin Global Dialogue

Students were presented with the unique opportunity to play a role in a new international forum that unites leaders from business and policy to find joint solutions for a global economy in transition.
- Exclusive events

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Digital Future Summit 2024

Dive into the world of digital transformation and innovation
Get your ticket
Student v Staff soccer tournament winners

Student clubs at ESMT

Whether you have an interest in expanding your network, developing entrepreneurial ideas with like-minded peers or joining the ESMT soccer club, there are plenty of ways to get involved during your studies.
Find out more about student clubs
- Photograph by Giulia Fagnano (MIM student)

Join a student club at ESMT

ESMT’s student clubs are a great way to get involved, expand your network and put new ideas and skills into practice. Each club at ESMT was formed by students’ a desire to create something new and productive for future ESMT students.

You are welcome to join and take part in initiatives regardless of your chosen degree program.

ESMT student clubs

Consulting Club

We are the ACI Consulting Club of ESMT Berlin, led and organized entirely by a group of consultancy-driven Master and MBA students.

Mission

Preparing fellow ESMT students for a high-impact career in the consulting industry.

Initiatives

The ESMT Consulting Clubs provides two key services to club members:

  1. Consulting projects

ACI Consulting Club members have exclusive access to consulting projects and apply theoretical knowledge in consultancy projects while providing solutions for real-life problems within companies.

  1. Networking and industry preparation

We provide monthly networking activities (e.g. interview preparation for consulting companies, case studies workshops, etc.) which will enable you to enlarge and develop your consulting mindset.

Contacts

Eva Sackenheim

eva-maria.sackenheim@esmt.education

Jette Anders

jette.anders@esmt.education

Vali Venture Club

Mission

The Vali Venture Club (previously known as Entrepreneurship Club) is a student-led initiative that aims to foster the entrepreneurial spirit and network of our ESMT community. The Vali Venture Club is a bridge between ESMT’s entrepreneurial hub Vali Berlin and the student community. The collaboration with Vali Berlin allows the club to leverage the talent, network, and resources of ESMT Berlin. The Vali Venture Club supports Vali Berlin’s start-ups on their exciting journey through student-led Venture Consulting. Furthermore, by offering Workshops, Events, and Collaborations with other external entrepreneurial clubs, students are invited to build their entrepreneurial network and skills

Goals

  • Network – grow the network within the entrepreneurial community. This network is available for members to connect and covers relevant contacts for different phases of a company’s lifecycle
  • Mentorship – All members of the Club act as mentors by openly sharing experiences and their network and offering help in business decisions
  • External events – Organize and initiate events at companies and startups for interested members
  • Internal Events – Communicate all internal events related to core interests of the Club organized through ESMT or the student body
  • Inspiration – Share relevant information and interesting articles on entrepreneurial topics

Some past projects

  • Developing an international rollout plan for a new product developed by a Berlin-based smartphone app technology provider
  • Conducting market research and create an internationalization strategy for a successful internet real estate portal based in Berlin
  • Recommending relevant solutions for foreign market entry to a German-based renewable energy management firm
  • Expanding a successful e-business startup into further European markets

Contacts

vvc@clubs.esmt.org

Extra Sports Club

Who we are

EXTRA Sports is the first student-led Sports Hub at ESMT Berlin. We aim to bring people together through sports, be it an interest or a hobby.

Mission

To connect and bring people together through the power of sports. Our goal is to be the Sports Hub at ESMT, a platform for students to include sports in their daily life. We provide the opportunity for everyone to get involved in Extra Sports’ clubs, regardless of ability or interest. Whether you want to experience something new or commit to your chosen sport, there are lots of opportunities to get involved.

Vision

1. We thrive through sports and physical activity. 

2. We are many clubs and one team. 

3. We believe in the power of balanced university life.

Initiatives

  • Events (e.g. Marathon, Football tournament, Padel Tournament)
  • Facilitate Self-organised clubs. Clubs are structured and recurring sports. (e.g. Running Club, Football Club)
  • Facilitate self-organised activities (”Let’s go bouldering or do squash”)
  • Speakers (e.g Sports Management, Sport companies representatives, Workshops)

Contacts

Alejandro Garcia

alejandro.garcia@mim.esmt.org

Rodrigo Hermann

rodrigo.hermann@mim.esmt.org

Links

Instagram

Linkedin

WhatsApp Group

 

Innovation & Technology Club

Mission

The student-led Innovation and Technology Club aims to explore, understand, and promote innovative solutions using cutting-edge technology to bring about the integration and adoption of emerging technologies across various business practices.

Initiatives

Collaboration, education, and hands on experiences through events with external speakers, regular internal research meetings, company visits and more.

International Affairs Club (IAC)

Description: We believe that future leaders need to be informed in-depth about international affairs in order to take responsible and reflected business decisions during their career. This club aims to educate students about current international affairs through excursions to political points of interest in Berlin as well as monthly discussion roundtables with experts.

Investment & Fintech Club

Mission

The ESMT Investment Club is a group of ESMT students who share a common interest in learning more about investment opportunities and applying their skills in practice.

Goals

The Investment Club aims to learn about the different investment types, the analysis of the investments and the criteria for decision-making. Primary goals of the organization are for members to be exposed to the Investment market, make a profit by following their investment strategy and sharing their knowledge.

Initiatives

  • Providing lessons about investment basics
  • Discussing investment portfolios and exploring various investment strategies
  • Assigning people into various portfolio teams, monitoring results
  • Understanding finance in the context of the world economy and international relations
  • Inviting speakers to discuss investment strategies on issues such as sustainable investments
  • Investing in the German Stock Market
  • Portfolio investment Workshops
  • Participation in Investment Competitions

Marketing Club

Vision

To bolster future-readiness for marketing enthusiasts and professionals at ESMT by creating a knowledge sharing ecosystem.

Mission

Our mission is to provide a platform to the ESMT community to gain relevant marketing information, tools and skills by engaging in various activities. To build an inclusive club that welcomes members from all backgrounds to share their ideas and experiences, network and boost creativity and innovation through marketing lens.

What we do 

  • Internal Communication: brainstorming sessions, breakfast meetings
  • Learning: workshops, talks with experts, company treks
  • Events: external event opportunities, tie-ups with other clubs
  • Social Media: knowledge sharing and engagement on online platforms

Women in Leadership Club

Mission and goals

We rally the ESMT Berlin community, men and women, by raising awareness on the need for more equal chances in the work environment, by empowering future female leaders to unlock their full potential and by building a strong and long-lasting community of allies.

Strategy

  • Awareness: Make the biggest number aware of the current situation, create a safe space for discussion, share relevant and impactful information to trigger self-reflection and action.
  • Empowerment: Equip future female leaders with resources and tools to help them unlock their potential and reach their professional goals.
  • Community: Build a sustainable and active community of women and allies.

Contact information:

 

Meraki Club

Who we are

Meraki Club is a student-based organization providing operational and strategic support to Meraki Smile School. We help ESMT students understand, learn, and implement the main functions of an NGO. Our mission is to help underprivileged children in Madagascar to gain access to quality education and healthcare.

What is Meraki Smile School?

Founded by fellow ESMT Alumni - Miriam Agüero, Meraki Smile School is no ordinary school. It is a non-profit school located in the slum of the capital city of Madagascar, Antananarivo. Meraki Smile School has developed a socio-educational project for vulnerable 6-year-old children focusing on three key areas: access to high-quality education, fighting against child labour and gender inequality, and access to healthcare and nutritional support. 

Meraki Smile School believes that education should be fun and aims for every student that comes to the school to leave every day with a bigger smile. Their mission is to break the cycle of poverty through quality education. In 2021, the school enrolled its first 30 children, 15 girls and 15 boys, and is now looking forward to welcoming 15 more in September 2023.

Initiatives

Meraki Club gives ESMT students the opportunity to work for an NGO in Madagascar, interact with a broader team beyond ESMT and create a real impact on people's lives. Once you become a member of the club, you have the choice to either work on short- or long-term projects in one of our teams or suggest your own idea. We provide projects in the fields of Finance & Strategy, Marketing, Partnership, HR, Operations and Education. Projects will be updated on a monthly basis, depending on the needs of the school in Madagascar. In addition, you can also organize fundraising activities at ESMT, promote Meraki across the city of Berlin or your own hometown and help spread awareness of the project.

Contacts

Simone Antonielli

simone.antonielli@mim.esmt.org 

Silvia Stimamiglio

silvia.stimamiglio@mim.esmt.org 

Linkedin

Follow us on Instagram

Net Impact Club

Net Impact is a global, non-profit organization consisting of over 100,000 members globally, with an aim to inspire and equip emerging leaders to build a more just a sustainable world.

ESMT is proud to host the first and only Net Impact chapter in Germany. We are dedicated to improving the world around us through our mission: “to drive sustainable business practices and social responsibility by leveraging technology and collaboration”.

The club is focused on delivering key initiatives that have a positive impact on society. Our current key initiative is creating the world’s first open-source carbon accounting system by co-organizing hackathons around the world with Yale OpenLab, among many other partners.

We support global campaigns and events that build leadership skills, establish networks, and help students make a lifelong impact. Our programs aim to inspire the community and develop socially responsible, next generation leaders.

Culture Club

The Culture Club is a vibrant community dedicated to celebrating the rich cultural diversity of ESMT Berlin. Our members are passionate about exploring the different fields of visual, performing and literary arts; and sharing their unique cultural heritage through a variety of engaging activities and events. 

Goal & Mission:

To embrace the diverse cultures which are represented on our campus, to create a safe environment for cultural and artistic expressions to flourish, and to strengthen the ESMT community through cultural events. 

Activities: 

Movie Nights 

• Visits to museums and exhibitions 

• Participation to cultural festivals and events 

• Photography Walks 

• Arts & Crafts Workshops 

• Jamming Sessions 

• Trivia Nights 

• We are always open to new proposals! 

Contacts

Culture@clubs.esmt.org

Football Club

 

Mission 

The ESMT Football Club consists of students from every ESMT program so all are welcome. The club play in the official Uni Liga Berlin (after achieving promotion last year) which means the club has a game every Saturday or Sunday. Training occurs weekly, but will be discussed after every game to find a time that works for all team members.

Initiatives 

Through our club activities we offer a great sports atmosphere where everyone can connect and have fun through a friendly game of football. Students will get to team up with other students from across all of ESMT's programs, so good networking as well as good fitness!

Contact 

You can contact us by emailing Sören Langhoff or Louis Desbonnet. ESMT students who wish to participate will be added to the official Football Club WhatsApp group.

 

 

Pride Impact Club

At Pride Impact, we are on a mission to tear down walls—whether they exist within us, between us, or between us and the world. We believe in creating a vibrant, diverse, and inclusive community for LGBTQIA+ students and allies at ESMT Berlin.

Through safe spaces, inspiring workshops, mentorship programs, and community-building events, we offer support, connection, and a platform to grow personally and professionally. Join us, grow with us, and help us shape a future where diversity is celebrated.

Contact

pride@clubs.esmt.org