Bielefeld: Still waters run deep
Keeping a low profile, the 326,000 citizens of Bielefeld prefer to enjoy their city’s rich cultural offerings and natural beauty in quiet content rather than making a big fuss about anything. Heaven forbid, someone might find out what the city on the edge of North Rhine-Westphalia has going for itself, and the tranquil days of relative obscurity would be numbered. Young Germany brings you the inside scoop on what keeps 25,000 students solidly attached to Bielefeld and a large contingent of interna-tional students coming back.
Bielefeld by night. Photo: Flickr (cc) Wilfried Wurch/mjo
Bielefeld introduced
First of all, Bielefeld is no Berlin or Paris. And putting on airs and raving about their city’s merits has never suited the citizens of the town on the eastern edge of North Rhine-Westphalia. On the contrary, the inhabitants of Bielefeld have so kept to themselves that Internet conspiracy buffs began to doubt whether the town existed at all (see: Did you know? The Bielefeld Conspiracy).
But Rest assured, the city of 325,846 citizens by the lush green hillsides of the Teutoburg Forest is very much real and actually has a lot more going on than might first appear to outside observers. After all, the majority of Germans have already had a sweet taste of Bielefeld at one point in their lives, since local food manufacturers Dr. Oetker have been the nation’s leading providers of baking powders and pudding mixes since 1891.
Other key industries include textiles – a tradition native to Bielefeld since the spinning guild days in the thirteenth century – as well as mechanized production of household products and bicycles. Major em-ployers are the Moeller Group, Seidensticker and the Duerkopp Adler Company. Across Germany, Bielefeld enjoys a reputation as home to the charitable services provider, the Bodelschwingh Society, whose 14,000 employees care for an annual total of 85,000 people nationwide.
To its over 25,000 students, the region offers refined infrastructure – about 75% of students rely on public transportation to get to class – as well as affordable cost of living, with dorm rooms starting at 126 euros. These basic amenities are complemented by a broad range of cultural activities from re-nowned art galleries to museums to regular theater events and concerts.
Add to that a surrounding green belt of 800 hectares of forest with 580 km of walking trails, as well as numerous parks and a botanical garden, and you will come to understand why the inhabitants of Biele-feld have stayed quiet about the beauty of their town through the years. It’s simple – they’d rather keep it to themselves, and who’s to blame them?
Overview of the universities
Bielefeld University
When Bielefeld University was founded in 1969, it was built on the idea of integrating all fields of knowledge and connecting all faculties. This concept manifests itself physically in the university’s main building, where all faculties branch off the 1,000-foot long “Grosse Halle” corridor. Keeping it all under one roof and synergizing resources has figured prominently on the agenda ever since, evident in cross-over courses such as molecular biotechnology, text technology, information technology in natu-ral science, and clinical linguistics.
With a census of 18,224, the university enjoys a national reputation for excellence in the arts, primarily in history and sociology, the latter faculty made famous by contemporary German sociologist Niklas Luhmann. The British and American studies department offers some of the best academic counseling in the country, with an average of only 0.3 doctoral promotional theses supervised per professor.
Bielefeld University’s integrative approach also extends to joint ventures with international partner institutions, such as the biology department’s competence network on “Genome Research on Bacteria Relevant for the Environment, Agriculture and Biotechnology,” which connects 18 partners at interna-tional universities, major research centers and private companies. The university’s Interdisciplinary Center of Women’s Studies (IFF) and the Center for Interdisciplinary Research (ZiF) also enjoy world-wide connections.
At any time, there are nearly 1,700 international students at Bielefeld U. New arrivals are assigned local counselors to help them settle in via the "Brothers and Sisters Program.". And before you get the impression that with all this research Bielefeld students are lethargic couch potatoes, think again. The university is an official Partner University of Elite Sports, and the sports department received high marks in the academic excellence ranking of German universities by the Center for Higher Education Development (CHE) and Die Zeit newspaper.
Address: Universitaetsstraße 25
33615 Bielefeld
Tel: +49 521 106-4301
www.uni-bielefeld.de
University of Applied Sciences (FH Bielefeld)
Created in 1971 with an emphasis on hands-on learning and seamless integration into the business world, the Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences currently counts 6,368 students at locations in Bielefeld and Minden. Major faculties include Design, Electronics, Mechanical Engineering, Social Sciences, Economics, Architecture and Civil Engineering, Nursing and Health Care Studies, Mathe-matics and Technology.
The school offers a total of 32 subjects and courses, characterized by a strong practical orientation in teaching and research. Standouts include Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) (Bachelor of Engineer-ing), the European Studies in Management (E.S.M.) degree course and the post-graduate Business Management for engineers course. The Nursing and Health Care Studies department enjoys a reputa-tion as one of the best faculties in the country, especially in rehabilitation technology.
Throughout the years, the university has emphasized practical applications for research and develop-ment efforts. This includes strong partnerships with local businesses and the numerous start-up companies launched by Bielefeld alumni. Standout collaborations include a consortium on bio gas energy together with the town municipality. To provide a formal framework for the exchange between the university and the business world, the university maintains its Institute for Research and Develop-ment Services (IFE).
The university maintains active partnerships with 80 eighty international colleges, and in broadening its international outlook, has developed a number of courses on a European level. At any time, the school hosts about 400 international students, many of which are drawn to Bielefeld by the university’s reputation for excellence in photography and design. Recently launched partnerships include Istanbul University and the University of Halmstad, Sweden.
In order to stay posted on the latest happenings around campus, just tune in to award-winning Hertz 87.9 CampusRadio for all your student needs, and some great tunes and programs as well.
Address: Kurt-Schumacher Straße 6, 33615 Bielefeld
Tel: +49 521 106-01
http://www.fh-bielefeld.de
What Bielefeld is like
The University of Bielefeld was Benjamin Heidtmann’s first choice. After wrapping up an apprentice-ship as an industrial clerk, the 28-year-old from nearby Bad Salzuflen started his M.A. in British and American Studies seven semesters ago, complemented by Economic Sciences as a subsidiary sub-ject.
So what is Bielefeld like for a student?
It’s great for studying the arts or Law. I definitely had no ambitions of leaving North Rhine-Westphalia. Bielefeld is a beautiful city and quite compact. There’s a lot going on for a town of this size. Bielefeld offers a lot of culture with numerous theatres, as well as the Kunsthalle (Gallery of Art) and museums. Plus, it’s a very green town right on the Teutoburger woods, which extend right through parts of the city. So it’s everything but gray and ugly.
Sounds like a real student town.
Definitely, in the old town around the Alte Markt square you’ll see lots of young people and students in the streets. The university is in a very central location, so you don’t need a bike like in the town of Muenster, for example. For everyone interested in night life, there’s a wide range of clubs and bars for all tastes. It really pays off to come here. Sometimes they call it “the biggest village in Germany” (laughs).
Would you recommend it to foreign students?
The university’s international center is good at conducting research and public affairs. International students are well taken care of with ERASMUS advisors and numerous tours offered to newcomers. So they won’t leave you hanging.
Did Bielefeld meet your expectations?
Sure, I’ve been treated really well so far. And most of all, the town is not super-hectic, but rather laid back. If you’re looking for something hyper-urban, you might want to consider a larger town. But Biele-feld is a really green town and people are very open. So if you like sports and nature, Bielefeld is a good place for you, especially in literature and linguistics.
My Favorite Spot:
Benjamin said he likes the unique mix of Bielefeld’s old town and numerous green spaces. “I like to be out in nature. There’s a beautiful outdoor zoo in nearby Olderdissen, the only one in Germany where local animal species roam free. At the same time, there are numerous bars at night. So I like being out in nature and also being able to meander around our charming old town at the same time.”
Did you know?
The Bielefeld Conspiracy
We all know that the Internet is home to all kinds of weird theories. But one of the oddest conspiracy tales so far involves the town of Bielefeld. According to the Bielefeld Conspiracy, the town in North Rhine-Westphalia doesn’t exist — it’s just a cover-up for a number of dark secrets. Allegedly, the supposed site of the town hides an underground passageway to the mysterious continent of Atlantis, while UFO-theories and rumors about Elvis Presley and Kurt Cobain abound.
Now, who would start such a ludicrous theory in the first place? As it turns out, the Bielefeld Conspiracy can be traced back to a group of students at the University of Kiel in Northern Germany, who became suspicious when they kept hearing about Bielefeld in the news, but had never met anyone who was born or raised there. Soon enough, their discussions about Bielefeld on Internet message boards – what if the famous soccer team is just a group of paid ac-tors? – snowballed into a cultural phenomenon in its own right. It’s all hogwash, but if you DO happen to spot Elvis on a visit, send us a photo, okay?
Things to check out
Hmmmm, vanilla pudding!
Anyone who’s been to a German supermarket knows about the German infatuation with dairy prod-ucts. For the mother of all vanilla puddings, look no further than Bielefeld’s very own Dr. Oetker.
www.oetker.com
Get medieval
Sparrenburg Castle outside of Bielefeld saw many a siege but was never conquered. The castle’s 37 metrer tower and the catacombs are open to the public year-round. And every July, Sparrenburg cas-tle grounds are the site of a festival full of medieval shenanigans. While it’s okay to dress in a knight’s costume and get rambunctious like in the olden days, remember that all tough talk will need to be backed up with your trusty sword.
Address: Am Sparrenberg 33602 Bielefeld
Go treasure hunting
Rare vinyl, antique dolls, delicate china – Bielefeld enjoys a reputation for its weekly flea market in the university campus parking garage, where amateur and professionals vendors offer choice bargains.
Reel around the fountain
The Mercury Fountain on the town’s Old Market Square, created by local artist Herbert Volwahsen in 1963 is the very heart of Bielefeld's historic center. This is a good starting point to gaze at the impres-sive old Patrician houses, including the Cruewell House that dates back to 1530 – or to go on a pub crawl in the old town’s numerous student bars.
Serious Art
You don’t need to go to New York to enjoy artwork by Picasso, Sonia and Robert Delaunay, Max Beckmann and Man Ray. The Kunsthalle Bielefeld’s permanent collection is on par with the best, also including members of the Bruecke and the Blaue Reiter collectives, as well as regular installations and exhibitions by contemporary artists from around the globe.
Address: Kunsthalle Bielefeld, Artur-Ladebeck-Strasse 5, 33602 Bielefeld. http://www.kunsthalle-bielefeld.de/
Animal House
The Olderdissen Animal Park right outside of town is home to over 450 animals on 11 hectares of originally preserved Teutoburg Forest grounds. Attractions include endangered species like the giant brown bears, as well as the eagle-owl and raven habitats. And yes, in a special enclosure you can feed and pet the animals all you want – just don’t complain about the smell.
Address: Dornberger Straße 151 33619 Bielefeld
What’s happening?
Peppers Bar und Restaurant
With all the studying you’re doing in Bielefeld, treat yourself to some fun with large plates of fajitas, jalapeno poppers and tacos. And did we mention the cocktail happy hour from 5 to 8PM?
Address: Niederwall 31-35, 33602 Bielefeld
www.peppers-bielefeld.de
New World Café
A popular haunt for students, the atmospheric “New World” has been a location of choice to just chat, or get over that feisty term paper with enough caffeine and good background music.
Address: Niedernstr. 29, 33602 Bielefeld
Argentina Steakhouse
When you’re far away from home, a good meal can work wonders to raise the spirits in a strange envi-ronment. With its specialty steaks served by a multi-lingual staff, Argentina Steakhouse will cure homesickness in a heartbeat.
Address: Niederwall 47-49, 33602 Bielefeld DE
N52°1.0797, E008°32.03478
www.argentina-steakhouse.de
Stereo Club
Do you ever find yourself in the mood to spend a night out on town but without putting up with hectic crowds and overbearing music? If so, then Stereo Club in Bielefeld, the town’s newest club featuring two dance floors and spacious lounge areas, might be just the place for you. Musical styles are as varied as the young and young-at-heart patrons, while comedy nights and concerts round off Stereo’s offering.
Address: Am Boulevard 1, 33613 Bielefeld
Wunderbar
Generations of students have spent their days in the pleasantly nostalgic interior of the Wunderbar, perfect for watching passersby through the giant windows over coffee, or meeting for an evening beer or weekend breakfast.
Address: Arndtstr. 21, 33615 Bielefeld
JZ Kamp Concert Venue
Great rock bands need a great rock venue. For just the right kind of sound and feel during live con-certs, look no further than JZ Kamp, Bielefeld’s prime location for touring rock bands from around the globe. Past standouts include rockers such as Built to Spill, Fugazi, the Hellacopters and Modest Mouse. Plus, they also invite hip-hop acts and bands on the “softer” side of the rock spectrum, including Death Cab for Cutie.
Address: Niedermuehlenkamp 43, 33604 Bielefeld
www.jz-kamp.de
Useful links
Bielefeld University Official Homepage
http://www.uni-bielefeld.de
Bielefeld Tourist Information Center
http://www.bielefeld.de/en/ti1/
Additional sites that help new arrivals find apartments to rent and share:
www.wg-gesucht.de
www.studenten-wg.de
Photo 1: Flickr (cc) Wilfried Wurch. User: mjo
Photo 2: Flickr (cc) Besim Mazhiqi. User: besimo
Photo 4: Flickr (cc) Arnold Niebuhr. User: marvinjonataylor
