Halle: Tradition and progress
"Cosmopolitan" may not be the first adjective that crosses your mind when you think of the city of Halle. But what about the first black professor in German history? Or one of the world's largest logistics hubs? On top of that, there are 1,500 foreign students currently enrolled at Martin Luther University. They have good reasons for choosing Halle as their educational environment: low cost of living, splendidly restored 19th century architecture and future-oriented research at one of the country's oldest universities are just some of them.
Halle and der Saale flickr (cc) Harald Henkel
Halle introduced
Despite its rich cultural heritage, the birthplace of Georg Friedrich Handel did not become the state capital, when Saxony-Anhalt was reestablished as a federal state. Magdeburg was victorious, much to the discomfort of the “Hallensers” — the inhabitants of Halle. Still, it remains the culture capital of the region. It has historical sites, museums, opera, theater, live bands and much more. And, in addition to cultural and educational opportunities, Halle has jobs.
With about 240,000 inhabitants, Halle, which sits on the banks of the river Saale, is the largest city in Saxony-Anhalt and the fourth-largest in the eastern states of Germany. First mentioned in 806 A.D., Halle can boast a perfectly preserved historical center, a university that is more than 500 years old and a multitude of research facilities.
With the EU's expansion towards the east, Halle, always well-connected in every respect, now finds itself at the center of the European economic area. It is located at the junction of two major Autobahns, A9 and A14; has intercity rail connections in every direction; and can even claim to be one of the world's largest logistics centers in the world. Starting this year, DHL is using Leipzig/Halle intercontinental airport as its European hub. By 2012, the location will have created 10,000 jobs.
In Halle, the mixture of tradition and progress is distinctly visible. Due to its 500-year history, the Martin Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg has developed alongside the city and many research institutions are housed in old villas or historical buildings. Modern, state-of-the-art facilities have been created over the years, and the run-down construction which once marred Halle's appearance have been swept away. Over the years, the university has spread across the city, creating a vibrant student life.
Overview of the universities
Martin Luther Universität of Halle-Wittenberg (MLU)
http://www.uni-Halle.de/
Martin Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg is developed from two universities. One was founded in Wittenberg in 1502, the other in Halle in 1694. Famous scholars such as Martin Luther and Philipp Melanchthon made it the intellectual epicenter of the Reformation. Today, about 18 000 students follow in their footsteps and enjoy studies in 190 courses throughout 18 faculties and departments.
The ratio of professors to students is favorable, resulting in enviable study conditions: no waiting lists for seminars or tutorials; no overcrowded lecture-halls; and most students complete their studies in due time.
At present, almost every tenth student at MLU comes from a foreign country. The growing number of international students — and researchers — reflects the university’s international orientation. Lectures and seminars are increasingly taught in English and students can even enroll in English-language degree programs.
MLU is a modern research institution providing a high degree of flexibility — both during studies and later in professional life. Research, teaching, science and education are interconnected, as many co-operations with non-university institutions, such as the Max-Planck-Institut or Frauenhofer-Institut, show. This is underpinned by the establishment of networks of excellence along the major fields of research. They connect research done at MLU with research done at non-university research institutes.
Burg Giebichenstein University of Art and Design Halle
http://www.burg-Halle.de/ or http://www.burg-Halle.de/english.html
This is the second-most important university in Halle — a respected institution of higher education since 1958. It's a modern school of arts and crafts, developed by architect Paul Thiersch in the “Werkstätten” tradition starting in 1915. Originally focused on the fine and applied arts, in 1958 the university expanded to include study, research and development of industrial design, interior design and environmental design.
What Halle is like
“I never considered the cost of living a good argument for choosing a university,” says Susen Naumann, a 31-year-old Halle native on her way to becoming a teacher for children with learning disabilities. While that may be the case for her, students from Munich, Hamburg of Frankfurt would grumble in envy if she were to describe her living situation to them: “I live in a very sweet two-room apartment right in the historical center of the city. It's very affordable, even with my student loan (BaFöG).”
The tenth-semester student enjoys the balance that MLU offers. “There are plenty of diverse courses of study to choose from, competent teachers and a very well-assorted library. At the same time, the general atmosphere is very personal. Everyone is open — you get to know people in no time.”
What are your favorite places in Halle?
“The historical center is really beautiful. I love it, and this is why I live there. My favorite café is the Rollercafé on the university ring, where I meet my friends, get ready for nightlife or simply relax. I also enjoy our canteen, the ‘Mensa am Harz’. This place is also frequented by non-students, which I like.”
Do you see Halle's nightlife as a distraction?
“For those who are looking for parties, there are more than enough every weekend. They are constantly changing locations and they cover every taste of music. I don't see Halle as a party metropolis, however, so don't compare it to Berlin or Hamburg. From that point of view, Halle is probably very good for those who prefer diligent studies.”
Is it easy to reach the different university buildings?
“The buildings of the faculties are scattered all over the city. But if you consider the size of Halle, that's not so bad. You can easily reach every location by bike or public transportation.”
Did you know?
The university's library is the largest in Saxony-Anhalt. It holds more than 4.6 million books and is annually used by 24,600 people. Throughout its 300-year history, it has collected numerous rare books. One of its branches is the Library of the Deutsche Morgenländische Gesellschaft (DMG), founded in 1845.
Halle can boast the country's first black professor, Anton Wilhelm Amo from Ghana, who was made a full professor of philosophy in 1736.The university can also pride itself with the first woman to ever obtain a doctorate in medicine at a German university. It was Dorothea Erxleben, and she received her degree in 1754.
Things to check out
The marketplace, Halle's largest square, has been a center of commerce since medieval times and is still used during the week for selling fresh fruits, vegetables and meat. The heart of the square is dominated by a statue of composer Georg Friedrich Handel, born in Halle in 1685.
Castle Giebichenstein is the oldest of the castles along the river Saale; it was a residence of the archbishops of Magdeburg beginning in 968. Apparently, Ludwig II jumped from one of the towers into the river, earning himself the nickname “Ludwig the Jumper.” The castle is now home to the University of Art and Design Halle.
Useful Links
Student Union Halle (Studentenwerk)
http://www.studentenwerk-Halle.de/
Halle's Studentenwerk page gives plenty of info about studying and living in the city. The page is in German.
Society for Aiding Foreign Students Abroad
http://www.has-Verein.uni-Halle.de/
A very useful service for students who find themselves in unexpected difficulties or become ill. The page is primarily in German. For a link to the English language site, click on the “international” icon.
Youth Hostel
http://www.jugendherberge.de/de/
Upon arrival — or as long as you don't have a permanent place to stay — you should opt for a cheap youth hostel. Keep in mind: It probably won’t be forever. This page opens in German, but if you click on the icon of the British flag, it will take you to the English language page.
Photo 1+4: flickr (cc) Harald Henkel
Photo 2: Uni Halle Press
