Mainz: Excellence served with a smile
Unpretentious and easygoing, the city of Mainz is known for the come-as-you-are attitude of its residents. Students contribute greatly to the overall look and feel of this Southern German town of 200,000, with newcomers from around the world arriving each semester. Some even end up liking it so much that they never leave.
Kaiserstrasse Mainz, photo: wikipedia
Mainz introduced
What's not to like about a city where once a year everything shuts down for a whole week for crazy carnival celebrations, only to pick right back up afterwards as if nothing has happened? We're talking, of course, about Fasching, when Mainz parties like there's no tomorrow.
All across Germany, Mainz is famous for the charm and self-effacing humour of its 200,000 residents. But humility aside, they do have things to brag about - if that were their style. After all, the state capital of Rhineland Palatinate is home to one of the oldest universities in the country and is a major hub for transportation and commerce, connected to the buzzing Rhine-Main region with Frankfurt's international money markets at its center.
Add to that the scenic beauty and culinary delights of the stretched-out Rhine valley region and you have a place that many folks - even over-worked Frankfurt bankers - love to call home. The same goes for students. Over 40,000 students are signed up at the city's higher educational facilities, adding their youthful energy to the city's reputed charms.
Overview of the universities
Johannes Gutenberg University
www.uni-mainz.de/eng/
Incorporated in 1477, Johannes Gutenberg University has a strong tradition in the arts, complemented by today's groundbreaking research activities in the sciences. More than 35,000 students from over 130 countries are currently enrolled at JGU, making it one of the largest universities in the country.
The expansive campus, gated by the old Forum courtyard, is almost a city in its own right. More than 2,200 academics teach and research in more than 150 institutes and faculties. The nearby university medical center enjoys a reputation for its achievements in immunological medicine, tumor medicine, neurosciences, preventive medicine and minimally invasive surgery.
Standout facilities on campus include the internationally-renowned Light Water Research Reactor (TRIGA) at the Institute of Nuclear Chemistry - the only research reactor at any German university. Meanwhile, the Institute of Nuclear Physics can claim an electron accelerator known as the Mainz Microtron (MAMI). After a period of major reforms, the university was awarded the title of "Best-Practice University" by the Center of Academic Development (CHE) in 2002.
Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research
www.mpip-mainz.mpg.de
Behind the mirrored facade of its state-of-the-art headquarters, more than 400 international scientists and technicians work at the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research. Recently, the institute made headlines by providing important analytical devices - including the Alpha Particle X-Ray Spectrometer - for the European and American research missions to Mars in 2004. The Nobel Prize for Chemistry in 1995 went to MPI's Professor Crutzen.
Mainz University of Applied Sciences
www.fh-mainz.de
Internationally connected and progressive, the Mainz University of Applied Sciences has its eyes set on world markets. And its shows - 450 of its 4,500 students are pulled from over 60 countries. They win awards, too. For three years in a row, the DAAD has awarded individual co-eds the title of Outstanding International Student in Civil Engineering and Media Design. The university also offers integrated study abroad programs with internationally compatible degrees (Bachelors and Masters).
What Mainz is like
Christopher Doelle is from the town of Fulda and initially had no plans to study in Mainz. But in 2001, the Central Board of Enrolment (ZVS) found him a spot at Johannes Gutenberg-University, where the 27-year-old is currently wrapping up his diploma in English and Geography. He never regretted the move. "Mainz is so charming, I just wanted to stay here."
So what is Mainz like for a student?
"It's really interesting. There are more than 40,000 students in town, so there's always something going on and you meet lots of people. And it's very unpretentious here, far from the snobby and arrogant scenes you find in other towns."
Sounds like a real student town?
"Totally. The students definitely shape the look and feel of the whole city. That's very visible during semester break, when lots of people leave for holidays or head home. Street life kind of slows down with them gone."
Would you recommend it to foreign students?
"Absolutely. The whole atmosphere on campus is very international and lots of students are here on exchange programs in all the different faculties."
Did Mainz meet your expectations?
"I didn't have any... I never planned to come here, but I have come to love it over the years."
As a non-native, how do you feel about Fasching (carnival)?
"My hometown has that tradition, but not nearly as intense as it is here. I think it's definitely an experience that everyone should go out and see for themselves at least once. It does get old, though."
What is an absolute must for every new arrival?
"Our soccer team is in the first division and their stadium is right around the corner from campus. Other than that, I'd define Mainz by the sum of many pleasant things, rather than a few select standouts."
My Favorite Spot:
Christopher says he loves to be near the Rhine River, either jogging or just taking a stroll. "It's pretty cool in the summer, tons of people come down here to read and enjoy the pleasant atmosphere. You see the ships pass by on the water and there are always planes in the air because of the nearby Frankfurt airport. That gives me a feeling of wanderlust and freedom."
Did you know?
Johannes Gutenberg's invention for the printing of books with moveable type - perfected in 1450 and successfully employed for his "Gutenberg Bible" in 1452 - was nothing short of revolutionary at the time.
"It was a bigger shift for mankind than the invention of computer technology," said media scientist Neil Postman during a guest lecture at JGU in the year 2000. "And it brought the Bible right into people's homes and took away the church's monopoly on books." Gutenberg's achievement also single-handedly put Mainz on the map as a hotbed for learning.
Things to check out
Experience Fasching
The carnival (or "fifth") season climaxes in mid-February with the pomp and ceremony of the Carnival Monday pageant, attended by some 300,000 spectators.
Take a cruise along the Rhine River
Sounds kitschy, but the scenery and folklore of the Rhine Valley are best experienced on a boat cruise. And you're in good company - international luminaries from scholars to American presidents have admired the legendary Loreley cliffs and the many castles that are now part of UNICEF World Heritage.
Go wine sampling
The endless vineyards all along the river are famous for their fine wines, especially the renowned Riesling. The secret? Lots of sunshine, a mild climate and some of the finest soil imaginable. Sign up for a wine sampling tour and see for yourself.
What's Happening?
Eisgrub Brewery
This micro-brewery in the heart of town combines traditionally brewed beers with solid German fare like Braten and Eisbein.
Eisgrub-Braeu, Weissliliengasse 1a.
http://www.eisgrub.de
Mexico Lindo
Any visitor will attest that good Mexican food is hard to come by anywhere in Germany. Mexico Lindo is one of the rare exceptions that gets it right. Why? The owner is a Mexican chef from San Antonio, Texas, who serves specialties like homemade carne guisada and Texas smoked barbecue.
Mexico Lindo, Adolf-Kolping-Straße 17.
D - 55116 Mainz
Star Club
This club offers one of the best views of the city. Opened in 2001 in a penthouse above the Cinestar cinema, Star Club offers high-end entertainment with a circular dance floor, cutting-edge sound system, lounge bar, and tunes from local and international DJs.
Star Club, Holzhofstr. 1
www.starclub-mainz.de
Useful links
Student Housing
The municipal student housing administration is your go-to spot for living in dorms on and around campus. It hardly gets any more inexpensive and sociable!
http://www.studentenwerk-mainz.de/Welcome_statisch_engl.html
Additional sites that help new arrivals find apartments to rent and share:
www.wg-gesucht.de
www.studenten-wg.de
Mainz Eins
The folks at Mainz Eins host parties and keep you up-to-date on happenings around town. Afterwards, you may find your photos in one of their online galleries! Their Studilounge has info on all aspects of student life.
http://mainz.eins.de
Campus Germany
Campus Germany, sponsored by the DAAD, offers tips on local customs and issues such as health insurance. http://www.campus-germany.de/
