Study abroad in Graz
Housing, Erasmus groups, universities, costs and student life for exchange students in Graz.
Country
AustriaStudent Budget
EUR 800 – 1,200/month
Transport Card
Holding Graz Linien Sommer/Semesterticket — EUR 30/month student or use national Klimaticket Jugend.
Population
300,000 (Statistik Austria, 2024)
City Vibe
Austria's second-largest city and southern student capital: a UNESCO Renaissance old town, four major universities, lower rents than Vienna, and the warmest climate in Austria.
Who loves this city?
Students who want a beautiful, walkable, dense student city with strong engineering/tech opportunities and easy access to Slovenia, Italy, and the alpine lakes.
What makes it special
Graz combines Mediterranean weather, a UNESCO old town, four real research universities, and budget-friendly southern Austrian living. Less international glare than Vienna; tighter Erasmus community.
Newcomer shocks
- Smaller English-language administration than Vienna — basic German speeds many tasks.
- Steirisch dialect is strong; standard German is fully understood but locals may switch.
- Campus is split across the city — KFU is north, TU is east. Pick housing close to your faculty.
Before You Land
A few practical setup details students usually sort before arrival
Connectivity, insurance, and secure public WiFi are the boring things you only notice when you need them. Keep them on your checklist, but keep the guide itself front and centre.
Arrival Connectivity
Sort an eSIM before you land
Maps, ride apps, 2FA codes, and WhatsApp are usually the first things students need from the airport.
Coverage Check
Confirm your travel insurance
Even when the university gives guidance, students usually need to double-check what is covered before departure.
Public WiFi
Have a backup for shared networks
Campus halls, airports, and cafés are convenient, but many students prefer an extra privacy layer when they first arrive.
Weather & Packing
| Season | High / Low | Conditions | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 3°C / -3°C | Snow and frost | 8h daylight; alpine winter coat essential |
| February | 6°C / -2°C | Snow/sleet | Cold but sunny spells; Carnival season |
| March | 11°C / 2°C | Showers | Spring arrives on Schlossberg |
| April | 16°C / 6°C | Showers | Blooming Stadtpark; medium jacket |
| May | 21°C / 10°C | Some rain | Perfect; outdoor Schanigarten opens |
| June | 25°C / 13°C | Thunderstorms | Warm; Aufsteirern festival prep |
| July | 27°C / 15°C | Thunderstorms | Hot; Schlossberg hill offers cool breeze |
| August | 27°C / 15°C | Some storms | Warm; Styrian wine tasting season |
| September | 22°C / 11°C | Light rain | Aufsteirern October fest; golden autumn |
| October | 15°C / 6°C | Rain increases | Medium jacket; beautiful foliage |
| November | 8°C / 1°C | Cold rain | Winter approaches; thermal layers |
| December | 4°C / -2°C | Snow possible | Advent markets at Hauptplatz |
Mild winters (around 0°C). Trams reliable; bicycles usable nearly all year. Some inversion fog in winter.
Packing checklist
- Heavy winter coat Nov–Feb
- Thermal underlayers for alpine winter
- Layers for spring/autumn
- Sunscreen for summer
- Waterproof jacket for spring thunderstorms
Cost of Living
Cost of Living Index
69.4 / 100
Expensive · World avg ≈ 44
| Category | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rent Room | EUR 350 – 600/month | WG/shared room; close-to-campus rooms go first. |
| Student Hall | EUR 320 – 550/month | OeAD/home4students/STUWO-style halls; apply early. |
| Food Groceries | EUR 240 – 380/month | Cheaper than Vienna; mensa and discount supermarkets help. |
| Going Out | EUR 140 – 350/month | Student bars are manageable; club nights add up. |
Going out & dining
Supermarket basket
Source: Numbeo · Prices approximate, updated periodically.
Housing
Geidorf
Varies by street, room type, and season.Best for University of Graz, calm student streets, cafes, and walking/biking.
St. Leonhard
Varies by street, room type, and season.Good for TU Graz / KUG and quiet central living.
Lend
Varies by street, room type, and season.Creative, cheaper, bars/cafes, multicultural feel.
Jakomini
Varies by street, room type, and season.Practical transport hub and mixed student housing.
Where to search
Documents to prepare
Passport or national ID
Admission or exchange confirmation
Proof of funds or guarantor details if requested
Deposit funds and signed lease
Health insurance or local registration documents if required
Timing
Start with university housing as soon as the host opens applications.
Keep temporary accommodation for arrival if the private market is tight.
For one-semester stays, confirm minimum term and cancellation rules before signing.
Red flags
Confirm Anmeldung is possible at the address; it matters for Austrian registration.
Ask whether heating, electricity, internet, and Betriebskosten are included.
If renting privately, do not pay deposit before contract and landlord/provider identity are clear.
Safety
Safety Index
72.5 / 100
Generally safe
Crime Index
27.5 / 100
Low crime
Source: Numbeo · Lower crime = safer. Higher safety = safer.
Very safe. Notable for being one of the most relaxed mid-size European university cities at night.
Top risks
- Bike theft — use solid D-lock near university and tram stops
- Pickpocketing in the Hauptplatz area during market days and summer crowds
- Icy pavement accidents in winter (Nov–Feb)
Graz tram network is clean and safe. No specific night risk areas; maintain standard urban awareness after midnight.
Transport
🚌 City public transport
Graz students should compare housing by the route to campus, not only by neighbourhood name.
Use the student or youth fare noted in the city snapshot when eligible.
🚌 Regional and weekend travel
Useful for airport links, day trips, and commuting from cheaper areas when city-centre housing is tight.
Check local rail, bus, and university student-card discounts before booking.
Student Perks
Museums & Culture
?H student discounts
The Austrian Students Union is the first place to check student rights, insurance, and discounts.
VisitFood Savings
University of Graz explains the Top-Ticket for students and public transport basics. Fares & passes
Universities
University of Graz
Austria's second-oldest university (1585): 30,000 students, six faculties, six Nobel laureates, and one of the most welcoming Erasmus+ infrastructures in central Europe.
Social Life
What Students Usually Get Wrong
Student Associations
ESN Graz @ HTU Graz
Main exchange-student events, practical info, and arrival community.
University of Graz Welcome Center
Official local guidance for international students at Uni Graz.
?H University of Graz
Student union support, advice, and local student politics/services.
Meeting Places 3
Schlossberg / Hauptplatz
Easy central meetup and first-week orientation.
Lendplatz
Cafes, food, and social life away from the postcard core.
University quarter / Geidorf
Best for daytime student routine and casual coffees.
Public Groups 3
Erasmusu Graz community
Public Erasmus city hub for housing and experience posts.
WG-Gesucht Graz
Local shared-flat marketplace and rent reality check.
r/graz student searches
Useful for current local warnings about tickets, housing, and districts.
Forums & Advice 1
Erasmus+ Community
Official network for exchange students — forums, contacts, and city guides.
Top-Ticket student eligibility - r/graz
Current community caution: student-ticket eligibility can depend on exact student status.