Life in Bochum

In the heart of Bochum, at Husemannplatz or Husemann Square, a group of statues warns all passersby about what can happen to lazy students. It features professors turning away in shock from a student named Hieronymus Jobs, horrified at his inability to answer any of their questions. This student then ends up working as a night guard. The statues depict a story known as "Jobsiade," and are often shown to new students during city tours to make them realize what a lack of motivation can result in.

Lost in the "Bermuda Triangle"

The "Jobsiade" warning has its reasons. According to local rumors, some students spend more time in the so-called "Bermuda Triangle" than on the campus. This popular bar and restaurant area in the center of Bochum does indeed attract thousands of night revelers on a regular basis.

In the middle of this zone, there are various hot food stalls selling the famous Doenninghaus Currywurst, a sausage covered in a ketchup and curry-flavored sauce. It is allegedly the most famous type of Currywurst in the region. However, the locals prefer to walk a few streets further and indulge in a beer from the Fiege brewery, which is cheaper to buy there than elsewhere.

For a bit of partying, head to the clubs Riff and Zeche, or to the cultural center Bahnhof Langendreer, which is known for its alternative scene. In the summer, a large event called Extraschicht combines performances, concerts, theater and fireworks from 20 different cities in the Ruhr region, resulting in a whole night of fun and culture.

Abundant nature, modest prices

If you search for traces of Bochum's past, you will discover - apart from monuments related to its industrial culture - only a few old structures and historical treasures. On the whole, the city is dominated by unattractive buildings from the 1950s.

However, on second glance, Bochum does show some of its hidden charm. This once dirty and grey city has transformed itself into a livelier place, with many green oases. Better yet, the rent here is cheap and living costs in general are pretty low. With a NRW-Semesterticket, students can travel cheaply on local public transport throughout all of North Rhine-Westphalia.

A sporting soul

Admittedly, the soccer team VfL Bochum is not quite as successful as its local rivals Borussia Dortmund and Schalke 04. Nevertheless, home matches over here are an absolute must for fans, because the Ruhr region and soccer go hand in hand.

Other sports thrive here, too. Just outside the city is the Kemnader lake, where you can swim, sail, hike or just enjoy the nature. Bicycle lovers will appreciate the cycling paths Ruhrtal Radweg and Erzbahntrasse, and fans of climbing will love the Neoliet climbing center - the largest of its kind in the entire Ruhr region.

Author: Suzanne Cords
Editor: Greg Wiser