Partner University of the Month (January 2021)

So let yourself be further inspired and follow us!

We start the year 2021 with the University of Ljubljana in the Slovenian capital.

Main building of the University of Ljubljana (Image: Petar Milošević)

What Hennes the goat is to the residents of Cologne, the dragon is to the residents of Ljubljana. Well, the mascot of 1. FC Köln isn't present on the coat of arms of Cologne. The dragon, however, has had a box seat on the coat of arms of Ljubljana since the Middle Ages and watches over the city from there. It stands for a combination of strength, courage and wisdom. Certainly an interesting mix to be discovered.

The first partner university of the month in 2021 is Univerza v Ljubljani, the University of Ljubljana. The public university in the Slovenian capital has been teaching at the highest level since 1919. Since then, numerous students have stepped through the gates of the beautiful main building in the old town, including prominent personalities such as former First Lady of the United States, Melania Trump or Janez Drnovšek, the former head of state of the Republic of Slovenia. Today, University of Ljubljana employs around 6,000 lecturers teaching some 40,000 students.

Students of TH Köln of the Faculty of Applied Social Sciences, the Faculty of Spatial Development and Infrastructure Systems, the Institute of Translation and Multilingual Communication and the Cologne Institute of Conservation Sciences have the opportunity to be among the more than 2,000 international students at UL. This is a unique opportunity as UL is among the top 3% universities in the world, but also because exchange students of TH Köln have always been impressed by the quality of teaching and the support they received at UL. Want some examples? Erasmus students are in good hands here thanks to a wide range of courses offered in English and intensive Slovenian language classes before the start of the semester. There are inexpensive double rooms in student dormitories specifically reserved for exchange students. Students should take advantage of this offer, as rent prices on the free market are not exactly cheap. Events and exchange meetings for all international students take place in regular intervals. Since 2012, UL even has its own art gallery.

Gastronomic pleasure on the banks of the Ljubljanica River, below the Ljubljana castle in the Slovenian capital. (Image: Aleš Kravos - gemeinfrei auf Wikimedia)

As a city that is heavily influenced by students, Ljubljana, the political, economic and cultural capital of Slovenia, offers something for everyone. The beautiful old town features numerous attractions for sightseeing, such as the historic Prešeren Square or the three Tromostovje bridges over the river Ljubljanica. The alternative cultural center Metelkova mesto is like home to anyone looking for culture off the beaten path. Metelkova mesto is an empty military complex that artists and activists have occupied and made their realm. With live concerts, DJ events, exhibitions, graffiti art and more, you can turn night into day here. In case you get hungry, don't hesitate to visit one of the many restaurants in Lubljana. In every restaurant, students have the right to a state-subsidized meal a day for less than € 5. Slovenia is the only European country with such a coupon system.

There is also a lot to experience outside of Ljubljana. We're not just talking about a trip to the mountain Šmarna Gora, ten kilometers outside of the city, even though the view of Ljubljana and into the Julian Alps towards Graz is breathtaking. Rather, Ljubljana is centrally located in Slovenia, making the coast, the mountains and the neighboring states easily reachable within a short amount of time. Second only to Finland and Sweden, Slovenia is one of countries with the largest forest in Europe and as such offers numerous opportunities for exploration enthusiasts.

Slovenia and Ljubljana are wonderful places for a semester abroad that you often don't think of immediately. However, open-minded and interested students are welcomed with open arms by the hospitable Slovenes. In Ljubljana, you'll learn how to train your dragon in no time.