Lectures, seminars, and studying will definitely take up a large part of your time at FAU. But let’s be honest: studying without breaks is never a good idea. Your mind and body will thank you if you give them time to rest – and there’s plenty to discover beyond the lecture halls.
In this post, we’ve collected a few ideas and inspirations for how you can make the most of your free time in Erlangen, Nürnberg, and the surrounding region.
🍹 Nightlife in Erlangen & Nürnberg
Maybe most importantly for many students: yes, there is nightlife here!
- Bars: Both Erlangen and Nürnberg have a wide selection of bars, offering everything from German beer to Latin American cocktails. If you’re not sure where to start, don’t worry — our student organization runs a bar crawl at the beginning of each semester. It’s the perfect chance to discover the local bar culture and meet new people.
- Clubs: Erlangen has a few student favorites such as Zirkel, Paisley, and Loco.
Nürnberg, being a larger city, offers a lot more variety. Some of the most popular clubs include:- HINZxKUNZ
- Club #Schimanski
- RESI
- Die Bombe
- Nachtkind (Latino)
- Mach1
- Haus33 (Techno)
- Die Rakete
- WON ‐ World of Nightlife
- Das Unrat
- Club Fogon (Urban Latin Music)
Whether you’re into cocktails, chart hits, or techno beats, you’ll find a place that suits your taste.
🏃♂️ Sports & Fitness
Sports are a big part of student life in Germany — and there are plenty of options for you, too!
- University Sports (Hochschulsport): If you’re enrolled at FAU, check out Hochschulsport. They offer a wide range of activities — from football and volleyball to yoga and even lacrosse. Courses are very affordable compared to private clubs. Take a look at the website of FAU Hochschulsport.
⚠️ Registration usually opens on the first day of lectures and some courses fill up within minutes. Be quick if you’ve set your eyes on a popular class! - Sportvereine (Local Sports Clubs): If you couldn’t get into a university sports course or want to join a team in town, consider becoming a member of a local sports club. Memberships are often for at least a year and cost more than university sports, but you’ll usually get access to better facilities and the chance to compete in regional championships. Just do a search after the sport you are interested in on the internet or Google Maps to find out which clubs offer it.
And sports aren’t just limited to the university — you’ll also find clubs for other interests such as book clubs, chess, or cultural groups.
💡 Tip: At FAU, you can also join a Hochschulgruppe (student club) to connect with people who share your interests. You can find an overview here: FAU Student Groups
🚵♀️ Nature & Outdoor Activities
If you’re more into nature, you’re in the right region. Franconia offers great hiking, cycling, and mountain biking opportunities:
- Fränkische Schweiz ‐ north of Erlangen, famous for its hiking trails, climbing spots, and beautiful landscapes.
- Nürnberger Land ‐ east and south of Nürnberg, with scenic trails and outdoor adventures.
You’ll get to more remote areas faster with a car, but don’t worry — regional transport can take you to many amazing spots as well. For inspiration, check out VGN’s list of day trips and routes.