The Steyr Experience

I fell in love with Austria. Even a year later, I often reflect on my international exchange experience. Looking back at my newsletters, I found that they were very focused on updates about my travels. I had very few photos of Steyr. One morning my friend mentioned that she would really like to see what Steyr looks like. And so, that is how this project was initiated.

I love Austria so much, that I had to come back! For my last month here, I decided to take the opportunity to show you what it is like to live in Steyr on a typical weekday and weekend.

Please click on the pictures for captions!

Going to Austria was one of the scariest moments in my life. It was my first time leaving North America. I am extremely grateful to the friends I made in Austria. They made my experience unforgettable! A year later those same friends helped me with this project when I came back to Austria. My project shows a typical week from the perspective of a student living in Steyr.

A typical week might start with busing to the university. Or, if you live close enough, then a short walk or a bike ride.

After arriving early to the university, you might have a few minutes to catch up with friends outside.

The schedule changes every week. You might find yourself attending classes Monday to Friday. Or, you might find yourself in a team meeting for a full school day to work on a case that was given to you the same morning and is due the next day. Don’t worry though, if you ever get thirsty during your meeting, you don’t need to go to the vending machine to buy water. Every single lecture hall and classroom is equipped with a sink where you can fill up your water bottle.

After your grueling team meeting, you might want to chill out with your friends in front of the university by the river.

After de-stressing with your friends, it is time to do some grocery shopping for the week. Better be prepared since all stores close on Sundays. On your way to your destination, you pass by a mother picking up her and her neighbor’s children from school. Don’t forget to give them a friendly “Hallo!”

On your way to city center, you may find yourself walking past a group of retirees sitting outside a local café.

Here, you reach the entrance into the city center. Just make sure you look left and right for bikes and cars since you share the same road.

You might be interested in buying some meat or cheese from the many food stands in the city square.

Or, head to the local grocery store to buy your groceries.

As you are walking past the produce aisle, you see that you can save €3.70 on Absolute Vodka. Hmm, to be considered.

Alright! Grocery shopping is done! Time to head home to your flat by the river.

If you don’t live in a flat then you might live in a house in a quiet residential area away from the city center, typical for families.

The weekends are usually time spent with family. One popular weekend activity is walking around the local park.

Or, bringing children to the local playground.

But for a typical student, you would be hanging out with your friends.

The weekend is also time to catch up on your exercise, after spending majority of your week indoors working. It is time for a bike ride or run!

Or, the weekend could be used as a getaway to your local mountain to reflect and mentally prepare for the start of a new work week.