Mannheim: The City That Gave Me More Than I Expected

Hey! I’m Lovro Brletić from Croatia, and if there’s one thing I can say about my time in Mannheim, it’s this: I came for the exchange, but I left with a second home.

Mannheim isn’t your typical picture-perfect German city, but what it lacks in postcard aesthetics, it makes up for with its energy, people, and unforgettable experiences. Studying at the University of Mannheim meant walking through the halls of a literal baroque palace to attend lectures—probably the closest I’ll ever get to feeling like royalty while stressing over exams.

But let’s be honest, my time in Mannheim wasn’t just about academics. It was about wild Schneckenhof nights, spontaneous road trips, late-night deep talks by the Neckar, and finding a second family among people I never expected to meet. It was about sitting at EO Caffe Bar, sipping on a drink, and realizing that life in Mannheim just has a rhythm of its own.

And then there was the travel. Weekend trips that started as random ideas at 2 AM and somehow turned into epic adventures. From hopping on trains to different countries to exploring hidden gems in Germany itself, being based in Mannheim meant having Europe at my fingertips.

But the best part? The people. The ones who turned casual hangouts into lifelong friendships. The ones who made every random plan a memory worth keeping. The ones who reminded me that sometimes, the most unexpected places bring the best experiences.

And I can’t finish this without mentioning the staff at the University of Mannheim—the fastest, most hardworking crew I’ve ever seen. From answering emails at lightning speed to helping out whenever I needed support, they made everything smoother and deserve a massive shoutout. Danke für alles!

So, would I do it all over again? In a heartbeat. Mannheim, you were one hell of a ride.