Life in Mainz

Hey All!
My name is Julie. I am a 23 year old graduate from Ireland moving to Mainz to work as a Language Assistant for the year and was just wondering what is the general run down of things in Mainz!

I have previously lived in Berlin and loved it but somehow I think Mainz will be a little different. I have been looking up WG's but havent yet decided on a place I will be working near Hechtscheim so what would be a convenient area in which to live but is yet quite central to bars and cafe's. I dont want to live somewhere completely suburban and off the beaten track as I would like to be able to go to cafes and bars etc nearby. Is the Old town or New town the centrwe of activity or what? Sorry I appear to be such an idiot but I just don't know. I will be moving there on my own and would like to get to know people quickly so should i put up notices in supermarkets and the uni for atandem partners any other suggestions?

Also I will only be working approx 14hrs per week and will be looking for some other work any suggestions.

Kind Regards,
Julie

Hi Julie,

I lived in Mainz for several years and really enjoyed the place. Although it has a population of 190,000 it seems to have quite a small town feel to it. It has a couple of good festivals, but if you can get out to explore the surrounding villages, they also have some good local festivals. The wine is also cheap in and around Mainz.

It is also handy for Wiesbaden and Frankfurt should you feel like a change of scene.

The neustadt is a cheaper place to live and there are some good bars in this area, but most of the bars and restaurants are in the altstadt (which is a short walk away).

But if you are to be working in Hechtsheim, the altstadt would be a closer option for work, although Hechtsheim is linked to the altstadt via a tram line.

As far as employment is concerned, you could always try the Mainz Volkhochschule (http://www.vhs-mainz.de/), maybe they are looking for English teachers.

Best of luck.

Hello!

I have just moved to Mainz on a two year contract at the max planck institute
by the university. I have temporary living arrangements but need to look for
an apartment. I would also like to meet people and learn more about the area,
things to do, restaurants, etc. I will also be looking to get a bicycle so
suggestions of shops or resources for reasonably priced new or used touring
bikes would be appreciated.

If anyone has anymore insight to add to the one response to Julie posted
here it would be greatly appreciated. Also, Julie if you care to share
any information you have gained I would really appreciate that too!

Thanks for all of your time!

Janeen

hi!

I know of a nice, 2-room apartment available in mainz's lovely, leafy Oberstadt (near the Volkspark, Mainz Sued train station and the Altstadt).

Contact me for any further details. Good luck!

Sophie

Hello again all,

Two more questions about life in Mainz.

1. Can anyone recommend an electricity company and provide me with the basics of how to get an apartment connected?

2. Can anyone recommend an internet company and provide me with the basics of how to get an apartment connected?

Thank you in advance!

Janeen

Hello Mainzers!

Anyone interested in a get-together? Maybe the wine stand at the Satuday market for a quick Weinschorle?

1. Electricity: ask your landlord, mine sorted that out for me (company Entega)
2. I use O2, just call in at any telecoms shop and ask to be connected. Prepare to be kept waiting though - mine took about 5 weeks to get arranged.

Thanks cheshirecat!

As far as bicycles go in Mainz, the most reasonably priced place to buy a bicycle I have found is at UNI-BIKE on the university campus. They do repairs there as well, but it is only open 2 days a week. What I have been told the place to buy a bicycle is the Markets in Frankfurt on Saturday. I found a bicycle in the trash and fixed it up, I am very happy with it, but have prior knowledge about bicycle repair.

good luck.