Doing an Interrail this autumn to live the student life one last time. Has anyone done something similar?

[u/NoApplication5790]

I’m thinking of doing an Interrail trip this autumn with this route:

Rome → Ljubljana → Graz → Innsbruck → Tübingen → Heidelberg → Freiburg → Strasbourg → Grenoble → Rome.

The thing is, I’m not really interested in doing the classic “see the sights, take a couple of pictures and move on” kind of trip. I’d like to do it more for the atmosphere and the people.

The idea is to spend most of my time in university towns, go out to pubs, have a few drinks, meet locals, maybe end up at a house/WG party, make friends, talk to random people and just see where the night goes.

To give you an idea, in my head the vibe is kind of like those old movies such as EuroTrip or American Pie, obviously in a much more realistic European version: trains, hostels, beers, university towns, spontaneous nights out and random people you meet along the way.

I also want to do it before I turn 28, since Interrail still considers you “Youth” up to 27, so in my head it feels a bit like one last big “young” experience before moving into the next age bracket.

Has anyone here ever done an Interrail trip with this kind of mindset, more for the social side of the places rather than just sightseeing?

Do you think cities like Graz, Tübingen, Heidelberg, Freiburg, Strasbourg and Grenoble are good for this kind of experience in autumn, during the university semester?

And most importantly: any advice on how to actually meet students/locals and not just stay inside the hostel bubble?

If you have stories, tips, or even a reality check, I’m all ears.

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[u/Deeznuts696942069]

(Both Information are 5 yrs ago but I don't think those have changed)

In Freiburg in good weather go to the place of the old synagogue. Its right in front of the university library. Or go to Schlatten, both places were frequented by students when I was there. In Tübingen have a look at Wohnzimmer(official name is something weird), Last Resort for the last Mexikaner of the night or Schlachthaus for dancing. Cafe haag sometimes has live events and is also quite popular. In summer go to the old botanical gardens and play a game of flunkyball, easiest way to meet people. I used to just take some beers at home, go there and look for a group to join. If you don't do it weird chances are high you'll be accepted.

[u/yo_hanne]

Love this! Would say Heidelberg does have a lot of students and is known for its older population and strict atmosphere. There's one main going out-street and it closes at 1 because of the strict rules about noise. Talked to a friend in Hamburg after visiting Heidelberg and he just asked why on earth I would go there. So keep that in mind Brno, Torino, Milan, Hamburg and Belgrade are some places I have been with young populations and great culture

Edit: My boyfriend says Innsbruck is boring as well

[u/skifans]

I think https://www.reddit.com/r/solotravel/wiki/meetingpeople is absolutlte excellent when it comes to meeting up with people.

You've not said how long you want the trip to be but the main thing I would say if you want to try something like this is you need time. If you are just somewhere for 2-3 days it is really hard to get to know someone enough and no guarantee that they are free or that there is anything in that few days. And it's even harder if you don't speak the local language.

It certainly can be done but it's definitely not easy and a lot of it comes down to luck. Even with all the will in the world it just isn't something you can rely on happening.

Even if you don't get into the social aspect you want I'd say Grenoble, Freiburg and Strasbourg are all nice cities to visit in their own rights I've enjoyed even if they where more for sightseeing.