Living your best student life in Berlin means balancing studying, socializing, and a very tight budget. Luckily, Berlin is one of the best cities to have fun for free (or very cheap). Here are some classic student-friendly meetup ideas.
1. The Späti & Park Combo
The quintessential Berlin student experience. Grab a 1€ Sterni from the local Späti (convenience store) and head to the nearest park. Tempelhofer Feld, Tiergarten, or the banks of the Landwehr Canal are all prime locations for this.
2. University Mensa Lunch
It might not be glamorous, but having lunch at a university cafeteria (Mensa) is incredibly cheap and a great way to meet. The cafeterias at HU, TU, and FU are open to all students and offer subsidized meals.
3. Free Museum Day
On the first Sunday of every month, dozens of museums in Berlin offer free admission. It's the perfect opportunity for a cultured, yet completely free, meetup. Check out Museumssonntag Berlin for the list of participating museums.
4. Go for a Swim in a Lake
On a hot day, a trip to one of Berlin's many lakes is a must. Schlachtensee and Krumme Lanke are easily reachable via the S-Bahn and are completely free. Pack some snacks and you have a perfect day trip.
5. A Stroll Through a Flea Market
You don't have to buy anything to enjoy the atmosphere of a great flea market. The ones at Mauerpark or Boxhagener Platz are fantastic for people-watching and soaking up the local vibe.
6. Ping Pong Battle
You'll find public stone ping pong tables in parks all over the city. Bring your own paddles and balls for a fun, active, and competitive meetup.