From Salzburg to Vienna: Switching Universities, Learning German, and Finding My First Job
I began my Austrian journey in Salzburg studying Data Science, applied later to the University of Vienna for Computer Science, moved cities, learned German under pressure, and hunted for my first job while trying to stretch every euro. This is the honest timeline and what I would tell new students.
Coming for the summer intake to the University of Salzburg (MSc Data Science) felt like a dream start: new country, clean air, and a focused program. But deep down I wanted a broader Computer Science foundation. While handling residence permit (RP) paperwork that dragged to nearly four months, I simultaneously prepared a new application—this time for MSc Computer Science at the University of Vienna. Balancing paperwork, uncertainty, and academic goals was the first real test.
Residence Permit (RP) Timeline Reality
My RP process stretched to roughly four months. Bureaucracy in Austria is systematic but slow: you submit once, then you wait. Use the waiting period productively—collect extra documents, research city housing, and draft applications for plan B (like I did for Vienna). Do not panic if friends get approvals earlier; processing time varies by district and workload.
- Month 1: Submission, missing-info anxiety, refreshing email too often.
- Month 2: Silence—focused on academic routine and German basics.
- Month 3: Follow-up email, minor clarification, continued preparation for Vienna shift.
- Month 4: Approval finally arrives; immediate planning for relocation.
Tip: Keep organized folders (digital + printed). Every stamped document becomes leverage for the next step (bank, housing, university, job). Make duplicates early.
Applying to University of Vienna
I applied in January while still enrolled in Salzburg. Motivation: broader curriculum, bigger academic ecosystem, and networking in a capital city. The overlap between handling RP issues and preparing application materials was stressful, but having clarity about why I wanted the switch kept me moving. If you consider switching: list concrete reasons (curriculum difference, research groups, career proximity) rather than vague dissatisfaction.
Relocating to Vienna (April Move)
Moving in April meant housing competition + academic transition. Expect higher rents and faster turnover than Salzburg. Start with temporary options (student dorm offers, short-term flats) while searching for stable accommodation. Track listings daily early morning and late evening; respond quickly and professionally.
Emotional adjustment matters: Salzburg is calm and compact, Vienna is layered and busy. Give yourself 2–3 weeks to adapt your rhythm—especially public transport and administrative office locations.
Job Hunting Without German
It is objectively hard to secure a part-time job in Vienna without German. I focused first on survival—basic phrases, polite customer interactions, and menu vocabulary. It took about two months of steady searching before I landed a restaurant position. Persistence beats randomness: keep a simple spreadsheet logging application date, place, contact person, follow-up status.
- Learn sector-specific mini-vocabulary (e.g., restaurant items, payment phrases).
- Walk-ins with a printed CV still work in hospitality.
- Follow up after 5–7 days—many managers are overwhelmed.
- Be transparent about your German level but show active learning effort.
Once employed, immersion accelerates your German more than apps—every shift is free speaking practice. Combine that with one structured course for grammar foundation.
Learning German Under Pressure
I began with survival phrases, then built up through repetition at work and daily errands. Focus order I recommend: greetings → numbers → food items → directions → polite questions. Delay perfection; target comprehension confidence first. Track weekly progress in a notebook—small wins keep motivation alive.
Resources that helped: free university course allocation, YouTube short grammar explainers, Anki flashcards for spaced repetition, and live context at the restaurant.
Stretching Every Euro: My Budget Habits
Saving while relocating is a parallel challenge. I leaned on discounters and avoided impulse purchases early. Primary strategies:
- Hofer & Lidl: Base grocery runs—consistent pricing and good quality.
- Bauernmarkt (farmer's market): Cheaper fresh produce & occasional better deals on meat/non-veg compared to supermarkets.
- Compare per-kilo labels: Austrian stores display unit prices—train yourself to read them.
- Cook bulk: Batch meals for 2–3 days to reduce energy/time costs.
- Delay furniture upgrades: Essentials first; comfort items later.
- Track monthly fixed vs variable: Split rent, insurance, transport, food, discretionary—it reveals leaks.
Mindset shift: “I can't afford that yet” is temporary—view it as a timeline, not a wall. Budget discipline made the university switch financially survivable.
What I Would Do Differently
- Start German earlier—makes job hunt less stressful.
- Prepare Vienna housing leads before RP approval to reduce overlap chaos.
- Automate document backups (cloud + local) sooner.
- Ask peers for Salzburg → Vienna relocation tips earlier—crowd knowledge saves time.
Encouragement for New Students
Switching paths, waiting months for paperwork, and searching jobs without fluent language feels heavy—but it is all navigable. Take steady, small, daily actions: one email, one vocabulary set, one application. Progress compounds quietly until suddenly the city feels like yours.
If you are in that waiting phase now—you are not stuck, you are building momentum underneath the surface.
Keep going. Vienna rewards patience and persistence. 🇦🇹
About the Author
An international student who transitioned from MSc Data Science in Salzburg to MSc Computer Science in Vienna—sharing practical lessons on bureaucracy, budgeting, language, and work.
Questions about switching programs or budgeting your move?
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