Your Stay in Austria
Austria at a glance. Learn about its culture, geography, laws, and life as an international student.
Welcome to Austria!
The GDM-K warmly welcomes all international students to Austria. Finding your way in a new culture can be challenging, so we have put together some information and tips for your stay here in Austria.
If you are looking for more information about the University of Applied Sciences (FH), feel free to explore the Compass further!
Quick Geography Lesson
You have probably already done some research before arriving here. Nevertheless, here is a short geography lesson in case you still have some questions.
Dialect 101
One of the first things people notice when they come to Austria is the dialect. There is no single “Austrian dialect”, but rather many different dialects depending on the region and state. The Upper Austrian dialect (also called “Mundart”) is one of the closest to Bavarian.
Most lecturers and fellow students will try to speak clearly and avoid dialect when they know someone is present who is not familiar with it. However, during your stay, you will inevitably encounter some dialect expressions. Here are some of the most important terms:
- Grüß Gott – A traditional formal greeting; equivalent to “Good day” and used regardless of religious beliefs.
- Grias di / Servus – Informal greetings; equivalent to “Hello.”
- Goi – Used to seek confirmation; e.g., “You feel the same way, don’t you?”
- Voi – Used as agreement or emphasis; similar to “totally” or “absolutely.”
- Schauen – To look / to see.
- Schau ma moi – A phrase that reflects the Austrian mentality; means “Let’s wait and see.”
- Oida – Informal term for a person; similar to “dude” or “mate.”
- Fix – An expression of strong agreement; “definitely.”
- Patschert – Clumsy, awkward.
- Bim – Tram/streetcar.
- Pfiat di – Informal farewell; “Bye.”
- Wiederschauen – Semi-formal farewell; “Goodbye.”
This list could go on forever. If you are interested in more Austrian dialect terms, you can check this out.
Culture, Customs, and Festivals
If you spend a semester, a year, or your entire studies in Austria, you will eventually encounter customs and traditions that are deeply rooted in Austrian culture. Since Austria is historically a Catholic country, many holidays and traditions have religious origins. However, everyone is welcome to participate in and learn about them.
What Linz Has to Offer
As the capital of Upper Austria, Linz hosts many popular events:
- Urfahraner Market - Held twice a year in Urfahr—once in autumn (first week of October) and once in May (first week of May). A must-visit for amusement park and street food fans.
- Linz Pflasterspektakel - An annual summer street arts festival featuring performers, magicians, comedians, musicians, and artists from around the world. Best of all, it is free to attend.
- Bubble Days - Held in June at Linz Harbor. Perfect for people who enjoy live music and festivals.
- Ars Electronica Festival - Held annually in September and recognized as one of the world’s largest exhibitions for media art.
- Klassik am Dom & Klangwolke - Not everyone wants to party (all the time). These events offer large-scale classical music experiences that transform the city into a cultural stage.
- Next Comic Festival - A great alternative to the famous Comic Cons (which can be visited in Wels), offering comic fans and self-proclaimed nerds plenty to enjoy.
- Crossing Europe Film Festival - A major film festival that gives movie lovers the chance to discover new films while supporting emerging filmmakers.
- Curiosities Flea Market - Every Saturday from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Linz’s Main Square. A great place to hunt for hidden treasures at unbeatable prices.
Important Rules and Laws
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Here is a brief overview of important rules and laws in Austria:
- Drinking and Driving – For most drivers, the legal blood alcohol limit is below 0.5‰. Violations can result in high fines and license suspension.
- Seat Belt Requirement – All passengers must wear seat belts. Children require age- and size-appropriate child seats.
- No Phone Use While Driving – Mobile phones may only be used with a hands-free system while driving. Texting is prohibited.
- Indoor Smoking Ban – Since 2019, smoking has been prohibited in restaurants, bars, and other public indoor spaces.
- Night-time Quiet Hours – In most municipalities and residential areas, special consideration is required between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. Loud music and parties may lead to complaints and fines.
- Waste Separation Is Mandatory – Austria places great emphasis on recycling. Paper, plastic, glass, organic waste, and residual waste are collected separately. Incorrect disposal may result in fines.
- Identification Requirement – You should always carry a valid photo ID (e.g., passport or national ID card) and be able to present it when required.
- Fare Evasion Is Expensive – A valid ticket is required for public transportation. Being caught without one can lead to substantial penalties.
- Alcohol and Tobacco Age Limits – Alcohol and tobacco products may generally only be purchased from the age of 18. Beer and wine may be consumed from age 16.
- Respect Private Property – Entering private property without permission is not allowed. In rural areas, paths, fields, and property boundaries should be respected.
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