What it’s really like to live in Berlin as a film student

Welcome to Berlin. This is where one of the most diverse and welcoming film scenes in the world unites with endless creativity and possibilities for collaboration. Ask a local what Berlin is like and they’ll say it’s experimental, creative and accepting. Berlin is a city that’s constantly awake and has no curfew – and where your creative imagination can run free.

Berlins’ culture

Living in Berlin is the perfect way to see history and the present coexisting alongside one another. Old and new buildings stand side-by-side, and abandoned shells (such as the Old Spy Station) are visible only metres away from the city’s bustling hubs. 

Wander around Berlin and you won’t be able to take five paces without seeing some world-famous street art. Arguably the street art capital of Europe, Berlin presents countless opportunities to see works by some of the finest graffiti artists of our time. 

If street art is your thing, things don’t come much better (or bigger) than the East Side Gallery – it’s only the longest stretch of street art in Europe! It’s also steeped with history as it’s the former section of the Berlin Wall.

Cinema in Berlin

One of the most iconic spots in the city is Kino International on Karl-Marx-Allee with its striking retro-futurist vibe that still hosts red-carpet premieres and retrospectives. Then there’s Babylon, a historic venue in Mitte where you can catch silent films with live organ accompaniment or late-night cult screenings in an atmospheric 1920s setting. 

Arsenal Kino, located inside the silent-era film complex of the Berlinale’s Arsenal Institute, is a go-to for experimental, avant-garde, and international film programming curated with care. 

For a more laid-back experience, Rollberg Kino in Neukölln offers a cosy, boutique-style. Berlin has plenty of multiplexes too, like CineStar or UCI Luxe, often with films in English. Many venues also offer generous student discounts or reduced ‘Kinotag’ prices on Tuesdays.

Berlin is also home to one of the world’s most important film events: the Berlinale. Every February, the Berlin International Film Festival takes over the city, bringing with it a who’s-who of global cinema. It’s a rare chance to see premieres, attend filmmaker Q&As, and brush shoulders with the industry elite. 

Food and drink

Whatever your food of choice, Berlin is sure to deliver. A definite favourite of ours is Chipi Chipi Bombon that serves insane ice cream, gelato and hot chocolate. Oh, and it’s only a stone’s throw away from House of Music. Trust us, whatever your sweet craving, this place has you covered.

If you’re after yummy vegan food, then Berlin’s got your back with delicious vegan doughnuts, vegan doner kebabs and more. Take a look at some of our favourites below:

• 1990 – A vegan restaurant that serves delicious classic Vietnamese dishes with a twist: tapas-style
• Brammaibal’s Donuts – A mouthwatering range of vegan doughnuts
• Vöner – On a busy schedule and after a quick bite to eat? Vöner have excellent vegan wraps and kebabs to keep you going

If you’re after a spot to drink, Cassiopeia Beer Garden is right near House of Music (handy!). You can catch BIMM Berlin’s finest performing here while grabbing a drink and a burger. And that’s not all. There’s also a climbing wall and outdoor cinema (the ideal summer evening plan). There’s also an adjacent nightclub if you don’t want to head home early.

Shopping

A short stroll from our college is Boxhagener Platz Market: a Sunday-only flea market. If you’re after something weird and wonderful, you’re sure to find it here. There are record players, vintage clothes, rare books and odd bits and bobs aplenty.

Knock yourself thrift shopping at the HUMANA, with rails upon rails of vintage clothing.

Pop-up space for independent retailers can be found at Bikini Berlin on Breitscheidplatz. This makes it ideal for shopping around small boutiques and concept stores. And if you’re after something more mainstream, head to the largest department store on mainland Europe: Kaufhaus des Westens (or KaDeWe) on Tauentzienstraße in Schöneberg.

The great outdoors

There’s also plenty of nature and green spaces available if concrete buildings aren’t your thing.

Explore Tempelhofer Feld, for example. Once an airport, it’s now a beautiful public park – and a great place to cycle because of the flat runways. There are also parks like Treptower Park, Volkspark Friedrichshain and Hassenheide. Most Berlin parks have ping pong tables too, for an added bonus. 

Of course, we couldn’t forget Grunewald forest. On the outskirts of West Berlin, this forest has something for everyone amongst its 3,000-hectare surface area. This peaceful forest makes the perfect day trip. You can soak up nature, go mountain biking, or simply sit back and relax next to its lakes. 

Ready to join us?

Whether you’re starting your creative journey or switching paths, Clearing is open now – and there’s still time to apply for one of our undergraduate or postgraduate courses.

Explore our Berlin campus at an upcoming Open Day.

Contact our Admissions Team on 01273 096406 – or email us at admissions@metfilm.ac.uk – for any questions and to discuss your options. We can’t wait to welcome the next generation of Berlin filmmakers!