Moving to Jena
Jena in Germany is a city of about 110,000 people, located close to Leipzig (~1h by train) and Berlin (~2.5h by train). This allows you to enjoy the cultural and social opportunities of larger cities while living in a quieter environment with fewer daily distractions.
Jena has a rich scientific and cultural heritage. It is the birthplace of the planetarium (the world’s first was built here) and of modern optics through Carl Zeiss. Fewer people know that the EEG was invented in Jena by Hans Berger, whose statue stands in front of the local Psychiatry department. In this sense, Jena played a pioneering role in human brain mapping and the functional investigation of the human mind.
The University of Jena has been home to many historical figures, including the first female professor at a German university. The city has strong ties to Humboldt, and its intellectual and cultural spirit is still felt today. Nearby Weimar, the birthplace of Germany’s first democracy, and Buchenwald, a stark reminder of its collapse, provide important historical lessons that remain relevant.
In essence, Jena is a place where the discovery of the stars (through Zeiss optics) and the study of the brain (through Berger’s EEG) intersect. At this intersection, magic happens, as consciousness ignites the universe — making it the perfect home for our laboratory.
Below you will find practical information about moving to Jena and Germany.
If you would like to suggest additional information, please contact: dr.thomas.wolfers@gmail.com.
1) How is the research environment in Jena?
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Overview
Jena offers an internationally recognized research environment with strengths in optics and photonics, life and health sciences, biodiversity, materials and energy, and climate research.
The Friedrich Schiller University Jena holds the HR Excellence in Research Award. Two Clusters of Excellence further strengthen the research environment.
The University of Jena is a site of the German Center for Mental Health. My professorship bridges the University and the University Hospital, and I hold a PI position in the Center.
In addition to the University, several Max Planck Institutes and other non-university research centers contribute to a highly interdisciplinary ecosystem.
The city’s location facilitates strong collaborations: Leipzig (~1h), Dresden (~3h), and Berlin (~2.5h) are all within reach.
Carl Zeiss remains omnipresent. The largest Carl Zeiss research campus worldwide is currently being built in Jena. As Carl Zeiss Professor, I aim to foster strong collaborations, especially in machine learning.
2) Getting started in Jena
Compared to other cities we have lived in, it was relatively easy to settle here. Housing can be competitive but manageable, and the daycare infrastructure is excellent. Our children enjoy attending Kita until late afternoon, which makes balancing work and family life much easier.
Jena is a lively city that actively supports its residents. For example, we managed all city-related paperwork online, received an appointment the same day, and completed everything within three hours — an experience almost unheard of in Germany.
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First steps after arrival
- Register your residence (Anmeldung) at the local authority.
- Obtain health insurance (mandatory in Germany).
- Open a German bank account.
- Contact the university’s International Office for assistance with visa, residence permits, and integration.
3) What can you do in and around Jena?
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Highlights
Jena combines a strong academic atmosphere with a vibrant cultural life. The annual Kulturarena brings international music and theater to the city. The Zeiss Planetarium, the world’s oldest, is still in operation.
Nature is never far away: the Saale valley and Thuringian Forest offer excellent hiking, cycling, and outdoor opportunities. Within the city, cafés, student clubs, and local bars create a welcoming social environment.
4) How to find an apartment in Jena?
Options
- Student housing via Studierendenwerk Thüringen (approx. €200–350/month).
- Shared apartments (WG) and private rentals via WG-Gesucht or local Facebook groups.
- Local newspapers and university message boards.
Note: Many private flats in Germany are rented unfurnished, sometimes without kitchens.
Tip: The market is competitive. Apply early and seek help from colleagues or university networks.
5) How German is it, and how much German do you need?
Academic life in Jena is highly international, and English is widely spoken in research contexts.
However, daily life and bureaucracy are primarily in German.
Learning German is recommended for smoother integration into social life, though not required for work in the laboratory. Jena has a strong international community, and nearby Leipzig and Berlin offer even larger international networks. The University Language Centre provides language courses for researchers and students.
6) How to calculate your income and what are the living costs?
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Compared with cities such as Munich or Tübingen, living costs in Jena are about half, while academic salaries (TV-L) remain the same. This makes Jena attractive for young professionals and families.
Estimates
- Student residence: €200–350/month
- Private flat: €700–1,000+ depending on size and location
- University estimate: €750–900/month total for students (housing, food, transport, insurance, leisure)
Groceries are affordable, and public transport is efficient.
That said, housing prices may rise in the coming years as the Carl Zeiss Campus expands and the University attracts more researchers.
7) Social support systems
Germany has extensive social protection, including health insurance, unemployment insurance, pensions, and public healthcare. All that comes with your employment and is automatically taken care of. The University also offers counselling and integration services for international researchers and students.
8) Family and child support
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Overview
- Parental leave: up to 14 months (shared between parents) at ~60% of last income.
- Kindergarten and childcare: high quality and affordable. We got three offers from different palces all were excellent! Our kids love it large gardens and very nice daycare workforce.
- Public schools are free and of good quality. International schools exist but are rarely necessary.
9) Vacation days
Employees in Germany typically receive 25–30 paid vacation days per year, in addition to public holidays.
This allows ample opportunity for travel, leisure, and family activities alongside professional responsibilities.