BEST OF Activities for broke students

By Leonie Guskowski

In Luxembourg, a monthly income below 2 177 Euro classifies individuals to be at risk of poverty[*]. Hence, many of us students will fall into this group – poor us! At the same time, life in Luxembourg is extraordinarily expensive. While most of our money probably goes into paying our rent, even occasionally grabbing a beer or a coffee may easily cost more than 4 Euros.

But of course, we are all well-behaved students who do not complain about inequalities but find our own solutions. To make life easier and more joyful for all of us living at risk of poverty, we’ve put together the best free activities in Luxembourg for you!

1. For destitute art lovers

Good news for everyone that’s under 26 years old: You can visit Luxembourg’s museums for free anytime (during their opening hours, of course). Usually, you will just be asked to present your student ID and an identification document proving your age.

For those over 26, don’t worry, you don’t have to hide away in a retirement home just yet. Almost all museums offer free entrance at least once a week, usually during the evening hours. You can check the details on the museums’ websites. Roux’s favourites include the MUDAM for contemporary art or the Musée national d’histoire et d’art (MNHA) to explore history and art in 4300m². The National Resistance Museum in Esch has been closed for a while to install its permanent exhibition, but it will re-open its doors in Summer 2023.

Here is another insider tip for Luxembourg City: If you purchase a ticket for either Villa Vauban or the Lëtzebuerg City Museum, you will get free entry to the other one.

Highlights:

Lëtzebuerg City Museum – Best of Posters (07.10.2022 > 14.01.2024)

MNHA – European Month of Photography, Rethinking Identity (12.05.2023 > 08.10.2023)

2. For bankrupt music enthusiasts

To be honest, I personally used to think that places like the Philharmonie are directed towards an audience of over 50-year-olds. Well, I had to take back my premature judgement. Against my initial assumptions, the Philharmonie’s programme is in fact much more exciting and interesting than expected. But still, the question of affordability remains. While the Philharmonie offers a student discount for its concerts (as long as you’re under 27 years old), there is another great opportunity to listen to some music without having to pay anything: Once a month, the Philharmonie’s free ‘Lunch concerts’ take place, offering the opportunity to listen to different artists each time.

Upcoming lunch concerts: 25.04., 12:30 and 24.05.,

3. For broke artists and crafters

Everyone that likes to explore their creative and crafty side from time to time knows that shopping for equipment can easily strip your bank account blank. However, there are some great places that allow people to access their facilities, use their equipment and participate in workshops for free.

In Esch, the Bâtiment 4 is probably the top address. Located near the train station, the alternative cultural centre makes their facilities available to a number of local associations and artists. In exchange, free workshops and classes are provided to the public. The workshops range from photography, to dancing, yoga or music, so there is something in it for almost everyone. The agenda published on their website provides an overview of currently available workshops: batiment-4.lu

Bâtiment 4: 66, rue de Luxembourg –L-4149 Esch-sur-Alzette

Another alternative cultural centre looking for artists and crafters is located in Dudelange. The VEWA seeks to bring people together to create and experiment. Practically, this means that different local associations and organisations offer participatory workshops, cultural events, non-profit artistic activities, and an urban garden. The creative space is open for anyone who enjoys working with their hands, including welding, woodwork, restoring furniture, repairing and restoring bicycles, textile printing or photography. The equipment and facilities can be accessed and used without any fees or obligations, including their free meeting room, a movie projection room, as well as a stage with a drum set and amplification system.

Since the VEWA was only inaugurated last year, it is still in the process of being created and formed, making it a great opportunity for everyone to get involved and to contribute their ideas. Mark your calendars for 13 May to join VEWA’s open day to discover the urban garden, participate in workshops and join the party!

Upcoming Chantier participatif on 22.04. Open Day on 13.05.

VEWA: Site de l’asncien laminoir / Neischmelz – 4, place Thierry Van Werveke –L-3475 Dudelange

More information on vewa.lu

4. For penniless nature-lovers

Most of us probably don’t get to have our own garden to grow plants or to connect with nature. Did you know, however, that there are numerous community gardens that you can find all over the country? The exciting thing about these community gardens is that they allow for two things:

1. The experience of gardening, allowing to grow vegetables and fruit for community and individual use, and

2. connecting with different people from your own neighbourhood.

The website eisegaart.cell.lu introduces community gardens in Luxembourg and enables you to find the nearest garden to join.

Besides that, no nature lover should miss out on a hike in the Mullerthal Region aka Little Switzerland. You can easily combine the hike with a visit to Echternach, the largest town in the Mullerthal. The town is also known for its dancing procession – I’ve heard it’s quite a show.

Echternach dancing procession: 30.05.

5. For budget-conscious foodies

Alright, this one is difficult. We all know that you basically always have to pay for food everywhere. Here is a tip though that might work: Quite often at art exhibition openings or conferences, you might be invited to have a drink and a small bite to eat. Furthermore, volunteering activities often come along with free drinks and snacks – plus, you get to meet great people and often support purposeful activities and initiatives.

Also, some of the university’s student associations and clubs organise occasional dinner nights. Keep an eye open for events featured in the weekly Student Life announcements or follow the associations and clubs on their social media channels.

6. For poor exercise-enthusiasts

If you love to exercise but don’t want to pay a club or gym membership fee, there are some alternatives to move your body but keep your bank account still. Of course, there is the university’s Campus Sport offer, ranging from a variety of team sports, dance, to yoga or bouldering. If you want to try something outside the university, you should consider the offer at Bâtiment 4 in Esch (see point 3), where you can join African dance classes, hip hop or yoga classes among others.

If you are a keen swimmer, you can benefit from the offer by Aquasud in Differdange: Every semester, they provide a limited contingent of free entries to the swimming pool for students.

7. For low-budget Minett explorers

Did you know that the Vël’OK bicycle sharing system in the south of Luxembourg is free of charge? Thus, you can rent any of the electric bicycles for 2 hours and explore some of the bicycle paths. You should definitely start your ride with the Vëlodukt which was opened in December 2022.

It is Europe’s longest bicycle bridge, connecting Esch and Belval. Renting the Vël’OK bicycles is entirely free of charge but an initial registration is required. Vël’OK’s website provides an overview of how and where you can register: www.velok.lu