Podcast Tour Shadow of Excellence The hidden Aachen

RWTH Aachen is celebrated worldwide as a giant of engineering and high-tech innovation. But beneath the shiny surface of its status as an excellent university hides a rough, hidden reality. Accompany Lukas, a sociologist, and his good friend Angela from Aachen as they look behind the scenes of this prestigious institution. You will discover the intense socioeconomic struggles, the alarming reality of mental health, and the vibrant, grassroots counterculture that the students have built to survive. This is not a tour of monuments; it is a journey into the psychological and physical spaces where academic pressure meets human resilience. - 3.6 km self-guided tour with 6 stations over 108 min. - Ideal for social gatherings & everyday life as well as power, protest & public space Excitingly told in a podcast style by experts and locals

1. 1

   Stop 1

   10 min

   A community garden initiated by students, which offers ecological resistance against the high-tech focus of the university.

2. 2

   Stop 2

   10 min

   A non-commercial cultural café that offers fair-trade products and a print-free social space for students.

3. 3

   Stop 3

   10 min

   The imposing main building of RWTH Aachen, which symbolizes academic prestige and immense pressure to perform.

4. 4

   Stop 4

   10 min

   A large student dormitory that shows the dense reality of student living and a vibrant, self-managed basement culture.

5. 5

   Stop 5

   10 min

   The university cafeteria and the student representation, which represent the daily struggle for affordable living and psychological support.

6. 6

   Stop 6

   10 min

   A massive, modern mega-lecture hall center that illustrates the overwhelming size of the academic machine.

• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.