Braun befriended Schimper, Engelmann and Agassiz (a particularly close friend) while studying in Heidelberg, staying in touch with them for the rest of his life. He encouraged Agassiz to follow him to Munich for further study (citing the reasonable cost of lodgings, the quality and abundance of beer, and the excellence of the professors). Braun and Agassiz lodged with one of them, Döllinger, while he enthusiastically encouraged them in their studies; and together with Schimper they spent congenial evenings with Oken and Martius, smoking and drinking beer while discussing scientific and other matters.