Welcome Center 

Master Student Smart Energy Systems

What is your favourite spot in Germany, and why?
Herzogstand is my favourite spot in Germany so far - it has an amazing view from the top after you complete the trek.
I personally love trekking reaching at the highest point and enjoying the views from the top. It also has two lakes nearby where one can go for swimming, kayaking and so on. Bavaria is very beautiful and blessed with nature, and I am really happy to be in Bavaria.
    
What are your must-have items to bring from your home country?
Must bring-along : Homemade snacks, spices, your mother´s recipes because here you have to do everything yourself. (Cooking is a must have skill - at least learn basics) If you love eating rice dishes, i recommend you also bring along a small induction based-cooker to cook rice, biryani, pulao, khichdi, etc. Also have few medicines and a first aid kit with you (make sure that you are carrying the medicines with prescription signed from your doctor).
    
What was most surprising for you since you arrived in Germany?
The most shocking thing for me was - everything is closed on Sunday. Sunday is Ruhetag and one isn´t allowed to even do vacuum cleaning at home or any loud noises. On weekdays shops close at 8.00 pm. So, one really needs to plan for grocery shopping on weekends. Also, people do a lot of sports activities irrespective of the weather – doesn’t matter if it is snowing, raining, sunny. The German saying is very true “Es gibt kein Schlechtes wetter, nur schlechte Kleidung” (which means there is no bad weather, only bad clothing). So be sure to be carrying a small umbrella and a windcheater at all times ;D LOL. If you arrive in the winter semester - winter depression is real. So do some sports, keep yourself active and do take Vitamin-D supplements in winter without fail. It really helps.
    
How did you immerse yourself in German/Bavarian/Franconian culture?
Since I arrive a bit late in the Winter semester (due to limited VISA slots), it was a bit difficult to settle down plus getting used to the winter and lecture schedules. But after exams, I started going out, attending events, playing sports. I attended the local festivals to experience and enjoy the cultural festivities with music, food, drinks and dance. Speaking German is very much important, as it also helped me to make new friends. We enjoyed at the university clubs, events, did weekends trips to explore new places and food.  We also discussed our challenges to help each other whenever needed. 
    
How did you deal with homesickness?
I called my family in the evenings, spoke to my grandpa and this helped me a lot. Apart from this I engaged in the activities on campus, consistently put in some time in learning German language. Went for treks and explored near by places on the weekends – some solo trips and some with friends too. Of course, I did see some series while cooking but kept my Insta/Netflix time limited. Go out there - there is a lot to explore :D