Episode 24: Not Quite by the textbook - My Start in Germany

Life doesn't always follow the textbook. But if you read between the lines, you'll learn a lot - that's what university ambassador Solomiya experienced when she started her studies in Jena. Guest: Solomiya Strelbytska studies psychology at the University of Jena. She reports on her experiences as an international student in her blog and on Instagram. Timestamps: 01:00 Why did you choose Germany to study here? 02:20 What were your expectations about Germany? 03:40 How did you experience the reality in contrast to your expectations? 05:40 Which strategies helped you dealing with all challanges in the beginning? 07:15 How did you find friends? What helped you to feel like you belong? 10:40 How did you build an everyday life and set routines? 12:24 What are your recommendations for people who are thinking about studying in Germany? 15:35 How would you describe your experiences of the first semester in one sentence? 16:35 What is your favorite place in Jena? 17:20 What is your favorite library? 18:10 What is your favorite Mensa? Shownotes: • Solomiya’s online blog: https://www.uni-jena.de/309958/jubos-solomiya • Information on the beginning of your studies for international students: https://www.uni-jena.de/en/start-studying-international • Life and free time in Jena – with some advice for the search for an accomodation: https://www.uni-jena.de/en/jena-living-international • Welcome Buddy programme: https://www.uni-jena.de/en/welcomebuddyinternational o Podcast episode on the Mentoring/Welcome Buddy programme: https://www.uni-jena.de/en/podcast-uni-jena-international#Mentoring • International Centre („Haus auf der Mauer“): https://www.haus-auf-der-mauer.de/ • WelcomeDays: https://www.uni-jena.de/en/welcomedays • International Café: https://www.instagram.com/cafe.international.jena/ • ESN Jena: https://jena.esn-germany.de/ • Orientation Days: https://www.uni-jena.de/en/34738/orientation-days • Discover Jena (360° tour): https://www.360.uni-jena.de/?lang=en • University libraries in Jena: https://www.thulb.uni-jena.de/en/home o Solomiya‘s favorite library „Thulb“: https://www.thulb.uni-jena.de/en/thulb/standorte/arts-and-humanities o Rent a study rooms: https://www.thulb.uni-jena.de/en/services/how-to-use-the-library/study-space/study-rooms • Dining halls ("Mensa") in Jena: https://www.stw-thueringen.de/en/dining-halls/facilities.html o Solomiyas‘s favorite canteen „Philomensa“: https://www.stw-thueringen.de/en/dining-halls/jena/mensa-philosophenweg.html • Contact the International Office: [email protected]