# my studies Katya

Katya, 20, Russia

Why did you decide to go to Germany?

I thought that Germany had a very high academic level. I have been studying here for three years and I am sure that I was not mistaken. At the same time, education is free. I don't know any other country where such a cool education costs 120 euros per semester. In addition, I wanted to enter an engineering specialty, but I could not find a suitable university in Russia. I started studying programming at Bauman, but realized that it was not what I needed. Before Bauman, I had already thought about Germany. My decision was only strengthened there.

How long did you learn the language?

Two years before I moved. I planned to learn it in a year, but it's unrealistic if you do something other than the language. I was preparing for the USE, so it took longer. I studied with a tutor twice a week, but the main thing was to work on my own. In a year and a half I prepared for TestDaF and passed 4445. The courses in Munich before the CTC exams gave me a lot.

How long did it take you to collect the application package? What difficulties were there in the enrollment process?

I applied a year after graduating from high school, so I had enough time to prepare. I sent them already at the beginning of June. At the end of the month I received a notice from TUM that the package was incomplete. I had completed my externship, so they demanded a confirmation that my 10 years of school were equal to the normal 11. I had to scramble in the middle of the summer to find people who could provide these certificates. In the end there was very little time left to send it, I had to worry.  

Did your high school grades have any effect on your admission?

Yes, for university admission after the collegiate. It was based on the average grade point average of the school-leaving certificate and the Stüdienkolleg. The Stüdienkolleg in Munich was difficult and the passing score for my specialty at TUM was high. A good school-leaving certificate came in handy.

What major are you studying? What do you like/dislike about your studies?

I am studying Engineering Science at the Technical University of Munich. I like everything: the university facilities, the professors, the organization of my studies, the variety of subjects. The close-knit team helps me a lot during the sessions. I study in two languages, the second one is English. It is also a plus, because English is the language of the scientific community.

How much money goes out per month to live?

It's hard for me to say. We live with my brother, he has finished his master's degree, he works here and pays the rent himself. The rest: food, cafes, some shopping - not much, I haven't counted exactly.

Do you work alongside your studies?

I do not have a severe lack of finances, so I am fully concentrated on my studies. For about six months I have been looking for a job that would be interesting to me professionally and give me experience. I haven't found a suitable option yet. It is not an easy process.

Do you have a comfortable social circle/friends in Germany?

Yes, it's mostly Russian-speaking guys from my colleagues. I don't have any problems in this area, perhaps I would like to communicate more with students of the faculty, we are future colleagues. But so far my close circle is only compatriots.

Do you regret the move and do you plan to return home after graduation?

The main purpose of my move was to study, and so far it has exceeded my expectations. There was no attitude to take a one-way ticket just to leave. If I get the chance, I'm interested in finishing my master's degree in some other country and working in a third. I will give it a try.