© K. Aguilar

Krista is from Latvia and has been living in Dresden for more than 6,5 years.  She is studying Sociology for a master's degree. This winter semester is her last at TU Dresden.

- What do you like about TU Dresden?

I love that the organisation of our studies is relatively flexible, i.e. that there are so many choices from which to pick seminars and lectures. Furthermore, as a student, I have a lot of free time and there are so many things to do. For example, I have chosen to learn Spanish at TU Dresden, have attended various sports courses and have even found a part-time job at the university. 

- What's your favourite spot in Dresden?

I really like my flat. I have decorated it in a way that I feel completely at home here. During the summer, I love spending time at the Elbe river banks or in Alaunpark. I love the Thalia cinema in Neustadt; I always go there if I want to watch a good movie. I have been going there ever since my first semester here in Dresden.

- What was especially difficult when you arrived?

At the beginning, I found the bureaucracy in Germany really tedious. I had to go to about 1000 different offices or governmental agencies and each time I was sent somewhere else afterwards. Sometimes also their waiting times were way too long.

- Living in Germany what is the biggest difference to your home country?

The community and possibilites to spend time together. I have studied in Latvia for one year and didn't have any kind of real social life there because I spent all my time with university stuff. There simply was not enough time to spend with friends. 

Another thing I realised was that in Germany people do not attach as much importance to their appearance. In Latvia, most women wear high heels and makeup every day. They even wear it to their fitness clubs.

- Any advice for other students living abroad for the first time?

Enjoy your time and don't waste too much energy on things that seem negative or annoying. Rather spend it on the nice things. Try new things, travel to new places and meet new people. In my first year here in Dresden, I have met many people that have become my friends. At the beginning, I also was a bit insecure. I had to get used to many new things but that also made it a very special and beautiful time, because of all the new and unknown things.
_{(This interview was conducted by Julia Paternoster in winter semester 2018/19 in German.)}