Nia is from Bulgaria and has been living in Dresden since October 2013. She has completed her bachelor's degree at TU Dresden in Law in Context and is currently studying Business Law for her master's.

- What do you like about TU Dresden?

I like the university in general. I think the structure of my course is really great and the professors are all very professional. Apart from my degree programme, I am amazed by the SLUB (AN: the library) because it offers so many possibilities to us students and has so many books. Additionally, I also like that there are so many canteens and cafeterias.

Another thing I found really helpful is the SCS (ServiceCenterStudies). When I arrived in Dresden, it didn't exist, yet. But I believe it's very useful for new students at TU Dresden. 

- What's your favourite spot in Dresden?

Oh, I have many. If I had to narrow it down, I think I most love being at the Elbe river or in the Großer Garten (AN: big park in the city)

-  What should international students definitely try out or see while living in Dresden?

Everything that's offered by the university.  There are so many courses and activities; one should already start gathering information about them right at the beginning. I sometimes regret not having made use of them when I started here at TU Dresden. I mean, I have attended English classes at TUD and some sports courses like badminton and tennis, but there is so much more!

Of course, there are many beautiful places in and around Dresden, but I guess everybody will find the right place for him/herself anyway.

- What was especially difficult when you arrived?

The German language. For the business law programmes the language is a big challenge! I had already leant German in school in Bulgaria before coming here, but you only start really learning German once you are here in Germany.

Another thing, I find difficult, not only at university, but overall in Germany, is the bureaucracy.

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

A lot of things are different; the mentality of people and the traditions for example. In Germany, everything is strictly organised. I really love Germany, but you have to get used to this.

In terms of TU Dresden, I really like that there are so many international students from different countries. In Bulgaria there aren't so many international students. I also appreciate the opportunity to work as a student trainee. We don't have that possibility in Bulgaria, at least, I have never heard about it before.

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

First: Find a place to live. Additionally, it's important to gather all the information available about the required bureaucratic steps, including those of your degree programme (modules, subjects to choose from, etc.) before actually starting to study. It also helps to think about the living costs and possible funding options beforehand. Furthermore, I recommend getting in touch with other students who already study in the target country or the city or at the university of your choice.

_{(This interview was conducted by Krista Aguilar in winter semester 2018/19 in German.)}