My experience as an international student at Technical University of Munich (TUM)

Currently, being a fourth semester master student at TUM, I remember that when I got accepted to my master program and decided to move to Munich for my studies, it was hard and scary to jump into the unknown. I wished I could find more resources or shared experience so I could have an idea of what to expect. I want to share some of my thoughts and give some tips for students who is thinking of studying at TUM.

Marienplatz, photograph: Asli Ergin

About the studies

Firstly, my general overview about studying at TUM is very positive.

There are many international students and the university guides you through the things you should know through official websites and orientation events.

Lectures and Professors

The lectures are usually supported by practical sessions to keep you updated and you don’t get lost in the theory. The professors try to share their research findings in the class which is also very nice and informative.

Whenever I have a project idea or I want to ask guidance for something about my career, professors were very helpful and kind. But they are usually very busy so if you have questions regarding the course content it is better to ask in the class or through online platforms.

Flexibility

This might change from program to program but usually you are your own boss of your studies. There are some mandatory courses at master level and for the rest of the credits you can choose the courses that you are interested in. You can drop courses one week before the final exam or decide to write for the exam a week before. The education system always depends on you, so you have to read everything, explore and find out your own way to solve your problems.

This flexibility also improves your time management skills as you need to schedule everything (courses, exams, maybe your part-time job or social activities…) on your own.

Difficulty

Yes, everyone studies a lot. Duration of exams are very short and you really have to know things by heart to be able to write in a short time in the exam. It is very normal to see long lines in front of the library in the opening hours and impossible to find place inside after an hour in the final exam period. 😄 My suggestion would be to study with friends or at least give coffee breaks together to make it fun.

Social environment

TUM helps you to meet with other students with some orientation events in the beginning of your studies. And a lot of students are coming from abroad so I think you will not encounter problems with socializing. Just spend time with people studying in your department or with students you have common interests, and be willing to meet with people. 😊

Finding accommodation in Munich

Sorry, this is hard!😄 Just start early and apply everywhere. Firstly, it is not easy because you will probably try to find a room from online platforms when you are not in Munich and the landlords might not trust to sign a contract with someone that they don’t see in person.

In Germany there is a system called WG, in which you rent a room of a house and share the kitchen, bathroom and other common areas with other people. It is very likely that you will try to get a room from a WG which will be much affordable and easier to find. You can search it through Facebook groups and websites like www.wg-gesucht.de. Be careful with the fake advertisements.

Also, it is possible to find a dorm room. In Munich, universities don’t have their own dorms. Studentenwerk have dorms but there is a long waiting list, try to apply very early. I got my room on my fourth semester. Some friends got their rooms in their second or third semester. There are also some private dorms, again you can apply by filling the forms as early as possible.

But, everyone finds somewhere to live in the end! Don’t try to find a good place when you are first arriving to Munich, just find somewhere. After coming to Munich you will probably keep searching and switch to a better or more affordable place. I think almost every student I know moved at least one time after coming to Munich

Working as a student

For international students you are allowed to have a part-time job. It is a good way to cover your living expenses and gain job experience. But don’t forget to plan your time very well so that you can manage both university stuff and work.

Munich

Some people say Munich is like a big village. It’s nature is very nice but its not limited to it’s nature, you can also find museums, beer gardens to spend good time. It has the Englischer Garten which is a very large public park. And it is the city where Oktoberfest takes place. 😎

Answers to some questions

Are studies in German or English?

It depends on the program you choose. International students mostly choose English programs. Some people learn German before coming and join German programs. I think it is better to study in an English program because you will l have many international friends who will be looking to socialize.

Can I survive without knowing German?

Of course you can survive, but unwillingly you will learn a couple of words to keep your daily conversations at market, or in the street.

If your program is in English, you won’t encounter big problems. TUM allows English translations for most of the important things and if a course is opened in English, everything related to that course is in English.

How possible is it that I will be accepted?

I think if you are really curious about a program just trust yourself and apply! This is the only way to know if you can get accepted or not.

But if you want a general idea about the student profile, everyone in my program is interested in what they are studying. So I can say interest, motivation and curiosity matters.

And I can say that I have really clever, hardworking and humble friends. 😊

Slide at Informatics Building

Yes, there is a slide in the Informatics building at Garching campus and it is faster than it seems. 😄

It’s purpose is not to go downstairs, you need to take a carpet to slide and it is just for fun.

Tips in General

• Meet with people as soon as possible. Every experience is better when you share with friends. You will learn more from the people then the courses. You will have an idea about different cultures and you will have great memories.
• Discover the areas around Universitat and Münchener Freiheit as early as possible.
• Good environment to taste Bavarian food: Atzinger in Universitat, nice and afforable pizza Lo Studente, best view and amazing coffee, the top cafe at the main campus of TUM: Cafe im Vorhoelzer Forum.
• Come a bit early to find accommodation and get used to the city. If you start in Wintersemester, enjoy your first days outside, winter is coming soon.
• Some people are doing surf at Eisbach which is a man made river flowing through Englischer Garten. It is fun to watch!
• Give yourself time to get used to your new life. First semester is usually a bit stressful for everyone since you have to deal with many things like finding a better place to stay, socializing, getting used to the system at the university…
• Also, don’t postpone things you want to do like going hiking, discovering Bavaria and so on. I hear from many people that they postponed everything because they couldn’t find the perfect free time and in the end there was never the perfect free time. 💔
• Don’t just see it as studying, but try to get the most out of your living in another country experience.

I like my studies a lot and I am still enjoying it, it was a great experience for me to study at TUM and to find my way in a different country but it was definitely very challenging.

I think if you have a good motivation to start that will keep you strong, like if you are really curious about your program, or if you want to move to Germany or if you have another motivation that you can say immediately in a couple of words, you will definitely come over your problems and the experience will worth your struggles in the end. Otherwise, it might be stressful and overwhelming to deal with all the problems and difficulties.

Finally, everyone will have a different, unique experience, if you are motivated but hesitant, as in everything else in life just jump into it, you will find your way!