I wouldn’t change a thing

The University of Bonn caught my interest for the first time when I saw how beautiful it is on the website. I searched on Google Maps to see where Bonn is located and discovered that it’s conveniently close to other countries such as Belgium, the Netherlands, and France that I could visit.

There was a lot of preparation to do before the trip, but the Bonn Mobility website and the program coordinators provided all the necessary information and assistance. It was extremely helpful, even though I asked a lot of questions; I always received answers to my emails. So, be prepared because there is a lot to take care of before coming.

It's necessary to start the visa process as soon as possible, contact the insurance company, book flight tickets, save money for emergencies, and bring cash with you. Additionally, search for suitable courses and contact the professors beforehand. In Germany, acquire a SIM card, register at the city hall, and open a bank account. It may seem like a lot, but once you're finished with everything, everything flows, and you are ready for your amazing experience!

By selecting the English courses from the catalog on the Bonn University website, I was able to find suitable courses, but I still recommend getting a consultation with your program coordinator because sometimes it's necessary to take additional classes to complement your seminar. I mistakenly enrolled in classes not at my level or unrelated to my field, only realizing it after a couple of lessons. Additionally, the German language courses that the university suggests are highly recommended.

Bonn is a really nice city, even though it might seem small at first, especially for people who come from big cities like myself. However, there are advantages to it: everything you need is located in the center, and you don’t need to spend a lot of time driving. The general vibe is welcoming and friendly, and the city looks beautiful in all seasons. As a student city, there are always opportunities to meet new people. There were parties organized by the dormitory coordinators, and this helped me meet a lot of new people already from the beginning.

Doing the exchange in Bonn was a life-changing experience for me. I traveled, participated in interesting lectures, made friendships, and encountered a new culture. It’s hard to describe because it was pretty overwhelming, you need to experience for yourself to understand. I consider myself lucky that my experience in Bonn was positive. In fact, I think it wouldn’t have been the same if it hadn’t been in Bonn.