I recently had coffee with my fellow student Caro.
She told me about her little sister who is starting college this semester and is super excited because she doesn't know what to expect.
She also asked Caro to take her to the canteen beforehand so that she can see how everything works with the trays and the menus and the payment.
As Caro talked, my heart warmed.
I remembered my first days at the university and my first visit to the canteen: with a portion of roast pork.
That was in 2015, and veggie wasn't that trendy then.
The beginning of your studies is a special time that tastes of cheap alcohol, burnt attempts at cooking and a lot of muesli.
Between freshman parties, lectures and the fear of upcoming exams, life suddenly has more freshness than ever before: everything is possible, everything is allowed.
You just have to do it.
The parents now live elsewhere and have lost their role as inspectors.
It's understandable that you get scared and anxious.
Where you were supervised when you were at school, you are now responsible for yourself.
And when everything is new, of course you're groping in the dark.
Unfortunately, I have to say: The uncertainty has remained since the first semester, but you get used to it.
Certainly!
What do I actually want?
Should I do the internship for the outrageous salary?
And what to do with my life anyway?
The carousel of questions rotates sometimes more and sometimes less, but once you've climbed up, you can't come down.
But you learn how not to get dizzy from it.
And if you get sick, you don't have to be afraid.
It's like that for everyone!
I don't know of any fellow students who didn't despair at some point during their studies, but so far everyone has recovered from it.
Great grades are of secondary importance
The university is basically a friendly place, especially for freshmen who enjoy puppy protection here.
Because everyone has to learn to understand the rules first.
Exactly for this, the Asta organizes numerous introductory events in which higher semesters chat about the sewing box or help to create a timetable.
But even these actions do not protect you from the obligation that applies to your whole life, and even more so to first-timers: Let yourself drift!
Only those who openly face up to the new can appropriate it.
This is also my most important tip for all first-timers who are a bit anxious about the new phase of life: Don't worry too much, it'll be fine!
The first semester is there for many things, but certainly not for thorough study.
Sure, the goal should be to pass the exams at the end of the semester.
But otherwise it means: First get by and get to know the new life.
How do I get through the month on little cash?
How do I endure the WG madness?
How do I create an everyday life that feels good for me?
These are all questions that are difficult to answer.
Great grades are secondary, you can take care of that in the further course of your studies.
Because studying also means that: growing up, i.e. being a member of society who can take responsibility and contribute your talents to the community.
An academic education, no matter how fine, is useless if you can't cook yourself an egg for breakfast.
So partying a bit, making new friends, getting to know the university town and all the other stuff that you usually do are important steps towards growing up.
Because it connects with life.
If you can cook, know how to manage your money and understand how the university works, then your academic studies can begin.
And faster than you would like, the bachelor thesis is written.
Suddenly you have grown up, the canteen no longer worries you and you realize with amazement that you are able to live well on your own.
With the degree in the bag, there are more options than before.
Work or continue studying?
We just have to decide.
It doesn't feel any different than after graduating from high school.
The doors are open, we just have to grab them.
It takes courage and confidence to do that.
As I said: it will be fine!
Leon Igel
(26 years old) is studying German and Business Administration at the University of Mannheim for a master's degree. He is less concerned with Goethe and more with Christoph Schlingensief.
When that gets too much for him, he drives to his parents' house and chop wood.
Or bake bread.
Thanks to Corona, he can now too.