Surviving the First Semester Abroad

Starting a semester abroad is exciting, but also full of new experiences. From paperwork like Anmeldung to the joy of building friendships, every step feels like part of a big adventure. In this blog, I share my first impressions at the University of Stuttgart, the challenges I faced, and the lessons that helped me make the most of my first semester abroad.

I arrived in Stuttgart at midnight, tired from the long journey but filled with excitement. Everything felt different, the air, the vibe, even the silence of the night. When I reached the campus, my friends and I sat down near the library to catch our breath. Even though it was late, students were still around. A random student stopped to ask if we needed help, and instantly I felt the warmth of this new place.
That first night, we ate frozen pizza and went straight to bed. The next morning, after instant ramen and tea, we went out to explore the campus. It was love at first sight, trees covered in pink and orange autumn leaves made the university look magical.

When I entered my dorm for the first time, I instantly fell in love with it. It wasn’t just a room, it felt like a small sanctuary. The view from the window carried a nostalgic vibe, as if I had been there before in a dream. The cold autumn air outside felt crisp but sweet, painting the whole scene in the softest colors of pink and orange.

I stood there for a while, just staring, letting the mix of excitement and peace sink in. It was in that moment I realized: this would be my new home, my safe corner in a new country. Over time, this room witnessed late-night talks, morning rushes to class, and quiet moments with tea, it became more than four walls; it became part of my story.

Tackling the Essentials: Anmeldung and More

One of the first big tasks in Germany is Anmeldung, the city registration. My experience was smooth, we did a walk-in, so we arrived very early in the morning to avoid waiting. On the same day, we also opened a bank account, which went surprisingly quickly. By lunchtime, we were already celebrating with burgers at McDonald’s.
My advice: start paperwork early. Some processes can take weeks, and getting them done right away saves stress later in the semester.

At first, navigating the university was overwhelming. Rooms can be scattered across different buildings, and on my first day I panicked because I couldn’t find my lecture hall. Over time, I got used to the layout and realized that almost every student has gone through this confusion at least once. Orientation events were a huge help in understanding how things worked at the University of Stuttgart. They also gave me the chance to meet people from all over the world.

Building Friendships: From Dorms to Lifelong Bonds

On my very first day in the dorm, I met a student who was half French and half German. He turned out to be the sweetest guy and is still one of my closest friends today. Through him and others, I got to know people from a variety of countries, each with their own stories and cultures. Making friends abroad requires a little courage, but it’s worth it. A simple coffee invitation or attending student events can lead to friendships that last long beyond the semester.

Homesickness: Or Why I Never Felt It

Strangely enough, I never really felt homesick. During my bachelor’s degree in India, traveling back home used to take me almost twenty-four hours, whereas flying from Germany to India is only eight hours. Somehow, that felt closer in my mind. On top of that, I was lucky to have friends who often cooked Indian food, which made me feel athome right away. Between good food, great company, and the excitement of being in a new country, I never experienced the loneliness I had been warned about.

Tips that can help in a new country

• Arrive early for Anmeldung. Walk-ins work best if you’re willing to go in the morning.
• Don’t panic if you get lost. The campus feels big at first, but you’ll learn it faster than you think.
• Say yes to opportunities. Whether it’s a coffee break, a club, or a casual event, each is a chance to meet new people.
• Bring comfort food. Instant ramen and tea saved me on my first morning.
• Take time to enjoy your dorm room. Personal touches and small rituals, like tea by the window, make it feel like home.

Conclusion: Growth Through Challenges

My first semester abroad was filled with small challenges, paperwork, lost lecture halls, and the uncertainty of making friends, but it also gave me some of my happiest memories. From frozen pizza nights to autumn mornings on campus, from warm strangers to lifelong friends, every moment helped me grow.
If you are about to start your first semester abroad at the University of Stuttgart, embrace the process. The challenges will pass, but the friendships and memories will stay with you forever.

Ankita