I’ve been in Deggendorf for a year and a half now so I’d like to tell you off the bat that you can take my ‘5 reasons to study in Deggendorf’ as a testimony of my time here in Deggendorf.

Let me be honest, I came with reservations and not knowing what to expect. I wasn’t prepared either. I was sad about leaving the ONLY life I knew behind and starting anew. Some people would’ve come prepared…oh no no no, not me! I came with my admission letter, 21kilos in my luggage of nonsense (not even winter clothes.. so if you have prepared at least that, you’re doing great!) and a glimpse of a better future.

My time in Deggendorf is coming to an end, this feeling is bitter-sweet. From my move to Deggendorf I know that great things and experiences come with moving but I’m really sad about having to leave my home away from home; MY town Deggendorf.

1. Smiles all around!
A story comes to mind. I was travelling back to my home city after a semester here in Deggendorf. I had been here long enough to say “Servus” and smile at all the strangers (this is a small town tradition). I went back home and entered the lift with my luggage to go up to my apartment. A man walked into the lift and my reflex was to smile and say hello. He thought it was totally weird that I spoke to him because no one does that in big cities. Your mother warns you not to talk to strangers. Deggendorf is a small town, everyone smiles, everyone says hello. A smile goes a long way and I hope to live in a world where smiling at strangers is as normal as buying groceries. Deggendorf will always bring a smile to my face.

2. Bavaria and all its glory!
Studying anywhere in Bavaria isn’t just going to be about studying. It’s going to be about the beautiful outdoors too! The state is absolutely beautiful in every weather. In the snow, it’s a white fluff of coziness, in the summer it is sun-kissed streets and ice cream parlors playing reggaetón. The nature is indescribable! Everything is preserved in its natural state. You can decide to hike into the wilderness one day and kayak in a lazy river the next. The sunsets are another story all together. If you are a sucker for sunsets- like me, there is no better sky than the setting sun by the Donau. Adventure awaits in and around Deggendorf!

3. Clubs at THD!
There are so many student clubs in our university that you can be a part of. If you are a car junkie, you have the Fast Forest. If you prefer meeting people, partying and just being a college kid, you can join beloved ESN Deggendorf or join the events of the International Tutors. All of these clubs will let you live out your wildest university party dreams while also teaching you so much with activities like giving back to the old, international potlucks and national evenings!

4. Bringing the world together!
If you came to experience life in Germany, you probably want to meet some Germans? Deggendorf gives you more than just German friends. You can make friends from Brazil, Mexico, Morocco, India, Iran, Syria and you will also meet people from the Caribbean! If you believe that the people make the country, you won’t have to travel anymore – you will find almost all nationalities in this little town. When you eventually leave, you will be so much more understanding of different cultures and traditions. You will learn to love the differences in you and in others.

5. Cost of living lastly, let’s be honest- money is literally everything!
Deggendorf is a small town with many amenities. You can get whatever it is you need for a comfortable study period while also not spending too much! It’s a great place to save and spend in moderation. Everything is a bit cheaper than the city and everything is readily available. If this isn’t convincing, hopefully the rest of the reasons combined is a strong argument!

If you happen to come to Deggendorf to study because of this, you have to write me at the end of your study period if you feel what I feel.

Happy Deggendorfing!

Much love,

Shradha

Shradha Dinesh is an International Management student that has been living in Dubai until she moved to Deggendorf. She is the Communications Manager of ESN, worked for TEDxDIT and works as a student assistant with the International Office. She describes herself as the following: Plant lady. Music enthusiast. Idea junkie. Sunset capturer. Travel lover. Sucker for lyrics. Expert dessert taster.