Why University of Munich is for everyone!

This blog post is dedicated to all students who are thinking of Germany for either their exchange year or main university but struggle to choose between the many great German universities.

First of all, Munich is a special city. A quick Google search would give you endless suggestions on what can be done in and around Munich. During my first month, I had the chance to go on a city tour of Munich, to Nuremberg and Schloss Neuschwanstein on an excursion programme operated by IUCM.

I also did a few trips of my own, from conventional things like going to Chiemsee…

…to more quirky things like visiting a cat cafe.

Another perk is Munich’s climate. Coming from London, I was fairly pleased with the weather in Munich. Perhaps I was lucky, but during the entire month of September, the temperature was hot enough to be considered t-shirt weather! This extension of nice weather allowed me to do so many summer activities such as go swimming in the Isar, taking a stroll in Schloß Nymphenburg’s colourful garden and picnicking in the Englischer Garten. Coming from Vietnam, I also liked that Munich has four clear seasons, something London didn’t particularly have.

On why I think Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München is so wonderful, the university is a reflection of Munich itself. LMU has Munich’s quirky charm, its unique culture and its welcoming attitude towards the international community.

Being supportive of students is an aspect I look for in universities, and LMU hasn’t disappoint. Before the course starts, LMU offers a language course to help me make new friends while learning academic German to prepare for the exchange year. During enrolment, I had some delays with my EHIC application and the international office gave me very sound advice on how to resolve the problem and enrol successfully. LMU also allows me to choose modules that I feel comfortable with and at times which are convenient for me. I wasn’t made to feel bad with my elementary level German and was constantly encouraged to do my best by my lecturers, with special exams and ways to get ECTS points.

LMU also does a great job in ensuring exchange students make the best of their time in Munich. Student organisations such as MESA was created by students for students and ensures that we never run out of things to do. The events they organise is super inclusive and diverse in that there’s always something for you so no one is made to feel left out. I’m doing a two-day ski trip organised by them next week and I know it’s going to be so much fun. In the future, I’d like to do so many more things and know I’m in safe hands with MESA.

As my first semester comes to an end, there are a few things I’d like to improve on which I think you would appreciate as well:

Next semester, I will try harder not to surround myself in an ERASMUS bubble! It’s very easy how I tend to lean towards people I can communicate with as they make me feel more comfortable, but this exchange year is for me to learn German! Only talking in English is not going to help! I’m awkward and shy so this is quite tough for me, but I’ve tried to start small by conversing to my flatmates in German, and they are much more understanding than I thought! I’ve also met some amazing German students who are more than happy to hang out with me and help with my German.

Thank you so much Laura and Veronica!

Focus more on the lectures: Munich is sometimes so charming that I neglect my studies. In the next semester I’d like to better myself by focusing more on my workload, and less on my exploring.

But at the same time, I’d also like to travel more. Munich’s location is so convenient to travel around that it’s a shame if I don’t make use of the opportunity. Next stop for me will be a trip around Germany!

Looking back at all these experiences, I can proudly say LMU has treated me very well. Hopefully, after reading my post you’d feel the same. 🙂