“Mannheim is a great city, right in the heart of Europe.”

You come from Türkiye and completed your bachelor's degree there. Why did you choose the University of Mannheim afterwards?

While I was still pursuing my bachelor's degree, I started thinking about where I would like to do my master's degree and applied to many universities around the world, but mainly in Europe. I wanted to get to know another country. Mannheim impressed me with a wide range of study options in Business Informatics: You can attend lectures in management, finance, economics, and data science, among other subjects. Plus, Mannheim is just the right size and really close to Frankfurt and Strasbourg. So you're right in the middle of Europe and can easily get anywhere. Another big factor that influenced my decision was my contact with the International Office: The staff members were really helpful from the start, as I had lots of questions because I had never been abroad before. 

What do you particularly like about your degree program?

I like the wide range of courses. I'm also very interested in digital health and can take lectures on setting up digital health projects, for example. The professors in my department have a lot of expertise and always pass it on to the students: first in lectures imparting theoretical knowledge and then in practical exercises – it's a really good combination. 

What helped you settle in at the university and in the city?

The people at the university: everyone is really kind and helpful. They always have a smile on their faces (laughs). You can also always go to the professors if you have questions about organizing your studies or do not understand the lectures. In my experience, they are very friendly and happy to help. 

And then there's the International Office: Starting with the orientation events they offer, right through to helping with bureaucratic matters. The staff members always have time to talk and explain everything very clearly. And shortly before graduation, they offer support on what the next individual steps might be.

How do you spend your time outside of lectures and seminars?

After lectures and exercise courses, I review the material. I also work as a working student at SAP in the field of process automation for cloud applications. In the evenings, I like to meet with my friends on the riverbanks of the Rhine or Neckar for a beer. We talk, laugh, and eat kebab. And then we might go to a pub and sing karaoke. 

Mannheim is well known in Germany for its many kebab stands. Is the kebab here different from in Türkiye?

A little bit, maybe, but I love kebab in Mannheim. Some of my friends who study in other cities nearby come here especially to eat kebab. To be honest, I don't miss the traditional food from home (laughs). And besides Turkish cuisine, there's a really diverse restaurant scene here: from Asian to Arabic to European cuisine, there's something for everyone. Mannheim is a great city when it comes to food.

Is studying in Mannheim different from your experience in Istanbul?

I have the impression that the quality of education in Germany is higher, and I benefit greatly from both the theoretical and practical content, which contribute significantly to my academic success and personal learning. Students here come from all over the world, bringing diverse strengths that complement each other perfectly  especially in group projects.

For me, Mannheim offers the ideal balance between the vibrant energy of a big city and the laid-back charm of a small town. Unlike in Istanbul, I don’t need to spend one or two hours to get anywhere; with public transportation, I can reach different parts of the city quickly and easily. 

Do you already have plans for what you would like to do after completing your master's degree?

I'll be graduating in a year and then I'll see where life takes me. I can imagine discovering another country. However, I can also imagine building a life in Germany, both because of the work and the people: SAP is headquartered here, which would be an excellent employer for me. And the people in Germany are very friendly, even though I don't speak German very well.

Which place in Mannheim do you think students should definitely visit?

My two favorite places are the Rhine in Lindenhof, perfect for relaxing, and Jungbusch, ideal for partying. In Jungbusch, people gather with friends to unwind and enjoy a drink. Even if you go there alone, you’re likely to meet someone you know. 

What advice would you give to other students who are considering coming to Mannheim from another country?

From my experience, I can say that the university is excellent when it comes to educational opportunities, events, and student support – both for academic success and for life in general. Mannheim itself is a great city, right in the heart of Europe. So don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone – it will be worth it. And if you need help, don’t hesitate to ask. People here are happy to share their knowledge and support you along the way.

Interview: Julia Schöfthaler / September 2025