04/2026 Ecem Güzel

Age: 23 | Nationality: Turkish

Can you briefly introduce yourself and tell us where you’re from?

I am 23 years old and originally from Turkey. I was born in Istanbul.

What are you studying, and where did you study before coming to Potsdam? How did you get interested in your field of study?

I am currently doing my bachelor’s degree in Business Informatics at the University of Potsdam. Before coming to Potsdam, I studied Psychology for one year at one of the top universities in Turkey. During that time, I realized that although I am very interested in psychology, it would be emotionally challenging for me to pursue it as a professional career. In Turkey, it is possible to change your field of study based on your university entrance exam score. If your score is high enough, you can transfer to another program. After thinking about my interests and future career, I decided to switch to Business Informatics. I chose Business Informatics because I like the combination of informatics and business. My goal is to gain enough knowledge in both fields so that I can act as a bridge between business and technology. My program in Turkey was also taught in German, so I learned German during my first year at university.

Was there anything about studying in Germany that surprised you?

Yes, especially the education system was surprising for me. For example, I did not know that in Germany students have to register for exams themselves. In Turkey, exam registration usually happens automatically. Another difference is that if we fail an exam in Turkey, we normally do not lose one of our official attempts.

There are also differences in the structure of the study programs. In Turkey, the Regelstudienzeit (standard period of study) for many bachelor’s programs is eight semesters, while in Germany it is often six semesters. In addition, semesters in Turkey are usually called fall and spring semesters, whereas in Germany they are referred to as winter and summer semesters.

At the beginning these differences were a bit confusing for me, but over time I got used to the system.

What helps international students feel welcome?

One thing that really helps international students feel welcome is the opportunity to meet other international students and build a social network. For me, the Erasmus Student Network (ESN) helped a lot. Through their activities and events, I was able to meet many new international students and feel more connected. It made settling into a new country and university much easier.

What do you like most about living in Potsdam/Berlin?

I live in Potsdam, and what I like most is the calmness of the city. I come from a busy and chaotic city with many people, so I really appreciate the order and the feeling of safety in Potsdam. I also enjoy the nature here, as it is very relaxing. At the same time, whenever I want the experience of a big city, Berlin is just a short trip away, which is very convenient.

What are your plans for activities in Potsdam and Berlin now that the weather is getting warmer?

I especially enjoy cycling, and some of my favorite places in Potsdam are Neuer Garten, Heiliger See, and Babelsberger Park. I would like to go there by bike and have a picnic if the weather is nice. I also love swimming in the lakes during the warmer months. In Berlin, I enjoy visiting places like Holzmarkt, Mauerpark, Wannsee, and Tiergarten, especially in the summer.

What does a perfect sunny study day look like for you?

Actually, I find it difficult to study on sunny days because I feel like I am missing out and want to be outside. However, especially during the summer semester, I still need to study even when it’s sunny. On those days, I usually go to the libraries at the University of Potsdam or Humboldt University. Being around other students who are also studying helps motivate me to focus.

What advice would you give your “first-week-in-Potsdam” self?

If I could give advice to my “first-week-in-Potsdam” self, I would say: take your time to explore the city and its surroundings, don’t be afraid to meet new people, and join groups like the Erasmus Student Network (ESN) to make friends quickly. Also, get used to the German university system early on, for example by registering for exams on time and learning how the semesters are structured. Finally, enjoy the nature and the calmness of Potsdam. It’s a great way to balance study and free time.

What are your plans for the future?

My main plan for the future is to graduate from my degree and find a full-time job. Ideally, I would like to continue working at the company where I am currently a working student, but as a full-time employee. I would especially like to stay in Germany, particularly in Berlin, because I really enjoy living here. More generally, my real goal is to live a happy, peaceful, and healthy life surrounded by good people.