How I Ended Up in Germany: My Journey to Hochschule der Medien

 

Taking an enhancement year wasn’t something I always planned on. I could’ve gone straight into my final year at Coventry University, but the idea of traveling, experiencing a new culture, and making industry connections pushed me toward this path. Initially, I wanted to study in Asia, but by the time I looked into it, it was too late to apply. Germany, however, was still an option—and I knew it had a strong industrial and design scene, so it felt like the right choice.

With the Turing Scheme covering my costs and Hochschule der Medien (HdM) being one of the top universities available, I went for it. My other choices were in France and Turkey, but Germany stood out to me both academically and professionally. And now, here I am—living in Stuttgart, studying in a completely different system, and navigating the challenges of being in a new country.

The Application Process & Moving to Germany

Applying for the enhancement year was actually pretty smooth. The study abroad team at Coventry helped a lot, but there were a few uncertainties on the German side—mostly due to the language barrier. Things like the learning agreement, accommodation, and general admin were harder to navigate because some staff weren’t fluent in English. The accommodation itself is great, but getting everything sorted—especially if the housemaster wasn’t in—was a bit of a hassle.

One of the biggest challenges for me wasn’t securing the placement but getting my documents sorted. I had to renew my passport and Belgian EID, which was probably the most stressful part. Apart from that, things went smoothly.

Before moving, I didn’t stress too much about the logistics. I already had experience living independently in Coventry, but this was different. Back in the UK, I could always go home on weekends. Now, it’s been four months since I last visited home, and that’s something I had to mentally adjust to. Packing was also a struggle—I had to leave my whole PC setup behind and switch to a MacBook, which felt weird at first but was necessary for portability.

First Impressions & Cultural Differences

I expected Germany to be a hyper-modern country, almost like Japan, but I was surprised by how manual some things still are. Paper letters are still common, and some processes feel less digital than I imagined. That being said, the train system is solid and way cheaper than UK buses, which is a huge plus.

Socially, I thought it would be easier to integrate, but I don’t feel like I’ve fully adapted to the culture yet. Part of that might be because I don’t drink or party, so I’m not part of the usual student nightlife. At first, I felt homesick and out of place—being in a space with students from all over the world made everything feel a bit awkward. But I realized that everyone else was in the same boat, and over time, I started settling into the lifestyle.

One small but cool cultural difference I noticed is locker systems in libraries and stores. You can leave your bag or jacket in a secure spot while you shop or study, which is super convenient and something I’d love to see more of in the UK.

What I Want to Get Out of This Year

My biggest goal during this enhancement year is to gain experience and build connections. Germany has a strong design and industrial scene, and I want to make the most of it while I’m here.

In the long run, I think this experience will make me stand out to employers—it shows that I’m adaptable, willing to travel for work, and capable of handling new environments. When I go back to the UK, I’ll be bringing back not just academic knowledge, but real-world experience that will help shape my final year and career in design.

This is just the beginning of my journey in Germany, and I’m looking forward to seeing where it takes me.