Hallole!
My name is Nadine, and I’ve just finished my penultimate study year as a French and German MLang student. MLang students are required to study abroad, and I really couldn’t have chose a better place to embrace German culture than this Fairytale Town.
The picture above is at the very heart of Tübingen, where all buses and cycle lanes lead: the Neckar Bridge! This was the very spot that I first got off the bus when I arrived in Tübingen (although it didn’t look anywhere near as pretty as that when I stepped off into a rainy March evening. I will admit, I was so overwhelmed with so many new experiences in such a short period of time, that I didn’t even stop for a second to take in the view. What I didn’t know then, was that this bridge is the very beating heart of Tübingen. No matter what time of day, no matter the weather – you can always count on seeing someone you know on the Bridge. I have lost count of the amount of sporadic conversations took place here, and I mean with a view like that, it’s a pretty amazing spot for it!
So you’re probably wondering – what is Tübingen famous for? Well I may be biased, but I’ve got to put The picture above is at the very heart of Tübingen, where all buses and cycle lanes lead: the Neckar Bridge! This was the very spot that I first got off the bus when I arrived in Tübingen (although it didn’t look anywhere near as pretty as that when I stepped off into a rainy March evening. I will admit, I was so overwhelmed with so many new experiences in such a short period of time, that I didn’t even stop for a second to take in the view. What I didn’t know then, was that this bridge is the very beating heart of Tübingen. No matter what time of day, no matter the weather – you can always count on seeing someone you know on the Bridge. I have lost count of the amount of sporadic conversations took place here, and I mean with a view like that, it’s a pretty amazing spot for it!
So you’re probably wondering – what is Tübingen famous for? Well I may be biased, but I’ve got to put Spätzle right at the top of the list! It’s basically just a soft egg noodle/dumpling that is a staple of Schwabian and Austrian cuisine. Tübingen is especially famous for Käsespätzle (they basically just smother it in Cheese!), which is a must try if you get the chance to sample any restaurants there on your Travels. 
You may now find yourself asking what the average day looks like as a Student living in Tübingen! Well allow me to enlighten you! The majority of students live in a giant accomodation complex in the middle of a Forest – which so happens to be Aptly named Waldhäuser-Ost (literally, Forest Houses East!). I have the luxury of my own Ensuite, but the Kitchen and shared spaces are looked after by over 30 of us, so you’ll always have someone to talk to when you’re cooking up your home comforts! Then, it’s only a hop,skip and a jump over to the bus stop. It takes less than 10 minutes to get into the heart of the city, and with all of the university buildings being on the same street, you’re never far from where you’ve got to go! This semester, as a humanities and languages student, I had the privilege of studying in Brechtbau (which is a slang word for the languages building!). It has a very rustic yet strangely modern interior, that makes you feel like you’re back in the 00s, and in the present day at the same time! It’s really easy to enter to, so if you get a moment, feel free to pop in for a wander as you pass by!
Taking classes in German was an invaluable experience, and one of the most important on my journey here in Tübingen. From competence training courses to studying Medieval German Linguistics, there’s something for everyone. I have to say that the Mediavistik lecturers here in Tuebingen are some of the best lecturers I have had the privilege of learning from in my Academic Career – and if that high praise doesn’t convince you, I don’t know what will!
I have to say that in the beginning, I was sure that I wouldn’t be able to do this. From crying on the bus when I first arrived, to the panic of trying to find my Hausmeister before 2pm on a Friday at the risk of having to wait until Monday to meet him (actually a true story!), to the very first day and my very first class at the University. Although I made so many mistakes along the way, and perhaps didn’t take advantage of the beautiful city at first, for the past 4 months, it became my home. A place that I could be who I am, where I felt safe, where I could meet like-minded people, and embrace the German living experience. Although I’m not looking forward to the ‘reverse culture shocks’ when I return home, I wouldn’t give up this experience for the world. The only advice I could give myself or anyone else who isn’t sure about studying abroad is, and I know it’s rather cliché, but dive head first. The deeper you dive, the quicker you’ll float and end up with your head above the water, and finally, when the crippling dread and anxiety subsides, you’ll be living your best life!
Thank you for reading my little blog post about my time in Tübingen. I hope that if you do manage to visit, you’ll love this little place as much as I do! <3