Category — Graduating College

Generally there is no such thing as ‘school spirit’ in German universities. College sports have no relevance for anyone but the ones who do them, and they’re most definitely not shown on national TV. That is something I loved about going to school in the US.

Luckily, as far as collegiate merchandise goes, German universities are catching up. So the other week, I went to the university store and bought a few things. Aside from the rubber ducky that you already got to see in the previous post (isn’t it freakin’ adorable?) I also bought a hoodie and a tshirt.

I am leaving Heidelberg in just three short weeks so I wanted some souvenirs to remind me of the town and of my time here.

I would also love a hoodie of the University of Oklahoma. I bought one when I lived in Norman, but unfortunately the hoodie’s body has shrunk and now is a little short. What a shame, because I doubt I will be able to find an OU hoodie anywhere in Europe. And what with how expensive collegiate gear is, I am a little hesitant to order online. Maybe I will just have to wait till I am in the US again. Whenever that will be.

Until then, I will proudly be wearing my Heidelberg hoodie.

Did you keep your tshirts and hoodies from when you went to school? Do you still wear them?

It has been nearly four weeks since my last post and since then, so many things have changed. Life changing things.

On July 15th, 2831 days after the day classes started freshman year, I took my very last exam and that means I am done with my degree. We don’t have a traditional graduation ceremony for the entire university, so I simply picked up my diploma a few days after the exam. I know, not very dramatic. In fact, the secretary’s comment when I asked whether I had to sign anything was, “no, that’s it, quick and painless.” I know, not exactly how you picture the moment of being handed your diploma that you worked on for eight long years.

But you guys? This feels so good. And I am so proud.

Yet, in a way, I don’t feel any different. Like my brain hasn’t fully comprehended yet that I am no longer a student. Even though I have already started my job search, it hasn’t really sunk in yet. I still live on campus, I still hang out with my college friends, so in that regard not much has changed.

But every now and then, I have a moment when I realize that I really am done. And I am so happy that all the years of studying were worth it. I think it will all become more real when I move in a little under four weeks and leave Heidelberg, the city where I grew and matured into the person that I am today.

I celebrated the occasion with a cupcake. After that last exam (which did not go well) I really needed a little sugary goodness.

So here is to a new phase of my life! I am no longer a graduate student. And I cannot wait to see what the next year brings.

What did you do after graduation? Did you start job-hunting right away? Go on a vacation? Do share.

Today, like the past couple of days, has been spent almost entirely at the computer lab. Not just because I need to use a computer and my laptop is still in repair, but also to escape the heat. You see, it has been  really hot here lately and my room has become unbearable during the day. And the computer lab? Is air-conditioned. The computer lab is on the other side of campus (that I live on), and so I have been spending quite some time on campus, studying, eating, walking around and riding my bike.

I had hardly ever been here before I moved on campus, because it is the sciences campus and all my classes took place downtown. So even now that I live here, I usually just walk to the bus stop to catch the bus going downtown. I have gotten to know the campus a little better, though, knowing where all the important buildings are, and I don’t get lost in the concrete jungle anymore.

Taking classes in the downtown part of the university is different from the sciences campus. Mostly because there is no downtown campus. The buildings are all over the old part of town, and we college students share the area with tourists and shoppers alike. Everything is more spread out, and there isn’t much of a community feel to the university downtown. The sciences campus is an actual campus, though, and all the buildings on campus are university-owned and used by various departments. And whenever I go places during the day, the campus is crowded with students, walking or riding their bikes to classes, to the cafeteria, etc.

Not only have I been taking classes downtown, I have not actually taken a class since the fall semester, and I have not taken a mandatory class in over a year. I wrote my thesis at home, and have studied for my exams at home and in the library, so I have spent very little time in the actual English & Spanish department buildings. I have not felt very student-y in a while.

And today, riding my bike across campus, carrying a backpack full of books, studying at the computer lab, eating at the cafeteria, I just felt so much like a college student. There were so many like me. I was by myself and I knew I was not one of them (a science major) but at the same time I felt like one of them.

In just 15 days, I will be taking my very last exam, after which I will be completely done with anything college-related, and I will no longer be a college student. I will have to move out of student housing, find a job, and start living like an adult. Until then, I will be cherishing every single one of my last days as a college student.

What do or did you love about being a college student?