As I’m sitting in my room, looking out at a gorgeous garden with trees and flowers dancing with the sun in the wind, writing to you, I have been to Bremen for three days. Three days packed with new information. Three days of endless meetings. Three days with happily chaotic. My welcome week, I believe, was a success. While waiting for my bags at Bremen Airport, I encountered a freshman student from Jacobs University. I felt a bit relieved that now at least, I knew someone in this new city. The Jacobs staff warmly welcomed us and had a shuttle bus to take us to the campus.
The registration was fast and I was lucky to meet a student staff who was kind enough to show me the campus and help bring the luggage to my room. If you think the first I did was to unpack, you’re all wrong! My excitement of getting to a new city and the amazement by the beauty of town from the shuttle bus made me want to explore the town and run some errands.
Taking the train from Jacobs to downtown takes about 25 minutes and the train station is also close to the campus. I was considering buying a used bike to ride in the city but there is no need as the train is quick and easy to navigate and the ticket is free. I need to walk from the main station (Hauptbahnhof) for another 10 minutes to get to the center, where a shopping street is located. Here, you can find almost everything you need, from electronic supplies, clothing and shoe brands, mobile carriers, furniture stores to grocery stores. One note is that most stores close at 7pm and close on Sundays and holidays. First thing first, a new SIM. In Germany, students are advised to buy prepaid SIM from O2, T-Mobile (Telekom), or Vodafone. I choose T-mobile because it’s the most popular carrier in Germany and provides the best internet quality. However, it’s the most expensive of the three (15 euro/month for 5GB).
After that, I went to DM, a Walgreen alike store, to buy some necessities. If you’re looking for electronic supplies or adapters, search for Saturn or Media Markt. They have all kinds of stuff you need.
I stopped at a Vietnamese restaurant and ordered Pho for dinner. I was craving hot noodle soup, and this coincided perfectly. Did manage to use my German to order so I was contented. I also spotted many ice cream shops that I had to swing by and have one on the way back.
The following couples of days were lots of welcoming meetings and parties to get to know the campus and the neighbors of the next four months. This weekend I’m going to Hamburg via train, which takes about an hour and costs me nothing. Hamburg is a big city with rich history and Hanseatic architecture and is known for the Port of Hamburg. I will tell you about my trip in another blog! Now I will have to say goodbye to you, my fellow reader, as my stomach is grumbling for food. I hope you find this blog helpful and enjoyable to read! Bis bald!
A Message from the Office of Global Engagement:
The safety and security of Drexel students is a priority for the University. As part of the efforts to support Drexel students that are studying abroad during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Office of Global Engagement has conducted a rigorous review of programming and provided additional support to participating students with customized pre-departure orientations and regular check-ins during the required self-isolation period and the term.
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