Name: Lamiaa
Age: 24
Country of origin: Morocco
Degree course: Electrical Engineering and Information Technology (IT)
School: Technical University of Applied Sciences Georg Agricola

Hello, my name is Lamiaa and I study Electrical Engineering and Information Technology at the Technical University of Applied Sciences Georg Agricola, currently I am in my fifth semester. I decided to study in Bochum because of the wide range of subjects on offer, and because the Higher Education Institutions in Bochum have a good reputation. Friends of mine who have already completed their degrees suggested the technical university to me.

At the beginning of my studies I found it difficult to find my way round. With the guidance of many organisations designed for student support, and with the help of those around me, I managed to settle in fast though. When I came to Germany in 2000, my knowledge of German was all right, but it has been much improved through contact with German students.

The weather here, at first, was totally unusual for me. I couldn't believe that summer only lasted for a month – but the extremely beautiful Christmas market caused the disappointment to disappear! I also like the very useful "Semesterticket", which can be used to travel in the whole Ruhr-Area on busses and trains, for free. That is certainly a privilege!

I finance my studies through a part-time job in a café, and also receive some financial support from my parents. After graduation I would like to get some work experience in a company to then set up my own business – whether in Germany or back home we have yet to see!