When I first moved into a student dorm, or Studentenheim, I honestly thought it was just going to be a convenient and affordable place to sleep near university. I wasn’t expecting to get much out of it besides saving money and being close to class. But after spending a few semesters there, I’ve come to realize it taught me a lot more than I ever imagined.
At first, it was a bit of an adjustment. Living with people I didn’t know, sharing a kitchen, and figuring out basic things like cleaning schedules or where to store my food was all new to me. I won’t pretend it was always easy. There were small arguments, some awkward moments, and definitely times when I missed having my own space. But those everyday challenges actually helped me build skills I now use all the time.
For one, I got much better at communicating. You have to speak up when something’s bothering you, but also learn how to pick your battles. I figured out how to work through disagreements, respect other people’s routines, and compromise without holding grudges. I used to avoid confrontation, but now I feel more confident expressing myself in a calm and constructive way. That’s helped me in group work, internships, and even job interviews.
Being surrounded by other students gave me a sense of structure too. I started planning my time better because everyone around me was doing the same. Seeing people in the study room motivated me to focus, and it became normal to go over lecture notes in the common area or quiz each other before exams. That environment made a real difference in how I approached my studies.
What surprised me the most was how much I learned just by being part of a mixed and international community. I met people from countries I had never even visited. We exchanged food, talked about our different holidays and customs, and even learned bits of each other’s languages. It made me more open-minded and curious, and taught me how to be respectful and thoughtful in a way you don’t really get from reading textbooks.
Of course, there were also the more practical lessons. Things like budgeting, cooking meals that don’t come from a box, and actually sticking to a cleaning routine. At first, I didn’t think of these as “skills,” but now I see how valuable they are. Being able to manage your time, space, and money without someone constantly reminding you is something you slowly build in this kind of living situation.
There were fun parts too. Late-night conversations in the hallway, spontaneous group dinners, movie nights in someone’s room, and shared excitement over good exam results. Those little moments created friendships that still matter to me today. Some of us still meet up, even after we moved out. A couple of people I met there have become part of my professional network, and we still help each other out with job leads or project feedback.
Looking back, living in a Studentenheim was one of the most important parts of my university life. It wasn’t just about convenience or low rent. It helped me become moreresponsible, more organized, and more comfortable in my own skin. If you’re on the fence
about moving into one, I’d say give it a chance. You’ll probably learn more about yourself than you expect—and maybe even make memories that stick with you for years.