Katharina, 26, is currently doing a teacher’s degree in German language and music at the University of Osnabrück. In our survival kit, she recounts how she once had to write a paper about fever madness while simultaneously struggling with fever madness herself.
The biggest cliché about your school – and to what extent it’s true:When I correct someone, people usually go: “Oh, that's right, you’re studying German, aren’t you?” If you have a lot to do with language, you often get to hear the cliché that you’re someone who likes to look out for mistakes and to find them as well. Musicians are often called creative. That’s true in many cases. But all in all, I don't think much of clichés.
What’s your everyday life like?
I’m at the end of my studies. When I had more courses, I avoided having seminars early in the morning and late in the evening. In my Bachelor’s course, however, it also happened that I had university from eight in the morning to eight in the evening – and sometimes even rehearsals afterwards. During my master’s, I usually had two or three seminars a day, and in between, I went to the cafeteria or took one or two coffee breaks. In the evenings, I often went to the university’s rehearsal rooms to practice piano, cello or singing. I also joined the chamber choir, pop choir and a theatre ensemble in Münster. Besides the weekly dates, this meant additional performances and rehearsal weekends. At the moment, I have a few difficulties in structuring my everyday life because I am writing my master’s thesis. I try to spend a lot of time in the library. Apart from that, I meet friends, go for short bike rides or do other things like walking, reading, or making music.
What could you have done without?
I took a few additional seminars out of interest. It was interesting at the beginning, but in the end, it was far too time-consuming. I had to cancel many of them because I simply didn't have enough time.
If you could start over at university, what would you do differently?
I would change my schedule a bit right from the start. I overdid myself trying to attend all classes that the module plan recommended. In the end, I needed more time to finish both my Bachelor's and master's degree than intended because I couldn't keep up with the workload. I had classes from morning till night and in addition to that projects like musicals, choirs or theatre - some of them even parallel – that I gave a lot of love, but which also consumed lots of energy and time. I should have relaxed much earlier and let go of the idea that I needed to graduate with the same people that I started studying with. Because in the end, things just work out differently but you can still keep your good friends.
Which day at university will you never forget?
We once had a day-long workshop on vocal improvisation in which you sing freely without sheet music, intuitively and in "fantasy language" and create overall sounds together with the group. I was still relatively new at the university – as I had switched to Osnabrück for my master's degree – and didn't really know the people yet. Nevertheless, I felt comfortable enough to sing alone, although I still lacked some trust in the others. It was about free development of voice and feeling, not about whether something sounds beautiful – there was no room for "embarrassment".
What did you find the most annoying?
Writing papers.
I was often saved by the fact that under pressure I could unleash the greatest energy.
What has often proved a lifesaver for you?
To somehow just go on and be sure about my ability to continue. I was often saved by the fact that under pressure I could unleash the greatest energy and work through the nights. And my parents, who always proofread the night before the deadline. They read every single of my paper.
What did you eat when you were running low on funds?
Luckily, my parents were always able to support me financially when things got tight. Not so long ago, however, I wanted to buy an electric piano, which is very expensive. I decided to use a large part of my savings for this and cut back on other things. I then tend to not buy any new clothes and eat very economical: a good cheese sandwich never disappoints, otherwise I usually eat in the cafeteria.
What question do you hear at every family gathering?
I rarely get asked anything about my studies. Relatives who live further away ask me over and over again what it is exactly that I do, every time I see them. Others, however, know exactly what I do: my uncle has now set up an Instagram account to follow the live streams, that I do with my singer-songwriter project KARA. My godchild is always there, too. That is super cute.
Where can you be found when you’re not at university?
I like to go to the botanical garden or enjoy being outside. I keep a diary and like coming up with my own lyrics. I've been touring as KARA for a year now and did some shows. This means that I also spend a lot of time playing the piano. Of course, I also spend time with my friends. But when I want to relax, I just watch a show, go for a walk or listen to music.
What was the highest price you’ve paid for a good mark?
There was a term paper whose deadline was later than set by the examination regulations. I was at a congress for my work as a research assistant. Afterwards, I had one more week to complete the paper. Then, however, I caught a fever, finding myself in bed with a temperature of 40° C. I asked my professor for an extension – he declined. So, I actually wrote the paper in bed. Surprisingly, I got a 1.0 (that equals an A+) in the end, but then carried on having the same infection remaining semester and even had to postpone my singing final exam several times. By the way: In my essay, I examined whether Goethe's character of the Erl König might just have come from a feverish dream. So, I wrote about fever madness in my fever madness.
University is also about learning for life. What’s your takeaway so far for the future?
Courage, self-confidence and great friends. But also the relief that I never have to write any more papers, fortunately. Despite my good grades, it wasn't worth the stress. I also learned that I had to actively take time for myself and that I shouldn't bother with appointments. I have figured out that I draw energy both from great musical projects and from spending time alone with myself. I have found out what "emotional capacity" is – and that you shouldn't overstimulate it. You just can't have it all, and that's okay.
“SURVIVAL KIT FOR STUDIES”
Where in Germany can one study well? How can you live well as a student? And how do you survive the first student council party and the questions at family gatherings?
Students from different disciplines talk about their experiences at universities in Germany, their everyday life – and what sometimes drives them to despair.
September 2020