The Tsinghua–Aachen Double Master’s Degree Program stands out as one of the most meaningful experiences in both my academic and personal life. Before departure, our faculty advisors held a special meeting to walk us through the essentials of living and studying abroad, with safety always the first and foremost concern. Alumni who had completed the program before us also generously shared their stories and answered our questions with patience. At the time, we were full of curiosity and excitement, eagerly anticipating the journey to Germany that lay ahead.
September 18, 2018—the day we had been waiting for finally arrived. After more than ten hours in the air, we touched down in Düsseldorf. Any fatigue from the journey melted away the moment we landed. Teaching assistants from RWTH Aachen were already waiting at the airport with a bus, ready to escort us to our new homes. The university had arranged three student residences for us: "Big Tower," Kaven, and Kullenhof. While "Big Tower" might not compare to the dozens of high-rises common in Chinese cities, it was still an unmistakable landmark in Aachen. My own place, Kaven, struck me at first as remote and quiet. Once everyone had gone their separate ways and I stood alone in my empty room, a quiet unease began to settle in—the unfamiliarity of it all. But it didn't last long. After a short rest, our little group of companions regrouped, and being together again helped ease the initial loneliness.
In a foreign country, everything required a fresh start. We barely knew how to use the buses at first, so we got around on foot. Though the dormitory felt out of the way, the city itself is small—it took just a fifteen-minute walk to reach the center. Beyond its scenic charm, one thing that stood out to me was the cost of living. In the beginning, I couldn't help converting every price in my head: a single bus fare cost more than a taxi ride back home; a simple takeaway meal was equivalent to a proper dinner in China. The high cost of labor also made me obsessive about checking my keys before leaving—getting a replacement would set you back a thousand euros.
RWTH Aachen is woven into the fabric of the city, with lecture halls scattered across town. That meant we often had to hop on a bus just to get to class. Gradually, life began to find its rhythm. Before we knew it, the city was wrapped in the warm glow of Christmas. The market near the cathedral was alive with holiday spirit, and we joined in to soak up the magic of our first Christmas abroad.
Once Christmas passed, both the Spring Festival and exam season descended upon us in quick succession. As our predecessors had warned, exams at German universities are no joke—they demand everything you’ve got. But when it comes to cramming, students everywhere behave the same: the libraries and lecture halls that once felt so quiet during the semester suddenly came alive, buzzing with students around the clock. We celebrated the Lunar New Year in the middle of this intense period—cooking together, making dumplings, and watching the Spring Festival Gala. Though we were thousands of miles from home, the warmth we shared made it feel not so far away after all.
As the first semester wore on, the novelty of being abroad began to fade—and homesickness began to take its place. German holidays felt eerily quiet, with empty streets and shuttered shops—a stark contrast to the lively bustle I was used to back home. What I missed most, though, was good Chinese food. Ironically, the best meal I had in Europe turned out to be the snacks served at the university’s opening ceremony.
We also spent time getting to know German students who were preparing to head to Tsinghua on exchange. As we described the campus and student life back home, I could see the same spark of curiosity and excitement in their eyes—the very feelings I'd had not so long ago.
The year slipped through our fingers like sand. Before we knew it, this unforgettable exchange had drawn to a close. Looking back, this cross-cultural experience did more than broaden my academic horizons—it shaped who I am. It gave me a sharper mind, a stronger heart, and a reminder that the best way to grow is to keep moving forward—with an open mind and steady steps.
By Shen Junxu (Class of 2022, XPENG INC.)
