It’s been a long, long time in the making and now it’s finally reality: from October onwards, I’m officially a full-time student! I don’t believe it either! I will be attempting a Bachelor’s Degree in English and Linguistics at the University of Düsseldorf. How and why? A few years ago a new law was introduced in Germany, which allows people with a completed vocational training (Ausbildung) plus three years of practical experience in that same job to either apply for university in the same field or to take an exam if they want to study a different field. This January I had my 3 years of practical experience, so I did the latter because English and Linguistics don’t have lots to do with media design or web development.

You might wonder why I didn’t just apply to FH (technical college) to study some design-related stuff with my Fachabitur in Gestaltung (high school diploma in design) – well, “been there, done that”. I’ve been through all the design basics three times, and I don’t care to do it again. Also, my overall average grade on my high school diploma is somewhat mediocre (3,2 if I remember correctly) – much too mediocre to easily get a position at an FH. And that wouldn’t even have gotten me in, I’d also would have had to hand in a portfolio showing off my creativity and/or drawing skills (which I lack, especially after a long day of work). I’ve actually tried that before my Ausbildung when I couldn’t find a job. I created two portfolios and all my applications to FH’s epically failed. So you get the picture why I’m disinclined to fail with a third portfolio.

The German education system is so fucked up that I’m not allowed to attend a regular university with my Fachabitur. In the past, I tried the international route by applying to universities in the US and Europe with my Fachabitur, which didn’t work out too well. When I learned about that new German law, I decided to apply close to home in Düsseldorf and thus I had to take said exam. And I have to admit, it was ridiculously easy. It was pretty much just to determine whether I can write, speak and translate English at “Abitur” level – something which I’m quite confident of. I passed the exam with an average grade of 1,5 – about equal to an American A-. With that, I was among the top applicants for the local numerus clausus at the University of Düsseldorf and got my place. Taking that exam was the best thing I could have done, because I’ve accumulated my work experience (as well as some financial reserves) without having to put a lot of effort into something like evening school or even my personal nightmare of creating a portfolio.

Being officially designated a student is of course quite nerve-wracking. There are so many things I have to figure out that I don’t even know where to begin, and everything is new and scary and big. How does the time table work? Which courses do I have to take? Will I even like some of the obligatory courses? What will life be like without a regular income? How will I feel being 8 years older than most of my fellow students? So many questions.

Becoming a full-time student also requires quitting a job. I quit my job! I’ve had a great time at this company, the people were fun and I learned a lot, but I think it’s a good idea to have a change of scenery every once in a while – and I’ve been at this company for a little over 6 years already. As of now, I have three more weeks to work (until mid-September), and then I’ll use up my remaining vacation days for the calm before the storm – three weeks off before the semester begins on October 10th.