BSc Management Part 2: One Semester Down, Five to Go!

It is unbelievable how time is flying by. I feel like I started this journey just a week ago, but one-sixth of it is already over… Well okay, it doesn’t sound that much when I say it; my point is that semester I is over now and I want tell you all about it!

Lectures, assignments and exams

First, let me tell you about the courses I had in my first semester at KLU:

• Management Fundamentals
• Managerial and Financial Accounting
• Descriptive Statistics & Calculus and Analytical Geometry
• Communication and Academic Fundamentals

The program gave us a solid basis of knowledge for a good start with our studies. In addition to all the reading material, we had research assignments to conduct on our own or in groups. This is a better way to get insight into a subject than just studying a book! We also had our first guest lecturer in Managerial and Financial Accounting – a partner at KPMG, Hamburg. He briefly introduced the company and his job, and then showed us the practical side of what we were learning.

At one point, it was time for exams. As a freshman with no experience in university exams, I was honestly not looking forward to them. I guess nobody really enjoys exams, right? Anyway, they all went even better than expected, at least for me. University was over by December 17, so I was off to a nice Christmas holiday in my country.

Events at KLU

Apart from the monthly lecture series at our university, in which professionals make presentations on various topics, KLU hosted a couple of outstanding events during my first semester.

One of them was the “Night of Science”, or in German  “Nacht des Wissens”. For one evening, the university turned to a venue for workshops, games, and lectures. Since I was volunteering as barista along with other students, I had no opportunity to participate in any of the activities that night.  But I learned from the experience! After that evening, I knew more German names for beverages and I learned that nearly ALL Germans love Apfelschorle (sparkling water mixed with apple juice), since I mixed quite a lot of them. The event turned out to be more successful than anyone had expected. As a brand new venue on the map, KLU was ready to welcome around 200 guests. Actually, over 600 people visited our university. I am sure that the next “Night of Science” will be even more successful.

The other event took place right after exams. I think it was the first party ever to be held in the new KLU building – or at least the first Christmas party! Our cozy student lounge turned into a festively decorated room, full of Christmas spirit, Christmas sweets, and of course… mulled wine (Glühwein). After a speech given by two of our master’s students, we were all invited to a nice dinner, served in the conservatory. And Santa Claus himself was with us! He gave away some presents and took a looooot of photos with everyone. I guess there could have not been a better way to end the first semester.

A Few Words on Semester II

After a relaxing vacation at home, we all returned to KLU. That’s great – the second semester seems even more promising than the first. Interesting courses, lectures and events will be taking place soon and we need to make important decisions regarding our internship and semester abroad. I will definitely have a lot to write about next time

BSc Management Part 1: Welcome to KLU!

Hello everybody!

My name is Yana. I was born and raised in Bulgaria, in a rather small city (compared to Hamburg) called Ruse. I graduated from Baba Tonka High School of Mathematics last summer. You are probably wondering why a Bulgarian mathematics student would choose to study management in Germany. It’s quite simple actually – I visited Germany in 2010, and fell in love with it. I knew that I want to study here and I made it happen!

I wanted to study something that would bring me excellent career prospects, and management seemed like a suitable choice! KLU was a lucky coincidence. Somewhere around the beginning of May, I saw an ad about Kühne Logistics University. I had finally found a university in Germany that is perfect for me – a program taught entirely in English, an extensive, interesting curriculum, and an opportunity for a scholarship. So I handed in my application. After a month, I got the good news that I was accepted, and couldn't wait for September 2 to come.
Hamburg and The KLU: First impressions

My very first impression: Hamburg is quite far from where I live. I had to travel here by bus instead plane, so I wasn’t feeling exactly fresh for my first day at KLU. Nevertheless, I was excited to experience KLU for the first time. And then I had my second impression of Hamburg – the weather isn't the best! In Bulgaria, we say that when it rains on an important day, it means that everything will flow smoothly like water. If this saying is true, I will have lots and lots of luck with my studies at KLU.

My first impression of KLU was different than I had imagined. From outside, I saw this beautiful glass building, which made me think that the inside would be just as nice. Unfortunately, I could not see the university in its full splendor the first day; but it was really interesting to be there while was under construction. Every day a new part was finished, and after just one week we were able to walk around the brand new KLU!

The most impressive part of the building is the “Golden Egg.” This is the biggest lecture hall in the university and it goes from the ground up to the first floor. To me, it looks the best when it is dark outside, because then the Golden Egg is reflected in all the windows that surround it. The KLU also has a wonderful view. It is difficult to concentrate when your lecture hall has a panorama view of HafenCity. The location is really nice – when the weather outside is good, it is perfect for taking walks.

Getting started

I was very curious to meet my new classmates, so my first days at university were very nice. I managed to meet most of them: the first week was all about getting to know each other. The thing that helped this the most was the team building session. After playing different games, I could tell that I would like working with the people from my class, so I started with a positive feeling.

Of course lectures had to start at some point. I did not want to have expectations that were too high, but the first classes we had at KLU were exactly what I was secretly hoping for. The fact that we – the students – are developing the program along with the professors is quite appealing. It is very important that we are able to state our own opinions – whether they are related to what we are studying or to the program itself.

I have been going to KLU for more than two months, and this is just a brief introduction to our university. There is so much to tell that I'm looking forward to writing my next blog! I feel very happy about my decision to come to the KLU and I can’t wait to see what this experience has to offer next.