Author: Emma Dietz

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SLR Blog: International shops in Siegen | Student Survival Tips

Moving to a new country can be exciting, but sometimes you just miss the taste of home. Luckily, Siegen offers a variety of international supermarkets where you can find ingredients from around the world. Here’s a list of shops where you might find just what you need to cook your favorite meals:

🛒 International Supermarkets in Siegen

  1. Mix Markt Siegen
    Address: Friedrich-Wilhelm-Straße 134, 57074 Siegen
    Open: Mon–Fri 9:00–20:00, Sat 8:00–18:00
    Offers: Eastern European products, vegetables and fruits.

  2. Anadolu Frisch Markt
    Address: Geisweider Straße 171, 57078 Siegen
    Offers: Turkish and Mediterranean foods, fresh fruits and vegetables, halal meat.

  3. MAHMUTOGLU MARKET
    Address: Geisweider Straße 171, 57078 Siegen
    Offers: Turkish, Moroccan, and Russian groceries.

  4. Pinoy Food Store
    Address: Siegtalstraße 199, 57080 Siegen
    Open: Mon–Fri 9:00–18:00, Sat 9:00–13:00
    Offers:  Asian products and snacks.

  5. Asia Markt
    Address: Koblenzer Straße 20, 57072 Siegen
    Offers: Groceries from China, Japan, Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam.

  6. Dang Asia Lebensmittel
    Address: Löhrstraße 4, 57072 Siegen
    Offers: Vietnamese and other Asian food items.

  7. Asia-Afro-Lebensmittel MN
    Address: In der Hüttenwiese 22, 57072 Siegen
    Offers: A mix of Asian and African groceries.

Bonus Tip: International Aisles in Regular Supermarkets

In addition to specialized international shops, most big supermarkets in Germany, like REWE, EDEKA, Kaufland, Globus have sections with international products. There you can often find:

  • Asian noodles, coconut milk, soy sauce

  • Mexican tortillas, salsa, beans

  • Turkish or Middle Eastern spices, couscous, hummus

  • Italian pasta, pesto, and tomato sauces

  • Polish pierogi or pickled vegetables

🥘Be Creative with Local Ingredients

Even if you can’t find every product from home, you can still get creative in the kitchen:

  • Try substitutes: Use local vegetables or spices as alternatives to what you’re used to.

  • Experiment with fusion: Combine flavors from your home country with German ingredients to make something completely new.

  • Cook together: Share recipes and meals with other international students, it’s a great way to connect!

With these shops and tips, you can bring the flavors of home into your kitchen and explore new culinary experiences while studying in Siegen.

Your SLR host Emma 😊

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SLR Blog: The power of routines | Student Survival Tips

How small habits can improve your well-being

Creating a routine doesn’t have to be boring or complicated. In fact, small, simple habits can make a big difference in your daily life as a student. Here are some easy tips to help you build a routine that supports your mental well-being, energy, and productivity:

1. Start and end your day with intention

Set fixed wake-up and bedtime hours. This boosts your sleep quality and gives your day structure.

2. Create a loose daily rhythm

Plan basic things like meals, study sessions, and breaks – not to restrict, but to reduce decision fatigue.

3. Make your bed

It sounds small, but making your bed can give you a quick win and a sense of order in the morning.

4. Include movement

A short walk, stretching, or a workout – even just 10 minutes – can boost your energy and mood.

5. Schedule breaks

Don’t study for hours without stopping. Use the Pomodoro technique (25 minutes work, 5 minutes break) or simply set regular pauses to rest your mind.

6.  Create a calming evening ritual

Try reading, journaling, or just putting away your phone 30 minutes before bed. This helps you wind down and sleep better.

7. Be flexible – not perfect

Routines should support you, not stress you. If your plan falls apart, adjust without guilt.

Your SLR host Emma 😊

Source: https://www.verywellmind.com/the-importance-of-keeping-a-routine-during-stressful-times-4802638

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SLR Blog: How to handle problems with your roommates | Student Survival Tips

Living with roommates can be amazing- shared dinners, deep talks, spontaneous laughs. But let’s be real: it can also be challenging. Different habits, expectations, and lifestyles in a shared space can lead to tension. And that’s totally normal.

Here are some helpful tips to handle roommate conflicts before they turn into big dramas:

1. Talk Early – Not after you’ve exploded

If something bothers you, don’t let it build up. Address it calmly and early. A simple “Hey, can we talk about something?” often opens the door to a more relaxed conversation.

2. Use “I” statements

Instead of blaming (“You never do the dishes!”), try saying how you feel:
“I feel frustrated when the dishes pile up, can we find a solution together?”
This keeps the conversation less defensive.

3. Assume good intentions

Most people don’t want to be bad roommates – they might just not realize their behavior is affecting you. A little benefit of the doubt goes a long way.

4. Agree on clear rules

Discuss things like cleaning, guests, noise, and shared costs early on. Even if it feels awkward at first, having clear agreements can prevent future stress.

5. Take space if you need it

A short walk, headphones on, or spending time in a different room can help everyone cool down if things get tense.

6. Ask for support

If you really can’t resolve the conflict, you don’t have to do it alone. Many universities have mediation services, student support, or someone you can talk to.

Living together means learning together. Conflict doesn’t mean failure, it’s part of figuring things out. With some communication and kindness, you’ll likely come out stronger (and maybe even closer).

Your SLR host Emma 😊

Source: https://www.sparwelt.de/magazin/menschen/wg-leben-probleme-loesen

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SLR Blog: Calming rituals to unwind after a stressful day | Student Survival Tips

Had a long day? Try these simple rituals to calm your mind, reset your energy and end your evening with intention, not just exhaustion.

1. Create a soft landing after your day
Before jumping into screens or chores, take a few quiet minutes to transition. Light a candle, change into comfy clothes or open a window. Let your body know the day is over.

2. Do a brain dump
Write down everything on your mind:  thoughts, to-dos, worries. It clears your head and helps you let go.

3. Move gently
Stretch slowly or take a short walk. Even five minutes of light movement can help your body release tension and breathe more freely.

4. Set a calming mood
Turn off harsh lights, light a candle, play soft music or ambient sounds. Small things like this help your body shift into rest mode.

5. Unplug with intention
Instead of scrolling until you fall asleep, decide how you want to end your evening. Read a few pages, sit in silence or just lie down and breathe. Let things slow down naturally.

You don’t need to do everything. Just gentle reminders that it’s okay to rest. That’s more than enough.

Your SLR host Emma 😊

Source: https://geopelie.com/en/blogs/blog/16-rituals-to-enjoy-your-evening-routinesrsltid=AfmBOopNDWC9nBm1bCskIbafqIztRinuGQ38tA2pQ0vQzztxK2BzmxJl

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SLR Blog: Journaling: A simple habit for students | Student Survival Tips

5 Ways journaling can help you as a student:

  1. Reduce stress and anxiety
    Writing down your thoughts helps to clear your mind and reduce mental clutter. It’s like talking to someone, but that someone is you.
  2. Improve focus and productivity
    A short morning journaling session can help you set intentions for the day, track your goals, and stay organized.
  3. Boost your emotional wellbeing
    Journaling helps you identify patterns in your mood and behavior, which can lead to greater emotional awareness and resilience.
  4. Encourage self-reflection
    University is a time of big growth. Reflecting on what you’re learning (both in and out of class) can deepen your understanding of yourself.
  5. Stimulate creativity
    Free-writing, doodling, or writing short stories in your journal can unlock creative thinking — useful whether you’re writing an essay or planning a project.

Simple journal prompts to get started:

  • “What’s been on my mind lately?”
  • “What am I grateful for today?”
  • “What’s something I’m avoiding and why?”
  • “How did I take care of myself this week?”
  • “What would I tell my past self right now?”

No rules, just you

You can journal digitally or on paper. Some people write daily, others once a week. Some use bullet points, others paragraphs or even drawings. It’s your space, and there’s no wrong way to use it.

Why not give it a try?

Your SLR host Emma 😊

Source: https://positivepsychology.com/benefits-of-journaling/

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SLR Blog: Exam Anxiety | Student Survival Tips

Exams coming up and your nerves are already on edge? Totally normal. But the good news is: you don’t have to deal with all that stress alone. Uni Siegen offers some really useful ways to help you calm down and focus.

1. Join a ZSB Workshop
The Zentrale Studienberatung (ZSB) runs helpful workshops on stress management, study techniques, and how to deal with pressure. It’s a good chance to learn helpful tools and to realize you’re not the only one feeling stressed.
👉 Check it out here: uni-siegen.de/zsb/veranstaltungen/workshops.html

2. Drop by the Student Living Room
Need someone to talk to? The Hosts in the Student Living Room are there to listen, support you, and answer your questions, whether it’s about daily struggles, uni stress, your studies or just how to survive the exam phase.

3. Take a break
Studying non-stop sounds productive, but it actually hurts your focus in the long run. Short breaks help your brain absorb information, reduce stress, and prevent burnout. The Selfcare Sessions at the Student Living Room are all about taking care of your mental well-being.

4. Prepare with a plan – not just panic
 A solid prep plan helps you stay calm and focused. Break your material into smaller parts, spread it over several days, and set realistic daily goals. You’ll feel way more in control and less overwhelmed.

5. Learn to handle stress (Yes, you can!)
Stress is normal, but you don’t have to let it take over. Simple strategies like breathing exercises, short walks, or even a change of scenery can make a huge difference. And if you want to learn more: Uni Siegen offers workshops on stress management and how to stay mentally balanced during exams. Definitely worth checking out!
👉 uni-siegen.de/zsb/veranstaltungen/workshops.html

6. Reach out for counseling
The uni’s Psychologische Beratung is free and confidential. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, lack of motivation, or just feeling stuck , talking to someone can really help.

7. Don’t study alone all the time
Group study can ease anxiety and keep you from spiraling over that one topic you don’t get. You can quiz each other, share helpful strategies, and keep each other motivated when focus starts to slip.

8. Move. Breathe. Sleep.
Sounds basic, but it works. A short walk, stretching, or some deep breathing can reset your mind. And please, don’t underestimate the power of actual sleep.

You’re not alone in this.
Use what Uni Siegen offers and be kind to yourself. One exam doesn’t define you. You’ve got this. 🍀

You SLR host Emma 😊

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SLR Blog: Waste separation in Germany | Student Survival Tips

Germany takes waste sorting seriously and for good reason! Recycling reduces pollution, saves energy, and protects the environment. Here’s a quick guide to the bin colors and their meaning:

Yellow bin (Gelbe Tonne) – Packaging waste

✅ Plastic wrappers, cans, cartons
❌ Toys, electronics, paper
➡️ Sorted and recycled into new packaging

Blue bin (Blaue Tonne) – Paper & cardboard

✅ Newspapers, boxes, books
❌ Dirty paper (e.g. pizza boxes), tissues
➡️ Saves trees and water

Glass containers – Sorted by color

✅ Bottles and jars (white, green, brown)
❌ Ceramics, mirrors, light bulbs
➡️ Glass is 100% recyclable

Brown bin (Biotonne) – Organic waste

✅ Fruit, veggies, coffee grounds
❌ Plastic, cooked food (check local rules)
➡️ Turned into compost or biogas

Black/Grey bin – Residual waste

✅ Hygiene products, ashes, broken items
❌ Recyclables
➡️ Burned for energy and least eco-friendly

Why It Matters

  • Less landfill waste
  •  Lower CO₂ emissions
  • Saves energy and resources

Tips:

  • Return Pfand bottles to the store

  • Check your local city’s rules because some areas and cities differ slightly

  • Use the “Grüner Punkt” to identify recyclable packaging

Your SLR host Emma 😊

My Source: https://www.nabu.de/umwelt-und-ressourcen/oekologisch-leben/alltagsprodukte/19838.html

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SLR Blog: Budget-friendly tips for international students | Student Survival Tips

Studying abroad is exciting, but managing money can be tough. Here are some real, everyday budget hacks that international students can actually use:

1. Shop Smart: Compare prices & use discounts
Always compare prices before buying anything. Use apps like Idealo and UNiDAYS and take advantage of student discounts wherever possible for example for online shops, stores, computers, even museums!

2. Save on transportation
Use student travel passes, monthly public transport tickets, or bike-sharing programs. For longer trips, try BlaBlaCar or carpooling with friends instead of pricey trains.

3. Use store & cashback apps
Many supermarkets and drugstores (like Lidl, Rewe, or DM in Germany) have their own apps with digital coupons and rewards. Combine them with cashback apps like Payback or extensions like Honey to save even more.

4. Buy second-hand whenever possible
From clothes to furniture, buying used is cheaper. Vinted, Kleinanzeigen or university notice boards before buying new.

5. Split costs with friends
Share Abonnements, shop for groceries together, or take turns cooking. It’s cheaper and more fun!

6. Meal-prep to save time and money
If you cook a few meals at home each week, you’ll spend less on expensive takeout. Make extra portions so you can freeze leftovers.

7. Use free university resources
Don’t pay for stuff your university already offers! Libraries, printers, free software (like Microsoft Office), cheaper fitness classes (Hochschulsport), or cultural events.

8. Track your spendings
Use simple apps like Spendee, Monefy, or Buddy to monitor your daily expenses. You’ll quickly see where your money goes and where you can try to save some more.

9. Earn a bit on the side
If your visa allows it, take on a small job like tutoring, babysitting or other student jobs.

10. Use the library Instead of buying books and textbooks
Textbooks are expensive and often only needed for a few weeks. Borrow them from the library or buy them second-hand.

11. Join student or cultural groups
Many groups organize free events, cooking nights, or trips. It’s a great way to meet people and save money at the same time. You can find many of them here.

Your SLR host Emma 😊

Source: Save the Student – Student Finance Guide 2025 savethestudent.org

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SLR Blog: Adjusting to the New Culture for International Students in Germany | Student Survival Tips

Moving to a new country can be exciting, but also challenging. Here are some simple tips to help you adjust to life in Germany:

  • Be open-minded: Things might be different from your home country, and that’s okay! Try to stay curious and positive.
  • Learn some German: Even a few basic phrases can help a lot and show locals that you are making an effort.
  • Learn the local etiquette: In Germany, people value punctuality, honesty, and personal space. It’s helpful to understand cultural habits and social rules.
  • Join activities: At the University of Siegen, you’ll find a wide range of opportunities to settle in and connect , including orientation programs, the Buddy Program, the Student Living Room, and Forging International Talents. You can also join workshops, improve your German in language courses, or take part in international meet-ups like the International Stammtisch and Stronger Together. More info can be found here.
  • Talk to others: Try not to only stay with people from your home country. Meet other international students and also connect with German students.
  • Ask for help: If you feel lost or homesick, don’t be afraid to ask for support. You are not alone!
  • Be patient: This is a process of change – and all changes are challenging. It takes time to adapt, so give yourself time and space to grow.

💡 Tip: The Student Living Room publishes a monthly overview of its events, from relaxing mindfulness sessions to fun international gatherings. Check it out here.

Take your time to adjust and enjoy the journey. New cultures mean new experiences and many great memories!

 

Your SLR host Emma 😊

 

Source: https://abroad.rice.edu/adjusting-new-cultureadjusting-new-culture

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SLR Blog: Self-care for students | Student Survival Tips

Student life can be exciting, but it often comes with a heavy workload, deadlines, and the pressure to succeed. It’s easy to neglect self-care, but taking time for yourself is essential for your well-being and success.

Self-care helps manage stress, boosts mental health, and improves focus and productivity. It’s not just about spa days or meditation (though those are great!), it can be as simple as going for a walk, chatting with friends, or setting healthy boundaries.

To make self-care easier, the Student Living Room hosts a weekly self-care session! Whether it’s relaxation techniques, mindfulness exercises, or just unwinding with fellow students, it’s a great way to recharge and connect. You can look forward to fun activities like playing games, going for a walk, creating vision boards, or even a game of chess!

Stop by and see for yourself! 😉
Follow us on https://www.instagram.com/int.students_siegen/ and let’s connect!

Your host Emma ☺️