Author: Emma Dietz

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SLR Blog: How to enjoy summer on a tight budget | Student Survival Tips

1. Join Uni Siegen excursions

The uni often organizes affordable or free activities , from museum visits to hikes , especially via the International Office or AStA. Keep an eye on their socials or notice boards!

2. Take day trips with your semester ticket

Honestly, this one’s a game-changer. Your Uni Siegen semester ticket lets you travel all over NRW for free! Here are some of my favorite destinations:

  • Cologne (Köln): Big city vibes, the cathedral, indie cafés, art museums.

  • Frankfurt: Modern skyline, Main river, great museums – small extra cost, worth it.

  • Wuppertal: Ride the Schwebebahn, chill in parks, visit the zoo.

  • Marburg: Cute old town, castle views, student energy.

  • Bonn: Riverside vibes, botanical gardens, Beethoven’s birthplace.

  • Düsseldorf: Trendy shops, Japanese food, and great museums.

  • Aachen or Koblenz: For castle and chill energy.

→ Tip: bring your own snacks, a book, and a portable charger. You’re basically traveling for free.

3. Have a picnic in town

Grab some snacks, head to Oberes Schloss or down by the river Sieg, and just relax. Cheap, easy, and fun.

4. Host nights in instead of going out

Game night, DIY pizza, film marathons , more fun than clubs (and way cheaper).

5. Go hiking

Rothaargebirge, Netphen forests, or Giller , you’re surrounded by green. It’s perfect for a reset day.

6. Use the library (for more than studying)

They’ve got novels, poetry, even magazines. And honestly? It’s a calm, cool place to chill.

7. Check out Hochschulsport

Many Uni Siegen sports courses are free or very affordable. Try something new without any pressure.

8. Swim or sunbathe nearby

Lakes like Seelbacher Weiher or Biggesee are great and usually low-cost. Or just hang by the Uni lawn at AR!

9. Go thrifting or foodsharing

Siegen has a few nice secondhand shops. Or grab some free food via foodsharing and reduce waste while saving money.

10. Be a little creative

Write, draw, journal, bake ,  whatever brings you joy.

I hope these tips will help you enjoy your summer on a budget!

Your SLR Host Emma😊

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SLR Blog: Summer Slump | Student Survival Tips

The exams are over. No lectures, no deadlines. In theory, it’s the perfect time to relax. And yet, you feel tired, unmotivated, maybe even a little stuck? If that sounds familiar, you’re probably going through what many students experience each year: the Summer Slump.


What is the “Summer Slump”?

It’s that low-energy phase during the semester break when time feels endless, but nothing really gets done.
You might notice thoughts like:

  • “I should be making more out of this free time.”
  • “Why can’t I just relax properly?”
  • “Everyone else seems to be doing exciting things. What’s wrong with me?”

The truth is: nothing’s wrong. It’s a common reaction to a long, intense semester.

Why it happens

  • No routine: Without structure, days can feel blurry or aimless.
  • Post-semester fatigue: After weeks of pressure, the brain needs time to reset.
  • High expectations: Summer often comes with pressure to be productive, social, or self-optimizing.
  • Social media overload: Constant posts about vacations and adventures can make you feel like you’re missing out.


What might help 

You don’t need a big plan to “fix” anything. But small steps can make the slump feel less heavy:

  • Create some structure
    Try regular sleep times, meals, or a short daily walk. A bit of rhythm helps.
  • One small task a day
    Don’t overdo it. Start simple: laundry, grocery shopping, sending one email.
  • Move your body
    A walk through Weidenau, biking to the Sieg, or just stretching at home can already shift your energy.
  • Reach out
    Chances are, you’re not the only one still in Siegen feeling this way. Ask around or post in a local group.
  • Lower the pressure
    You don’t need to have the “perfect summer.” Some slower days are completely okay.

Still feeling stuck?

If the slump lasts longer or turns into persistent sadness, it’s okay to ask for support.
The Psychological Counseling Service at Uni Siegen offers free and confidential help, even during semester breaks.

Reminder

Not every break has to be packed with productivity or excitement.
Rest, boredom, and slow days are just as much part of the process.
So if you’re feeling a bit off this summer , you’re not the only one.

 

Your SLR host Emma☺️

 

Source: https://cloverleaf.me/blog/what-to-do-about-summer-slump-at-workplace/

 

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SLR Blog: Outdoor swimming spots in Siegen | Student Survival Tips

Kaan-Marienborn Heated Outdoor Pool

This popular spot features:

  • Three 50-meter lanes and five 25-meter lanes

  • A separate area for non-swimmers

  • Football mini-goals, a boccia court, and a table tennis area

  • Fully accessible facilities (wheelchair-friendly changing rooms, entry slide for easy pool access, and disabled parking)

Opening hours:

  • Mon, Tue, Thu: 9:00–20:00

  • Wed, Fri: 7:00–20:00

  • Sat, Sun, Holidays: 9:00–19:00
    Note: Last entry is 30 minutes before closing. Swim time ends 15 minutes before closing.

How to get there:
Take bus R12 or R13 from Siegen ZOB to “Kaan-Marienborn Ortsmitte.” It’s about a 7-minute walk from there.
📍 Address for GPS: Breitenbacher Straße 59, 57074 Siegen

 Geisweid Heated Outdoor Pool

Here’s what’s waiting for you in Geisweid:

  • Four 50-meter lanes plus shorter swim lanes

  • A beach volleyball court

  • Life-sized chess and Nine Men’s Morris boards

  • Football goals and large sunbathing areas

  • Bonus: The 10-meter diving platform is open daily from 4 PM

Opening hours:

  • Mon, Wed, Fri: 9:00–20:00

  • Tue, Thu: 7:00–20:00

  • Sat, Sun, Holidays: 9:00–19:00

How to get there:
Bus R12 or R13 from Siegen ZOB → “Geisweid ZOB” → 7-minute walk
📍 Address: Auf der Schläfe 4, 57078 Siegen

Eiserfeld Natural Pool (Eiserfelder Weiher)

  • No chlorine

  • Large swim area

  • beach volleyball court

  • Wide open space to sunbathe and relax

Opening hours:

  • Daily: 14:00–19:00 (may vary during heatwaves)

How to get there:
From Siegen ZOB, take bus R22 to “Gilbergstraße”, then transfer to A614 → “Am Freibad” stop
📍 Address: Am Freibad 3, 57080 Siegen

Seelbacher Weiher (Natural Pool)

  • A big swimming area

  • A floating platform and water slide

  • Beach volleyball and football areas

  • Large sunbathing lawn

Opening hours:

  • Mon–Fri: 13:00–19:00

  • Sat, Sun & Holidays: 10:00–19:00

  • During school holidays: Open daily 10:00–19:00

How to get there:
Bus R38 or R39 from Siegen ZOB → “P+R Seelbacher Weiher” → 6-minute walk
📍 Address: Bubergstraße 78, 57072 Siegen

Final Tip

Bring sunscreen, cash (some pools don’t take cards), and check the official websites before visiting , hours may shift depending on the weather.

Your SLR hoste Emma☺️

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SLR Blog: German peculiarities | Student Survival Tips

You might be totally new in Germany, or you may have lived here for a while now, but some German behaviour still makes absolutely no sense to you. “What the heck, Germans?!” you may have thought. Believe me, I as a German myself have thought so too.
However, some of these peculiarities Germans seem to have can actually make a lot of sense – or be at least somewhat understandable. That’s why in this article, we’ve explained some typical things Germans do. This way, we can all understand those habits better and might even adopt some of them ourselves!

  • Lüften: Why do Germans open all the windows, even when it’s freezing cold outside? That’s because houses are well insulated but not air conditioned in Germany, and if we don’t open up the windows to let the inside air exchange for fresh air, moisture will build up and there’s a risk of mould developing. Actually, to conserve energy it is more efficient to fully open the window for 10-15 minutes (turn off the heating during this and turn it on again after) than if you keep the window in a tilted position (“auf Kipp”) for a long time. Never have your window “auf Kipp” while the heating is on, as the heat will be lost through the window!
  • Complaining about “Quiet Times” / “Ruhezeiten”: In Germany, it is regulated by law that you shouldn’t do any noisy work (like lawnmowing, hammering stuff, any loud construction work) during certain hours
    or days, that is on Sundays (or special holidays), and at night from 8pm (for very noisy work)/10pm o’clock until 7am.     The purpose of this is that people are able to rest properly.
  • Closing bedroom doors: Are Germans isolated beings that don’t want to be talked to? Certainly not. They are simply fond of their private space, so if a bedroom door is closed (like in a flatshare situation), Germans will expect you to not simply walk in. However, it is common practice that if you knock, they will likely bid you in 😊
  • “Kein Bier vor 4!”: What does that mean? While in Germany, many people drink lots of alcohol, there is a consensus that there should be “kein Bier vor vier”, so no beer before 4pm. Rest assured though, just because many Germans drink alcohol that does absolutely not mean that you also have to. There are also many German people who don’t drink alcohol for various reasons, be it for health (alcohol is still really unhealthy), religious beliefs, other personal reasons, because they have to drive home by car or because they simply don’t like it. (And you don’t need to have a reason for not drinking, it can simply be that you don’t want to.)
  • Bread, bread, bread: Germans love their bread and in Germany, it is socially accepted to eat bread for every meal. Many Germans also bring bread (usually well-topped, as a sandwich) to school or work so they don’t have to buy any lunch. (In this case, they usually eat a warm meal in the evening.) And German bread can be much more than simply an American-style sandwich. Have you tried all of them? (The best ones can be found fresh in a bakery!)
  • Early dinner? When you think of a dinner meal, what time do you think of? While in many countries this can begin as late as 9-10pm, most Germans like to have their dinner earlier, anything from 5pm (old people) to 7pm is usual. Maybe this is because many Germans have only eaten bread during the day? So be prepared if you ever get invited to dinner with a German! Individual differences can apply of course, especially for university students who don’t have a schedule or clear life structure 😀
Note: It is actually also quite healthy to have an early dinner. This ensures early digestion, which means that our digestive track won’t need to work so much during the night, and sleep often becomes more restful because of this!
  • Phoning in private? Many Germans tend to walk away, walk around, or go to a different room when taking a phone call. This is because they like to keep privacy (if the call is private, at least), but also means that they don’t like to listen in on other people’s phone calls.
Maybe these have helped you gaining some insight into German peculiar behaviours!
Your fellow student and SLR host Franzi 😊
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SLR Blog: Saving money on food shopping | Student Survival Tips

Life as a student doesn’t come cheap. And with little to no time to work at a paid job, we students aren’t exactly free to spend money all over the place whenever we want to. On the contrary, chances are we’re always on the lookout for ways to save money, and one big area for this is, of course, grocery shopping. So below we’ve compiled a bunch of tips and tricks you can apply to save money on food when living in Germany. See which ones might help you:
1.      Avoid going food shopping when hungry. Hunger will lead you to buying seductive products which you don’t need, so it’s better to have a quick snack before going to the supermarket.
2.      Always have some type of “emergency food” stored at home, this could be a packet of pasta and a glass of pesto, for example. Since on Sundays and certain holidays, supermarkets are closed in Germany, you don’t want to have to eat out just because you forgot to food shop. It’s better to be prepared with some emergency storage like this and save the money on eating out.
3.      Generally, eating out is EXPENSIVE in Germany. Here, even water to drink will cost a few euros, and don’t forget the tips that are expected, so it’s smart to reconsider when you actually want to eat out, and when it might be nice to cook at home instead.
4.      Water from the tap is safe to drink in Germany, so buying bottled water really is a waste of money. It’s better to have one water bottle and refill it. (Don’t forget to clean it regularly though!)
5.      When in the supermarket, the products displayed at eye level (making them easy to spot and reach for) are often more expensive than those on the lower shelf. So be sure to check the different shelves and compare prices.
6.      When comparing prices, don’t compare the total price of a product (since a product might cost some cents less, but it’s content is only half of another option’s), but compare prices per kilo (or per 100g). These are indicated below the total price on the price tag on the shelf.
7.      You can use supermarket and cashback apps to save, but don’t be tricked by their advertisements! If you are buying a product you don’t really need at thirty percent off, you don’t save any money – you spend money on something you otherwise wouldn’t have bought. So keep this in mind – don’t let yourself be tricked and use supermarket apps smartly!
8.      When you have more food at home than you can eat, freeze it before it turns bad. You can freeze almost anything – leftover lunches, bread, fruit juice, … just be sure to not re-freeze it again after thawing it.
9.      The date indicated on packed food goods in Germany is called “Mindesthaltbarkeitsdatum”. Literally translated, it means date of minimum shelf life. Producers indicate that to legally confirm that their product is good until that date. However, it doesn’t mean that the food automatically turns bad the day after. Often, something is still good well past that date – so smell it, taste it carefully – often a product is still perfectly fine and you don’t have to throw it away.
10.  Often, grocery shops or restaurants will have food left over which they didn’t sell. With services like the smartphone app Too Good To Go (https://www.toogoodtogo.com/de), they offer bags of food at a reduced price. On the Too Good To Go app, you can see which places are currently offering something and stop by to collect it.
11.  On services like https://foodsharing.de/karte people can offer up products they can’t use up (they might be leaving for a holiday or have misbought something). This is an initiative to reduce food waste. Via maps like this, you can find places where food like this is offered 😊 Another similar place like this is https://fairwertbar.org/ in Sandstraße in between the bus stops Emilienstraße and Kaisergarten. (At fairwertbar, you can take saved food for free, if you want, you can make a voluntary donation.)
I hope that these have helped you!
Your fellow student and SLR host Franzi 😊
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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/