I actually discovered my degree programme by chance, as the Burgenland University of Applied Sciences introduced itself at the grammar school where I graduated and the International Business Relations degree programme piqued my interest. So I applied ‘on the off chance’ and lo and behold, I'm now in my sixth semester.

As I come from the southernmost part of southern Burgenland, Jennersdorf to be precise, travelling by public transport is very difficult. In order to be in Eisenstadt on time for class, I have to be in Güssing at 04:55, which turns out to be very energy-draining in the long run. That's why I now travel by car and live in student accommodation right next to the campus during the week.

One of the reasons why I like my degree programme so much is definitely my fellow students. Our group got on really well right from the start, which could perhaps be because we are all on the same wavelength. I wouldn't even call them colleagues anymore, but rather friends that I wouldn't want to miss.

I would describe the relationship between the teaching staff and students as very informal. Every time I meet our programme director Tonka Semmler-Matošić in the corridor, she always asks me: ‘Well, Ms Tauchner, how are you today?’. All in all, our lecturers are very committed to teaching us the material as efficiently and effectively as possible.

Eisenstadt calls itself ‘the smallest city in the world’ and I think that sums it up well: there isn't much going on in Eisenstadt itself, but there are plenty of opportunities to spend your free time actively around the state capital. There has also been a beach bar right next to the study centre since last summer.

I completed my work placement at Lenzing AG and it was a unique experience. Putting what I learnt at university into practice in the real world of work is simply a pleasure. I am still on friendly terms with my colleagues and superiors today.

The FH Burgenland was the right path for me because it helped me to define my ‘Big Five for Life’ - my life goals - more precisely. I found my passion in my specialisation and would definitely not want to miss this experience.

The degree programme itself exceeded my expectations. The atmosphere at the UAS is simply indescribable. One thing that perhaps made learning more difficult at times was the coronavirus crisis. During dry spells, we could only find the courage to talk via Webex. Of course, there were courses that I couldn't get on with, but that's part of life, isn't it?

I honestly wish there had been better public transport connections. We are such a sustainable university, but travelling by public transport is simply impossible. Unfortunately, the UAS itself can't do much about it.

To answer the question of whether I would recommend the degree programme to my best friend: Yes, I would recommend it immediately! Not only can you learn and experience insanely interesting and important topics, but you also find a place at the FH Burgenland where you can blossom like a sunflower.