Statements of Our Students and Graduates
Benjamin Nettesheim, Bachelor Mathematik
When I was thinking about what I wanted to study after leaving school, I was still very undecided. All I knew was that I would choose something in the STEM field. So I thought about starting with mathematics, as it was needed in every other degree program I was interested in and I could reconsider in a year's time.
But after a year in this study program, it was absolutely clear to me that I wouldn't do that; I enjoyed mathematics too much for that, even if the studies were very different from what I had expected. They require abstract thinking, understanding and problem solving. This started in the (very useful) preliminary course and hasn't stopped to this day. And even though I've gotten used to it in the meantime, it's still very time-consuming, but I would definitely choose this program again.
[translated from German]
Marena Richter, Bachelor Mathematik
Shortly before I started studying mathematics in Bonn, I had a lot of questions buzzing around in my head. My biggest worries were whether I would find my feet quickly and whether I would be able to cope with the content of the study program.
I needn't have worried about either of these things. As the student council offers a lot of events for first-semester students, I made a lot of friends in the first few days that have lasted to this day. As a result, my second worry quickly disappeared, as the helpfulness among the students here is very high. You are never alone with your tasks and there is always someone who can answer your questions. That's why I feel very comfortable here and have never regretted my decision to study math in Bonn.
[translated from German]
Fabien Nießen, Bachelor Mathematik
Mathematics in Bonn is demanding, there's no question about it, and occasionally the material goes over my head. But with a group of friends, studying is fun and it's easier to work through the lecture material together.
You get to know this circle of friends directly in the four weeks of the preliminary course and the first weeks of the semester, especially through the student council. So my advice: go to their events, they are a great help at the beginning.
If you're looking for something to do alongside your studies, the student council is also a great place to go: it's like a second circle of friends. You can get involved in events and get lots of interesting information about the university at the same time.
[translated from German]
Wiebke Bartolomaeus, Bachelor Mathematik
I found studying mathematics in Bonn very varied and instructive. I had a lot of freedom early on in my courses and was able to get to know different mathematical fields.
I always had in-depth and interesting mathematical discussions with fellow students.
Bonn also offers very good opportunities to integrate a stay abroad into your studies in an uncomplicated way. The support I received from the university, especially from the Bachelor-Master Office, was pleasant and courteous.
[translated from German]
Carolin Kaffiné, Master Mathematics
After graduating from high school, I decided to study mathematics in Bonn because I took part in the Math Olympics during my time at school and heard about the excellent reputation of the University of Bonn in the field of mathematics in these circles.
I am now studying for a Master's degree and can only confirm the university's good reputation. During my studies, I benefited above all from the high level of expertise of the lecturing professors and the large selection and variety of lectures, so that after the second semester I was already able to delve into the areas that particularly interested me. This also includes discrete mathematics, whose associated institute is considered the best in Germany and offers excellent lectures. In the meantime, I am also noticing more and more that the in-depth courses are very closely oriented towards current research.
I learned one thing in particular during my studies: you shouldn't give up too quickly and you shouldn't let yourself get frustrated too easily, because with enough perseverance you can do almost anything. So if you are looking for a challenging but fulfilling mathematics degree, Bonn is the right place for you.
[translated from German]
Manuel Hoff, Master Mathematics
I didn't decide to study mathematics straight after graduating from high school. I first completed a voluntary year of social work and then began to study physics. I switched to math in the third semester because I really liked the formality and aesthetics of the theories developed there. In the fifth semester, I moved to Bonn, also with the idea of starting a Master's degree there after my Bachelor's degree. Transferring my previous academic achievements to Bonn went without a hitch, so there was no problem at all in transferring to Bonn.
The range of lectures in Bonn is (I think) really great. After the basic lectures of the Bachelor's degree program in the first year, you have the opportunity to specialize in six different areas. This gives you a lot of freedom to organize your studies yourself. I focused on the field of algebra and am now in my second master's semester. I am more than satisfied with the courses on offer in this area. I particularly like the fact that there are also many small lectures that go into great depth in a specific area of mathematics.
Finally, I have to say that the formal course of studies is also very well organized by the Bachelor-Master office (BaMa office). The team at the BaMa office has often helped me with questions about the course of my studies and reminded me of important deadlines by sending me regular newsletters. in short: I am completely satisfied with my studies here at the University of Bonn.
[translated from German]
Alex Dyck, Master Mathematics Graduate
I decided to do my master's degree in mathematics with the university of Bonn as I already finished my bachelor's degree here and knew that I was at the right place. I spent some time with the thought of changing the location, but I did not find a better fit elsewhere.
After the solid education I have got in my three years during the bachelor's, I enjoyed the challenges and possibilities unfolding during the master's. The foundations, advanced and selected topics lectures did not only teach me state-of-the art mathematical concepts but also new and current results that were recently published. This experience was further strengthened by various practical labs I had attended.
This enabled all students to dive into novel research topics and participate progressively to a level of their desire which I really appreciated. I always saw eye to eye with my fellow students and lecturers. When I sought consultation, my individual plans were supported by supervisors and the Bachelor-Master Office.
All in all, I do not regret a moment of my choice to finish my master in Bonn. All concepts and ideas helped me to see the bigger picture and to work on the major and minor details for various problems. This enables me to deliver structured and innovative solutions in the industry. Also, I feel well-prepared to return to academia in different subjects.
Janna Schmidt, Master of Education in Mathematics
I want to be a teacher - this career aspiration has actually been a recurring theme in my future plans since kindergarten. However, I only really decided towards the end of my first degree, when I was approaching my bachelor's degree and an internship at a school made it clear to me: Getting up early, stress, screaming children - I still can't think of anything I'd rather do.
It was clear to me pretty quickly that I wanted to study in Bonn - the most beautiful city in Northrhine-Westphalia where you can study to become a teacher - which was to be my second subject after German, not so much. Math had always been one of my hobbies, but many people told me that it was really difficult and that I would fail all the exams anyway. So my choice of subject was initially made with reservations, but after the first two weeks of the preliminary course I didn't even think about changing subjects, I just had the feeling that I had arrived here. Studying mathematics is certainly challenging - especially here in Bonn - but it's also a lot of fun and I've learned an incredible amount, especially in the subject-specific lectures.
In my opinion, a good teacher definitely needs passion for their subject! Especially in math, it's important not to get discouraged, even if you have to take an exam a second time or don't understand something straight away. My tip for all prospective math (teacher training) students: Mathematics is a team sport. You should find friends - preferably also among your fellow students - with whom you can work on problems together and who also enjoy math. This helps immensely in understanding the material.
[translated from German]
