Hello! My name is Simon Stengel, I am a first-year IBL student from Germany. In August 2020 I moved to Helsinki to start my studies at Metropolia University.

I never regret the decision to study at Metropolia. My favourite courses are SCM (Supply Chain Management) and Communication. In SCM we had a simulation game that helped us to understand the theory by applying it in the virtual company. Communication is one of my favourite courses because Communication is one of the most important things in life. Not only in business, but also in your daily life. So I really like studying here. Not only that the courses (most of them at least) are very interesting, but the lecturers/teacher are very helpful and nice.

Because of the Pandemic, the studies are online, which can be hard sometimes. Not being at the campus can be frustrating, because you don’t see your fellow students and friends. It means also organizing yourself differently. But with having group projects, discussions and online events is not so bad anymore. Remote studying makes you more flexible because you can decide when you do your studies or group projects (but do it! Motivate yourself!!). Since we have a lot of group projects studying online is also an advantage. You can meet easily in Teams, Skype, Zoom, etc. An advantage is also that you do not have to travel to the campus (especially with those cold winter temperatures). And of course, watching a lecture in your bed instead of a classroom can be nice sometimes.

My three tips for you:

• Do it today, not tomorrow
• Participate in Group works
• Leave enough time for your Hobbies

Written by Simon Stengel
Edited by Nhi Nguyen, IBL 18