On our first full day in Augsburg, we started the morning with breakfast at the hotel before heading over to the University of Augsburg to meet with our industry analysis groups. This was also our first time using the public transportation system in Augsburg. We took the tram to the university, and I was immediately surprised by how clean, organized, and efficient everything felt. Compared to Oakland and Pittsburgh, the city felt much quieter and less crowded. I also noticed how many people used public transportation and biking as part of their everyday routine.
When we arrived at the university, I thought the campus was beautiful and very modern. The campus had a lot of open space and greenery, which made it feel very different from the city atmosphere at the University of Pittsburgh. One of the things I was most excited about was getting to interact more with the German students participating in the program. We met with our groups to continue discussing our projects before heading to lunch at the university dining hall.
Walking into the dining hall was honestly a little intimidating at first because of how busy it was, but it also reminded me how similar universities can feel across different countries. Students were eating together, socializing, and moving between classes just like at home. During lunch, we spent time talking with the German students, which was one of my favorite parts of the day. It was really interesting hearing about the differences in education, student life, and culture in Germany compared to the United States. Even though there were definitely cultural differences, I also realized how many experiences college students share no matter where they live.
Later in the day, the German students organized a scavenger hunt for us around the city of Augsburg. We split into groups and explored different historical and cultural locations that are important to the city itself. It was a fun way to learn more about Augsburg while also spending more time with the students. During the scavenger hunt, it started raining unexpectedly, so my group took cover in a nearby bakery where we stopped to grab coffee while waiting for the rain to calm down. Even that small moment felt memorable because it gave us time to relax, talk, and experience another local spot in the city. Throughout the scavenger hunt, I noticed how well Augsburg has preserved its history.
We finished the night with a group dinner at an Italian restaurant called Dragone. Although Italian food is common in the United States, the experience still felt different in Germany. The atmosphere was slower and more relaxed, and the food tasted fresher and more simple than many Italian restaurants at home. Overall, the day was a great mix of learning more about Augsburg, experiencing German student life, and continuing to bond with both the German students and our Pitt group.
