08. April 2020

I am confident that we will overcome this crisis soon Signs of life: I am confident that we will overcome this crisis soon

Many students from Bonn are currently doing exchange and scholarship programs abroad. Many others had to interrupt, cancel or postpone their stays due to the Coronavirus. In the new series "Signs of Life – Keeping up the Conversation”, we hear from those who are directly affected by the Coronavirus. Our outgoing and incoming students tell us about their everyday life at home and abroad and how they are dealing with the current situation. They give valuable tips to their fellow students against boredom and recommendations for anyone who is stranded.

Signs of life: - Shubham Sharma with his friends Viola (middle) and Akhil (right) © Photo: private

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Questions are asked by Dr. Sarah Monreal from the International Office.

International Office: Why and when did you come to Germany?

Shubham Sharma: I came to Germany in September 2019 to pursue my Master's degree in Plant Sciences!

How do you structure your daily routine as a student, who has to work in Homeoffice for the next time?

As social distancing is essential at the moment, staying at home is the only option. But: being indoors can be so much fun! As a student, I have started to engage myself in various creative activities like sketching, painting, cooking new cuisines, writing blogs, etc. As the new semester starts in form of online classes, I am already preparing myself for this new experience! How do you stay in contact with your family and friends in India? Thanks to the internet, the world is more connected than ever. I talk regularly to my family and friends via video- and voice-calls. Thus we inform each other about our well-being.

How do you stay in contact with your family and friends in India?

Thanks to the internet, the world is more connected than ever. I talk regularly to my family and friends via video- and voice-calls. Thus we inform each other about our well-being.

What is most difficult for you in the current situation?

Well, living far away from your family and managing everything on your own can sometimes be really overwhelming and difficult, especially during hard times like these.

Can you bolster up the other international students, who are in the same situation?

According to the saying "Change is the only constant", I am confident that we will overcome this crisis soon! But in the meantime, international students at the University of Bonn should not forget that we stick together. Talk to your family and friends whenever you feel lonely. Or spend some time exploring the things you always wanted to learn, for example to try a new exotic recipe. There are a lot of things that can bring you fun while staying at home!