Podcast – How to University

In the second episode, we explore the important topic of the German language, which is essential for anyone studying or living in Germany. We follow Hariharan Arevalagam, an international student who had a good command of the language at the start of his stay in Germany, but had ‘forgotten’ it after five years in the country. He sets out to regain his language skills and, in doing so, meets various people who share their stories and experiences with him. These include a German language student, a German teacher, a member of a community association and a member of staff at HSRW, who also came to Germany from another country and learned to speak German fluently whilst working in the university’s language department. Together, they explore the most effective and enjoyable ways to learn the German language.

Play Episode 2 here Transcript for Episode 2

Guests on this episode: 

• Hariharan Arevalagam was studying Science Communication and Bionics at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences at the time of recording and is part of the podcast team.
• Carlos Eduardo Cabral Holguin was in his second semester of his mechatronics degree at the time of recording. 
• Carla Bongers is a German teacher at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences.
• Benedikt Brömling is treasurer of the St. Josef Haldern Shooting Club
• Brett Ellis is Deputy Head of the Department of Languages at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences. 

Further links: How to Hochschule podcast, Science Communication & Bionics, Faculty of Technology & Bionics, Centre for Internationalisation and Languages, Language courses

In this episode, we take an in-depth look at the question “How do you study effectively?” and offer practical insights from students and lecturers on their experiences and the lessons they’ve learnt.

We also highlight the difficulties students often face and offer effective strategies for overcoming them. Whether you’re learning digitally, taking part in group work or preparing for challenging Examinations – this episode is sure to provide you with valuable tips on how to improve your study skills, boost your confidence and maximise your academic success.

Play Episode 3 here Transcript for Episode 3

Guests on this episode: 

• Verena Schürmann studied psychology at HSRW and in Dresden and, at the time of recording, was a Research Associate in the Work and Organisational Psychology and International Management and Psychology degree programmes. 
• Sophie-Marie Clemens and Larissa-Tabea Bettray were both psychology students specialising in Industrial and Organisational Psychology at the time of recording. 
• Ali Ayan and Anirudh Madhusudhan were both students in their final years of the Mechatronics degree programme at the time of recording and worked as tutors at HSRW Welcome Centre.
• Professor Alexander Struck is Professor of Theoretical Physics at the Faculty of Technology and Bionics and heads HSRW Astronomy Club.
• Professor Jörg Petri is Professor of Media Production at the Faculty of Communication and Environment at HSRW and, at the time of recording, was Vice-President for Studies, Teaching and Academic Development
• Anežka Konvalinová is the departmental coordinator for international exchange and internships at the Institute of International Relations and European Studies at Masaryk University in the Czech Republic. At the time of recording, she was part of the joint Erasmus project VERSATILE with Masaryk University.
• Simon Park and Alexander Hermsen were students on the International and Business Management degree programme at the time of recording.

Further links: Industrial and Organisational Psychology, B.Sc., Welcome Centre, Faculty of Technology and Bionics, HSRW Astronomy Club, International Business and Management, B.A.

In this episode of ‘How to University’, we’ll be looking at the topic of finding accommodation.

We’ll explore the challenges students often face when looking for a place to live and suggest ways to overcome them.

Whether you’re a fresh-faced student trying to navigate the German housing market, looking for a flat share, or trying to find the perfect balance between campus life and privacy – this episode provides valuable tips to help you find the right accommodation to support your studies and personal development at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences.

Play Episode 4 here Transcript for Episode 4

Guests on this episode: 

• Shashwat Singh Chandel was an engineering student at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences at the time of recording and is originally from India. During his time in Kleve, he has moved house several times, and in this episode he talks about some of his experiences.
• Anna Maria Rivas Sandoval is from Colombia and, at the time of recording, was studying Gender and Diversity at HSRW and worked as a tutor at the university’s Welcome Centre, where she helps students find accommodation. 
• Ibrahim Bageya, originally from Uganda, was studying International Tax Law at HSRW at the time of recording. Ibrahim tells us about his experiences of living in a small German town.

Further links: Welcome Centre, Accommodation, Gender and Diversity degree programme, International Taxation and Law degree programme

In this episode, we take a look at one of the most important – and often most memorable – aspects of university life: making friends.

Meaningful connections last a long time, and university is a great place to build such relationships!

Whether through playing sport together or sharing a love of music – this episode shares inspiring stories of friendship and camaraderie within the vibrant and diverse community of HSRW.

Play Episode 5 here Transcript for Episode 5

Guests on this episode: 

• Carlos Eduardo Cabral Holguin was studying Mechatronics Systems Engineering in his second semester at the time of recording.
• Charlotte Winkler was ASTA Chair at HSRW at the time of recording. 
• Philip Ato Amissah and Roy Ikenna Anyiam were both mechanical engineering students at the time of recording, having met during their first semester. 
• Marco van Heys is not only a music enthusiast but also a member of staff at HSRW and responsible for coordinating the university’s music programme. This programme offers students with an interest in music rehearsal rooms as well as opportunities to network and make music together.
• Efe Refik Gider, Farhan Siraj and Debabrata Chakraborty were members of the university band at the time of recording. They play the guitar and piano, sing, and are simultaneously studying various engineering subjects at HSRW.
• Leonardo dos Santos is the university’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu coach. Originally from Brazil, he was studying bioengineering at the time of recording.
• Andrew Morgan and Jordi Pla Moliner were training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Kleve at the time of recording. Andrew is from the USA and is studying International Taxation & Law, whilst Jordi is from Spain and is studying International Relations.
• Peter Garzke and Sarah Pullich are members of staff at HSRW and are responsible for university sports. They talk about their experiences with sport as a means of fostering friendships.

Further links: Faculty of Technology and Bionics, Faculty of Society and Economics, AStA HSRW, Student Councils for Life Sciences, Society and Economics, Technology and Bionics, Communication and Environment, University Music, University Sports.

In this episode of “How to Hochschule”, we’re discussing a topic that’s very important for students – especially those nearing the end of their studies: the job hunt.

Given the increasing competition in the job market, finding a job after graduation can be extremely challenging and frustrating. In this episode, our guests share their experiences of working in Germany – from the lessons they’ve learnt whilst searching for their dream job after graduation, to the numerous mini-job opportunities available to students to support their studies.

Play Episode 6 here Transcript for Episode 6

Guests on this episode: 

• Jordan Freeman, who at the time of recording was an agribusiness student at HSRW and also worked as a Student assistant (SHK) at the university. He shares insights into his work in the campus greenhouse.
• Dr Zunera Rana completed her Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Finance at the Lahore School of Economics in Pakistan and subsequently moved to Germany to complete her Master’s degree in the same subject. At the time of recording, she was a Research Associate in macroeconomics and public finance at HSRW.
• Imke Hans heads the Career Service of the Faculty of Society and Economics. She advises students on career and application matters and shares her own experiences in the job market.
• At the time of recording, Charlotte Winkler was a student of International Relations and provides insights into her previous role as chair of the AStA. 

Further links: Career Service, Student Job Market for HSRW students, HSRW Alumni Portraits,http://• JordanDAAD information for international students on part-time work

In this special edition, entitled “How to be Sustainable”, we take a closer look at some of the sustainability research projects here at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences.
As sustainability is an issue that is becoming increasingly important in our lives, and as research is one of the most important tasks of a university, we wanted to find out where these two areas intersect at HSRW. Our host is Hari, whom you may recognise from our second episode, “How to German”. He takes us on a journey to discover some of the sustainability research projects based here at HSRW. In this episode, we’re introduced to some of our own researchers, and they not only give us valuable insights into their work, but we also receive practical tips on how we can live more sustainably – straight from these experts in the field!

Play Episode 7 here Transcript for Episode 7

Guests in this episode: 

• Professor Peter Kisters is Vice-President for Research, Innovation and Transfer. He is responsible for research activities at HSRW. In our conversation with Professor Kisters, he introduces us to some groundbreaking ideas in the field of sustainability and gives us an insight into a brand-new HSRW project called TransRegINT – Transformation of the Lower Rhine Region, Innovation, Sustainability, Participation.
• Professor Dietrich Darr was spokesperson for the Research Centre for Sustainable Food Systems (SFSRC) at HSRW. With a background as a forester and management consultant, he taught agricultural economics at the Faculty of Life Sciences alongside his research duties. Professor Darr introduces the SFSRC, its history and its key research topics. 
• Dr Conor Watson is a researcher from Scotland who specialises in frass – the by-product of insect larval rearing. In our fascinating conversation with Dr Watson, he explains the fascinating ways in which edible insects and the by-products of insect rearing can help us combat soil erosion and achieve a more sustainable lifestyle.
• Professor Matthias Kleinke has been teaching environmental engineering at HSRW since 2011. His research focuses on environmental processes, and he introduces us to a key concept that forms the basis for much of sustainability research: the circular economy.
• Dr Kathrin Meinhold is a Research Associate at the Centre for Research, Innovation and Transfer (ZFIT). She is the project coordinator for the Research Centre for Sustainable Food Systems. As the main contact for the research centre, she put us in touch with her colleagues, and without her this episode would not have been possible. As a researcher, she specialises in wild foods. In our conversation, she introduces us to the topic of wild foods and gives us some tips on how we can make our diet more varied and live more sustainably.
• Professor Ute Hansen has experience in the field of legal affairs at the European Commission. Since 2014, she has been teaching biology and environmental monitoring at the Faculty of Communication and Environment on the Kamp-Lintfort campus. In this episode, she talks to us about the importance of water management, which is of fundamental importance for all sub-topics of the research projects at the Research Centre for Sustainable Food Systems, as well as for agriculture itself.

Further links: TransRegINT project, Sustainable Food Systems Research Centre, Faculty of Life Sciences, Agribusiness, B.A., Faculty of Communication and Environment

This episode of “How to Hochschule” delves into the multifaceted world of innovation at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences. We embark on a journey through our university’s vibrant innovation landscape and discuss the transformative process that turns an idea into tangible reality. Featuring insights from Daniela Venegas and Philippe Vayda, the developers of the Art-Glove, expert opinions from PD Dr Gerhard Heusipp, Head of ZFIT (Centre for Research, Innovation and Transfer), as well as valuable contributions from StartGlocal project coordinator Adriana Boldisova and start-up scout Dr Claudio Abels, this episode is aimed at anyone who wants to understand the essence of innovation.

Play Episode 8 here Transcript for Episode 8

Guests on this episode: 

• Daniela Venegas: Originally from Colombia, Daniela is a graduate of HSRW in Usability Engineering. Now firmly established in the medical sector, she plays a key role in the Art-Glove team. Her journey, inspired by her mother’s health condition, led to the development of the “Art-Glove”.
• Philippe Vayda: As a graduate of HSRW in Usability Engineering and a developer in the automotive industry, Philippe holds many roles, including that of CEO of Art-Glove. He provides an insight into the design process and the challenges of innovation.
• PD Dr Gerhard Heusipp: As Head of the ZFIT (Centre for Research, Innovation and Transfer), Gerhard Heusipp offers a unique insight into the role of universities in promoting innovation. His remarks on various ZFIT projects and initiatives highlight the university’s commitment to innovation.
• Adriana Boldisova: As a graduate of HSRW in the Department of Management for Sustainable Development and a passionate advocate of innovation, Adriana’s time at HSRW was marked by her involvement in projects such as StartGlocal. Her experiences offer a unique insight into the challenges and opportunities of promoting innovation in an academic setting.
• Dr Claudio Abels: Dr Claudio Abels was the first graduate of Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences. Based in Kamp-Lintfort, Dr Abels supports budding entrepreneurs in developing their ideas and, as a start-up scout within the ‘StartGlocal’ project, provides them with access to expert advice.

Further links: Usability Engineering, M.Sc., Art-Glove, Centre for Research, Innovation and Transfer, Sustainable Development Management, Start Glocal

In the first episode of our special series “24 hours at Hochschule Rhein-Waal”, we delve into the often-overlooked world of everyday life at the university after dark – with accounts from students, alumni and staff at HSRW.

Play Episode 9 here Transcript for Episode 9

Guests in this episode: 

• Britta Klinge is studying International Business and Management and works part-time in a bar in Kleve town centre. She shares interesting stories from her work experience and also tells us what it’s like to balance her studies with her late shifts.
• Dr Joost Kleuters has been with HSRW since its foundation and heads the Centre for Internationalisation and Languages. His work and expertise have always been focused on promoting internationalisation at our institution.
• Mahmoud Karssli has just completed his degree in Bioengineering and is the founder of the Beatroot Collective, a group of artists, activists and music enthusiasts. We speak to Mahmoud at his collective’s latest event, the Beatroot Festival.
• Luis Götz is a student of International Relations and is currently spending an exchange semester in Shanghai, China. We spoke to him at the start of his day – whilst we were just finishing ours on the other side of the world – about his experiences of studying in a different culture and the insights he has gained from it.
• David Bale is a veteran of the British Royal Air Force and currently works as a security officer on the Kleve campus. As he ensures security on campus at night, David has certainly gathered a few stories over the years, which he shares with us here.

Further links: Faculty of Society and Economics, International Business and Management, B.A., The Centre for Internationalisation and Languages, Faculty of Life Sciences, Bioengineering, B.Sc., 

In the second episode of our special series “24 Hours at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences”, we leave the quiet stillness of the night behind and step into the bright, bustling day. This episode features a researcher from HSRW as well as some familiar voices you’ll recognise from other episodes of “How to Hochschule”.

Play Episode 10 here Transcript for Episode 10

Guests in this episode: 

• Prof. Dr Margarita Spirova is a mathematician and professor at the Faculty of Communication and Environment on the Kamp-Lintfort campus of HSRW. She tells us about her experiences as a lecturer and, in particular, as a woman in the STEM field. 
• Dr Viraj Pratap Nirwan is a Research Associate at the Faculty of Technology and Bionics and specialises in nanotechnology. He is currently working on the “NANOSHIELD” project and talks to us about his life as a researcher.
• Dr Joost Kleuters is Head of the Centre for Internationalisation and Languages and oversees the production of the podcast “How to Hochschule”. Stephan Hanf is the producer of the podcast “How to Hochschule”. The man of many talents – theatre scholar, music festival organiser and professional podcaster – meets with Dr Kleuters on the Kleve campus to discuss food cultures.
• Hariharan Arevalagam is a friend of the podcast who has already produced several episodes. The science communication student met with Dr Kleuters and Stephan in the canteen to share his thoughts on food culture whilst they waited hungrily for the canteen to open.

Further links: Faculty of Communication and Environment, Faculty of Technology and Bionics, Centre for Internationalisation and Languages 

In the third episode of our special series “24 Hours at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences”, we spend an afternoon getting to know some interesting members of HSRW family. Not only do we learn more about our colleagues and friends, but we also gain an insight into the exciting activities taking place at HSRW.

Play Episode 11 here Transcript for Episode 11

Guests in this episode: 

• Clein Alexander Sarmiento Castrillon once studied at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences, where he completed his Master’s degree in Bionics. He is currently a Research Associate on the Information and Computer Engineering degree programme at the Kamp-Lintfort campus, as well as one of the many university sports coaches, where he teaches strength and conditioning training.
• Anette Bradley works in the Student Advisory Service in Kamp-Lintfort. The Student Advisory Service supports prospective and current students with their studies and other aspects of life at HSRW. Anette tells us about her experiences working in this field and offers some tips to ensure your studies run smoothly.
• Renate Schmitz-Gebel has a background in art history and literature and currently teaches on the Early Childhood Education degree programme at the Faculty of Society and Economics at HSRW. She also leads the ‘Creative Writing’ workshop, which is featured in this episode. As a certified de-escalation trainer, Renate has developed her own violence prevention programme called ‘I-You-We Without Violence’. Students from all Degree programmes within the Faculty of Society and Economics are welcome to take part. You can write in German, English or any other language of your choice. The diversity of the student body is reflected here; we switch back and forth between languages. The workshop is particularly appealing to those who wish to discover the German language in a playful way through creative exchange with others. 
• Fiona Callow, Zeynep Akkus, Joaquin and Jay Brown are some of HSRW students who took part in the creative writing workshop, where they read their own poems to their fellow students. These students, who come from different fields and Degree programmes, tell us what fascinates them about the art of creative writing.

Further links: Information Engineering and Computer Science M.Sc., University Sports, Student Counselling, Early Childhood Education, Gender & Diversity B.A.

“24 Hours at HSRW” – Part 4 highlights the lively evening scene at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences. Experience the vibrant campus life from morning to night, including the “Academic Year Celebration with Research and Transfer Day”, which was attended by 300 members and prominent figures from the region. Catch up with former podcast guests, join students at the “Long Night of the Library” and immerse yourself in the vibrant evening at HSRW.

Play Episode 12 here Transcript for Episode 12

Guests on this episode: 

• Efe Refik Gider, Farhan Siraj and Debabrata Chakraborty are all members of the university band. They are a guitarist, pianist and singer respectively, and are also studying various engineering courses here at HSRW. 
• Hariharan Arevalagam is studying Science Communication and Bionics at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences. He is hosting this episode and assisting us both with conducting interviews and with post-production. 
• Michelle, Glenda, Mabel, Leah and Qusai are International Relations students visiting the University Library in Kleve for the Long Night of Libraries.
• Deepal Kumar is a sixth-semester Bachelor’s student in Electrical Engineering and Electronics and has received an award from ZONTA. She and Ropafadzo Juliana Matuzula are active members of TechWomen – an association dedicated to supporting female students in STEM subjects. The ZONTA Club Niederrhein is a member of ZONTA International and campaigns for women’s rights, equality, education and the abolition of child marriage and gender-based violence.
• Irina Pohilco, a fifth-semester bioengineering student, has been awarded this year’s DAAD scholarship. According to Dr Joachim Fensterle, a professor at the Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pohilco is among the best in her year group, possesses excellent intercultural skills and, as part of an exchange project, demonstrates a high degree of empathy in her interactions with students and staff from Ukraine.

• Prof. Dr Tatiana Zimenkova, Vice-President for International Affairs and Diversity, emphasised that the university benefits from international students.

  Further links: University Music, Faculty of Technology and Bionics, Faculty of Communication and Environment, Faculty of Society and Economics, Library, ZONTA Club Niederrhein, TechWoman, DAAD Prize, Vice-President for International Affairs and Diversity