The “Buddy” program was set up to make it easier for international students to settle in in Magdeburg. In this mentoring program, new international students are paired with so-called buddies, that is, students from higher semesters. They make the new starters feel welcome and help them get to grips with their new environment at the university.

Even as children, we learn that we either go to the women's or men's restroom. But what happens when people don't feel they belong to their birth sex? When there is no either or for them, but an in-between? Gender-neutral restrooms are supposed to spare them this either-or question. But what about the people who can fit into the binary system and feel uncomfortable sharing a restroom with the opposite sex? Are they simply too uptight?

The University of Magdeburg has committed to putting equal opportunity training, studying and working conditions into practice. But how do we go about dealing with the differences between people and opinions, points of view and perspectives in everyday university life? Where are our opportunities, how do we recognize barriers, when do we find joint solutions? Katharina Vorwerk interviewed the Vice-President for Research, Technology and Equal Opportunities, Professor Borna Relja, about these issues.

No matter what you're craving, you're guaranteed to find the right meal here on campus! Whether vegan, vegetarian or with meat, especially healthy or rich soul food, sweet or savory dishes, internationally inspired or local classics - the offers leave nothing to be desired and are just as diverse as we are. So that you don't lose track of the many offers, we have put together a small food guide for your next lunch break.

If companies want to create innovative products, they have to include diverse perspectives in their decision-making. Too few still take full advantage of the economic success of diversity. This is shown by research results from the University of Magdeburg. In an interview, Prof. Dr. Susanne Schmidt dispels misconceptions and myths about diversity and gives tips on how good diversity management can succeed.

Needs-based advice on an equal footing by students for students: that is the motto of the student initiative, “Hammock - Catch and Initiate”, that was founded in 2014. The things that we associate with an ordinary hammock, things like relaxation, a sense of wellbeing, freedom from worry, are what the team aims to convey. No matter whether the problem is with their studies, friendship group, family or relationship, the initiative, which is staffed by psychology students, is available at all times to students in need of advice!

Shipra Dureja, a student from India, has received this year's DAAD award for outstanding achievements by foreign students. In 2019, she started her master's degree in "Data and Knowledge Engineering" at the University of Magdeburg and graduated in September 2021 with a very good grade point average after only 5 semesters. This makes her one of the best and fastest students in her degree program. In addition to her studies, the student has also volunteered at her faculty.

DronoDat is a drone and data service provider founded by students Mahmoud Sarhan, Amro Al Zoubi and Ahmad Qadoura. The name is a combination of the English words "drone" and "data". Two of the founders are studying environmental engineering at Magdeburg University: Amro Al Zoubi and Mahmoud Sarhan industrial engineering. Together with their co-founder Ahmad Qadoura, they process data by mapping and surveying, photographing and inspecting a specific object, which is then analyzed by the artificial intelligence systems.

The right answers to the most pressing questions: The student Anirban Saha from Kolkata in India is studying for a master's degree in Data and Knowledge Engineering at the University of Magdeburg and gives tips on job hunting for internationals in his podcast "Anirban Saha's Podcasts". In addition to the range of courses on offer, a decisive argument for prospective international students is whether there is a sufficient supply of part-time jobs in the new home of choice, says the master's student.