07:00 a.m.

I woke up at 7 a.m. today, even before my alarm went off. Usually, my first alarm goes off at 8:30 a.m. My first appointment today is with my psychotherapist. Since her office is only ten minutes away, I can sleep in on Tuesdays. For the session, I put on something comfortable: green sweatpants, a pink sweater, and Crocs. I go to therapy regularly and wholeheartedly recommend it to everyone. It’s so helpful, especially when balancing a degree, work, and household responsibilities. For me, it’s a game-changer.

10:30 a.m.

After therapy session, I head back home to relax some. Then, I pack my university bag and leave at 11:20 a.m. for my seminar, “The (De-)Construction of Gender.” Today, I have to hurry, because I left too late to catch my bus this morning, which usually does not happen.

11:55 a.m.

I usually arrive at the SFG Building at 11:55 a.m., and then I eat the chia pudding I prepared the day before. The seminar starts at 12:15 p.m. due to the “academic quarter hour.”

12:15 – 2:00 p.m.

Today’s seminar focuses on the heterosexual colonial gender system. We’re reading a text by María Lugones, a feminist philosopher. The course is very well attended.

“It’s refreshing to sit in a seminar where critical topics are addressed.” Dela

It’s refreshing to sit in a seminar where critical topics – such as gender, race, and power relations – are addressed. The texts build on each another and are very diverse. In this seminar, for instance, many of our assigned texts were written by women and non-binary people, which I find very valuable. I suspect that’s why this seminar is so popular.

The seminar takes place weekly and always follows the same pattern: First, we read a text, which we then analyze in small groups. One person writes a response paper on the weekly text – a short essay summarizing the central content of the text, critically reflecting on it, and developing their own points of analysis and discussion. Others take notes.

I can earn six credit points for this seminar. To earn them, I must submit two questions about each text that come to mind while reading to the Stud.IP forum. Additionally, I’ll have to write a theoretical term paper for the course. I’m really looking forward to that, since I already have lots of ideas for the topic.

2:00 - 2:15 p.m.

I usually go to the seminar with a friend. We don’t have much time to eat afterward, because we have to head directly to a lecture on politics and economics in GW1 Building, which is a bit off the central campus. We usually go to the supermarket after the seminar and eat on the way. If we miss the bus, we walk. Otherwise, I sometimes prepare food the day before.

2:15 - 3:45 p.m.

Today’s economics lecture isn’t very well attended. The professor still makes an effort to engage us interactively. At the beginning of the lecture, he gives us five minutes to discuss the material with the person sitting next to us. During the lecture, we are encouraged to ask questions, which he then answers. This time, he also gives us some preparatory questions to work through individually at home.

I take all my notes on my laptop and work directly on the lecture slides. I try to write down as much as possible and keep up as best I can.

4:00 – 6:00 p.m.

Now I have a break. I spend it in the GW2 Cafeteria, eating the meal I prepared. There, I chat and relax a bit. Today, I need to study for an exam. On other days, I like to use this break to get some work done for my paid job. I work nine hours a week at “Queere Bildung” (Queer Education) in Bremen as a student assistant, and make sure to keep my mornings free on two weekdays each semester so that I can participate in workshops at schools. I also have free hours while I’m at university, which I use to make video calls to prepare for workshops or do office work, such as entering workshop statistics or following up with people.

6:15 - 7:45 p.m.

Now it’s time for the Politics and Law lecture. I don’t enjoy the subject as much because I find the material too dry. Our university lecturer is doing his best, though. Since the seminar starts so late, not as many people show up.

7:45 p.m.

That was the last class of the day. Now, I’m on my way home. After such a long day at university, I’d really like to relax first and could use some peace and quiet and time to myself. I often read something or listen to an audiobook after class. Alternatively, I like to spend time on my hobbies, such as playing video games, going to the gym, or pole dancing. Tonight, though, I am going to a friend’s birthday party. I’m heading there right now, because spending time with my friends is a good way to recharge too.