I was both excited and anxious about working in Germany for a volunteering project before I came. While I can’t wait to meet new people and experience a new culture, I was also worried about all the things that come with settling into a new country. Having a comfortable place to live was one of my biggest concerns.

I’m amazed by how easy it was to settle in when I first moved into the POHA house. The room was already well furnished, so I didn’t have to worry about buying essentials like bedsheets or pillows. There was also tons of storage space for my clothes, makeup, and other personal belongings, which helped my room feel organized and comfortable.

I also appreciated how practical everything was. The shared kitchen is equipped with an oven, which is one of my favorite features. On days when I didn’t have much time to cook, I could simply heat up frozen meals or prepare something quick, making it easy to enjoy a quick meal.

The best part of living here is definitely the environment. My balcony has a beautiful view where I can watch the sunset after a long day there. Since POHA House is located close to the forest, it’s easy to go for a walk or hike whenever I want. The area is also much cooler and quieter than the city center, making it a peaceful place to come home to.

The common area is one of my favorite places to spend time. There’s a coffee corner where we can make drinks for ourselves, some cozy couches with a TV, and even an outdoor balcony area to connect with nature. On match days my friends and I would gather to watch World Cup matches together while enjoying a drink. Sometimes we’d simply sit around chatting for hours, sharing stories, laughing, and having our own girls’ nights. Those casual moments helped me build friendships that made me feel much more like home.

The shared facilities also made everyday life much more convenient. Whenever I wanted to stay active, I could simply visit the gym or yoga room without leaving the building. The yoga room is well equipped with yoga mats and yoga blocks, with even yoga slings for aerial yoga. There’s also some built-in exercise programmes in the fitness mirror and TV, which are my favourite features as I can follow the virtual coach and do exercise with my friends together. 

Staying in a new country was much less stressful than I expected, and a big part of that was having a place where I felt comfortable. POHA House became a place more than simply an accommodation, it is where I could relax, meet new people, enjoy everyday moments, and create memories. Whether it was watching the sunset from my balcony, hiking through the nearby forest, or spending evenings with friends in the community space, these experiences made my time in Germany feel truly special.

By Chika Chan | International AIESEC Volunteer at „Aachen, was geht?!“

Supporting our projects CCT.square (KIMIKO Campus Festival) and Learn for Life (Talenträume Aachen).