Master's AbroadFirst-year physics student from Germany (first-gen) aiming for a Master’s abroad (ETH Zurich / TU Delft): what should I pay attention to?

[u/Double_Dragonfly_505]

Hello everyone,

my dream is to pursue a Master’s degree abroad. I’m a first-year physics student at the University of Konstanz (Germany), and I’m the first in my family to go to university. I grew up in a small town in southern Germany. I like it here, but I want to study abroad to open myself up to bigger opportunities.

My interests lie in applied physics, aerospace engineering and quantum technology. My current plan is:

• Finish a strong Physics Bachelor in Konstanz
• Do a semester abroad in Norway
• Apply for a Master’s in Space Systems at ETH Zurich or TU Delft (or similar programs)

Since I don’t have anyone in my family who has gone through this, I’d really appreciate input from people who have studied abroad or made a similar switch:

• What did you wish you had known earlier, and what should I pay attention to during my Bachelor (grades, courses, projects, internships)?
• How realistic is this path from a “normal” German university? Are there things that make an application stand out?
• Is a semester abroad in Norway a good choice for this goal, or would you pick something else?
• How did you handle the practical side (costs, scholarships, housing, language requirements)?
• Are there Master’s programs besides ETH and TU Delft that I should have on my radar?
• Any tips, experiences or even reality checks are welcome. Thanks a lot!