Why a Berlin Native Studies in Lienz

A Look at Personal Motivations, Regional Characteristics, and the Importance of the Study Place

A total of 20 students began their engineering studies at the MCI Campus Lienz in fall 2025, including Ole Berger. In this interview, he takes us on an insightful journey through his daily student life and shares how nature, community, and academic opportunities shape an unconventional study experience.

Personal background: Ole Berger, 20 years old, raised in Berlin, studying engineering at MCI Campus Lienz, specializing in Mechatronics.

I spent the last two years traveling and decided to go to college during that time. I mean, you have to start sometime, right? Here at Campus Lienz, I'm studying engineering with a focus on Mechatronics. There are two of us studying this major. Other areas of focus include Environmental, Process & Energy Engineering, Medical, Health & Sports Engineering, and Industrial Engineering & Management. We are enjoying the first two semesters in Lienz and will then spend the following semesters in Innsbruck.

How did you find out about the opportunity to study at MCI?

On the one hand, I heard from MCI that it was supposed to be quite good and that it matched my personal preferences for a university with a practical focus and small learning groups. On top of that, I had fallen in love with the mountains a little, and the only mountains we have in Berlin are mountains of trash. You can't go trail running or climbing there, you can't go hiking or snowboarding. These are all things I enjoy doing. After a year in New Zealand, I discovered these sports for myself and so I was simply drawn to the mountains.

Why did you decide to pursue a bachelor's degree at the Lienz campus?

I first heard about MCI from friends in New Zealand. I researched the locations and thought to myself: I'm a fan of variety. Lienz seemed a good fit, so I'm spending a year here and, as I said, two years in Innsbruck. That way, I won't be spending the entire three years there. It adds a bit of variety to my studies. In Lienz, the study groups are a bit more personal and smaller compared to Innsbruck. And I don't think that's such a bad thing, especially when you get along very well with the lecturers on a personal level.

What were the reactions in your personal circle when you told them about your plans?

Because of my travels, my family was already used to me hardly ever being at home. Sure, Austria and Germany aren't that different culturally, but now the opportunity presented itself and I seized it to try something new.

What particularly appealed to you about Lienz or the range of courses on offer? What do you particularly like?

The small learning groups and the part-time study model are further advantages. We have very long blocks on Mondays and Tuesdays and only half day on Wednesdays. The rest of the time can be freely allocated and used for studying or leisure activities.

What is everyday life like in Lienz, student life, and the housing situation?

In terms of the social environment, it's fair to say that this small group of 19 people currently on campus has a strong sense of cohesion and is really close-knit. We now have different study groups here and we actually meet on campus every day. It's become a bit like our second home. Anyone can join in, as needed. And then we like to go skiing together.

Another advantage of Lienz is that everything is very compact here. Supermarkets are also close to campus. You can just walk there from the university during the break and quickly pick up a bar of chocolate for everyone to snack on. Then you feel a little better and are energized for class.  The ski slopes are also only five minutes away, and if you have a four-hour break in between, you can spend three and a half hours on the slopes. I think the housing situation is the biggest advantage over Innsbruck. Apartment prices are significantly lower. I now pay a total of around 800 euros for 70 square meters here.

What advice would you give to students or applicants?

It was all very spontaneous to start studying here, but that's exactly what I really like. I can only advise applicants not to be afraid to try new things and take the step away from home. Just try new things and if it doesn't work out, then so be it. It always takes you where fate takes you.