International student clubs at TUM: Building community across cultures

In recent years, the number of internationally focused student clubs at TUM has steadily grown. Students from different countries and regions come together to build community, promote cultural exchange, and provide a welcoming point of contact for international peers.

Alongside cultural celebrations, cooking nights, or country-themed events, these clubs often address practical aspects of student life – such as settling into a new country or navigating unfamiliar routines and traditions.

Creating connections through encounters: The Japanese Culture Club

What began as informal conversations at the Japanese table during the weekly Language Café in Garching developed into a new student initiative in spring 2024: the Japanese Culture Club (JACC). Exchanges between Japanese students, German classmates, and those interested in Japanese culture inspired the creation of a permanent platform for connection.

“The initial spark came from a WhatsApp group in May 2024,” recalls Kento Kido, a bachelor’s student in Computer Science and current Vice President of JACC. Today, the club organizes regular weekly meetups and events.

The club aims to bring Japanese students and local students together, creating meaningful, everyday connections. “We want to offer genuine encounters – beyond stereotypes or pop culture alone,” explains Melissa Reissmüller, a master’s student in Management & Technology and President of JACC. “At our picnics, tea gatherings, or karaoke nights, it’s about everyday culture, shared experiences, and getting to know one another. Food, tea, and music help conversations start naturally.”

Practical support and community: The Turkish Club

The Turkish Club focuses on providing practical guidance for students. On its website and blog, members share firsthand knowledge on topics such as student housing, visa applications, and administrative procedures in Munich – making personal experiences accessible to everyone.

Founded in May 2025, the club also reflects that students from Turkey form the third-largest international student group at TUM. “We wanted to create a place that feels like a home away from home, while turning challenges into opportunities,” says Fatma Altunkilic, Vice President and Head of the Content Team, as well as a master’s student in Biomedical Engineering and Medical Physics.

Beyond advisory services, the club fosters social and professional networking. “Through Turkish pop parties, cultural evenings, and developer meetups with industry partners, we create spaces where local and international students can connect,” Altunkilic explains. Mentoring programs, career days, and specialized academic events are also planned for the future.

By making bureaucratic processes easier to navigate, the club helps international students settle in more quickly, build networks, and later carry their knowledge back to their home countries.

Building cultural bridges: The Hong Kong & Macau Student Society

The Hong Kong & Macau Student Society (HKMSS) also aims to foster connections – this time between Hong Kong, Macau, and Germany. Co-founder Steven Liu, who initially studied at the Straubing campus and is now pursuing a master’s degree in Management & Technology at the main campus, noticed that there were hardly any student networks in Europe with this regional focus.

“We want to be a bridge between Hong Kong and Germany,” Liu explains. “We support newcomers in Munich while also connecting TUM students who are interested in Hong Kong.” The club also encourages interaction between the two cultures.

Founded in May 2025, the club currently has around 20 members. Its first public event took place in November 2025 as part of the country night series organized by ESN TUMi and the TUM Global & Alumni Office, where over 100 students gained culinary insights into Hong Kong.

Diversity as a core part of campus life at TUM

With over 200 student clubs, TUM offers a wide range of ways to actively shape student life – including more than 15 clubs with an international or country-specific focus. Students who don’t find a suitable offering are encouraged to start their own initiatives and contribute to the vibrant campus community.