Hello, my name is Almıla Birçe. I am a second-year student at ELTE University, studying International Business Economics. In addition, I have been representing Türkiye in the fencing national team for a long time.

When I first arrived in Budapest to start my studies at ELTE, I knew I would have to balance two important parts of my life: university and fencing. What I didn’t fully realize at the time was how different things would feel in a new country, with a new academic system and a completely new daily routine. 

At ELTE, especially as an economics student, your schedule fills up quickly. Lectures, seminars, and midterms can take over your week before you even notice it. For many international students, this adjustment is already a challenge on its own. Now imagine adding regular training sessions on top of that. 

As a fencer, training is not something I can just skip when things get busy. It requires consistency, both physically and mentally. I remember during my first exam period, there were days when I would finish classes, go straight to training, and then come back home to continue studying late in the evening. Sometimes, after a long training session, I still had to sit down and review my notes or prepare for a midterm, even when I was already tired. 

At first, it felt overwhelming. But over time, I realized that balancing both is not about doing everything perfectly. It is more about learning how to organize your time and being flexible when things do not go as planned. Some days are more focused on studying, others on training, and that is completely fine. 

One thing that really helps is the environment. Budapest is a very student-friendly city, and life here makes it easier to find small moments to recharge. Even a short walk along the Danube or sitting in a park between classes can help you reset after a long day.

Fencing has taught me discipline, patience, and how to stay focused under pressure. These are the same skills I use in my studies at ELTE. At the same time, studying here has helped me become more organized, which also reflects on my training.

If you are thinking about coming to ELTE as an international student, especially if you are also involved in sports or other activities, my advice would be simple: do not stress if everything does not fall into place immediately. It takes time to find your rhythm. 

You do not need to have everything figured out from the beginning. Give yourself time to adjust, stay consistent, and try to enjoy the experience both inside and outside the classroom. 

Balancing university life and a sport like fencing is not always easy, but it is definitely worth it. Looking back, it is not just about managing time. It is about learning how to adapt, grow, and handle challenges in a completely new environment.