Get to know the House Managers in Bremen
Janine
How would life at THE FIZZ Bremen be without its House Managers? Read the interview and get to know them better!
What would THE FIZZ Bremen be without the heart of the house that keeps everything together and running? Our team in Bremen, consisting of House Manager Frank and Assistant House Manager René, are passionate about it and make our THE FIZZ what it is today. In the middle of the green university campus, the student residence is just a stone’s throw away from the University of Bremen. Here, our FIZZies experience an unforgettable study time and a complete package of various services. Be it trips to the city or region, laser tag and pizza evenings or the monthly Sunday brunch – there is always something new to experience at THE FIZZ Bremen. We interviewed the two and learned a few funny details.
What is the House Manager‘s role and what are three important qualities that a FIZZ House Manager should have?
Frank: I like to compare the role of the house manager at THE FIZZ Bremen with my role as a family father. Keeping the overall perspective in mind, I see it as my task to take care of the small and big concerns of the residents and staff members. I see myself as a welcoming host with a calm and serene vibe.
René: In the first place for me are friendliness and humour. Nevertheless, a firm hand should not be missing. 😉
What is your motto in life?
As my father taught me:
“Do good and talk about it!”
and at least as important:
“Give others the chance to do good!”
How important is it for you as a House Manager to have a good relationship with the residents?
Frank: A good relationship with the residents is the key for me to feel the house. Through personal conversations and mutual support, everyone involved will gain.
René: Yes, and it is also important in order to have a hassle-free and nice time together.
What fascinates you about your job and what are you particularly looking forward to?
René: I like maintaining direct contact with the residents – also helping with private matters, such as German translations. I also enjoy planning and organizing events and taking part from time to time.
Frank: For me, one of the best parts of the job for me is getting to know the different cultures and lifestyles of people from different regions of the world, especially from a culinary point of view. But I also like the change of perspective and find it exciting how foreign cultures view our life in Germany.
What are your hobbies or what do you like to do in your free time?
Frank: As a father of three, I have relatively less time for my hobbies, but I take care of my sporty balance and I love art in various expressions. Also, food and other culinary delights play a big role in my life. Cooking for family and friends is a great way for me to relax and be creative.
Renè: I really enjoy doing sports and taking a walk through Bremen’s beautiful city and its nice green parks. Just like Frank, I also enjoy good food and cooking. One of my passions is also travelling and exploring beautiful places.
What is your motto in life?
Take life as it comes.
What are 3 main points which make THE FIZZ Bremen so special to you?
Frank: One of the reasons I decided to live in Bremen was because of the excellent quality of life Bremen offers its residents:
With its many parks and public green spaces, Bremen is not only a very green city, but also the rural surroundings can be reached by bike in just a few minutes. The city itself is cosy and characterized by Hanseatic understatement. It is full of history and stories, of which I have not heard all even after more than 25 years here in Bremen.
René: Yes, I totally agree. Also, the University of Bremen is right opposite our THE FIZZ and surrounded by a lot of green spaces. Our tenants totally benefit from our location and just have to fall out of their bed to get to their lectures. 😊 We also offer lots of services to our FIZZies, so that they have the possibility to rent item, like games and cleaning stuff. Our monthly brunch is also a highlight of which our tenants are looking forward to. 😉
What is the best memory you have of THE FIZZ Bremen so far?
René: I always like to think back to the Summer Games that took place in every house before Corona. I hope we can host these again soon. I am also always very happy when the apartments are handed over clean and in good condition after moving out. 😉
Frank: In the meantime, I was able to collect many culinary memories…spontaneous invitations to a joint lunch with Indian residents, a Slavic lunch buffet or Spanish tapas. Many residents know about my passion for good food and like to share…I appreciate these encounters very much, what better way to get to know each other than over shared meals?
What is your favourite area in FIZZ Bremen?
Frank: What could I answer other than: the communal kitchen. 😊
What attractions and places would you recommend in and around Bremen to our FIZZies?
Frank: Depending on the season or your interests, there are many possibilities for leisure activities. Whether sports, culture and art, nature and various events in Bremen is actually always something going on. Particularly noteworthy is the Bremer Freimarkt in October, after the Munich Oktoberfest is the second largest fair in Germany and attracts every year millions of visitors. But also La Strada, Europe’s largest festival of street artists or the Samba Carnival are worth mentioning.
René: My favourite place in the city is definitely the Steintor – a really multicultural district with lots of small bars with different food cultures. The Unisee, right around the corner from the university, is also highly recommended for sunbathing or going for a walk. Just like the Rhododendron Park, which you absolutely have to visit once.
Anything more to say?
Frank: Internationally, the name Beck’stown has become established for Bremen. Yes, the world-famous brewery is located here on the Weser River. 😉
All photo rights by International Campus GmbH.