Benjamin Lemaigre,
BMS Phase II student since 2023
MMath University of Warwick

I first visited Berlin in summer 2017 and the city completely charmed me. Having returned a few more times and learnt a little bit of German in the interim, I dreamt of living there at some point in my life.

Doing a PhD had always been of interest to me, and over the course of my Master’s in the UK I had a little bit of a clearer picture as to what I wanted to specialise in. I did some more digging in areas tangentially related to my thesis and found a niche that fascinated me. There’s only a handful of professors in the world researching these particular objects, and it was an immense stroke of luck that the exact one I wanted to learn from also happened to be part of the BMS. Almost every day I would impatiently check the application portal, social media channels, and even this very “Life at BMS” page for updates (how weird it is being on the other side of it…). Receiving the response was surreal.

At first, navigating the minefield of German bureaucracy (an intimidating rite of passage for every expat) was tricky to say the least, but reaching out to the BMS One-Stop Office reassured me instantly. Their clear and practical advice made these logistical hurdles so much simpler to handle, and I was always met with such kindness and patience. It’s a small thing to say “they’re nice” but that honestly doesn’t come close to covering it. Having such lovely people as your first point of contact really makes such a difference when you’re settling into a new city. What really sets them apart is how much they genuinely care about their students, and it’s reassuring to know there are people looking out for you, both academically and personally.

Joining Phase II, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. The newfound academic freedom was incredible! The lack of a rigid structure or guaranteed ‘right’ direction to follow meant I could explore topics to my heart’s content. Regular opportunities to informally meet with the rest of the BMS community (e.g. at the BMS Fridays) creates a melting pot of so many genuinely-interested individuals sharing with each other the cool things they had recently learnt. The result is a stimulating and impassioned environment in which (even when your own progress feels glacial) other students’ enthusiasm can’t help but rub off on you. This sense of a vibrant and connected community is rare in graduate programs.

Even despite the guidance of an excellent supervisor, the lack of structure can be scary. As an anchor to bear the storm, I can’t recommend enough the BMS’s advanced seminars. They are run by professors across the three universities and aren’t just useful for broadening your mathematical perspective -- they’re also fun because there are no exams hanging over your head, and you have the chance to focus on learning for its own sake (a far cry from undergraduate studies).

Moreover, the BMS’s generous funding allowance has allowed me to attend international conferences which simultaneously grant ample experience engaging first-hand with new research, and also build a network with the wider mathematical community. In addition, the BMS also offers funding for German language courses and various soft-skills seminars throughout the year. The latter allows you to develop some other (more conventional) transferrable skills for whichever direction your career may take you. From time management to public speaking, these have been a welcome complement to the abstract rigours of the usual working day.

Once the Maths is done for the day (or when you need a break from inhaling chalk dust), Berlin offers an incredible backdrop for life outside of research. The city’s history is woven into its streets like no other place I have visited. It is also a haven for music lovers, cyclists, and food enthusiasts. I’ve joined a local sports club, spent weekends cycling along the Spree, and discovered the joy of late-night Döner kebabs. The city’s international vibe mirrors that of the BMS, and meeting people from all over the world -- both within the program and in Berlin itself -- has been one of the most enriching parts of this experience.

Looking back, joining the BMS was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I’m surrounded by brilliant, kind people who inspire me every day, and I’ve grown so much, both mathematically and personally. If you’re reading this and considering applying: do it. I hope that if you decide to come to the BMS, or if you are already a member, that it is equally rewarding for you.

Published in February 2025