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E-mail: Rehmanthausif@gmail.com

Hi! I’m Thausif Rehman from Chennai, India, and I’m a single child who grew up in a close-knit family that’s always encouraged curiosity and creativity. I’m a district -level tennis and table tennis player, and I find real joy in heading up hills just for the view, often pairing that peaceful moment with a movie under the open sky. I also have a big heart for animals, especially birds. Over the years, I’ve helped care for everything from parrots to eagles until they were ready to fly free again. I’m always up for an adventure, whether it’s an impromptu trip or a tough coding challenge. Coding isn’t just a career path for me, it’s a space where I get to build, solve, and create.

"My professors were incredibly helpful, offering guidance and flexibility where needed."

What stood out to you about ELTE?

What really stood out to me was ELTE’s strong link between research and industry. The university’s collaboration with leading companies like BOSCH (a founding partner of ELTE’s AI department), ERICSSON, and several others isn’t just academic, it’s practical and impactful. As someone deeply interested in applied ai and robotics, this ecosystem felt like the right place to grow technically while staying connected to real -world innovation. The openness of professors and the quality of conferences, especially in the informatics and ai departments, made ELTE stand out even more.

What makes studying at ELTE so great?

It’s the people and the environment. Despite joining late due to a delayed visa , I arrived after the spring break in my first semester; I was immediately welcomed by the faculty and students. That support helped me catch up and feel at home. ELTE also encourages collaboration beyond its own walls with universities like Debrecen and Pécs, and programs like EIT digital, giving access to amazing resources, research, and networks. Right now, I’m working on a project with the unitree robotic dog, and the academic freedom to explore such advanced tech is something I truly value.

What are / were your challenges in your study program?

Joining the semester late was a big challenge. I missed the initial orientation, early coursework, and the chance to settle in with everyone else. It was also a new academic system, in a new country, with a new pace which can be overwhelming.

How did you overcome these challenges?

Support made all the difference. My professors were incredibly helpful, offering guidance and flexibility where needed. Fellow mentors and classmates went out of their way to help me catch up, from sharing notes to forming study groups. Getting involved in projects and labs also helped me settle in faster and build meaningful connections. What started out feeling like a setback turned into an opportunity to grow.

How would you describe ELTE in three words?

Welcoming. Collaborative. Inspiring.

How do you think your degree will help you in your life and career?

My degree from ELTE, especially with an AI specialization, is giving me the right mix of theoretical understanding and practical experience. Working on projects with robotics, reinforcement learning, and real-time systems is preparing me for high-impact roles in tech. The strong partnerships ELTE has with industry leaders and research programs makes me feel confident that I’ll be stepping into the professional world with not just skills, but perspective. Long-term, it’s also helping shape me into someone who can lead and mentor in this space.

Do you have any recommendations for future students at ELTE?

Don’t hesitate to get involved early and often. Leverage ELTE’s collaborative initiatives with BOSCH, Ericsson, and Deutsche Telekom across multiple departments . Talk to your professors, join research groups, and show up for events and conferences, you’ll be surprised at how much they shape your journey. And beyond the classroom, take time to explore Hungary. I’ve travelled through almost every county, city, and village from the snowy winters in the north to the summer festivals in places like Hollókő, where I once joined a local family for a home-cooked meal and folk dance. Experiences like that stay with you and remind you that learning happens everywhere.