What’s it like to study in Germany

Studying abroad is out of one’s comfort zone, especially when you are fresh out of high school or college. Adulting, as daunting as it might seem, is an inevitable part of our lives. Living and studying in Germany might be a dream or nightmare depending on how prepared one is. It is important to take few things into consideration before deciding to study or live in Germany. Here are the few points one must know about studying and living in Germany.

Language

A language serves as a door to a culture, which is also the case in Germany. While language becomes a barrier, for some, it becomes a tool to open many doors. There is no denying that German is a complex language, and it might feel like an eternity until you learn it. Nevertheless, if you are going to live in Germany, learning can be a fruitful endeavour.

You should learn at least a B1 level of German if you have an opportunity before moving to Germany. While for many moving for their Master’s or Job, learning a new language might not seem relevant to invest so much time in this, it is one of the best things you can do before arriving. People who have moved to Germany but have not learned the language yet should start as soon as possible. Find fun ways to include the language in your daily life instead of learning it out of compulsion.

Speaking up or interacting in German may initially seem intimidating, but patience will make it easier. It is OK to make mistakes! Nobody is going to judge you on your imperfect German. Most people are understanding and will even try to speak slower so that you can understand. Being consistent is the most important thing.

Knowing the language is crucial not only to find wider opportunities in a career but also to integrate and assimilate into a new culture. You can look into free but amazing content on YouTube that can help you in your journey. Watching movies, listening to songs, and reading your favorite books can be a great way to get started ;).

The Education System

German Universities are undoubtedly of high standards. However, one needs to understand the education system to bring the best out of oneself as a student.

Education is regulated by the federal states, which means there is no nationwide regulation. With this, the Universities have more authority to define their policies and how they work. There are different types of Universities, and one should find the best way to navigate given the requirements.

State-funded public universities and a negligible semester fee mean that degrees become very affordable. Hence, the universities are structured to let only the hardworking and focused students get through. It is crucial to prioritize one’s studies and schedule one’s workload throughout the semester to avoid burnout or failing courses.

It might take some time to get used to university. Hence first few semesters can feel difficult. But it is best to maintain a cool head and consistently put in the work. It may take a while to balance between studies and social life, but it is possible. With proper planning, staying focused, prioritizing the right work, and not forgetting to take a break occasionally, one can have a memorable and fulfilling Uni-Life.

The Climate and weather

Germany’s weather can be very unpredictable. It can change in a very short period. One hour is sunny, with no signs of clouds. The next hour can rain like there was no sun just an hour ago. Thus, it is wise to check the current day’s weather before going out.

Germany experiences four seasons that can vary a little depending on in which region you are living. Coastal areas experience warm summers and mild winters while Inland areas have warmer summers and colder winters. The alpine region has more rain and cooler weather. 

Winters in Germany can be a bit cold. The temperatures can fall below freezing point. The snowfall usually happens in December and January but can vary depending on the region. Days are short as it starts to get dark very early. While winters can seem gloomy for some, there are many activities you can do to defeat the gloom of the German winters.

Going from winter to spring is like removing your black and white goggles. You can see colors again! New leaves, green trees, and flowers are blooming. But spring can be the most unpredictable season here. It can be sunny, rainy, cloudy, or windy anytime. 

The temperatures in summer are around 20-30ºC with long days. Sunset happens as late as 10 pm which can be surprising for some. Don’t forget to apply some sunscreen and enjoy the long summer days. It’s a great time to go swimming and play outdoor games. 

Autumn can be one of the best seasons for many. Not too hot that you sweat, not too cold that you wear a jacket. And the broad spectrum of colours around you makes it the perfect season to relax and enjoy your surroundings.

The work-life balance

The Germans are very disciplined and punctual in their work. They have everything planned on their schedule beforehand. Being late to meetings or appointments is considered very rude and disrespectful here. One is expected to be motivated and self-driven in work but this doesn’t mean you are not allowed to ask for help.

Furthermore, germans take work-life balance very seriously. People are encouraged to leave their work life behind after “Feierabend”, which translates to “closing time”. So, do not expect emails to be answered after this time as people have transitioned into their personal lives. And one does not intersect the other.

Weekdays are for working and weekends are for relaxing. On weekends, people often go hiking in the “Wälder” (German word for forests) or drinking in the pub. Watching football with friends is also one of the activities Germans enjoy on weekends.

You will not find any shops open on Sundays. Even on the weekdays, most shops are only open from 8 a.m. till 8 p.m. So, if you want to buy groceries you should do it before Sundays and 8 p.m.. Nevertheless, restaurants and bars are open late at night, if you want to go out with your friends.

Bureaucracy

From the first day of your new life in Germany, you will have to face the famous German Bureaucracy. From registering yourself in the city to opening a bank account to making an appointment with the doctor, everything requires you to fill out forms. Germans trust papers more than anything digital.

Even for some mobile applications, if you forget a password, you receive an OTP through a post. Forget resetting it for a few days if it is a weekend. 😛