6 Advices for International Students in Germany

Every year, Germany welcomes tens of thousands of foreign students to enroll in one of its top universities. Due to the many benefits that Germany’s educational system provides, this Western European nation has become increasingly popular among international students in recent years. You will be surrounded by many other international students when you arrive in Germany.

So, it won’t be as difficult to get around and socialize as you might think. But to prepare you, we have put together some advice for foreign students in Germany that may be useful once you are here.

Here are some pointers for international students studying in Germany:

1. What is it Like to Attend a University or College in Germany?

German universities have a highly multicultural atmosphere, so you will meet students of various nationalities, such as Turkish, Lithuanian, Portuguese, French, and so on. In terms of lectures and teaching style, it’s similar to the German mentality: rigorous.

Lateness in class is frowned upon or, in some cases, prohibited, and assessments are meticulous and require serious and hard work. However, the payoff will be substantial because you will have gained valuable and practical skills and knowledge.

After all, you are studying in one of the world’s most prestigious and high-quality educational systems. Some of the highly recommended German universities are CBS International Business School, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), RWTH Aachen University, Hertie School, and IU International University of Applied Sciences. To know more about courses and universities in Germany, get in touch with our expert counselors at www.manyagroup.com

2. Finding Housing in Germany as an International Student

One of the most difficult aspects of moving to a new country is finding housing. You’re uncertain about several things, including the neighbourhood, whether to live alone or in a flat with others, whether to choose a furnished or unfurnished apartment and many other decisions.

Don’t worry though; with the right knowledge, you will be able to choose wisely. Let’s go through the accommodation options as an international student in Germany:

Furthermore, there are various ways to rent in Germany. You can decide to rent through a real estate agent, online directories, or even word of mouth.

3. Tips for International Students Staying Safe in Germany

Since Germany is generally recognized as a student-friendly nation, staying secure and comfortable there is relatively straightforward. This implies that you won’t feel the need to take extra precautions in typical situations.

While visiting Germany, there are a few specifics you should be aware of. After all, being abroad requires that you pay the utmost attention at all times. When you get to Germany, bear in mind the following things:

• In Germany, you can call the police at 110 or the emergency line at 112, respectively
• Keep your belongings close at hand. This is particularly crucial when you are in a crowded area
• Avoid empty public spaces at night; theft and pickpocketing are widespread worldwide, not just in Germany
• Avoid being alone at night in deserted parks or on deserted streets, and keep your cash and credit cards in different locations. This will ensure that you have money on hand even if your wallet is lost

4. Utilizing the Various Public Transportation in Germany

It is safe to say that public transportation in Germany is fairly simple and efficient. Depending on your circumstances, you can use a variety of public transportation modes:

• U-Bahn- This mode of transportation, also known as the subway/underground, is very popular in major cities
• S-Bahn- This mode of transportation, also known as suburban commuter rail, operates within the city centre, including suburbs and nearby towns
• Trams and buses- Look for a round sign with a green H in a yellow circle to locate the bus or tram stop
• Taxis- As an alternative to the aforementioned modes of public transportation, are known in Germany to be generally safe and efficient, albeit more expensive

5. Acquaintance with German Culture and Customs

Learning about Germany, known as the country of poets and thinkers, will undoubtedly pique your interest. Indeed, this Western European country has a stunning culture, and its customs and traditions are unrivalled. Here’s what you should know about German culture and customs:

• Language- In Germany, the German language is spoken by approximately 95% of the population. Upper and Lower Sorbian, Romani, Danish, and North and Saterland Frisian are among the minority languages spoken in Germany
• Clothing- On a daily basis, Germans wear Western clothing. Meanwhile, traditional German clothing for men includes knee-length leather trousers and a ruffled apron dress for women that consists of a bodice, blouse, and skirt
• Religion- In Germany, approximately 60% of the population identifies as Christian
• Food- Furthermore, Germans are known to enjoy beer and sausages. Germans are Europe’s second-largest beer consumers, trailing only the Czechs. German cuisine includes a wide range of delectable traditional foods, including a variety of bread flavors
• Architecture- When it comes to German architecture, there is a wide range of palaces, castles, and cathedrals dating back centuries. Amphitheaters, Roman bridges, and spas are also part of ancient architecture. Overall, it is a beautiful country rich in history

6. How to Keep Track of Your Expenses in Germany

An individual would need about 934€ per month to cover living expenses in Germany, according to estimates. This translates to a yearly total of 11,208€. Additionally, one of the biggest expenses in Germany has turned out to be the monthly rent.

Finding the ideal place to live is what you should be most concerned about given that German universities have low or no tuition fees. In comparison to less populated cities, the average cost of living is higher in larger cities. Therefore, you should choose a city where the cost of living is lower in accordance with where your university is located.

In Germany, Bielefeld, Frankfurt (Oder), Halle, Krefeld, and Passau are among the most affordable cities to live in. Munich, Hamburg, Frankfurt, Düsseldorf, and Bonn are the most expensive. However, it is always crucial that you have sound money management skills, regardless of where you live.

In conclusion, there are a lot of benefits to studying abroad in Germany, so there is no excuse for you to ignore the study options offered by German universities. Examine the Bachelor’s and Master’s programs in-depth, double-check the entry requirements, and then begin the application process! You can combine a top-notch education with thriving social and cultural activities.

Practical Tips

• Study the German language. Participate in a language course at the university level. The language courses are free during the semester
• Since getting a room in Studentenwerk is difficult, apply as soon as possible
• Double-check where your classes will be. This is significant because it will assist you in selecting a better lodging option
• A student bar can be found in each dorm. When you have time, go there to meet other dorm residents
• Join the Facebook group for international students. Whenever you can, join them on their tours. They frequently go on tours, making it a great place to meet new people with diverse international backgrounds
• Look into finding a job at a university. Working directly with PhD students will help you grow professionally and will also help your CV

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