Tips For Studying in Germany

Have you decided to take up a course in a German University? Are you ready to fly with dreams in your eyes and aspirations in your heart? Looking for a quick guide that will help you make your stay comfortable in Germany? Then this is the right place! Read on to find out more.

Learn German
Unless you opt for an international course, you need to be fluent in German. Even during your stay in Germany, if you speak only English, you can even have difficulties in the campus. When dealing with German authorities, it is better to have some knowledge of German. You can also enroll for an online language program. Without German knowledge, you can face difficulties in dealing with shopkeepers or hairdressers for example.

Find a Good Place to Stay
Once you have been guaranteed admission in a university of your choice, you should immediately start looking for an accommodation. Contact the student registration office (Studierendensekretariat) of your university and ask for references and advice. They would be the best people to guide you.

Money Matters
It is always advisable to carry extra cash when you land in Germany. No matter how much planning you do, you might end up spending more than what you thought. Traveler’s cheques are a good option, but carry some cash as well which you might need immediately after your arrival. It is good to open a bank account upon arrival. There are several banks which help students open accounts with minimum paper work. You also need to check if your bank in the home country has an arrangement with the local bank in Germany so that money could be transferred to your account.

Interact With the Locals
It is very important that you make new friends especially local students. This will help you learn about German culture and people. This will make your stay in the university comfortable.

Health Insurance
All students up to the age of 30 years must have a health insurance. The statutory health insurance fund has to insure at competitive student rates. You need to have your health insurance before registering in your institution.

Make Friends
Do not stay as a recluse. Make friends and attend social gatherings and university events and festivals. Make friends with people from other countries who have joined with you and are in the same boat as you are.

Beat the Culture Shock
Culture shock is almost obvious among most students especially among Indians. You need to beat the culture shock as fast as you can so that your stay can be comfortable. There are some good ways by which you can beat the culture shock:

• Talk to people who understand your language and try to learn more about your Germany and the city you live
• Read up literature, search the internet and equip yourself with the culture of the country
• Talk to your family and friends back home, if you are feeling homesick

Things to carry:

• Passport
• Certificates
• Admission Letter
• Financial assistance documents
• German and Indian contact numbers and addresses
  
• Emergency medicines along with your medical records especially if have any chronic disease like asthma
• Heath Policy if you are making it from India
• Extra pair of glasses or contact lenses if you use them
• English to German and a German to English translation book
• Clothes - Formals for social occasions and informals like jeans for attending classes