Would you like to pursue your university career in the heart of Europe? If the answer is yes, maybe you should consider staying in Germany. And the figures speak for themselves: the Germanic country is the third most popular destination among students around the world. Each year, approximately two million international students enroll in German universities. One of the attractions of Germany is, without a doubt, the low cost of tuition. This is an economic advantage over other countries, such as the United Kingdom or the United States. Besides, the country enjoys a great variety of universities with an excellent academic level in all fields of knowledge.
If you are an international student who has never visited Germany, you may find it challenging to adapt to your society. In this article, we will give you ten tips to study in Germany.
Extra classes
Many teachers organize additional courses outside the classroom. Usually, this is done to reinforce what is said in class. Also, these classes can be useful for getting better grades.
Learn the language
Next, we will talk about the importance of learning German. Unless you are in a program where courses are taught in English, you must learn the language. In most cases, the classes will be in German. Also, you can communicate better with your classmates and other members of the community.
Go for a walk
Most German cities have excellent public transport that saves students a lot of time. If you enrolled in a German university, you would receive a ticket that will allow you to go anywhere in the state during the entire semester.
Things you may need
Depending on the city you go to, in many stores, they only accept cash. Therefore, you must have money in your pocket when you go out to know the city. Also, remember to shop from Monday to Saturday, since on Sunday most stores close.
Travel as much as you can
Without a doubt, you should take advantage of buses, trains, and airplanes. You can pay little for your plane tickets at low-cost airlines, such as Ryanair and Easyjet. On the other hand, passengers can be more expensive if you travel far. Also, you can go all over Europe by bus or train and enjoy a great adventure in another distant country.
Speak German
German can be a somewhat tricky language to learn. However, you must speak it even if you don't know much. For this, you can start informal conversations with colleagues or employees of a cafeteria, for example. This is one of the best tips for studying in Germany.
Change your phone settings to German
Among all the tips for studying in Germany, this one will help you a lot. Thus, you will read the news in German, and you can learn a new word every day. Also, it will be instrumental if you want to learn the German language well.
Be adventurous
In the beginning, many international students find it challenging to adapt to the new culture. However, you must be brave and take every opportunity to try something new. For example, you should talk with your classmates, be sociable and use your free time to explore the city.
Purchases
Many supermarkets in Germany sell cheap products, such as Lidl, Aldi, or Netto. However, you have the option of buying fresh produce at a reasonable price in farmers' markets. In short, you should be aware of the discounts and special offers of the stores. Also, remember that by presenting the student ID, you have a discount in cafeterias, restaurants, cinemas, libraries, and museums.
Organize your social life
Finally, we recommend that you organize your social life intelligently. The way you manage your social activities will determine your lifestyle in Germany. For example, instead of spending a lot of money on group outings, you can invite your friends to your home and prepare them for a homemade meal. In this way, not only will you save money, but you can strengthen new friendships. In conclusion, plan your departures based on your budget.