Lessons From a Month in Germany

Lessons from a month in Germany

Intro

So, you want to do an exchange in Germany? First of all, you’ve chosen wisely! It’s a fabulous country. Europe’s business heart, clean, efficient, friendly and interesting. From Munich to Hamburg you’ll never be short of excursions, sights to see and things to learn. Each region provides its own unique opportunities and cultures which you’ll be welcomed into readily. 

Of course, we all know these things, they may as well be the summary of a German brochure. But life isn’t a brochure, just ask anyone who’s had a gym membership for more than a month. You’re not there for the tourism, you’re there to live.

I’ve lived in Germany for a month now and there are things I didn’t know coming out which I really wish I had done as it would have made my transition a lot easier from the exit of the airport.

Here, therefore, is a synopsis of what it’s like to live in Germany from the perspective of someone on the first month of their exchange.

When you Land

To your dismay, you may find people are willing to speak English to you. In spite of Brexit, not every European hates you! You’re a lost English person all alone (or with parents if you’re unlucky enough) and people will be more than happy to help you along. Germans are largely encouraged to learn English from a young age, especially in big city’s so anyone at any help desk will be more than happy to help in whatever language you choose.

It is important to get yourself some Euros in cash either before you go or as you arrive, as you may need it in order to pay for train tickets without being charged international fees.

Additionally, make sure you get in contact with your partner university to let them know when you’re going to arrive. Remember, they already live there, so they can probably give you some pointers on cheap accommodation if where you’re staying isn’t available yet.

Also, they will advise you that you must register with the local authority within 14 days of your arrival. This is essential and your partner university will certainly help you though the process, but it is important to have all of your documents and relevant information in order, such as your term time address and passport number to hand. You will be required to hand over your passport while registration is being completed so do remember this when you’re planning inevitable trips. 

Regarding the B word, Gov.uk advises that ‘If the UK leaves the EU with a deal, nothing will change until the end of 2020. In this time, you can continue to travel freely in the Schengen area with your UK passport. What happens after 2020 will form the next part of negotiations. If there’s no deal, new travel rules will apply. You must have at least 6 months left on an adult or child passport to travel to most countries in Europe (not including Ireland). If you renewed your current passport before the previous one expired, extra months may have been added to its expiry date. Any extra months on your passport over 10 years may not count towards the 6 months needed.’

As we always say with Brexit, anything can happen. For more on this, it is best to check Gov.uk whenever you’re concerned and in need of fresh information. 

The Money

Let’s deal with a big question, what is my German experience going to cost me?  The very legal answer being, it depends.

If you were, for example, to book a holiday to Oktoberfest the night before, you’re likely to spend 500€ in your first week (and then some upon arrival). However, with planning and money management, you can end up with a far shallower overdraft than you may imagine.

It is important to remember that Germany is hesitant about the mere concept of cards, let alone foreign ones. Unlike in the UK where seemingly every Off Licence has a Contactless reader, Germany is much more reserved about said technology. The reasons for this are complicated and political, but simply since 2008 they’ve been very hesitant about credit. Therefore, my first piece of advice would be to research what local banks are open to you. If you’re like me, your partner university will present you with the option to open a German bank account. I would recommend this because it saves you worrying about exchange rates and international transfer fees which can really start to hurt after even a few days.

However, once you’re settled, you should find everything to be relatively cheap. Food is inexpensive especially at big supermarkets, fresh vegetables re easy to come by (and in many cases I find better than what you’d find in the UK) and meat is plentiful and suitably continental. This is good for keeping the cost of living down, which will be useful as the cost of where you actually may be surprisingly high. 

Be aware, as well, that no matter how well you budget, you are going to overspend. At the end of the day, you are on an exchange and there will be opportunities to go on trips, holidays, nights out etc. It is important, however, to keep in perspective how much you are spending, as to find yourself half way though the semester having spent your whole budget is not a favourable position to be in. My advice would be set a weekly budget and meal plan to keep costs low and consistent, avoid big spending on things you can get cheaper at home when you’re back or aren’t necessary and don’t sign up for anything before you know what its realistically going to cost you.

Public Transport

Trains can be expensive so be aware of when you want to go on trips and try to book in advance. However, cities are very well connected internally as well as externally so getting around is very easy and safe. My university offered me a free transport card for students which allows me to travel in zones associated with its greater area for free. It is likely where you study will have a similar initiative so take advantage of this as much as possible.

I so far haven’t had any problems with the transport network in Germany, in fact I’d argue it puts that of the UK to shame (though don’t let Richard Branson know).

Of course, failing the use of public transport, you’re right, Über does operate in Germany. Although, the traditional city taxis are much more common and readily available.

Furthermore, Germany like must of Continental Europe has embraced cycling as an alternative to driving. Cycle lanes are clearly designated and respected by locals so be advised that you will be obliged to move out of the way for them, you do not have priority. 

In spite of all of these excellent transport solutions, however, I would argue that the best for city transportation is the E-Scooter tsunami which has recently crested over the fatherland. These cheap, easy to use and surprisingly quick electric scooters are a really easy way of getting around any city, they charge by the minute and are respected and acknowledged by the general public who use them on the cycle tracks. 

The law

It is important to remember you’re in a foreign country, with a different legal system. Subsequently, you will need to take into account how things are done differently in this new world. I have complied some basic laws you should take care to adhere to.

Firstly, you must take out health insurance in some capacity when in Germany, again your partner university likely has mechanisms in place for you to be able to do this.

You don’t have to carry your passport with you while in Germany, but if you’re asked to show your passport and you don’t have it with you, the police may escort you to wherever your passport is being kept so that you can show it to them.

Also, it is illegal to cross German pedestrian crossings when the red pedestrian light is on. Offenders risk a fine and payment of all costs in the event of an accident.

Furthermore, should you ever come into contact with a police officer, it is important to address them formally, as to not do so could lead you to incur a fine up to 600€. Therefore, whatever you do, ‘du’ not use informal language when you ‘sie’ a Polizei sign.

Moreover, we are all familiar, I assume, with the German national anthem. Initially ascending to its status as the song of Germany in 1922, its first verse beings ‘Germany, Germany above everything’. Unfortunately, said verse became the solemn chant of the Third Reich and its use was subsequently banned pose 1945. To be frank, it’s probably best to just heed the immortal words of Basil Faulty. Simply don’t mention the war.

It is unlikely you’ll be picked up on any of these laws, but I felt it was important to mention them, on the off chance you are a j-walking, far right, history buff who can’t keep trackk of their passport.

In Conclusion

Germany is a welcoming and interesting nation with a huge amount of culture. Should you wish to study here after reading this then remember to travel light, get health insurance and don’t mention the war. 

You’re going to meet a whole new set of people on your studies, so make connections and don’t waste any opportunity given to you. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to see a legal system which differs from your own. Remember to communicate with your partner institution and never be afraid to ask for guidance. My experience may serve as an informal guide to the world you’re about to step into but don’t let this be your only port of call when researching your stay. Look at other sources to work out what it will be like in the city you will call home for your exchange, it won’t be the same for everyone but only you can make the best of it.