You’re peering out the window of the plane, and your eyes land on the sprawling urban landscape of Berlin. The twinkling city lights, the iconic Fernsehturm (TV Tower) piercing the night sky, and the pulsating energy that reverberates even from several thousand feet above the ground — this will be your new home for a while.
Studying abroad in Berlin is more than an academic venture. It’s a cultural immersion, and it’s arguably one of the richest experiences a student or travel lover can have. Here’s what you need to know before you board your flight heading to Germany.
1. Pack Efficiently
Packing efficiently will help make your semester a breeze. Remember, you aren’t just visiting for a few days or weeks. You need to pack wisely for your long-haul adventure.
Don’t forget essential items like power adapters (Germany uses Type F plugs) and any necessary prescription medicines. You’ll also want some warm clothes, because Berlin can be bitingly cold in winter, and a good pair of walking shoes to pace the city’s bustling boulevards.
2. Find Luggage Storage
The moment you land and collect your luggage, the first priority will be to find comfortable lodging for some respite after a tiring flight. But what do you do with your luggage as you start this journey?
If you’re staying near Alexanderplatz, there’s an easy solution. A must-know secret for incoming students is the availability of luggage storage at Alexanderplatz in Berlin. This way, you can start exploring your new city without lugging around your heavy suitcases. It’s the quickest breather before you start your journey.
3. Understanding German Etiquette
Germans appreciate punctuality and sincerity — if you say you’re going to do something, do it. A handshake is a standard greeting, and rules are seldom broken here. Remember, blending in starts with respecting the local customs.
4. Learn Some of the Language
While most Germans speak English, Germans appreciate it when foreigners try to communicate in their language. Picking up a few basic German phrases can help you forge new friendships and demonstrate respect for their culture.
5. Enjoy the Food
Eating in Germany is a cultural experience. Start your day by enjoying a hearty German breakfast — think bread, cold cuts, cheeses, and a boiled egg. For lunch, try the traditional currywurst at one of the city’s countless Imbiss stands for a real taste of Berlin. Afterward, top off your gastronomic adventure with Berliner Weiße, a traditional Berlin Beer.
6. Make New Friends
Going out with friends often means attending public festivals, open-air concerts, or soccer matches. Berliners love their communal activities, and participating in these events is a surefire way of immersing yourself in the city’s culture.
Halfway through your adventure, you’ll realize it’s not just about stepping out of your comfort zone but also finding a new one within this thriving metropolis. Buckle up for this exciting chapter of your life in this cosmopolitan hub of history, art, and academia.
7. Pick the Right German University
Berlin is home to several Studying abroad prestigious universities that blend tradition and modern education. From the Humboldt University of Berlin, cherished for its historical significance and strong humanities program, to the Berlin Institute of Technology, globally recognized for its engineering and technical programs, the choices are diverse and world-renowned.
8. Account for the Workload and Teaching Style
German universities encourage deep thinking and problem-solving. Independence and individual analysis are highly valued, so be ready for serious immersion in your field of study.
Seminars, lectures, and regular coursework aside, non-academic experiences matter too. Programs often include fieldwork, internships, and industry exposure to ensure you’re leaving with a degree and valuable experience.
9. Explore the City
Brace yourself to uncover Berlin’s treasures. Marked with historic scars and adorned with creative expressions, Berlin dances on the line between historical poignancy and modern marvel.
10. Embrace Berlin as a Tourist and Non-Tourist
The Brandenburg Gate, the East Side Gallery, and the Museum Island — postcard-perfect Berlin is a must-visit. There’s the non-touristy Berlin, too. Visit the hidden alleys, the farmers’ markets, or Tempelhofer Feld, a public park that was once the Tempelhof airport, to experience the extraordinary in the ordinary.
11. Live Sustainably
Berlin’s commitment to sustainability is inspiring. Electric public transportation, cycle-friendly roads, recycling initiatives, and thrift shops are part of everyday city life. Adopt these practices, and you’re on your way to becoming a true Berliner.
Embracing the Berlin Adventure: Your Pre-Departure Guide
Studying abroad might seem daunting, but it remains one of the greatest adventures a student can embark on. You’ll find Berlin itself becomes your classroom, with each cobbled street, ancient building, outdoor biergarten, and art-splashed wall adding to your education.
As you navigate the labyrinthine historical alleys, juggle academic challenges, and munch on plates of Currywurst, you’re enjoying everything Berlin has to offer. Take a deep breath, sling your bag over your shoulder, and embrace the matchless journey of studying abroad in Berlin.
