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Relocating to Berlin was thrilling, however, at the same time disorienting, as all experiences were very new, fast, and foreign to me during my first few days in Germany. International students face real problems in their everyday lives in Germany; therefore, having a combination of both dreamlike experiences and living realities makes for an interesting blend of life experiences.
My Background
My name is Aaditya Jhinjharia; I come from Haryana (India). I came to Germany not only for education but also because I want to learn to live like Germans, i.e., be more disciplined, more independent, and be straightforward in work and life.
I believe Berlin is a good city for me because it is international, and it also has many opportunities available. But living in Berlin has been much different than what I thought it would be before actually coming to Berlin.
The Challenge
Looking back on my first few months living abroad studying as an International student, I’ve experienced quite a few challenges.
The main challenge I faced was adjusting to everything: new country, new people, and new systems. Everything just felt so different when I got here.
Another difficulty was the bureaucracy of Germany. For example, in Berlin (a large city), you can experience extreme bureaucratic slowness. I waited a full week to open my bank account!
For those unfamiliar to this experience, a one-week wait may sound insignificant, however it was very overwhelming for me.
Also, I struggled to find suitable student accommodation in Berlin. There are many sites on the internet to look for student housing, however, there were so many that were overpriced and/or not very good.
I was budget-conscious when I found a place to live; I was looking for an affordable, safe; student housing option; and, I thought finding affordable student housing in Berlin would be almost impossible at that time!
Discovering the Solution
Searching the Web for my accommodation using University Living was a first for me because many places have housing scam artists in Europe.
Even though I didn’t trust any of them at first, checking their prices and listing the accommodations was fun and easy because they provided a virtual tour of most of them. I was able to see what they looked like from a real picture instead of just what is shown in advertisements.
The fact that they provided me with complete and accurate information about the landlords helped me to have confidence in whether or not to contact them. This all contributed to the site being much easier and simpler to use than others I have seen..
My Experience with University Living
My accommodation Nazarethkirchstr-51, Berlin matched my expectations and became reality. I booked through University Living, and once they fulfilled my requirements, I didn’t think twice.
One important thing I learned is that every international student should ask as many questions as possible before booking. Because this is the place where you will live, study, and grow.
Questions I Asked Before Booking
Here are some questions I asked my accommodation mentor:
- Are all documents proper and legal?
- What is the exact room size?
- What things are included (utensils, heating, furniture, etc.)?
- Is there a gym or sports facility?
- Is there a supermarket nearby? (I have 4 supermarkets within 200 meters)
- How is the public transport connection?
These questions helped me make a better decision and avoid problems later.
My Accommodation Experience
I selected a cozy student residence to accommodate my lifestyle and financial resources. The place was furnished with everything I needed for everyday life.
My day-to-day activities were straightforward; I would go to school, prepare meals for myself, visit the gym on occasion and explore my local area. It was easy to have access to recycling and public transportation. After a while, I began to feel comfortable in Berlin.
Why It Helped Me
In advance of arriving, knowing I had somewhere confirmed to stay lessened the anxiety as I wouldn’t have to worry about where I was going to stay once I got here.
It has been secure for me and has saved me time; allowing me to concentrate on my studies and grow as a person.
Tips for Future Students
- Start your accommodation search early
- Always check if the property is verified
- Ask all important questions before booking
- Check nearby supermarkets and transport
- Be prepared for slow processes in Germany
Conclusion
I learned a lot throughout my first year living in Berlin: it wasn’t without challenges, but I’ve grown from them. An international student’s life in Germany can be imperfect, however, with the right preparation and attitude towards your studies, you’ll be fine. I think the biggest way to ease any potential bumps on your journey is to one, start looking early for housing.
