How to ... survive your first weeks in Germany
It might be overwhelming to move to a new country. Alone, without family and friends, with a different climate, different culture, different language. For most of you you're away from home for the first time. Starting your studies is a whole new chapter in your life.
So how do you face the unknown? You jump headfirst into it but come well prepared. There's no need to panic. It might be hard sometimes, but we've come up with some advice to help you make a good start in Germany. Trust in yourself but stick to our advice!
Sports, religion, outdoor activities, any other hobbies or interests you have – join a group, learn more about German culture and take part. You will find that you will pick up the German language faster than if you only study with books. Germans don't bite, in fact they are very warm, welcoming and interested in you. Give them a try …
In the weeks before you arrive, we will organize buddies from higher semesters to help you. They are also students from our international program who've been in your shoes before. They will contact you in advance and arrange to meet you when you arrive in Mannheim. They will take you to your student accommodation, organize your room keys, show you around the campus and accompany you to the registration office in the city. We also set up an Facebook Messenger group for all new international students and our buddies. You'll be in close contact, everyone helps each other, you'll never go alone... Promise!
Preparation is everything. Read the International Office's guidelines carefully and come prepared. Set up your German bank account in advance so that you only need to activate it after you have enrolled at the university and registered in the city. Do the same with your German health insurance, register from your home country and the whole process will be quicker on arrival.
All our new international students are in the same boat. You all come from different countries, but you are all new to Mannheim. Mix and mingle, don't just stick with people of your own nationality. Explore the city together, get to know your neighbours in your student accommodation and most importantly make friends with older students. They will be very helpful…
Once you have registered with the German bureaucracy, your mailbox will soon be flooded with letters written in German. Don't panic, don't ignore them, show them to a German friend. It will help you immensely when it comes to meeting deadlines or typing in the right passwords...
The more German you already have, the easier your arrival in Germany will be. Reaching a basic level of German, A2 level, is highly recommended before your arrival so that you can meet the high demands of our program from the very beginning. The Goethe Institute and YouTube will be helpful amongst other websites and learning opportunities such as magazines, online exercises, radio stations and television broadcasters. It doesn't have to be boring!
You can't survive on fast food alone… so learn some easy recipes from your mum that will make you feel at home away from home! And cooking with your flatmates is fun and will help you make friends and get to know your new colleagues from all over the world.
March may be warm in Mannheim, but in general it can still be chilly and even rainy or snowy. A hoodie won't be enough... Be prepared and bring a waterproof and warm jacket.
