Student Life in Germany: Is It Safe for Indian Students?

Moving to a new country for education can be daunting in the beginning. But as you settle down, you realise that every place offers tremendous values, opportunities, and challenges. You meet new people, form connections with people from different countries, learn the German language (you should at least have a B2 certification), manage your finances, and do daily chores. You gain independence and valuable experiences through them.

Networking is another important thing that you should focus on when in Germany. Unlike India, Germany does not have a “college placement” system. If you’re looking for an internship or a full-time job, you must connect with classmates and seniors for more perspective. Connect with recruiters through different channels, such as networking events, seminars, and workshops. 

Interviews in Germany focus on the depth of your subject matter. You should be realistic about your expectations, especially if you’re a fresher. Besides this, Berlin has one of the best nightlifes in the world, and plenty of daytime fun activities. Overall, international students gain access to many opportunities and experiences in Germany, which is integral to holistic growth.

Look at some common factors that influence life in Germany for Indian students:

1.  The German Culture

Germany has a rich cultural heritage. The people are warm and cordial. Food is an integral part of the country’s culture. If you’re living in Germany, you will eat things like Bratkartoffel (fried potatoes) and Kölsch (German beer). You must be open to the experiences, as they help you understand the people and culture.

2.  The German Lifestyle 

People in Germany value two things: order and organisation. They revere punctuality and rules. As a student, you will most likely be in the university from 8 am till 6 pm. Each class is usually 90 minutes long. Some majors or faculties compress class time a bit, and conduct classes 4 days a week. German universities have rigorous curriculums. 

When it comes to jobs, the average working hours are 6 per day, which is one of the lowest in Europe. Despite fewer hours, the productivity at work is high. This is an accurate demonstration of the German lifestyle, which values work-life balance. 

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3.  The Weather in Germany

The weather in Germany is very different from India. Though summers are pleasant and last around three months, the winters can be quite severe. The day begins after 9 am, and that can be a shock for the Indian students. Sometimes, it starts to get dark by 3:30 pm during the winters. This may pose a challenge for Indian students, but with time, you will adapt to it.

4.  Socialising in Germany

Making friends and connections in Germany as an international student may take some time. According to a survey conducted in 2021, one of the top challenges faced by international students in Germany is networking personally and professionally. 29% of the students reported language barrier as a challenge. But that does not mean that you don’t try! You can connect with people by initiating conversations, attending events organised by your university and connecting on social media.

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5.  Language Barrier in Germany

Though Germany is open to international students and working professionals, learning the language will be a huge advantage. To obtain a student visa, you must demonstrate your German proficiency with a language certificate of level B2 or C1, depending on your course. If you are pursuing a course taught in English, classes will not be a problem. Other international students will be present, and English will be lingua franca. However, a good knowledge of German will be beneficial in many aspects of your day to day life in the country.

When it comes to speaking with locals, people in big cities of Germany, like Berlin, Munich, and Cologne, speak English quite well. However, if you go to a small town, it is recommended that you speak German. Not everyone there will understand English. Moreover, learning German will anyway make life in Germany for students much easier.

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7.  Exploring Opportunities

If you are an international student in Germany, you can earn money by doing part-time jobs. As an Indian student, you must follow a few rules:

• You are allowed to work 120 full days or 240 half days in a year.
• You need permission from the Federal Employment Agency. 

An exception to this rule is working as an academic assistant in your university. In that case, there are no maximum days or hours, but you will need permission from the “foreigner’s office.” The minimum wage in Germany is EUR 12.41 (INR 1110) per hour. How much you make depends on your skills and experience.

Coming to full-time employment post graduation, you will need extensive networking. Consult with your flatmates, friends, and fellow students about job opportunities. Platforms like Young Capital, LinkedIn, Stepstone, Xing and monster.de can help. Attend career fairs on campus to network with companies for full-time positions in Germany and Europe.

8.  Expenses in Germany

According to the German Student Union and DAAD, the average cost of living for an international student in Germany is EUR 867 per month (INR 77,000). Additionally, there may be more expenses depending on your activities, purchases and travel. Most public universities don’t require tuition fees, besides an administration fee of EUR 200-300 (INR 17,800- 26,700) per semester.

Take a look at the table below to get an overview of the average cost of living in Germany.

Note: The costs mentioned here are just rough estimates. They may vary depending on factors like location, university, and lifestyle.

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Yes, Germany is one of the safest study-abroad destinations for Indian students. According to the 2023 Global Peace Index, the country ranks 15th. The Global Peace Index is a report published by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP). It assesses global peace, by looking at peace in three areas: safety, conflicts, and militarization.

Germany has strict gun laws and regulations with police cars that patrol the cities at night. It has low crime rates, efficient public transportation, and a strong emphasis on student welfare. However, like any other country, it's important for Indian students to be aware of their surroundings and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.

Germany Global Peace Index Ranking 2019 - 2023

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Student life in Germany offers a unique blend of academic excellence, cultural diversity, and exciting experiences. Engaging in student clubs, participating in cultural events, and enjoying outdoor activities contribute to a well-rounded university experience. It not only enhances personal growth and development but also creates lasting memories and friendships. Studying in Germany provides an enriching journey that extends beyond the classroom. So, embrace the opportunities, get involved, and make the most of your time as a student in Germany.

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