Indian students in Germany are the third largest group of international students because of flexible courses, job opportunities, and no cultural barriers. According to official statistics, in 2018 there were 17,570 Indian students studying in Germany as it is fast emerging as an alternative to the US and UK. While planning to pursue your studies in Germany, make sure that you are fully prepared, so, you can not only enjoy your studies but your time while staying in a foreign country. There are a few things students going to Germany should always take care of:
1. Students always carry enough amount of money with them to meet their daily expenses/requirements. Apart from this, you can also carry an international debit card, which is easily available at nationalized banks. This will be helpful in making the stay hassle-free.
2. Document check is one of the most important things to focus on while traveling abroad. Other than the documents which you have submitted to the university, you require more documents for traveling abroad. You need to check your passport’s expiry and make sure it lasts beyond the period of your course. Also, check the visa requirements and apply for a visa as early as possible
3. Winters in many European and western countries completely harsh from India, so, make sure to carry warm clothes. Also, you can shop for the winter wear after arriving in Germany, as many students prefer to buy them once they reach there. Apart from this, make sure you take an adapter along with you as electric plugs in Germany differs from that in India
4. It is always a good idea to confirm your accommodation before going abroad as you will be hassle-free and can dedicate all your energy towards studies. Apart from this, you can also register and get an International Student Identity Card (ISIC) and avail discount on accommodation and other essential services
5. After reaching the destination, the first thing you need to do is to report to the concerned authority/department/ministry of internal affairs and register yourself. This is mandatory for most of the countries and every country has their set of rules and procedures which you need to follow.
6. As your debit and credit card won’t work in a foreign country, so, you need to open a local bank account in Germany. This will be handy to pay bills or deposit or withdraw money frequently
7. In Germany, you will need a new sim card to contact your family and friends back home. Also, you need to take an appropriate plan to make and receive international calls, so it won’t affect your budget.
8. You need to understand the language and customs as staying in a different country with different culture and customs might be not easy. Moreover, many western countries are very cold and usually, people from our country are not habitual to cold weather.
9. It is always a good thing to gather as much information as you can and prepare yourself for all kind of circumstances. However, even after going through the complete checklist, there will be a few things for which you can’t prepare yourself and have to deal with them when the situation arises. So, always prepare yourself mentally as well to deal with the adventures going to come in your new journey.
