‘Never give up and always be open for new opportunities’ is one of the quotes that made me who I am today. So, moving from India to Germany wasn’t just a transition; it felt like stepping into a new world. Everything was different, from rules and documentation to lifestyle and openness, from teaching styles to the very definition of living. Even the way people have fun here is totally different.
Germany brought me closer to myself and helped sharpen my craft and character. Adjusting from food to language, lifestyle to friends circle. Especially as an introvert who had no friends at the start, it was a different kind of journey. Building my name in a completely new city taught me so much about life.
Many in my family suggested that I should be going to the USA or other English-speaking countries, while others advised staying in India. However, my goal was clear—I wanted to do research in nanotechnology and semiconductors. That goal, along with the prospect of free education, made Germany the obvious choice. I had already visualised my life earning a master’s degree from Germany and getting a direct job. I not just wanted to change my life but everyone around me. So one goal with many reasons inspired me to choose Germany.
Adapting to life and education in Germany
While the process for admission and getting a visa wasn’t too hard for me. I took help from a consultancy to manage my time better. I came to Germany with a conditional admission letter, and even though the process wasn’t complicated, learning the German language was a tough challenge for someone like me more inclined toward physics than languages. I did a lot of research beforehand about my course, the city, and even small things like how I would reach my destination in this completely new country. That preparation made the process smoother.
Being an Indian has its own advantages because we have a big community in almost every corner of the world. In September, I attended Indian cultural events like Garba Night, which made me feel connected and familiar. Later, I found a sense of belonging through Indian cultural events. In the classroom, I didn’t feel like the faculty was unwelcoming.
While talking about the education system, I would say, I am still adapting. Professors here have varied teaching styles, and the emphasis is on self-study. In India, professors often go out of their way to make sure students understand the concepts, and group study is more common. Here, students need to stay focused and manage their self-study along with the lectures because professors often stick to a fixed to the points. The university system is more flexible here compared to India. You can take subjects from different semesters, which allows you to finish your degree faster if you plan well, but it can also create challenges for students who get scared during exams and deregister the exam in hope that next semester they will give with more preparation. Overall, I admire how Germany focuses on talent and skills, though language can sometimes be a hurdle when it comes to getting jobs.
Challenges faced in germany
Homesickness is another word that comes into every international student’s life as soon as they decide to study abroad. Yes, I felt homesick, especially during my first winter. Back in India, in my college time, we used to live with friends together in the same room. And I lived in a house with many rooms and open spaces, and here, living in an apartment felt like being in a jail cell. Over time, I got used to it by staying disciplined and sticking to a proper schedule. I have learnt to stay disciplined and maintain a proper schedule, along with regular exercise. From time to time, I meet friends for dinner or casual chats. I try to keep myself engaged by reading and completing tasks as much as possible. I ensure that my mind and body stay active with a fixed routine while also nurturing myself physically and mentally.
Whereas, food has been one of the biggest adjustments for me. Here, even basic fruits taste a little different. I try food at the Mensa and other non-Indian restaurants occasionally, but it doesn’t always satisfy me, though I enjoy experiencing new cuisines. Over time, I’ve noticed my taste adapting more to German food. Living in Germany also means putting in more conscious effort, checking the weather, dressing accordingly, and sticking to a schedule. Here, I do think more about myself than my whole family, friends, and society.
My go-to meal here is simple: boiled beans or pulses or frozen mixed vegetables cooked with tomato purée, and eaten with brown bread, tortillas, or sometimes rice. For breakfast, I often have hot cocoa milk with ground musli and oats.
Now managing finance is another factor that, as an international student, I have to look into. I always prefer to visit different stores to compare prices for clothes and look for student-friendly deals online or in advance sales. Keep a price log to identify patterns and optimise purchases. Use your student ID for discounts on expensive items, travel, or museum visits.
To save money effectively, plan ahead by 3–4 months. In my first year, I went shopping weekly with different stores to see different products and compare prices and purchase items in bulk during discounts, especially non-perishables with long expiry dates. For clothes, I look for student-friendly prices online or in seasonal sales. I also note monthly expenses to see where I can save or buy in advance. Use your student ID for discounts on travel, museum visits, and even some expensive items. If you take someone’s advice, it might or might not work for your lifestyle or location, but if you do your own analysis, it will make you smarter with your finances.
‘Everything happens for a reason, but make things happen if you decide to’
The author is pursuing a Master’s in Micro and Nano Systems at TU Chemnitz, Germany.
