Germany attracts people from all corners of the world due to its numerous advantages, starting from the quality of life and job opportunities to its interesting culture and traditions. The German economy is also one of the largest in the world, as the labour market has developed and the conditions are stable. This country is where people go to succeed, it is basically a country of hope, success, research, and innovation. The beautiful landscape, numerous castles, and interesting architecture play their part when it comes to attracting expats. Living in Germany as a student is undoubtedly a great experience.
The picturesque towns are an exceptional quality of Germany and for people coming from outside of the EU, visiting Germany is a magnificent experience. Germany has a wonderful heritage of castles, thousands across the country. What might have been the homes of kings and emperors before, are now valuable parts of German history serving as cultural objects, museums, and magnificent architectural buildings attracting thousands of visitors from all over the globe. Germany has just so much to offer as a vibrant country with an energetic population. This makes student life in Germany even more eventful.
With so much to offer students living in Germany, it can get overwhelming for them to dedicate what to do and which are the best places to visit in Germany. This is why you will be thankful for our guide that will tell you exactly how you should be living in Germany as a student.
Student Life At A German University
Living in Germany as a student will be one of the best decisions of your life. German universities have a rich multicultural atmosphere, so you will meet several nationalities among your classmates, like Turkish, Lithuanians, Portuguese, French, etc.
In terms of lectures and teaching style, we can say it’s pretty strict and rigorous. It’s just that you need to be disciplined. Being late in class is frowned upon or sometimes, not allowed, and assessments are meticulous and require serious and hard work. However, the reward will be great since you will achieve to develop valuable and practical skills and knowledge. After all, you will be studying in one of the most distinguished and high-standard education systems in the world.
Top 5 Universities In Germany
Here are some of the best universities in Germany that will enhance your time living in Germany as a student –
1. LMU Munich
Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich or LMU Munich has the second largest student population in Germany with 13% of its total population coming from abroad. Being founded in 1472, it is one of the oldest universities in Germany and has since churned out over 42 Nobel laureates, including renowned scientists such as Otto Hahn, Max Planck and Werner Heisenberg. LMU Munich’s strengths lie in its strong focus on natural sciences and it holds the distinction of being one of the leading research universities in the world.
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2. Technical University of Munich
The Technical University of Munich is Germany’s only public university dedicated solely to science and technology. The university initially started off as a school of engineering, but later expanded to subjects like natural sciences, social sciences, agriculture, brewing and food technology, and medicine. In a quest to build the Technical University of Munich brand internationally, this university has opened a subsidiary in Singapore called TUM Asia.
3. Heidelberg University
Heidelberg University is the oldest university in Germany, having been founded in 1386. The university offers students an array of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in over 160 study programs. Almost 20% of its entire student population comes from over 130 countries. In fact, over a third of its doctoral students hail from other countries. Heidelberg University is renowned for its innovative research and intellectual contributions across a range of subjects. This university has groomed over 27 Nobel laureates, 9 of whom won the prize while tenured there.
4. Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin
Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin is an important institution in Germany as it is the largest university hospital in all of Europe. Rahel Hirsch, the first female medical professor in Prussia is an alumni of Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin. Other distinguished personalities who have worked or studied at the university include neurologist Carl Wernicke and psychiatrist Karl Leonhard.
5. University Of Tübingen
The University of Tübingen is famous for its work in the fields of humanities, natural sciences and theology. This university is situated in the beautiful town of Baden-Württemberg, which is famous for boat trips and beautiful architecture. The University of Tübingen has a strong network of international connections, with close affiliations to universities like the University of St Andrews, the University of Michigan, and the University of North Carolina. This allows students of the University of Tübingen the opportunity to study abroad for one year.
Cost Of Living In Germany | Living In Germany As A Student
Germany is one of the leading higher education destinations in the world because of its affordability. Most public universities in Germany offer free tuition to students. Moreover, students can save a lot of money, as many German cities have a relatively low cost of living. In fact, the capital of Germany, Berlin, is surprisingly affordable while cities like Munich and Hamburg, tend to be a bit more expensive. The least expensive student cities in Berlin are Aachen and Oldenburg.
Here are some of the costs you will have to bear while living in Germany –
Accommodation:
- €271 – €602 for a room in a shared apartment in the city center.
- €406 – €995 for a one-bedroom apartment in a big city.
- €238 per month for utilities such as heater, electricity, cooling, water, internet.
Cost of Meals in Germany:
- €9 for an inexpensive restaurant meal.
- €20 for dinner at a mid-range restaurant.
- €32 for weekly grocery.
Transportation in Germany:
Germany has a well connected train system and is the preferred mode of transportation to get from one city to another. Here is a list of monthly bus tickets in the most popular student cities in Germany –
- Munich – €66
- Berlin – €81
- Frankfurt – €89
- Hamburg – €83
- Cologne – €91
Subway prices in Germany are affordable. Students can get tickets between €1 to €2. Monthly student travel cards cost close to €80 to €90.
Best Cities To Live In Germany
With thousands of students heading to Germany to pursue their higher education, the question remains, what are the best cities to live in Germany? If we’re being honest, there’s no consensus on the best place to live in Germany. Every city has its own unique features that appeal to different people. So here is a broad list of cities that you should be living in Germany –
| City | Known For |
| Berlin | Laid-back people and job opportunities. |
| Munich | Oktoberfest, English-taught courses and student safety. |
| Hamburg | Architectural marvels and diversity of people. |
| Frankfurt | Fast-paced life. |
| Stuttgart | Automotive industry. |
Will There Be A Language Barrier?
Whether you applied to a German or English-taught degree, professors and staff will speak English and they have an advanced proficiency, so no worries.
In big cities, like Berlin, Munich, or Cologne, most people speak very good English so you shouldn’t have any problem with your social activities. In smaller German cities, things are a little different, meaning that you will have to address people using the German language, at least on a conversational level. Hence, it is advised to at least try and start learning a bit of the German language.
Lifestyle & Entertainment In Germany
Germans place a lot of importance on structure and punctuality, so if you are not punctual, you might have a hard time making friendships with Germans. This country has a wonderful culture, largely influenced by its rich history and partly by the countries that border it. Germans appreciate hard work, perfectionism, and precision, which is why they might seem antisocial at first, but once you get to know them you will find they are quite friendly. The best thing about living in Germany is that the people there are very welcoming of international students, so you do not have to worry about the comfort you will be provided with.
Overall, student life in Germany is an authentic experience and will likely be able to meet your expectations. The majority of German cities relish an active nightlife and a wide range of recreational activity options. Larger cities like Munich and Berlin are full of interesting places to visit, but the charm of the smaller towns is unmatched. With numerous student-friendly places, extracurricular activities, and festivals, Germany is the perfect place where you can balance both study and social life.
The official language of the country is German, with more than 95% of the population speaking it as their first language. Although many speak English, especially in the larger cities, it is always easier if you can speak a little, or just the basics, of the German language, while in your stay in Germany. Interacting with locals will help you enhance your German language skills and it’s always safer being able to ask for directions in the language the majority understand here. But even if you cannot speak German, do not worry, you will find your way because Germans are accustomed to internationals.
If you are thinking about living in Germany, be ready to take part in a variety of traditional festivals that take place every year. One of the most popular festivals, which you have probably heard about is Oktoberfest. Millions of people attend Oktoberfest every year, where they get to socialize with friends and family, enjoy their beer, food, and games, and simply get to know people. The festival usually begins in late September and ends in October, lasting for about two weeks in Munich. This is only one of the many festivals occurring in Germany and international students always make sure to attend Oktoberfest, so you might meet plenty of fellow students.
FAQs
1. Is Germany a good place to live for students?
Many international students choose Germany for higher education due to its free or low-cost tuition at public universities. Additionally, the country boasts some of the world’s best student cities, offering vibrant social life and abundant opportunities for young learners.
2. Can I get PR in Germany after study?
Indian students can obtain Permanent Residence (PR) in Germany after completing their education and working for a minimum of two years (with a German degree) or four years (with a foreign degree).
3. Is IELTS required for Germany?
Yes, a proficiency in the English language test like IELTS is necessary to apply for a German student visa.
4. How much does a student need to live in Germany?
Based on DAAD statistics, the average monthly living expense for a student in Germany is 867 euros (864 USD*), resulting in annual living expenses of 10,368 euros or 10,334 USD.
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