So you have found a study abroad programme that is right for you, you applied for it and just got news you have been accepted. Now all that is left is to prepare for your trip, how exciting! Questions like “What should I bring?”, “Should I get travel insurance?” and “How much money will I need?” are all common. There is no reason to panic because we are here to give you answers to all those questions and more. Here are 10 things you should know about studying abroad.
To travel and study abroad, you need a valid passport. If you already have one, check to make sure it has not expired and it will not within 6 months of your scheduled return home. If you have previously travelled, ensure your passport still has blank pages.
Additionally, depending on your home country, you may need a visa to study abroad. The requirements for obtaining a visa vary between countries. You will need a German student visa to enter Germany. Generally, you should apply for the visa as soon as you receive the admissions letter. On average, it takes up to 25 days for your application to be processed.
It is crucial to have a reliable travel insurance policy. Insurance of this type provides coverage in the event of a flight delay or cancellation, lost luggage, theft of personal belongings, and evacuation in the case of a medical emergency or natural disaster.
In Germany, it is a legal requirement to get health insurance, regardless of your residency status or financial situation. Public and private health insurance are two different plans. Your choice of health insurance plan will determine the price.
When it comes to Germany, international students might choose to live in a student hall of residence or a private apartment. The more economical of the two options is a dorm room. Germany has many student dormitories and they are almost always located close to a university campus. If you decide on private accommodation, you can either rent an apartment for yourself or with roommates.
Another thing you should take care of as soon as you receive your admissions letter is finding a flight. You can reach Germany with low-cost airlines like Wizz Air and Ryanair as well as Lifthansa, Turkish Airlines, Austrian Airlines and many others. For discounts and special seasonal deals, make your ticket reservations as early as you can. And do not forget to also sort out your local transportation, whether it is a taxi, bus or train from the airport to your accommodation.
Before leaving, there are a few financial preparations to be made.
If it is your first time studying abroad, set aside some time to get to know the country better. Your study abroad experience will be enriched and your time spent more meaningful if you study even a little bit of the culture, history, geography, economy and politics. When you arrive, engage with your fellow classmates and locals and look for opportunities to learn more about the culture. Watch a movie at the cinema, attend a festival, visit a museum, etc.
Knowing just a few basic phrases in the local language can go a long way toward helping you get through the adjustment period. Enrol in classes, ask locals for help, or download apps like Duolingo to use on your daily community to university. Each little bit of knowledge counts!
Getting a local SIM card will be beneficial during your study abroad experience. While you can connect to Wi-Fi in many places, having a local SIM comes in handy when you are not near a hotspot. Before you leave, make sure to check with your network provider about roaming costs and data plans so you do not get a huge phone bill when you return home.
This can either be the most fun part or the most stressful one, depending on what type of person you are. In any case, before you start packing, make sure to check the weight and size restrictions of the airline you are flying with to avoid any additional fees. And, try not to overpack!
Some useful packing tips:
Although saying goodbye to friends and family can be difficult, it is a necessary part of this journey. Just think of all the fun and excitement that is yet to come! And even though you can never be fully prepared, we hope these tips will help you get started.
Thank you for taking the time to read our article on 10 things you should know about studying abroad in Germany. If you are planning to apply to study at Berlin International or have already received an admissions letter from our university, feel free to reach out to our Student Affairs team at any time via application@berlin-international.de
