“The best way to predict the future is to create it.” – Peter Drucker
This was the quote that inspired me during my transition from India to Germany. It was not so much about higher studies; it was about moving into a brand new life with challenges and opportunities that were new to me.
The day when I left to catch my flight to Germany was a peculiar cocktail of nervous anticipation and excitement. I had expected this day for months now—choosing institutions, dealing with paperwork, preparing myself in advance to move out of home. But as I sat on that flight, it suddenly dawned on me that I was leaving home to begin anew in a foreign country.
The initial weeks were daunting. The climate was much colder than I was accustomed to, and the brief daylight of winter made everything seem strange. I had anticipated cultural shock, but I hadn’t known I would miss the little things—my mother’s cooking, the vibrant streets of India, and even just the sound of my native language all around me. But with time, I began to enjoy small things, such as getting to know my university campus, learning to cook my favourite meals, and gradually comprehending the German lifestyle.
Why I chose Germany
Germany was my first choice as regards further studies. The nation boasts world-class institutions, excellent research, and close industrial links, particularly in engineering and manufacturing. The German public universities provide free education, and that made it even more appealing to me.
But apart from studies, I was also attracted to the possibility of living in a country with so much history and culture. Germany’s organised public transport system, systematic systems, and priority on quality education made me realise that this is where I should develop both as a professional and an individual.
The Admission and Visa Process
The admission process itself was quite seamless, but it was the APS certificate that severely tried my patience. It was the most trying part of the whole process, and I waited for it almost seven months. The waiting frustrated me because, without the APS certificate, I was not able to go ahead with my visa process. I already had my admission, but because of this, I was apprehensive about arriving in time for my course.
When I finally got the APS approval, I was relieved, but by then I had already gained an important lesson—things don’t always go as planned, and patience is the key when dealing with bureaucracy. The subsequent visa process was quite easy, but that APS waiting period was something I would not wish anyone to experience.
University Life: The Familiar yet different experience
I had Indian classmates in the majority, so there wasn’t a big cultural adjustment in my friend circle. That made things somewhat easier, as there were people around me who shared my background, language, and problems. That way, though, I lost the opportunity to make a lot of foreign friends.
In spite of that, university group projects provided me with a chance to work with individuals from various nationalities. The assignments were eye-opening because they exposed me to different work habits, attitudes, and problem-solving approaches. I realised that in some societies, people tend to be blunt, while in others the emphasis is on group harmony. Working with an international team was one of the most valuable learning experiences because it showed me how to handle different communication styles and work together.
Adapting to the German education system
The biggest difference that I noticed between Indian and German schooling was in their approach to learning. Back home, I was used to having formal courses of study with proper exams and homework. In Germany, the model is one that makes the student independent when it comes to schooling. There are fewer lectures, and learning takes place through self-study, research, and discussions.
The examination system was also very different. Rather than multiple smaller exams, there is generally only one big exam at the end of the semester that makes up most of the grade. This was very stressful because it meant that there was no leeway for errors. I had to entirely modify my study routine and learn to manage my time.
Dealing with homesickness
Homesickness is something that strikes you out of the blue. The initial months were the toughest, particularly when festivals arrived. Watching my family celebrate back home while I was thousands of miles away made me feel isolated.
To deal with it, I attempted to establish a routine that kept me occupied. I began cooking Indian food, although my initial attempts were disasters. I also ensured having frequent video calls with my family, even though it required me to get used to strange time zones. Listening to music from Bollywood, watching Indian films, and chatting with friends who were also abroad made me feel less isolated. With time, I grew accustomed to the small details and accepted this new life stage.
Living in Germany: The challenges and adjustments
Fortunately, I did not experience much difficulty getting accommodation because I was admitted to student dormitories. This spared me the ordeal of looking for private apartments, negotiating with landlords, and handling exorbitant rental fees.
Food was another challenge. Although supermarkets carry a wide range of food items, procuring the right spices and ingredients for Indian cuisine wasn’t always possible. My regular meal turned out to be dal chawal—it’s inexpensive, easy to make, and tastes somewhat like home. With time, I improved in cooking and began experimenting with various dishes, but I miss eating real Indian street food.
The largest adjustment was coping with bureaucracy. Whether I was registering my address, opening a bank account, or purchasing health insurance, everything took multiple appointments and patience. I learned very quickly that in Germany, you must plan ahead, and nothing gets done overnight.
Living Costs and Tuition Fees in Germany
One of the greatest benefits of studying in Germany is that the tuition fee for public universities is very low. Rather than shelling out enormous sums of money like everywhere else, I had to pay only a semester contribution fee of about €150–€350. This charge usually comes with a public transport pass, making travel by public transport much more economical.
But the cost of living differs in cities. The rent is often the largest expense, but since I live in a student hostel, my expense is less than those who lease private apartments. Other costs such as health insurance, food, and transportation all add up, so budgeting is necessary.
Final Thoughts – Advice for Future Students
If you are planning on studying in Germany, my single most advice would be to anticipate a lot of independence. Both in academics as well as life, you would have to take care of all things yourself. Acquire basic German, even if you’re enrolled in an English-speaking course—having it will prove useful to you in your day-to-day life.
Patient with the bureaucracy as things work at a snail’s pace. Most importantly, be adaptable. It’s not easy adapting to a new country, but one of the richest experiences you could have. It makes you move out of your comfort zone, mature you, and grant you a worldly viewpoint.
Germany has its challenges, but it also has endless opportunities. If you’re ready to embrace the uncertainty, the journey will be worth it.
The author is pursuing M. Sc. Advanced Manufacturing from TU Chemnitz, Germany.
