The Londoner

by Apurvaa Subramaniam So you have decided to study in Munich . Well done, you have chosen wisely. Munich, the capital of Bavaria, famous for the Oktoberfest , is also home to a host of universities including 2 of Germany’s elite universities  Technical University of Munich (TUM) and  Ludwig Maximilians University  (LMU). Here are some tips on how to make the most of your student life in Munich and experience the true “ Münchner Gemütlichkeit ”. Editor's note: Don't miss out to have a look at the exciting  study programmes offered in Munich ! Before Arriving Plan and prepare in advance Once you have are accepted to a university in Munich, it is essential to start your preparations as soon as possible, ideally at least 2 or 3 months before your arrival. Visa Non EU citizens usually require a Residence Permit to study in Germany. Keep all the required documents ready and apply well in time. Depending on your nationality, the visa may take up to 4-6 w...

1. Job search Which important factors play a role in getting a suitable part time job as an international students? You should check regional job portals / search engines and newspapers frequently because that's where you will find most jobs. It's also a good idea to pay the company you would like to work for a visit and introduce yourself personally. That makes a BIG difference, because they get to know you and see who you are. Is German a must have for a part time job? Well, that depends on the job. If you want to work in an international company, it might not be necessary to speak German. But as soon as you are dealing with customers, German is a must. Also German language skills will help you a lot with getting integrated in German society and to feel comfortable. Will there be anybody to help me with finding the right job? Yes, at every university there's the international office's help desk which is there to h...

A glance in your purse or wallet and it's easy to decide: You need some cash and so a part-time job. Perhaps you'd like to gain some experience in the German job market ? Or make new contacts and put yourself to the test? There are plenty of reasons why students go to work while also studying. Just like the paths to a dream job . Waiting, cleaning, babysitting You can best top-up your budget by taking a job at a university department, in one of the libraries or at another uni institution. Waiting is THE classic student job in cafés, pubs or bars . Other students look after guests at exhibitions and trade fairs, or work as delivery drivers and cycle couriers, go cleaning, work in a copy shop, or as a babysitter and so on. You should also check the noticeboards ( Schwarzesbrett) at uni, in the libraries, supermarkets and so on. Many unis also have a job agency service for students. Contact student services or the local job centre ( Agentur für Arbeit ). Five...

Is Germany better at teaching university courses in English than universities in English-speaking countries ? Germany has been named as the most supportive country for overseas students , in an international league table . Among the attractions for international students is the increasing availability in Germany of courses taught entirely in English, so much so that students can complete degrees without ever having to speak German . In the international zones of these classes, students from Germany, the United States and China participate in seminars conducted by German professors speaking in English. View from abroad David Ravensbergen, a Canadian at the Freie Universitat Berlin, says these multiple layers of internationalism can puzzle other students. "They say: 'Let's get this straight. You're an English speaker from Canada, and you've come to Germany to study in English. And to study about North America. What's gotten into your head?'...

Working during studies How much are you allowed to work? Finding work Social insurance contributions and taxes - quite simple! With or without an income tax card? Working during studies Earning money alongside studying is a way of life for many students in Germany. The latest social survey carried out by the Deutsche Studentenwerke shows that in total around two thirds of all students go to work. For international students in particular a side job is an important means of subsistence. However, for students who do not come from the EU or EEA countries, work is restricted. Things are different for the majority of Europeans who practically stand on equal terms with German students and have free access to the job market. Two warnings: If you work too much and not in line with your qualifications, you lengthen the time of study. You should only use lecture-free time for going to work. The job market for students is getting more and more difficult; jobs are...

Germany is one of the  most popular countries for study abroad , and with good reason. In fact, it has been cited as one of the most supportive countries for international students. For one, it tends to be a very inexpensive country to study abroad in, as overseas students pay the same tuition fees as local students, and many universities do not charge any tuition fees at all. Furthermore, English is becoming more and more common as the primary language for courses in Germany universities across the country, to the point where it is possible to earn your entire degree or complete your entire course in Germany without having to take a single class in German. However, if you are a student of German, there are still plenty of classes offered in the local language. You can even find  programs specific to German language immersion  if you're up for it! There are hundreds of universities in Germany, located across the country, and more than 10 of them rank in the top 200 wor...