Coming to Berlin – a guide to the things I wasn’t told

Let’s talk about coming to Berlin. I, for one, had no idea what to expect really. I have been to Germany before, however that was 3 years ago with my grandparents and family, for a 3 week holiday in Southern Germany.

Big difference.

One big mistake I did before I came here was dream about living in the city, going out late almost every night, maybe to a restaurant or hit the city in the evenings every-now-and-again.

Now, I’m not saying you shouldn’t dream – that is definitely not what I’m saying. You should, however, dream with realities in mind.

For example, when I thought of coming to Berlin, I thought I would live in the middle of Berlin – in the city – not realizing there are many other surrounding suburbs. (Duh Sabina! But I wasn’t focusing on that you guys…) The suburb I live in is an hour away from Berlin Mitte with public Transport – the U-bahn is what I take – other public transport includes: die Straßenbahn, (tram) der Bus, and das Taxi.

There’s some grammar right there for you people! Welcome to the world where everything is either feminine, masculine or neutral!

So, without further ado, here are 5 things you should do/know before you come to Berlin or as soon as you arrive.

1. Keep an open mind
   Referring to my example above, I was so focused on the city centre and living amongst the hype and vibe of it, I was, at first, a little surprised. Berlin has country-side style suburbs? But I am thankful to be here. What you could do is plan an inventory of places you’d like to see/visit in Berlin!

2. Research, Research, Research
   This can be anything from the area you’re going to stay in/finding a place to stay, to documentation you need and health insurance in Germany.
   Note: it is super difficult to find accommodation/an apartment here and health insurance is extremely important – you can’t work here without it!!!

3. Learneth the Languageth
   Yeah sorry, you can’t be one of those people that want to stay in a county and not learn the language or culture. You moved to Germany, and therefore you need to delve in and learn the difficult language. Also it will just make your life much simpler in terms of communicating (especially when you need to get important documents or your work contract – trust me)
   There are many "schools" offering German language classes – private and public. However, private courses are just more expensive and usually range from €225 +
   I attend the Volkshochschule – a public "school" that also offers courses for art, dance and many other languages. Their classes cost €205.
   For those of you wanting to study in Germany, it is good to have Level C1 knowledge of the German language. At Humbolt Universität this is necessary.

4. Sign up ASAP
   This goes for German courses, health insurance, German bank Account, your Personalausweis, (Identity Card) Anmeldung (Registration for your tax number) and if you’re planning to work in Gastronomy – a Gesundheitspass (also known as Rote Karte).
   This and any other documentation you need, must be done as soon as possible after you arrive – I learnt this the hard way! 🙄
   What? Sabina, you still don’t have your Sozialversicherungsnummer (social security number) or your banking details AND you were uninsured for 2 weeks before you started work!?
   Yes people, yes – Procrastination Queen right here (and did she stress a whole lot too!)

5. The Weather
   Everyone at home: you’re going to freeze! It’s cold there.
   Me: I’ll be fine – I’ll welcome the cooler weather! A nice change to South Africa’s hot summers.
   Me: Summer in Germany WHY IS IT SO HOT?
   Yeah. I expected cooler weather in summer – I wanted cooler weather and I didn’t get it. If I compare the weather here to a place I know back home, it’s very similar to Magoebaskloof (located just outside of Polokwane, Limpopo)
   I suggest those who haven’t been there – make it a family day trip! It is a beautiful area!
   Some mornings are Misty, cloudy and grey, progressing to be hot (and sometimes humid). Other mid-mornings are hell hot, closing off with a rather dramatic thunder storm. A couple of days ago we had a sudden and heavy hailstorm.
   Mother Nature: 1
   Dramatic Effects: 0

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Sourced from my blog here