Real Stories: Indian Student Life in Germany

Administrator (Abyaas)
Oct 13
5 min read

Everyone dreams of studying abroad — but what does life really look like once you reach there? Germany has become one of the top destinations for Indian students, offering world-class education and affordable living. But beyond the brochures and application letters lies the real experience — from navigating trams and part-time jobs to tasting your first Brötchen and making friends from across the world. At Abyaas Institute, we’ve trained and mentored hundreds of students who are now pursuing degrees across Germany. Here’s what their real stories reveal about life as an Indian student in Germany.

The First Few Weeks: Excitement Meets Adjustment

The first few days in Germany feel like a mix of achievement and adaptation. Students describe the moment they step out of Frankfurt or Munich airport as surreal — the culmination of months of planning, APS applications, and language learning.

Arrival & Anmeldung : Once you land, your first big task is the Anmeldung — registering your address at the local city office. Without this, you can’t open a bank account or get your residence permit.

“I still remember standing in the Bürgeramt with my folder neatly labeled — everything from my passport to health insurance documents. That day I realized how much Germany values order and preparation.”— Ritika, MS in Data Science, TU Berlin

Culture Shock & Routine

For most Indian students, the biggest surprise isn’t the weather — it’s the quiet. Germans value personal space and punctuality. Universities expect independence — lectures, projects, and research work are self-driven.

💡 Tip: Build your daily routine around structure — fixed study slots, grocery runs, and laundry days. It helps manage both academics and part-time work.

Finding Home: Accommodation & Community

Student Housing Options

Most students live in:

Student Dormitories (Wohnheim): Affordable but limited spots.
Shared Apartments (WG): Most popular; average rent €300–€500/month.
Private Studios: Costlier, €600–€800/month in cities like Munich or Frankfurt.

“My first WG had a German, a Greek, and an Indian flatmate — we cooked once a week together. That’s where I learned my first real German phrases.”— Rahul, Mechanical Engineering, RWTH Aachen

Indian Student Networks

Germany has a strong Indian community. Every major city has student associations like:

AISA (All India Students Association)
Regional groups (Telugu, Tamil, Punjabi, Marathi communities): These help newcomers settle faster, especially during festivals like Diwali or Holi.

Balancing Studies and Part-Time Work

Almost every Indian student in Germany takes up a part-time job (HiWi or Werkstudent).

Work Options:

Type	Average Pay	Hours Allowed
HiWi (University Assistant)	€12–€15/hr	20 hrs/week
Werkstudent (Industry)	€14–€20/hr	20 hrs/week
Café, Store Jobs	€10–€13/hr	20 hrs/week

“I started as a HiWi helping with lab equipment. It taught me more about applied engineering than my textbooks back in India.”— Akhil, Electrical Engineering, TU Darmstadt

💡 Tip: Having at least B1 German increases your chances of getting part-time work by 3–4 times. Many companies prefer German speakers for customer or technical roles.

The Academic System: Freedom with Responsibility

German universities emphasise self-learning and accountability. Professors provide direction, but students are expected to explore topics independently, complete projects on time, and manage practical work.

Exam Structure

Exams are typically once per semester (no midterms).
Marks are heavily project-based in technical programs.
Group assignments promote multicultural teamwork.

“In my first semester, we had to build an autonomous robot prototype in a team of four — none of us spoke the same native language, but we spoke German. That’s when I understood why learning German early was worth it.”— Neha, Robotics, TU Munich

Cost of Living and Financial Management

One of the best parts of studying in Germany is the affordability — but managing money wisely is key.

Expense	Average Monthly Cost (€)
Rent	350–600
Food & Groceries	150–250
Health Insurance	110–120
Transportation	50–70 (covered in semester ticket)
Miscellaneous	100–150
Total	800–1,200/month

💡 Tip: The Blocked Account (€11,208 per year) roughly matches these expenses, so budgeting closely to this figure works well.

Students often shop at discount stores like Aldi, Lidl, or Penny, and share utilities in WGs to save money.

Language & Integration: More Than Just Grammar

Even in English-taught programs, knowing German is the biggest life skill in Germany.

Simple things — grocery shopping, post office visits, or doctor appointments — need basic conversation.
B1 or B2 level German is almost essential for part-time jobs and internships.

“I thought my English was enough until my washing machine broke. That one repair call made me promise myself I’d reach B1 soon.”— Divya, Environmental Engineering, University of Stuttgart

At Abyaas, we’ve seen that students who start learning A1–A2 before departure adjust faster and perform better — both academically and socially.

Festivals, Food, and Finding Balance

Despite cultural differences, Indian students find ways to make Germany feel like home.

Indian associations organize Diwali, Holi, and Independence Day events.
Indian grocery stores are easy to find in major cities.
Sunday cooking becomes a bonding ritual for roommates from India and beyond.

“Our hostel kitchen smelled of biryani and sauerkraut every weekend — a true Indo-German exchange.”— Vikram, Computer Science, University of Bremen

The key lesson every student shares: balance — balancing coursework with social life, Indian traditions with European culture, and ambition with patience.

Lessons Indian Students Share with Future Aspirants

After speaking to dozens of Abyaas alumni, here’s what almost every student agrees on:

Advice	Why It Matters
Learn German early	Opens doors for jobs, networking, and smoother daily life
Apply early for APS	Avoids delay and helps you get top university seats
Prepare documents properly	Germans value precision and completeness
Budget strictly	First 2 months in Germany are the most expensive
Be open-minded	You’ll learn as much outside the classroom as inside

“Germany teaches you independence — not just as a student, but as a person.”— Arjun, Master’s in Automotive Systems, Esslingen University

How Abyaas Supports Students Beyond Language

At Abyaas Institute, we go beyond language training. We help students prepare for every stage of this journey — from German A1 to B2, APS and Uni-Assist documentation, to visa guidance and cultural readiness sessions.

Our Alumni Support Includes: