₦airaland Forum

Gaddafithe2nd:
You are doing a great job bro, especially the experiences of Nigerian students in DE you shared on this thread.
Danke tausend!

Imuhopeful tips

I guess I can speak a little about life in Germany (at least Munich) since I've been here since October. I will make a few headings and speak about them and if anyone wants to know something specific they can ask here and not my inbox so that others will benefit:

1)Education: The study has been fantastic. I'm doing the Geophysics masters at LMU and the professors are very smart. Our math professor at the institute is just 28 years old with his PhD from France. The computing facilities are top notch and the professors have very well cited papers. Examinations are quite tough so you have to brace up when coming here and the grading is also different from Naija. To score a 1.0 here you need 95% and above. In general anything above 2.5 is considered good especially if an institute is doing high quality research.

2) Housing: This is always a big challenge especially for newcomers. Living in the center can be quite expensive but if one is lucky, you can get a cheap place in the center or even if you live out of the center, the U-Bahn and S-Bahn are there to transport you. I advise to check the distance between an apartment and your class before moving in. In any case, read your rental contract before you sign. You are normally allowed to leave an apartment with a 3-month notice. However ensure that your landlord hasn't put any clause that states that you have to stay a minimum number of months. Such a clause is known as "Kündigungsverzicht" which means termination clause. If you are lucky you can also get the Studentenwerk housing; they are cheap, with many students and there's never a dull moment. I suggest that people coming over should bring some extra money in case you have to stay in a youth hostel for a month or so.

3)Transport: The semester ticket covers transport within the city. I don't know if this applies to every single state but here in Bavaria and also in Baden-Wurttemberg it does. It costs us around 150€ and it lasts the whole semester; for example my semester ticket for this semester starts on April 1 and ends by September 30. You can ride all regular forms of transport(bus, train, tram etc) except for high speed trains like the ICE or special purpose buses or trains (you don't need those mostly anyways except you want to travel to another state or country). Also since you may have to buy this ticket once you arrive I suggest you budget some money for this.

4) Student job: It's very possible to get jobs here will studying. I don't know much about hustling but some others on this thread can help with that. However I suggest that once you get here, approach your professors to ask for a HiWi (student assistant) job. The hours are flexible and the pay is fair. Some of my classmates started HiWi's immediately and earned a lot. With a HiWi your can work and learn simultaneously. You can also ask for a job at a bar or as a Au Pair(to take care of a family's kids). In any case my personal suggestion is that don't start to hustle once you get here. The study is very intensive and the gradings are tough so it may be good to focus on the first semester and maybe start to hustle from the holidays. In this case you have to start looking for a job before exam starts so that you can start immediately after exam.

5) People: I've enjoyed every moment here and I look forward to the remaining time. People are mostly nice and are happy to show you the way. Talk to people and be nice and you'll meet many lovely people. If you drink beer then it's a nice way to meet new people. My classmates regularly organise drink nights. If you like clubs you can also enjoy here. There is hardly any violence in the clubs unlike some Naija clubs. I remember a club in Jos where the bouncer almost killed one small guy for reasons no one understood. People smoke a lot of cigarettes too and if you like the plant(erm....weed) wink then you can find dealers here tho it's coded since it's not allowed.

6) Food: I don't really know since I mostly eat bread, spaghetti, dodo, garri and Mensa food. The Mensa is the student canteen and you get the Mensa card to pay for your food. I don't like to cook so I can't tell you much about Naija food. If Cahnellven comes to the thread he can tell you about Naija food. Me, and Eke40seven were at his place to eat Fufu on New Year's

7) Babes: There are many tight babes here from various countries. I haven't hit any yet except for making out. If you like to cold approach women then you can get lucky. I remember cold approaching a French girl who was here on vacation but I couldn't log in wink coz she was returning that evening. For the babes on this thread, well, don't worry, guys will approach you(that's our job )

8.)African people: There are many Africans here in all society levels, from workers to refugees. I visited a refugee camp and I even met Nigerians there and I wondered why there were Igbo and Yoruba refugees but e no konsyn me In general Africans often ignore each other when they walk past themselves but I think this is normal. It is part of a person's security to not smile at every African person you see simply because you are both black. Sometimes I smile and nod to African people in the train or if I think the person is responsible.

9) German Language: I suggest that you try to learn as much as possible before coming even if your study, like mine, is in English. You can live fine in big cities without German but some hustling may be impossible without German. Don't worry it's only difficult in the beginning. Die Anfänge sind in der Regel schwierig

From style2009


About the renewal, It's not compulsory to my understanding one must have 8k in his/her block account for the next renewal, a job contract might be sufficient depending on the official you meet there and am a witness to this.(Am relating this to my city/state HH)

Lastly, as a rule, i learnt some years back, i usually avoid going to Auslaenderbehoerde on Mondays,it's like Weekend enjoyment still dey shak them.

Useful tips from style2009

My tips to all studying; masters, bsc, make it your aim to secure yourself in Germany before your study ends, improve your german language, intergrate, connect, visit seminars be it in English or German, visit job trade fair even before your course ends and meet connect with recruiters at these job fair (Job messe).

Am not against anyone migrating to another country, when you've not explored all opportunities here.

I am definitely sure you'll still pay that tax one way or another in that country you are running to.

Wetin you dey find go Sokoto dey inside your Sokoto

Words of advice for newbies in Germany

I believe in hope, I believe in opportunity and I am optimistic! No place on earth is rosie, but with the way things are going in our belove nija, I won't blame a banker who resigns and chooses to pursue a degree and career abroad. But I won't advise anyone to sell landed propert or take loans to come here cos that's gonna make u desperate and put more pressure on u.

Life is more than a pay check! Sometimes we also desire to be in a society and be respected as humans regardless of ur family name and background.

As a student, do not allow ur family back home put pressure of sending money to them on u and also do not paint any picture of having a goldmine in Germany. Cut ur coat according to ur material, do not be in a hurry take out time to search for cheap accommodation. Do not run down ur block account before implementing plan B. As soon as u settle, look for a mini job of atleast 450 euro basis.

life in Germany is all about proper planning. 3 years ago during my BSc program, I had a class mate who was working and and he spent all his savings on flight ticket just to visit Nija. I told him that he was out of his mind. And here are my reasons. U are running to Nija to spend ur summer holidays when other students are staying back to pick up full time jobs to enable them save and work less during school session. He succeeded in visiting Nija, came back broke and was working hard during school session and in the cold winter to meet up. That's ridiculous! As a student, u should plan. There is time for everything, I rather stay back during summer, work full time job save some money that I can fall back on during school sessions. If u work and save during summer, u can conveniently work a mini job during school session and ur studies won't lack.

And my last advice...there are 2 kinds of foreigners in Germany. Those that wanna pursue a career here after studies, and those that wanna return back to Nija to pursue a career after studies. Clearly define the part u belong and chase ur dream.

Good luck my people and God bless all ur efforts!

IchBinBrait:
Danke!!

IchBinBrait:


I'm glad that am different. I don't believe in "hit and run."

Schwartz experience

I read your post a while ago and I am moved to answer. Let me share a small story. There is a guy who studied electrical and information technology in university of applied sciences, Hamburg. He started coding at the age 10 and started this course in Germany at the age of 19 in his year 3 he got a good full time job and his visa moved from student visa to work from which he will be eligible for permanent residence any time soon. Another Naija guy wheel chair bound, a student of the same course, same success story. The success stories of people reading this course has been reoccurring. Especially if you're really good at coding. Don't trade working menial jobs at the interim for a future glory. Even in the so called big cities, the work mostly available is still menial jobs.

One thing I noticed about Germany, in most places you find yourself is that once you can speak the language you will get something to do. There must be a restaurant were people eat and dishes needed washing, there must be houses that need cleaning, there must be people moving out that need their stuff moved, baby sitting, lawn mowing, gardening etc During holidays you can move in with friends / naija brothers who will take you in for a fee while you work for a substantial amount of money. Holiday jobs in Daimler, Amazon, BMW, factories, production companies, etc. Hard tasking jobs but at least good pay.

If your sole aim is to hustle after euros, do 2 , 3 jobs and send money home then go for big cities; Stuttgart, Munich, Berlin etc but if you wish to get a good well paying and respectable job with the ability to convert your study visa to a permanent stay then go for that elect. & IT course. For others asking about which city to choose, I will give same advice

IT is tough and coding is not a child's play in fact I know people that couldn't weather it they dropped out. But at the end it pays, engineering also. This is just my humble opinion based on experience

You are 100% right as per the language part and IT, my tip to incoming students don't hurry to come,learn German even if your course is in English, don't forget you are planning to establish yourself here so German is needed.
As for work issues, if you have German, you'll definitely get a job.

Importance of German

Learn German in Nigeria up to before coming, it's cheaper in Nigeria and you have lot of time.

When you get to DE, Bro, you got no time as Semester holidays, when some University offer basic language courses is time for you to work and do holiday job and save money

Without the language, you can still hustle. However, the longtime goal for those that want to stay back should also be taken into consideration. Having the knowledge of the language is a big plus. Though some people are not in the environment where they can learn the language, thus making it cumbersome. Don't worry if you are in this category, you will get along. But for those that have the opportunity; please, try and learn it.The truth of the matter is; in Germany, there are jobs and there are jobs. People in Germany will understand better

IchBinBrait:
Same with me. Although it is good to have soup in the fridge cuz it will last for days and would save someone the stress of preparing other kinds of food. With just a bowl of eba, you are good to go!

IchBinBrait:
I just need to learn how to prepare soup...! Would learn it asap.

Some IT skills necessary for side hustle in deutschland

For IT Certification, learn and master the following programming language and get internship

Html

Java

Php

SQL

Lastly, Learn German



Cheers

deleven:
I read about Ausbildung or Studium. Do people(Nairaland members) know about this? Is not everyone that can read or study in a university.

Does anyone have idea about how Ausbildung works?
Would you mind enlightening us?

Danke im voraus

Ausbildung is just like formal handwork ...You dont need to sit down in university 247 learning how to paint or to program....Most of it involve learning by seeing, practical stuff.

Also kindly note its 100% in German and you will be paid below minimum wage and most companies pay higher than that, mostly first year is around 700€, 2nd and 3rd year are higher than the intial pay

You cant apply for ausbildung visa from Nigeria.

Ausbildung is not run by universities...its run by companies.

Contact the Studentenwerk Hamburg for Accommodation package for new students, they recently launched something like that for new incoming student in Hamburg.

Use https://www.wg-gesucht.de for room search and avoid anyone asking you to pay upfront for any room no matter, how cheap it sounds.

Continuation on accommodation matter

Private residence for central Hamburg or wg flatshare should be your last resort as these are freaking expensive, my experience, some rooms are 250 without light,water or internet.

Apply to Studentenwerk for hostel and you might surly get one but i can't tell you when you'll get it.

If you don't get any reply soon ask them for short stay room, the price is a little bit higher maybe plus 50 or 60 Euros but it's guaranteed from the Studentenwerk and when you get this don't cancel your application for the hostels and students usually get a room after their short stay contract expires (within a semester).

Don't forget to apply to all those private student hostels,don't keep all hopes on Studentenwerk.

Please to all coming to Germany within the start of Winter try and secure an accomodation cos as the say in Games of Throne, "Winter is coming"

Cheers

Moin! You would hear this alot in Hamburg as the usual guten Tag


This sites below are for those coming to Hamburg, they would come in handy for Jobs and Hostel application.

Students Jobs around Hamburg - http://www.stellenwerk-hamburg.de/start.html

Accommodation
http://www.studierendenwerk-hamburg.de/studierendenwerk/de/wohnen/wohnanlagen_anderer_traeger/


As per say na Hamburg you dey,download HVV App, you no go lost or miss road again

Cheers

Website to secure ccommodation in Hamburg

Hey.. I'm going to hamburg too.. I am still waiting for my visa response anyway. But I have gotten accomodation through

http://www.studierendenwerk-hamburg.de/studierendenwerk/en/wohnen/international_students/ . check it out

If you go to that studierendenwerk website, u will see an icon for private hostels. They are a bit more expensive than the public ones, but depending on your budget you will get something

Obiwannn contribution on accommodation

In Big cities - think Hamburg, Berlin, Munich- it is advisable to get a room before coming.

Although it is a risky venture, sometimes its worth it, so as not to suffer the initial accommodation stress. And yes, u transfer the money from 9ja (most times), and it includes the 1st month rent plus deposit for ensuring you keep the house in good condition during ur stay (and in most cases, u get to sign a 6month or 1year contract). The general rule of thumb is that, if the housing ish is been done by ur school's accommodation office directly, then it is safe to transfer money, as you will be refunded albeit not fully (it depends) if you could no longer make it to the school. If however, you are dealing with private landlords and em WGs, guy abeg reach there first before yo pay make ur money no enter voicemail.

Be careful however to ensure that both the room cost and additional costs - internet, heating, cable TV, etc- dey part of the rent. Else you go suffer later.

Passau is a very small place, mostly tourist destination with good student life... saw a doc on DW a few months ago. They have serious challenge of illegal immigrants and asylum seekers using the place as an entry point into Germany along with other vices they may come with.

I think Kiel is better, city for city. The discrimination between UoAS and Uni are mostly in the academia when you wanna further with a PhD, since UoAS don't offer it, getting a place may be more challenging but in the labour market, employers in some fields may lean towards the UoAS for their practical edge than an all theory elitist uni student.

Difference between Universität and university of applied science by dolpaz

As for discrimination between Universities and Uaos, I doubt if there's any much difference. Just that Universities are more into research while Uaos delves more into practicals and brings you closer to the industry. Universities also offers PhD programm while Uaos does not. As a computer science student, I believe Uaos will be advisable because of the practical experience. even though, practicals are also held in the university, but Uaos offers more. you can go to the university after obtaining your Msc for PhD if you wish to further.



Student jobs

As for hustling, Bavaria is a nice place for hustling and getting students jobs. mind you, you german proficiency will come into play. at least at the A1 basic level. this does not mean you may will not get a job, but it sure helps. I don't really know much about kiel so cant say much but Stuttgart is another wonderful place. Its around NRW which shares the same region with Dusseldorf, kleve, Dortmund, Cologne, muenster, Kamplinfort, e.t.c. here, you can find arrays of students jobs and most especially summer jobs. The choice is yours bro !

Bremen is a good place to live and hussle as anywhere in Germany. just try and learn basics of the language and God shall take care of the rest.

Bremen is a nice place, mark my word! I will do my best to make sure you get on smoothly, before your departure let me know.

my 2 euros!

gypsey:
Exactly! Atleast Germans can speak English only According to him, they pretend not to speak English. Unlike him who can not speak German let alone pretend not to. it's bizzare.

tohyorsih:
Ok no problem

IchBinBrait:
hahahaha...

dazzlingd:
1 plus 1 is so simple, 99.9 % of the world population knows that.....

DemigodZeus147:
Omoh, no use swallow play with me oh... Some times I go sidon dey reason how I go take survive without swallow in DE

erny11:
Really? so when they run away from naija brothers where do they run to?
Just asking sha so that people like oga ichbinbait can go and meet them there lol

IchBinBrait:
My literal meaning of spoil is "unnecessary melting" even when sealed in a tight container. I dunno what causes it shaa.

Fridge?? Okay!

What can I even cook sęf other than rice, beans, yam & those worm-like pasta.. I go just gum body with one 9ja sister for my potential German city.

IchBinBrait:
12 packets of maggi?? won't they spoil?! The stuff go last wella,, besides, no be everytime you go dey cook na

tohyorsih:
It is

CanadianNaija:
megadixh

Big lie. The POF you need alone is more than 3 million, that is minus all the expenses you will make regarding IELTS, ECA, Medicals, VIsa fee, Biometric fee and others.

And getting PR visa under the skilled workers program isn’t just about money, work experience(a job that falls within the accepted category) matters too.

There’s a Canadian express entry thread here on Nairaland, do your research. Except that’s the lie an agent told you.