So I’ve been living in Göttingen for a little more than six months now. Though I’ve mostly adjusted to the life here, it was not (and still isn’t) easy to transition into a different lifestyle from the one I knew. Besides the initial language barrier and chilly mornings, here are some other things you’d have to get used to when living here.

Your “Kiasu”-ness is going to show up

The first phase in your life in Germany will most probably be learning the language. In that classroom setting, you’ll be meeting people who come from various cultural backgrounds and with that, comes the challenge to understand and appreciate these differences.

I’m pretty sure I’m not that kiasu but due to my time spent in the lions’ den that is Singapore, I can’t help but try to aim for 100% in every test! Therefore, the habits of a large portion of my classmates really gets on my nerves. It truly boggles my mind when someone doesn’t pay attention in class nor do their homework and yet, expects to pass the tests!

Though it is irritating to do pair work with such people, it is important to recognise that though they might declare similar goals to yours, it’s honestly okay when they are content with doing barely well enough. Language learning is expedited by simply conversing with others, no matter if they’re on a different level from you. You’re not perfect either. Your way of doing things is not the standard that everyone must hold themselves to.

The world is a big place and it takes different kinds of people make it go round, not just Singaporeans. So fellow countrymen, turn the kiasu down a notch, because you know it’s not exactly healthy for you. You’ll do more than well enough here =)

Welcome to German Bureaucracy

There are several Catch-22 situations when it comes to setting up in Germany. For example, you would need a German bank account to rent an apartment, but at the same time you need to provide proof of residence before you can open a bank account here! It sounds frustrating of course, but with Germany having a much larger population than Singapore, as well as being a popular immigration destination, it is understandable why its system has to be so rigid. 

Thankfully, there are solution providers to help make your move to Germany less stressful. I was recommended Fintiba by the German Embassy for my visa application. Instead of going through annoying paperwork to secure a blocked account and health insurance, they streamline this portion of the process, so that you can focus on the rest of your journey. At the moment, there is a referral programme, so if you use my link, you get 15€ and I get 10€. It’s basically a win-win situation for both of us!

In regards to the bank account situation, I would recommend N26. With them, you don’t need to provide proof of residence but rather, a German address where they can mail your bank card to, so that you can receive and thereafter activate it. You can withdraw money not only from ATMs of any bank, but even from supermarkets as well. If you’re interested, write to me and I’ll send you my referral code.

The Lack of Convenience

Because of our hectic lifestyle, we are used to many services and amenities being readily available to us any time of the day. Things here are not as convenient, due to more humane working conditions for everyone, as well as the culture laying stress upon being organised.

This results in many people here cycling instead of relying on public transport especially for shorter trips, cooking their own food rather than eating out and almost everything being closed on Sundays and public holidays. This might sound like the end of the world to some Singaporeans, but as someone who used to work on Sunday, i appreciate a culture that understands, that people in the service industry also need a day off to spend with friends and family.

The Recycling Culture

Everyone knows by now, that climate change is real and every action of ours is critical in preventing it becoming irreversible. Over here, things are very different. Good recycling habits are strongly encouraged and in some aspects, even mandatory. 

For example, despite producing 700 million kilograms of plastic waste yearly, we Singaporeans as a whole have done very little to change our habits. I’m guilty of it as well, from not bringing my own cup to take my teh o kosong ice to go, to taking plastic bags at NTUC without batting an eyelid. Here, when you buy drinks in glass or plastic bottles, you’d have to pay the additional Pfand or “bottle ransom”. You’ll get your money back when you return the bottles at supermarkets. 

The Germans take separating their trash to another level. Now, I have to purchase biodegradable bags (thankfully these are relatively affordable) just for my organic trash! It is also part of the “house rules” in any apartment. If you don’t, the garbage disposal will likely refuse to collect it. The landlord would then have to order a separate collection and everyone in the building will have to pay for it. Talk about societal pressure! 

Here, it is common to see furniture and other items left out on the streets for others to take, if they need them. Previously, I was adverse to the idea (and I think a lot of Singaporeans are too) but now being a language student with limited funds, I’ve learnt to put aside that notion. After all, if I can save a little more money instead of buying something similar first hand, why not? Here are some of the things I’ve picked up to furnish my apartment with.

Moving to another country isn’t always smooth sailing. However, if you’re open and willing to adapt to your new surroundings, it will make your life here more comfortable. Be grateful for the opportunity, that not everyone gets to have, and take everything in!

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