From India to Germany: A Day in the Life of a Student

Posted June 9, 2025

Studying abroad is a dream for many Indian students, and Germany has emerged as one of the most popular destinations — especially for those in engineering, IT, business, and research fields. But what is it really like to live and study in Germany as an Indian student?

In this blog, we take you through a typical day in the life of an Indian student in Germany, giving you a first-hand glimpse of academics, culture, lifestyle, and student life.

🌅 Morning Routine – Embracing the German Pace

The day usually begins early. German universities often schedule lectures starting at 8:00 or 9:00 AM, and punctuality is highly valued.

6:30 AM – Wake Up:
Most Indian students stay in shared student accommodations or university dorms. After a quick shower and breakfast — often bread, eggs, fruits, or cereal — it’s time to get ready for class.

8:00 AM – Head to University:
Public transportation is excellent in cities like Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, and Stuttgart. Students use bikes, trams, or buses to reach their universities. With a semester ticket, travel is mostly free within the region.

🎓 Academic Life – Where Learning is Practical & Independent

9:00 AM – Lectures and Labs Begin:
Classes in Germany are structured differently from India. There’s a strong emphasis on self-learning, practical projects, and research-based education. Professors act more as mentors than spoon-feeders.

Engineering students attend lab sessions regularly.
Business and economics students might participate in case study discussions.
Students pursuing computer science work on real-time projects or coding challenges.

1:00 PM – Lunch Break:
Most universities have a “Mensa” or cafeteria offering affordable meals. A full lunch costs around €3–€5, with vegetarian options available. Some Indian students pack home-cooked food as well.

📚 Afternoon – Study, Library, or Part-Time Work

2:00 PM – Study Time or Library Work:
After classes, many students spend time in the university library. Unlike India, assignments and project deadlines in Germany are strict and research-focused.

Part-Time Jobs (Mini-Jobs):
Some students work part-time after lectures to manage living expenses. Common student jobs include:

Working in a café or supermarket
Campus assistant or research intern
Delivery services or administrative roles

Germany allows international students to work 120 full days or 240 half days per year, making it feasible to earn up to €450–€850 monthly.

🌇 Evenings – Community, Culture & Comfort Food

6:00 PM – Time to Relax or Cook:
Cooking is a big part of daily life. Many Indian students enjoy preparing familiar dishes like dal, rice, roti, or sabzi. Indian grocery stores are available in bigger cities like Berlin, Frankfurt, and Munich.

7:30 PM – Social Time or Events:
Universities often host international nights, cultural meetups, or club events. It’s a great chance to interact with students from around the world.

Watching football matches or going out for Döner kebabs
Participating in international student groups
Practicing German with native speakers

🌙 Night – Preparing for Tomorrow

10:00 PM – Wind Down:
After a long day, students unwind by watching Netflix, chatting with family in India, or catching up on assignments.

11:00 PM – Sleep Time:
Early mornings mean early nights. German cities are quiet after 10 PM, and students follow a disciplined lifestyle.

🇩🇪 The German Experience – More Than Just Academics

Living in Germany offers much more than just education:

Cultural Exposure: Visit museums, historic castles, and Oktoberfest.
Weekend Travel: Explore other EU countries like France, Italy, Netherlands.
Career Opportunities: Germany is home to global companies like BMW, Bosch, Siemens, and SAP.

✅ Final Thoughts

A day in the life of an Indian student in Germany is a balanced mix of academics, part-time work, cultural exchange, and self-growth. The experience can be challenging at first, but it offers lifelong rewards in terms of career, confidence, and international exposure.

If you’re planning to study in Germany and want end-to-end guidance — from choosing the right course to visa application — get in touch with Intelligent Overseas Education today. We’re here to make your journey smooth and successful.

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