Author: Stefanie Herta

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From Experience: 6 Ways to Spot Accommodation Scams in Germany

Written by Stefanie Herta

Moving to Germany as an international student is a thrilling and once-in-a-lifetime experience.


However, increasing demands for accommodation, unfamiliar systems, and cultural nuances, securing accommodation remains one of the biggest logistical challenges many international students face in Germany.

 

Earlier this year, Prashant (CCP DEGIS Munich) and I were interviewed by DER SPIEGEL about our experiences navigating the German accommodation system as international students – a challenge many continue to face.

Drawing from my background as a former DAAD professional and DAAD-funded international student mentor, I’ve supported countless students through Germany’s complex rental landscape, and now, I’m sharing those insights once again.


Unfortunately, accommodation scams are a growing concern, especially on fast-moving platforms like Facebook, WG-Gesucht, and eBay Kleinanzeigen. These scams are often cleverly disguised, emotionally exhausting, and can lead to serious financial loss.    

In this article, I’ll be providing you with clear, practical guidance on spotting accommodation scams, avoiding common pitfalls, and staying safe during your search.

Here are some of the most common red flags to watch out for when looking for accommodation in Germany:

1. You’re Asked to Pay a Deposit Before Receiving the Keys

  • Stop! Don’t transfer a cent until the keys are in your hand, even if you have signed a contract.

  • Exceptions to this include the public housing “Studierendenwerk” or certain reputable private student accommodation options.

2. The Photos Look “Too Good to Be True”.

  • If you’re unsure about the legitimacy of the photos, save (or screnshot!) the photo and upload it to Google Reverse Image Search.
    • This allows you to see if the photo has been used in other, unrelated listings with different addresses.
      •  My experience: I was looking at a lovely apartment in Berlin from a Facebook post, and when I did a reverse Google search, I noticed the photo originated from a property in FRANCE, not Germany!

3. The “Landlord” Says They Can’t Meet You Beforehand.

  • Landlords and main tenants alike must offer you the chance to view and inspect the accommodation before signing any contracts.
  • Common excuses involve claiming they are currently overseas or too occupied with work to provide a viewing.
  • If they continue to refuse, even after their “trip”, that’s a red flag! Consider elsewhere.

4. “No Anmeldung”  = No Possibility to Officially Register the Address to Yourself.

There are a few reasons why an apartment or WG doesn’t offer “Anmeldung”:

  1. They are subletting the apartment or room illegally.

    For example    , someone else could be officially registered at the accommodation, but wishes to rent it out without the landlord’s permission. 

  2. They have already reached the maximum number of people legally allowed within the WG/apartment.

  3. The property offers short-term hotel/hostel-style accommodation that doesn’t qualify for registration.
    This is not a red flag, but NOT a long-term option either!

Wait, what is “Anmeldung”?

Anmeldung is the official registration of your address in Germany, and it’s mandatory for anyone living here longer than a few months.

When you move into your new accommodation (even if shared), you must register your address at the local “Bezkirsamt” (district office) / Bürgeramt (citizen’s office).

This process is called “Anmeldung”, and you’ll receive a confirmation document called the “Meldebescheinigung”.

  • Without it, you are unable to apply for your visa, obtain a German tax ID or open certain German bank accounts!
    •  Thus always ask if “Anmeldung” is available!

5. The Monthly Rent Seems “Too Good To Be True”

While there are, on occasion, more affordable options, these are harder to come by nowadays. 

  • Sometimes, scammers will reduce the “price”  to coax desperate accommodation searchers into ignoring fishy details of their listing!
  • So, be sure to view other apartment/WG prices in the area of the listing first!

6. The Devil Is in the (Contract) Details!

  • Obvious errors in formatting or German: Broken sentences, missing legal terms (a note on this soon), or strange word choices in your accommodation contract can indicate the listing was hastily put together without proper understanding (or rather, neglect!) of housing laws.


  • My experience: 
    • When I was reviewing a contract for an apartment, I noticed some grammatical and punctuation errors that one wouldn’t expect from a well-thought-out or official contract. Turns out, it was also a scam!

  • Good To Know:
    • If the contract is in German, try using DeepL or Chat GPT for a helpful translation!
    • Check out the Deutsche Mieterbund for an English version of a typical Rental Contract to compare!

So… Where Should You Search?

Navigating the right platforms can make all the difference in finding trustworthy listings. 

I hope this has been helpful to you, and I wish you the very best in finding your new home in Germany!

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New Year, New Goals: Practical Strategies to Build Lasting Habits in 2025

Written by Stefanie Herta (MA. Psychologie, DEGIS Marketing & Community Manager)

So… 2025 Is Here! How Do You Feel?

Being an international student can often feel like a whirlwind of new experiences, responsibilities, and cultural surprises.

With all that happening, it’s quite easy to lose track of personal goals or to set lofty resolutions that slip away by February!

Therefore, now is the best time to share with you some gentle, tried-and-tested strategies on how we can set meaningful goals and develop daily habits that truly endure, helping us create a brighter and more balanced 2025!

Reflect on the Past Year

Just like checking your progress at the end of a semester, taking a moment to reflect on the previous year can work wonders for clarity and motivation:

Celebrate Wins: Perhaps you passed a challenging German exam or landed a part-time job amid a busy schedule, it’s time to recognize your hard work!

Identify Challenges: Were language barriers or homesickness more overwhelming than expected? Pinpointing and becoming aware of these stressors is a powerful way to address them.

Gather Insights: Consider what could be improved. Could you manage your time differently or reach out for help sooner? These insights also pave the way for healthier, more realistic goals.

Craft SMART Goals

When you’re juggling lectures, part-time work, and maybe even language classes, vague goals like “I’ll do better this year” might not be enough. 

Instead, aim for SMART goals:

  1. Specific: Pinpoint what you want to achieve. “Attend one networking event per month” is more tangible than “network more.”
  2. Measurable: Keep track of your progress. If improving your German is a priority, aim for “completing one chapter of a German coursebook per week.”
  3. Achievable: Ensure your goal fits your current reality. Taking on too much at once can lead to exhaustion, so balance is key!
  4. Relevant: Align each goal with your true priorities, whether they’re academic, career-focused, or related to personal well-being.
  5. Time-Bound: Give yourself a deadline or timeframe. Finishing a particular project before the next semester begins can offer the structure you need.

Breaking objectives down in this way helps make them feel less daunting and more within reach.

Break Big Dreams into Tiny Steps

Sometimes, goals can seem as daunting as mastering German grammar (I’ve been there!). One helpful approach is to divide them into manageable chunks:

  • Sub-Goals: If your main focus is to publish a research paper, start by committing to a daily or weekly word count—like 200 words a day.

  • Celebrate Mini-Milestones: Congratulate yourself when you complete the literature review or perfect your first draft. These small successes fuel your motivation.

  • Prioritize Tasks: Each week, choose the top 2–3 tasks you must accomplish. This keeps you on track even when life is hectic.

Build Habits That Stick

Reaching your goals often comes down to creating small, consistent habits. Here’s how to develop routines that work seamlessly with your lifestyle:

  1. Start Small: Try adding a 10-minute study session to your evening routine instead of forcing a two-hour block out of the blue.
  2. Use Habit Stacking: Already cook dinner regularly? Organize your desk or create tomorrow’s to-do list while your meal simmers.
  3. Create an Environment for Success: Keep textbooks and notes in an orderly, well-lit space. Simplify your “digital space” by minimizing distracting notifications.
  4. Set Reminders: Use alarms, sticky notes, or apps to help you stay consistent—especially during busy exam periods.
  5. Find Accountability: Partner up with a study buddy or join an online community for mutual encouragement.

Overcome Hurdles & Stay Motivated

As an international student, you might face extra challenges: visa appointments, cultural differences, or simply missing home. Here’s how to navigate those obstacles:

  • Plan for Setbacks: Life rarely follows a perfect script. If you miss a study session or fall behind on a project, schedule a time to catch up when you can.

  • Stay Flexible: Perhaps you discover your internship clashes with your class schedule. Adjust your plans as needed without abandoning your overarching goals.
  • Revisit Your ‘Why’: If you’re feeling discouraged, remember why you chose this path—maybe it’s earning a global degree, gaining international exposure, or pursuing a dream career.
  • Reward Yourself: Small gestures go a long way. Treat yourself to a favorite dessert or plan a relaxing weekend activity when you reach a milestone.

Track & Adapt

Just like in academics, regular check-ins help you stay on course:

  • Use a Journal or App: Make notes of your daily or weekly progress. This way, you can spot patterns and adjust where necessary.

  • Set Regular Check-Ins: Every month or quarter, reflect on what’s working and whether you need to refine your approach.

  • Visualize Success: A vision board or a simple mental image of your future self (such as graduating with honors or landing your ideal job) can be remarkably motivating.

Progress Over Perfection

Finally, it’s important to remember that growth is a journey, not a final destination:

  • Practice Self-Compassion: Feeling overwhelmed is perfectly normal. You’re juggling a lot, so treat yourself kindly!

  • Learn & Adapt: Each challenge, from dealing with bureaucracy to managing cultural differences, builds resilience and enhances your story.

Concluding Thoughts

A new year brings fresh possibilities that become tangible when we set precise, achievable goals and strengthen them with supportive daily habits.

Each small achievement moves us forward, so let’s celebrate our progress and keep striving for the life we envision!

Are you ready to connect with a supportive community and access helpful resources?

Become a free community member with DEGIS! You’ll find guidance, events, and a network of fellow international students who understand your journey.

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Winter in Germany: No, It’s Not as Dull as Everyone Says!

Written by Tonya @gravity_tonya

What is so ‘bad’ about the German winter? I asked my friends from different countries and got opposite answers:

  • People from warmer climates (South Africa, Pakistan, India) said ‘it’s cold and dark’
  • People from colder climates (Ukraine, Sweden, Finland) mentioned that ‘there’s no snow!’

And this made me realize – we all focus on what’s missing. Coming from Belarus, I am used to the lack of daylight hours but terribly miss the *real* snow. My friends from warmer countries can’t come to terms with the temperature, but are excited for even a couple snowflakes haha.

So, why focus on what’s not there when you can enjoy what is? The grass is greener where you water it, so here are my tips on making the most out of your German winter.

Christmas Markets (obviously!)

Sadly, they don’t last too long and you’ll have to find other activities for January and February. But while the festive season is still here, you need to try my personal delicious favorites:

  • Hot cocoa (with Baileys if you drink)
  • Reibekuchen (amazing potato pancakes)
  • Chocolate glazed strawberries
  • Baumkuchen (Trdelnik)
  • Crepes
  • Any Wurst mit Pommes (Sausage with Fries)

Traveling

(after the exams are done and you can finally put that 49 Euro-Ticket to use)

  • Bavaria is perfect for winter if you want to see snowy nature
  • Cologne in February (celebrate one of the main German traditions – Karneval!)
  • Check which nearby coutries you can visit with your 49 Euro-Ticket (which is usually included in your semester ticket!) (sometimes neigbouring cities can be included in the ticket range – like Venlo in the Netherlands)

Cozy Night-Ins

When on some days the weather gets too cold and the energy levels just aren’t there, I love staying in – but with a twist. I invite friends over and we cook something together, like a home-made pizza, or bake gingerbread cookies. Get some cocoa, milk, choose a cozy movie – and enjoy the time with frieds, despite the cold outside.

Sauna / Thermal Spa

What can be better than a little spa-retreat in the middle of the cold day? Don’t worry, it doesn’t have to break the bank! There are a lot of budget friendly options with student discounts or even specific deals for a special ‘student’ day of the week. I enjoyed myself in Aachen like that (Carolus Thermen have an amazign pool + sauna area for only 18-20 EUR for 3,5 hours!)

Classic German Movies

I love cinema and want to really dedicate my time to studying German this semester break – so why not combine both? Join me in this challenge.

Here are some of the classic German films on my list:

  • Drei Haselnüsse für Aschenbrödel (Three Wishes for Cinderella) – a beloved fairy tale movie.
  • Oh Boy – for a wintry slice of Berlin life.
  • Das Wunder von Bern – a heartwarming post-war story with snowy vibes.

I am sure there are a million other cool things to do this winter!
Some of which we’ll be covering in the upcoming ‘Winter Wellness & New Year Planning’ webinar with Caro from DEGIS National team. Join us on December 18th and let’s break the ‘German winter’ stereotype!

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Life as an International Student in a German-Taught Master’s Program

Preparations Before the Leap

Embarking on the adventure of permanently migrating to Germany and studying psychology in a German-taught program as an International Student had been a dream I held for almost a decade. My passion for immersing myself in a new culture began with my first student exchange experience in the Black Forest (Schwarzwald) region during high school.

Determined to continue this journey, I completed a DAAD-scholarship-supported language course at the Universität zu Köln and participated in another exchange program at the Universität Hamburg a few years later. Concurrently, I continued to expand on my German language skills at my university in Sydney, Australia, while working for the DAAD.

However, amidst the dull and restrictive happenings of the pandemic in 2021, I realized it was finally time to make the leap from Australia to Germany. Pursuing my passion for psychology with a Master’s program and challenging myself in ways I had never imagined was just as I always dreamed. Yet, the reality of being the only international student in my German-taught course brought unexpected struggles that I hadn’t fully anticipated.

Stepping into the Unknown

The first day at university felt like walking into a different world, starting just a few days after my arrival with a new home and jetlag on top! Surrounded by new faces and engaging in complex conversations entirely in German, I was both excited and challenged by the opportunity to fully immerse myself in the language and culture. Although I held a C1 level in German, the fast-paced lectures and nuanced academic discussions initially felt daunting. I remember sitting in the lecture hall about to hold my first presentation, and I was shaking in my boots!

Academic Pressures & Social Struggles

Studying psychology in a language that isn’t my first added an extra layer of complexity to every assignment and exam. The specialized terminology, the depth of theoretical concepts, and the expectation to engage critically in discussions made the experience quite challenging. However, these challenges motivated me further to push against my fears and enhance my skills to thrive in the German academic environment.

All these academic pressures were further intensified by being the only international student in my German-taught Master’s program. While I received considerable empathy, kindness and support from fellow students during my unique journey, there wasn’t a single person in my cohort who could fully relate to my specific experiences, talk about being the lone wolf, right?

Discovering DEGIS

In my quest to find a sense of community who actually understood and could relate to my personal journey, I discovered DEGIS!  DEGIS is Germany’s largest International Student community, and offers the chance to dedicate ourselves to meaningful projects, connect with like-minded peers, and develop practical skills in areas like marketing, event management, and leadership. Volunteering with DEGIS can provide a supportive network and help bridge the gap between your academic life and personal well-being.

Additionally, after two semesters, you can earn an official certificate that not only acknowledges your dedication but also enhances your CV in Germany. Being part of the DEGIS community has been instrumental in building lasting relationships and enriching the international student experience, not only for myself but also for others!

Enhancing my German

Furthermore, I sought ways to enhance my German beyond the C1 level. I immersed myself in the language by attending local meetups with other language learners, speaking as much German as possible with my fellow native speaker students, reading German literature and diving into German news on politics and cultural happenings. If you want some cool tips on German language resources,  click here– and don’t forget to join Aarushi & Dhruv in their DEGIS German Learning Webinar 14. Nov 2024 at 7PM CET!

Just Do It!

Above all, taking action in your new life in Germany without hesitation is key!
Embrace every opportunity to learn and grow, and remember that each challenge you overcome strengthens your resilience. I firmly believe that facing your fears front on and trying new things will be the biggest deciding factor for success for your journey in Germany!

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Strategic Stress Management for Exams and Beyond

International Students on a Day Trip

By Stefanie Herta – DEGIS National Marketing & Community Manager

Being an International Student can sometimes feel like living life on a rollercoaster. Therefore, I wish to share with you some tested stress management strategies to thrive during exam season and beyond!

As a graduate of Psychology, Commerce and an international student here in Germany just like you, I’ve had my fair share of stressful exams! From having essay-style exams in German, to presenting complex topics to a panel of examiners on psychological topics, the ways that exam season can stress us out are endless. However, we also face unique challenges that our local peers might not experience, and are often invisible to those around us. In fact, exams are just the tip of the iceberg.

Our Stress Iceberg

The “Stress Iceberg” of international students runs deep:

Beneath the surface, we are faced with…

Stress Iceberg of International Students

…and that’s just to name a few of them.

The Stress Continuum

The good news is, have the power to not only manage stress, but shape it to our advantage – turning “bad” stress, into “good”!

stress continuum chart for managing stress

  • Good Stress (Eustress): Motivates us, enhances performance, and provides excitement.
    • For example: Feeling somewhat nervous or “hyped up” before a competition can help you perform better. A natural and balanced release of adrenaline improves performance and focus.
  • Bad Stress (Distress): Leads to anxiety, decreased performance, and health problems. Often chronic
    • For example: An intense study and work schedule with a lack of resources can be particularly harmful.

Stress exists on a continuum, and having the right stress management strategies can turn stress into your favor. So how do we stay clear of the “danger zone” and manage stress during exams (and beyond)?

Stress Management Techniques

Here are some practical techniques against (dis)stress that you can implement right now:

Focus on What You Can Manage and Prioritize

As frustrating as it can be, we can’t control everything. However, we can identify and focus on the areas of our lives where we have the most control, and take direct action.

  • For example: Holding a speech in front of a large audience. By only focusing on preparing your speech, you can boost your confidence and reduce anxiety.
Reach Out for Support & Mentorship

You deserve all the support you can get. Don’t hesitate to reach out to others such as friends, family, tutors or professional services. Tackling stressors together tends to be much easier!

Take Strategic Breaks

Regular breaks help reset your system and prevent burnout.

  • Pomodoro Method: A widely popular method invented by a university student, Pomodoro allows you to increase your attention and prevent procrastination.
    • Simply set a timer for 25 minutes, then take a 5 minute break.
    • After 4 “Pomodoros” take a longer 15-30 minute break.
    • (Of course this can be adapted to your needs)
  • Here’s a Pomodoro timer!
Tidying Your Study Space & Online World
  • Tidy your study space: Counter distractions and long sitting-hours by organizing your study space. A tidy room is a tidy mind!
  • Tidy your online world: Unfortunately, the increase in toxic social media content can compound on our stress levels.
    • Filter your followers list and adjust your content settings to maintain a peaceful day!
Make Studying Rewarding
  • Try to treat yourself to something you enjoy after you achieve a study or work goal.
    • Examples: Buying a desert, meeting with friends, watching a movie…
  • Have you ever seen that meme “getting that dopamine hit from ticking off my to do list”? There’s truth to it, actually!
    • Dopamine is triggered in the brain when accomplishing/finalizing your goals.
Consider Your Sleep Chronotype
  • When it comes to sleep, “one size does not fit all”!
  • Are you a night owl, or an early bird?
    • Each of us has a unique “chronotype” (our sleep body clock), and this influences our energy levels throughout the day.
      • For example: Night owls tend to have more energy towards the evening, and can excell at writing and other creative activities during this time.
      • Therefore, some night owls purposely schedule basic tasks earlier on in the day, but leave term paper writing until the evening!
  • Rearranging your study schedule to match your chronotype can significantly improve your productivity and manage stress.
Increase Self-Compassion
    • Be kind to yourself by:
      • avoiding comparisons with others, particularly local peers who may not be going through the same struggles.
      • thinking about your past triumphs and acknowledging how far you have come.

By embracing these practical strategies and prioritizing self-care, we can transform exam stress into a manageable and even motivating part of your academic journey!