Living and Studying in Germany During Coronavirus: How Will It Be Different?

Have you brought your mask and hand sanitizer? Since these are currently the new necessities. We shared a packing list before the coronavirus, so forget it. As soon as it is feasible for you to do so, grab your mask and hand gel and head for the airport!

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

Living and studying in Germany during the outbreak of the novel coronavirus may appear to be an overwhelming challenge. However, a lot of overseas students have made this their goal.

But, what else? Here are 5 things to keep in mind.

1. Be Prepared for Picnics and Outdoor Cinemas

Maybe, if we look at the bright side, this can be a good thing. Most of us have probably envied how life was like decades ago, where picnics and watching a movie in the open air was all the thrill. Well, with the numerous green spaces that Germany has to offer, picnics will be easily accessible. And when you think about Germany’s unique architecture, castles, and cobblestone streets, staying outdoors doesn’t really seem like a bad idea.

What’s better than watching a movie in the comfortable open-air, especially when you know that the chances of the virus spreading are more likely indoors. Drive-in and outdoor cinemas are booming in Germany, and just the thought of it brings back nostalgic sensations from a period of time many of us didn’t even exist. So, this is one of the first things you should be prepared for when you go to Germany. Picnics are marvellous and outdoor cinemas will make you feel like you’re in a film from the 60s.

2. Patios Will Increase in Popularity

If one thing is for sure, is that everyone will want to sit outside in the patio of a café or restaurant. Many restaurants in Germany have upgraded their patios, inviting people to be part of a safe environment where social distancing measures are taken into consideration. Germany is a wonderful country and its beauty is unmatched and unique. This is why people will not be minding sitting outside and enjoying a fresh cup of coffee or a pint of beer.

Maybe you can imagine yourself sitting outdoors on the patios of the numerous Munich or Berlin cafés, and simply watching people as they walk by. And if it starts to rain, well, you might be glad to enjoy the fresh smell of the rain as you take shelter at the terrasse of your favourite German café. Of course, once the weather is cold again, staying outside on the patio will be much more difficult. If things do not change for the better until then, well, even stricter measures will apply.

3. Life Has Become a ‘Walk in the Park’

Life has really become a ‘walk in the park’ but in a literal manner. You will see a lot of people wishing to enjoy a walk in the park with a takeaway cup of coffee in their hands, instead of sitting at a restaurant or a café. You might even be one of them! And it is okay because everyone is keeping safe from the coronavirus pandemic in the way they find safest. Some will go picnicking, some will choose the restaurant patios, while others will go for a walk in the park.

Luckily, Germany has a good share of picturesque parks where people can walk around, sit on benches, and keep a safe distance while at it. Find yourself searching for the rose gardens, walking spaces, and the greenery, and simply enjoy the chirping of birds and stillness that surrounds these areas. Parks have been visited quite a lot in different countries of the world these past few weeks/months, and Germany is no exception.

4. ‘Long-Distance’ Friendships Are Still a Thing

But long-distance, in this case, refers to the social distance you are currently being advised to keep with people. Do not be surprised to find people who will not be applying social distancing measures, however, you will also find plenty of friends who will make sure to stay at least 1 meter away from you. Whatever the case may be, if things are not any different by the time you land in Germany, make sure you apply the safety measures.

One of the best ways to avoid getting or spreading the virus is to limit face-to-face contact with other people. Germans are known to be quite strict and straightforward when it comes to rules and regulations, so do not be weirded out if you get called out for not respecting the safety measures. Grab your mask, hand-sanitizer, and keep your distance from people, it is the perfect way to keep yourself and others safe.

5. Traditional Classes Will Not Be the Same

Going back to campus will not be easy, especially now that everyone has gotten so used to attending classes from the comfort of their homes. You will find yourself excited and probably glad to be back to campus, but traditional classes will most likely not be the same again. This is because the majority of students have gone through remote lectures and the comfort of home is simply unmatched.

This is not to say traditional classes will cease being efficient, not at all. But now that the possibility of online classes exists, things will also tend to become more flexible for both students and professors. So, instead of cancelling a class, maybe scheduling it online? Teachers and students have now gotten comfortable with this way of teaching, so the possibilities will be endless, compared to the pre-coronavirus time.