Moving to Munich After High School: 6 Things to Consider
It’s fantastic that you’re thinking about moving to Munich after you finish high school. As Germany’s third-largest city, it combines a rich history with a diverse, friendly population and a world-class array of things to do and see.
It’s also brimming with opportunities for students. Munich is home to a vibrant student scene, flexible visa rules, fast connections to other European cities and an enviable array of student benefits (just remember to carry your ID card).
What’s more, many courses offered in the city are taught in English, meaning that you don’t need to be fluent in German to apply, although knowing a little of the language never hurts.
As you plan for the future, here are six points to help you decide if Munich is the European city for you.
1. You Don’t Need to Jump Into a Three or Four-Year Degree
Moving abroad to study is a big decision. Like most students, you’re probably experiencing a mix of trepidation and excitement at the idea. But it’s worth keeping in mind that you don’t need to dive head-first into a three or four-year degree.
While bachelor’s programs are the first choice for most people leaving high school, you might also want to consider foundation or bridging programs to see if a new city or country is for you. EU Business School, for example, offers a business bridging course in Munich. Some people also opt to take a year to build their English or German language skills (which can often be done abroad) and acquire a relevant certificate (IELTS, TOEFL, DSH, GDS, etc.).
2. English-Taught Courses Are Widely Available
One of the big questions that students have when considering a move abroad is whether or not they need to speak the language of the country in which they’ll be staying.
The short answer is that it depends on the school you choose. It’s becoming increasingly common for higher learning institutions in Munich to offer courses which are taught exclusively in English.
This means that a lack of fluency in the native language needn’t stop you from applying. And even courses that are taught primarily in German tend to be balanced with modules in English, which many international students will find appealing.
If English isn’t your first language, various options, like the English Foundation Course from EU Business School, are available to help you improve your skills and gain valuable fluency in the international language of business.
3. Getting Around Is Easy
Getting around Munich is hassle-free. The Münchner Verkehrsgesellschaft (Munich Transport System) runs a reliable, extensive network of metro stations, trams, busses, hire-bikes and even car shares.
Munich’s International Airport, which is located a little outside the city, connects with over two hundred airports around the world and provides access to many low-cost carriers.
As a student you can also take advantage of a number of discounts and long-term travel cards, essentially allowing you freedom to wander the city without having to worry about money. You can learn more about Munich’s travel network by reading this post on our blog.
4. Munich Has a High Standard and Cost of Living
While Munich has a very high standard of living – it’s been ranked among the world’s top ten cities – rent and food (with the notable exception of beer) are relatively expensive. On average, the monthly cost of living in Munich is of 850 euros. You’ll want to plan and prepare for expenses well before you arrive.
In terms of renting, Munich has excellent options for student accommodation, with most opting for rooms in flatshares. The Student Network (Studentenwerk) manages halls of residence, which are a good option for first-year and international students. Demand, however, can be high. So it’s better to start looking for accommodation and applying to waiting lists early.
5. You’ll Have Access to Lots of Student Discounts
Like many other European countries, Germany offers fantastic student discounts on everything from transport to theatre performances. In most cases, you just need to show your student card. Other discount entitlements, such as unlimited train travel around Munich, entail applying for a long-term ticket, such as the IsarCard Semester.
Student discounts often apply to everyday purchases, like restaurant food, coffee, cinema tickets, bars and nightclubs, bringing down the otherwise relatively high cost of living.
6. Bureaucracy Is Time-Consuming but Generally Straightforward
No matter where you move in the world, there will be forms to fill in. Thankfully, German bureaucracy is not all that bad. While you will have to take care of some paperwork, you’ll likely find that the system is extremely efficient.
Your student visa will be your primary concern prior to your arrival. Your visa depends on where you’re coming from, especially if you’re outside the EU, so it’s best to get in touch with the German embassy a least a few months in advance.
Most international students living outside of Europe will need a three-month entry visa for study purposes, which can later be changed to a resident’s permit after arrival in Munich. Special arrangements exist with certain countries such as the US and Canada.
You’ll also need health insurance, proof of admission to your university, an up-to-date passport and proof of financial support.
Munich has been described as Germany’s largest village. The relaxed Bavarian culture, gorgeous architecture, ideal location for exploring the rest of Germany and many attractions combine to make the city both welcoming and exciting to explore.
Highlights include student carnivals, open-air cinemas, world-famous museums and galleries, and one of the world’s biggest city surf communities (yep, you heard that right). Oh, and did we mention the beer?
Choosing to study abroad is a tough and brave decision, but it’s one you won’t regret. You’ll create unforgettable memories exploring another culture, traveling around Europe, making friends from across the globe and experiencing the freedom and responsibility of living away from home. Munich offers the perfect combination of friendly people and a lively culture, making it the perfect location to move to after high-school. Study at EU Business School in Munich.
If you’re thinking about living in Munich, take a look at some of the courses from EU Business School, all of which are taught in English. A qualification from EU, which has a thriving Munich campus, will provide you with all the skills and experience you need to grow as a business leader.
EU Business School offers both graduate and postgraduate degrees, along with our English Language Foundation and Business Bridging programs. Join the diverse EU community of over 100 nationalities and start the experience of a lifetime.
