# data[].attributes.body
In almost every household is it holy: waste separation!
If you will be living in a shared flat, you'll get to know quickly how it works. There a 5 different types of trash: paper, plastic, organic, glass and last basically the rest. If others see you doing it wrong, it might bring you in trouble with them.

# data[].attributes.body
If you're checking out one of the beautiful lakes around berlin, don't be surprised if you find yourself surrounded by naked people. It is very common to be naked and people feel comfortable with it. There are mostly special "FKK"-areas to do so.

# data[].attributes.headline
Unwritten rules: welcome to Berlin, Germany!

# data[].attributes.subject
Unwritten rules: welcome to Berlin, Germany!

# data[].attributes.body
Shaking hands is THE way of saying hello or goodbye!

In general, saying hello and bye is expected. If you enter a shop, restaurant, the doctor's or class - a short spoken hello and bye belongs to it.

# data[].attributes.body
Even if you had the most exhausting day and you are more than happy that you've spied a free seat in the bus - elderly people have priority! Offer them your well deserved seat and receive therefore a friendly smile from a granny.

# data[].attributes.body
Don't worry if berliners seem a bit rude to you. The rough and grumpy way of talking is well known as "Berliner Schnauze" and comes actually from the heart!

# data[].attributes.body
Yep, it is not just a stereotype. People here are on time!
If you know you're running about 5min too late, it is normal to send a sms, letting your date know.
If you're having an official appointment, try to be there even 5min before.

# data[].attributes.body
Stop - Do not throw your softdrink-, beer- or any empty bottle into the rubbish bins! As nearly every drink-bottle has a deposit, a lot of people will be more than happy to not fish them out of the bins. Do them a favor and just leave the bottle with deposit next to it.

# data[].attributes.headline
Do you have the 1€ I lent you two weeks ago?

# data[].attributes.subject
Do you have the 1€ I lent you two weeks ago?

# data[].attributes.body
It's not about being stingy. It's just, you know, I lend you 1€ and ... I ask for that 1€ back.

Some will ask you to pay back very small amounts of money and it's not meant unfriendly, so no need to take it too bad. In general it is very welcome, to give money back from your initiative, if you've borrowed it, so others don't have to ask for it.

# data[].attributes.body
If you are going out with friends, you can always pay for yourself only. And yes, we do it most of the time. Sometimes life could be much easier or simply paying the bill much quicker, if it would'nt be such a thing. In any service it's well known and their first question will be: are you paying together or separately?

# data[].attributes.body
If you don't know what to do on a sunday morning, invite your friends for brunch. And don't forget the bread rolls! Germans love bread rolls, especially when they're still warm! You will find several variations in the bakery, so don't hesitate trying them all out.

# data[].attributes.body
You are invited to someone's home? Yay!
First thing to do when you cross the threshold: take your shoes off. Even if you're just quickly stepping by and it seems unnecessary - at least ask, if it's okay to keep them on.

# data[].attributes.body
As a newcomer it could be difficult to find new friends in Germany, as most people prefer to invest their energy in old, good friendships with a smaller group of people rather than in constantly changing superficial ones. So, getting to their hearts may take some time! But don’t give up and be patient, once you get a good German friend, he or she will be at your side for life! And don’t worry, university is the place-to-be to meet great people, and you will find yourself slowly building great friendships!

# data[].attributes.body
Don’t approach people in a random spot in the university with a warm hug, just because you saw them in one class. If you happen to see a familiar face in a hallway, just smile, nick your head or say a friendly “hi”. Sometimes it even happens that people don't great each other at all.

# data[].attributes.body
Wait for a good opportunity to talk to people. Once again, random approaches would rarely do a good job! What could work, is a chitchat in front of a classroom while waiting for the class to start, or while leaving the classroom after it finished. Group assignments, lunch at the Mensa, coffee or cigarette breaks also bring people together!

# data[].attributes.body
Don´t expect people to tell you their life story during the first chat after the class. They also may not take you seriously if you do so. Take it slow and don’t ask to personal questions. You are at the university, so you have an endless choice of intellectual topics to dive into before you actually start talking about your emotional life.

# data[].attributes.body
Besides the classes German universities offer a lot! So, don´t be afraid to engage in the “uni-life” and check out student’s clubs in your department. You might come across really interesting activities and like-minded people!

# data[].attributes.body
Be assertive! If you don´t want to do something that others expect from you, say it! It´s a sing of self-confidence and it makes people respect you. The same is valid for acknowledging your mistakes, making them is ok, not saying sorry for them, isn´t.

# data[].attributes.body
Trust is the basis of every friendship! Don´t promise anything you cannot fulfil. If you offer help with an asignment, then do really help!

# data[].attributes.body
Don’t tell people nice things, when you don’t mean it. It´s not OK to say “oh, we need to go out together!” and then never actually doing it!

# data[].attributes.body
Show initiative not only in studies but also with your uni-friends. Offering help, coming up with new ideas and caring will make you bond easier!

# data[].attributes.body
Universities are colorful places where identities and ideas should flourish. Be respectful towards cultural, sexual, or political differences you encounter. With an open mind you might find a good friend, somewhere you maybe wouldn´t expect to.

# data[].attributes.body
Love stories belong to the university life! But be careful how you start it. Don’t be too obvious and direct with your flirting, it can scare people away! It´s not bad to ask people for their number, but better after a stimulus conversation about something not obvious (dull small talk will not do).

# data[].attributes.headline
If you see people you know from class, join them!

# data[].attributes.subject
If you see people you know from class, join them!

# data[].attributes.body
Lunch is a great place to get talking so if you see classmates, don't be too shy to approach them and ask them if you can sit with them - however, don't take it personal if they are waiting for someone else or have to rush away soon, maybe next time!

# data[].attributes.headline
Don't sit too close to somebody who's sitting alone when there are more spots.

# data[].attributes.subject
Don't sit too close to somebody who's sitting alone when there are more spots.

# data[].attributes.body
Of course you shouldn't *not* sit next to somebody sitting alone as lunch is a great spot to start talking to people but maybe don't sit right next to somebody you don't know if there's more space, leave them some space or ask if the seat is taken. If you want to strike up a conversation, check if they're wearing headphones before because chances are they might not want to talk to you.

# data[].attributes.body
Do not try to skip the queue, especially not because food is involved and you don't want to make hungry people angry.

# data[].attributes.body
Everyone is hungry and probably rushing somewhere - don't hold up the queue by rummaging in your bag for your Mensa Card.

# data[].attributes.headline
If you're leaving your stuff behind for lunch don't take 3 hours.

# data[].attributes.subject
If you're leaving your stuff behind for lunch don't take 3 hours.

# data[].attributes.body
It's totally fine to leave your jacket or notes at your spot when you need to use the bathroom or are having your well deserved lunch. Don't be that person who blocks a seat and doesn't return for 3 hours, though, especially not if it's exam season and the library is full.

# data[].attributes.headline
Don't be too obvious about sneaking in drinks that aren't water in a clear bottle.

# data[].attributes.subject
Don't be too obvious about sneaking in drinks that aren't water in a clear bottle.

# data[].attributes.body
Technically, only water in a clear bottle is allowed to bring to the library but usually this rule is not too strictly enforced so if you're considering bringing your reusable aluminium bottle or your bottle of mate do it - but don't flaunt it!

# data[].attributes.headline
Always greet the people working at the reception.

# data[].attributes.subject
Always greet the people working at the reception.

# data[].attributes.body
They are there to help your and keep the library running, so a polite nod is the very least you can do, just be kind.

# data[].attributes.headline
Do whatever you need to sit comfortably but don't take off your shoes if you've been sweating.

# data[].attributes.subject
Do whatever you need to sit comfortably but don't take off your shoes if you've been sweating.

# data[].attributes.body
Comfort is important for concentration so nobody will judge you for your sweatpants or weird sitting position, but maybe don't take off your shoes. Only do so if you are absolutely sure your feet don't smell. You've been walking around in warm weather all day and long to get out of your stuffy sneakers? Maybe don't.

# data[].attributes.body
While the idea of asking out your library crush might seem cute and like straight out of a romcom and you are eager to connect to people, chances are people who are there to concentrate and not to be hit on. If you *must* follow your heart and connect to the person you've made shy eye contact with, slip them a piece of paper with your number or approach them outside the library at the lockers or at lunch. Just please no awkward whispers inside the library.

# data[].attributes.body
While sharing a studying session with your significant other can be fun and you might think they look particularly cute when concentrating, there's no need to share your affection with the rest of the library, nobody likes watching lovebirds sharing kisses while cramming for an exam. And definitely no loud lip-smacking!

# data[].attributes.headline
Don't sit directly next to somebody you don't know if there's enough space elsewhere.

# data[].attributes.subject
Don't sit directly next to somebody you don't know if there's enough space elsewhere.

# data[].attributes.body
The whole library is empty yet you decide to sit directly next to the person already there? Reconsider, chances are people are going to think you are weird, even without social distancing measures. If the library is full and you must share a table with somebody you don't know, the polite thing is to apologize, smile awkwardly, point at the spot and ask (whisperingly!) whether the seat is free. If the person whispers yes say thanks and sit down quietly, while trying to disturb them as little as possible.

# data[].attributes.headline
Don't take up more space than necessary 

# data[].attributes.subject
Don't take up more space than necessary 

# data[].attributes.body
I'm sure your notes and books are very important but there is no need to spread them all over the place.

# data[].attributes.headline
Don't hold the presentation longer than stated.

# data[].attributes.subject
Don't hold the presentation longer than stated.

# data[].attributes.body
No one will thank you for it. The class is running on a tight schedule, remember.

# data[].attributes.body
There must always be at least one person in the classroom who is in charge of looking after everyone's belongings, lest some stranger from a neighboring classroom or (gasp) the street should walk in.

# data[].attributes.body
No comment.

# data[].attributes.headline
Don't mispronounce the author's name or assume their gender.

# data[].attributes.subject
Don't mispronounce the author's name or assume their gender.

# data[].attributes.body
If you don't know how to pronounce the name of the scholar, ask the professor or Google. Just don't go ahead and change it to something similar and then say "oh I can't pronounce that anyway".

Same goes for the author's gender: don't automatically assume it's a he or a she based on their name only. For all you know, they could be either or non-binary.

# data[].attributes.headline
Class starts at 15 past unless stated otherwise.

# data[].attributes.subject
Class starts at 15 past unless stated otherwise.

# data[].attributes.body
If the study schedule tells you class starts at, say, 14:00, it will start at 14:15 unless there's a disclaimer by the professor. (Always read the fine print). The 15 "extra" minutes are actually to avoid people streaming into the class at the same time and also to ensure that people are ultimately on time and already present when the class starts.

# data[].attributes.body
If the professor states that the question, introductory sentences, comments or whatever should be brief, then be brief. The class is only 1,5 hours long. Bear in mind that the professor will most probably be too polite to cut you off mid-sentence, but that you might cause them to rush some other parts of the class, and you don't want that, do you?

# data[].attributes.headline
Always know which page that quote was on.

# data[].attributes.subject
Always know which page that quote was on.

# data[].attributes.body
Don't quote a passage unless you know where the quote was, at least approximately. Otherwise you might lose precious minutes trying to find the passage, or, worse, forcing the classmates and the professor to look with you.

# data[].attributes.body
Feel free to take off your shoes, sit yoga-style, or draw your knees close to your chest. Your comfort is an important prerequisite for functioning well in class, so no one will judge you for that, just as you shouldn't judge anyone whose favorite sitting position seems odd to you.

# data[].attributes.body
Be prepared for your pen to make a tour of the classroom once you sign off on the attendance list. And yes, your charger probably will too. Bring extra paper, markers, and, once again, pens. Even your professor might need to borrow one.

# data[].attributes.body
People eat in classrooms all the time. Some professors are more tolerant of that, others less, but the unwritten rule here is that anyone can actually eat during class if they're not very loud doing it.
P.S. Chips and other rustly packets are a no-no. Just no.

# data[].attributes.body
With the professor, with the classmates. Smile. Everybody does that, and if they don't, it means they're having a very bad day.

# data[].attributes.body
You could technically get away with it during a lecture, though it'll be a close shave. But in a seminar room - no way.

# data[].attributes.body
No, you won't be able to sneak into class unnoticed. Regardless whether it's a big auditorium or a small room, in most cases you will pass by the professor and that will be awkward.

# data[].attributes.body
A mystery never fully explained.