https://padlet.com/mariiak541/ucjdzgej1y3lrnk5 Mariia Karaseva, Monika Kudela, Paula Luise Müller, Katharina Hausner en-us 2021-09-15 11:49:54 UTC 2026-02-15 19:54:42 UTC hello@padlet.com mariiak541 https://padlet.com/mariiak541/ucjdzgej1y3lrnk5/wish/1742624151 A mystery never fully explained.]]> 2021-09-15 12:59:14 UTC https://padlet.com/mariiak541/ucjdzgej1y3lrnk5/wish/1742624151 mariiak541 https://padlet.com/mariiak541/ucjdzgej1y3lrnk5/wish/1750630636 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.]]> 2021-09-18 16:40:20 UTC https://padlet.com/mariiak541/ucjdzgej1y3lrnk5/wish/1750630636 mariiak541 https://padlet.com/mariiak541/ucjdzgej1y3lrnk5/wish/1750636055 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.]]> 2021-09-18 16:45:36 UTC https://padlet.com/mariiak541/ucjdzgej1y3lrnk5/wish/1750636055 mariiak541 https://padlet.com/mariiak541/ucjdzgej1y3lrnk5/wish/1750636407 2021-09-18 16:45:54 UTC https://padlet.com/mariiak541/ucjdzgej1y3lrnk5/wish/1750636407 mariiak541 https://padlet.com/mariiak541/ucjdzgej1y3lrnk5/wish/1750639887 You could technically get away with it during a lecture, though it'll be a close shave. But in a seminar room - no way.]]> 2021-09-18 16:48:43 UTC https://padlet.com/mariiak541/ucjdzgej1y3lrnk5/wish/1750639887 mariiak541 https://padlet.com/mariiak541/ucjdzgej1y3lrnk5/wish/1750645794 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.]]> 2021-09-18 16:54:35 UTC https://padlet.com/mariiak541/ucjdzgej1y3lrnk5/wish/1750645794 mariiak541 https://padlet.com/mariiak541/ucjdzgej1y3lrnk5/wish/1750656355 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.]]> 2021-09-18 16:59:20 UTC https://padlet.com/mariiak541/ucjdzgej1y3lrnk5/wish/1750656355 mariiak541 https://padlet.com/mariiak541/ucjdzgej1y3lrnk5/wish/1750659849 With the professor, with the classmates. Smile. Everybody does that, and if they don't, it means they're having a very bad day.]]> 2021-09-18 17:02:28 UTC https://padlet.com/mariiak541/ucjdzgej1y3lrnk5/wish/1750659849 mariiak541 https://padlet.com/mariiak541/ucjdzgej1y3lrnk5/wish/1750661957 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.]]> 2021-09-18 17:04:30 UTC https://padlet.com/mariiak541/ucjdzgej1y3lrnk5/wish/1750661957 mariiak541 https://padlet.com/mariiak541/ucjdzgej1y3lrnk5/wish/1750666966 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?]]> 2021-09-18 17:09:24 UTC https://padlet.com/mariiak541/ucjdzgej1y3lrnk5/wish/1750666966 mariiak541 https://padlet.com/mariiak541/ucjdzgej1y3lrnk5/wish/1750669938 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.]]> 2021-09-18 17:12:08 UTC https://padlet.com/mariiak541/ucjdzgej1y3lrnk5/wish/1750669938 mariiak541 https://padlet.com/mariiak541/ucjdzgej1y3lrnk5/wish/1750673388 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.]]> 2021-09-18 17:15:31 UTC https://padlet.com/mariiak541/ucjdzgej1y3lrnk5/wish/1750673388 mariiak541 https://padlet.com/mariiak541/ucjdzgej1y3lrnk5/wish/1750678997 No comment.]]> 2021-09-18 17:21:11 UTC https://padlet.com/mariiak541/ucjdzgej1y3lrnk5/wish/1750678997 mariiak541 https://padlet.com/mariiak541/ucjdzgej1y3lrnk5/wish/1750681568 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. 


]]> 2021-09-18 17:23:49 UTC https://padlet.com/mariiak541/ucjdzgej1y3lrnk5/wish/1750681568 mariiak541 https://padlet.com/mariiak541/ucjdzgej1y3lrnk5/wish/1750683567 No one will thank you for it. The class is running on a tight schedule, remember.]]> 2021-09-18 17:25:56 UTC https://padlet.com/mariiak541/ucjdzgej1y3lrnk5/wish/1750683567 https://padlet.com/mariiak541/ucjdzgej1y3lrnk5/wish/1753499192 2021-09-20 10:03:37 UTC https://padlet.com/mariiak541/ucjdzgej1y3lrnk5/wish/1753499192 https://padlet.com/mariiak541/ucjdzgej1y3lrnk5/wish/1753504847 I'm sure your notes and books are very important but there is no need to spread them all over the place. ]]> 2021-09-20 10:06:56 UTC https://padlet.com/mariiak541/ucjdzgej1y3lrnk5/wish/1753504847 https://padlet.com/mariiak541/ucjdzgej1y3lrnk5/wish/1753514500 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.]]> 2021-09-20 10:12:27 UTC https://padlet.com/mariiak541/ucjdzgej1y3lrnk5/wish/1753514500 https://padlet.com/mariiak541/ucjdzgej1y3lrnk5/wish/1753520840 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! ]]> 2021-09-20 10:15:52 UTC https://padlet.com/mariiak541/ucjdzgej1y3lrnk5/wish/1753520840 https://padlet.com/mariiak541/ucjdzgej1y3lrnk5/wish/1753529711 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. ]]> 2021-09-20 10:21:04 UTC https://padlet.com/mariiak541/ucjdzgej1y3lrnk5/wish/1753529711 https://padlet.com/mariiak541/ucjdzgej1y3lrnk5/wish/1753535799 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. ]]> 2021-09-20 10:24:51 UTC https://padlet.com/mariiak541/ucjdzgej1y3lrnk5/wish/1753535799 https://padlet.com/mariiak541/ucjdzgej1y3lrnk5/wish/1753540450 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. ]]> 2021-09-20 10:27:40 UTC https://padlet.com/mariiak541/ucjdzgej1y3lrnk5/wish/1753540450 https://padlet.com/mariiak541/ucjdzgej1y3lrnk5/wish/1754607672 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! ]]> 2021-09-20 16:20:29 UTC https://padlet.com/mariiak541/ucjdzgej1y3lrnk5/wish/1754607672 https://padlet.com/mariiak541/ucjdzgej1y3lrnk5/wish/1754622375 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. ]]> 2021-09-20 16:25:21 UTC https://padlet.com/mariiak541/ucjdzgej1y3lrnk5/wish/1754622375 https://padlet.com/mariiak541/ucjdzgej1y3lrnk5/wish/1754660107 2021-09-20 16:37:41 UTC https://padlet.com/mariiak541/ucjdzgej1y3lrnk5/wish/1754660107 https://padlet.com/mariiak541/ucjdzgej1y3lrnk5/wish/1754664271 Everyone is hungry and probably rushing somewhere - don't hold up the queue by rummaging in your bag for your Mensa Card. ]]> 2021-09-20 16:39:02 UTC https://padlet.com/mariiak541/ucjdzgej1y3lrnk5/wish/1754664271 https://padlet.com/mariiak541/ucjdzgej1y3lrnk5/wish/1754669950 Do not try to skip the queue, especially not because food is involved and you don't want to make hungry people angry. ]]> 2021-09-20 16:40:49 UTC https://padlet.com/mariiak541/ucjdzgej1y3lrnk5/wish/1754669950 https://padlet.com/mariiak541/ucjdzgej1y3lrnk5/wish/1754684461 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. ]]> 2021-09-20 16:45:31 UTC https://padlet.com/mariiak541/ucjdzgej1y3lrnk5/wish/1754684461 https://padlet.com/mariiak541/ucjdzgej1y3lrnk5/wish/1754699697 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! ]]> 2021-09-20 16:50:31 UTC https://padlet.com/mariiak541/ucjdzgej1y3lrnk5/wish/1754699697 x_sanrusen https://padlet.com/mariiak541/ucjdzgej1y3lrnk5/wish/1759550699 2021-09-22 09:44:37 UTC https://padlet.com/mariiak541/ucjdzgej1y3lrnk5/wish/1759550699 x_sanrusen https://padlet.com/mariiak541/ucjdzgej1y3lrnk5/wish/1759579389 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! 

]]> 2021-09-22 10:01:44 UTC https://padlet.com/mariiak541/ucjdzgej1y3lrnk5/wish/1759579389 x_sanrusen https://padlet.com/mariiak541/ucjdzgej1y3lrnk5/wish/1759600366 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.

]]> 2021-09-22 10:14:04 UTC https://padlet.com/mariiak541/ucjdzgej1y3lrnk5/wish/1759600366 x_sanrusen https://padlet.com/mariiak541/ucjdzgej1y3lrnk5/wish/1759626469 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! 

]]> 2021-09-22 10:29:47 UTC https://padlet.com/mariiak541/ucjdzgej1y3lrnk5/wish/1759626469 x_sanrusen https://padlet.com/mariiak541/ucjdzgej1y3lrnk5/wish/1759668202 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! 

]]> 2021-09-22 10:55:12 UTC https://padlet.com/mariiak541/ucjdzgej1y3lrnk5/wish/1759668202 x_sanrusen https://padlet.com/mariiak541/ucjdzgej1y3lrnk5/wish/1759707231 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. 

]]> 2021-09-22 11:19:44 UTC https://padlet.com/mariiak541/ucjdzgej1y3lrnk5/wish/1759707231 x_sanrusen https://padlet.com/mariiak541/ucjdzgej1y3lrnk5/wish/1759731255 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!

]]> 2021-09-22 11:33:59 UTC https://padlet.com/mariiak541/ucjdzgej1y3lrnk5/wish/1759731255 x_sanrusen https://padlet.com/mariiak541/ucjdzgej1y3lrnk5/wish/1759743502 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! 

]]> 2021-09-22 11:40:29 UTC https://padlet.com/mariiak541/ucjdzgej1y3lrnk5/wish/1759743502 x_sanrusen https://padlet.com/mariiak541/ucjdzgej1y3lrnk5/wish/1759745917 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. 

]]> 2021-09-22 11:41:54 UTC https://padlet.com/mariiak541/ucjdzgej1y3lrnk5/wish/1759745917 x_sanrusen https://padlet.com/mariiak541/ucjdzgej1y3lrnk5/wish/1759758456 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! 

]]> 2021-09-22 11:48:44 UTC https://padlet.com/mariiak541/ucjdzgej1y3lrnk5/wish/1759758456 x_sanrusen https://padlet.com/mariiak541/ucjdzgej1y3lrnk5/wish/1759783234 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. 

]]> 2021-09-22 12:01:38 UTC https://padlet.com/mariiak541/ucjdzgej1y3lrnk5/wish/1759783234 x_sanrusen https://padlet.com/mariiak541/ucjdzgej1y3lrnk5/wish/1759839898 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). 

]]> 2021-09-22 12:27:23 UTC https://padlet.com/mariiak541/ucjdzgej1y3lrnk5/wish/1759839898 https://padlet.com/mariiak541/ucjdzgej1y3lrnk5/wish/1763650920 2021-09-23 17:21:17 UTC https://padlet.com/mariiak541/ucjdzgej1y3lrnk5/wish/1763650920 https://padlet.com/mariiak541/ucjdzgej1y3lrnk5/wish/1763674735 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!]]> 2021-09-23 17:31:22 UTC https://padlet.com/mariiak541/ucjdzgej1y3lrnk5/wish/1763674735 https://padlet.com/mariiak541/ucjdzgej1y3lrnk5/wish/1763686583 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. ]]> 2021-09-23 17:36:38 UTC https://padlet.com/mariiak541/ucjdzgej1y3lrnk5/wish/1763686583 https://padlet.com/mariiak541/ucjdzgej1y3lrnk5/wish/1763701473 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. ]]> 2021-09-23 17:43:02 UTC https://padlet.com/mariiak541/ucjdzgej1y3lrnk5/wish/1763701473 https://padlet.com/mariiak541/ucjdzgej1y3lrnk5/wish/1763717591 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.]]> 2021-09-23 17:49:32 UTC https://padlet.com/mariiak541/ucjdzgej1y3lrnk5/wish/1763717591 https://padlet.com/mariiak541/ucjdzgej1y3lrnk5/wish/1763758492 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?]]> 2021-09-23 18:06:49 UTC https://padlet.com/mariiak541/ucjdzgej1y3lrnk5/wish/1763758492 https://padlet.com/mariiak541/ucjdzgej1y3lrnk5/wish/1763767801 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.]]> 2021-09-23 18:10:30 UTC https://padlet.com/mariiak541/ucjdzgej1y3lrnk5/wish/1763767801 https://padlet.com/mariiak541/ucjdzgej1y3lrnk5/wish/1763849258 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.]]> 2021-09-23 18:48:39 UTC https://padlet.com/mariiak541/ucjdzgej1y3lrnk5/wish/1763849258 https://padlet.com/mariiak541/ucjdzgej1y3lrnk5/wish/1763879771 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.

 ]]> 2021-09-23 19:04:52 UTC https://padlet.com/mariiak541/ucjdzgej1y3lrnk5/wish/1763879771 https://padlet.com/mariiak541/ucjdzgej1y3lrnk5/wish/1763922149 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.]]> 2021-09-23 19:27:50 UTC https://padlet.com/mariiak541/ucjdzgej1y3lrnk5/wish/1763922149 https://padlet.com/mariiak541/ucjdzgej1y3lrnk5/wish/1763939114 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. ]]> 2021-09-23 19:37:42 UTC https://padlet.com/mariiak541/ucjdzgej1y3lrnk5/wish/1763939114 https://padlet.com/mariiak541/ucjdzgej1y3lrnk5/wish/1763963883 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. ]]> 2021-09-23 19:53:26 UTC https://padlet.com/mariiak541/ucjdzgej1y3lrnk5/wish/1763963883