So, your partner got that dream job. They got an awesome package, will work with the latest tech in a trendy workspace with office puppies, a fridge full of Club Mate and maybe even a chocolate fountain, who knows.
But. What about you?
Moving to a new city for work can be one of the most challenging moments in your life. Relocating to a new city for a partner is no less challenging.
Here at Caissa, we have been helping tech professionals and their families relocate to Berlin for the past decade. Actually, most of us have lived in multiple locations, and we’ve experienced the relocation process on our own skin.
We are sharing wisdom on relocation to Berlin daily with our applicants, and it is time to put it down on a paper. Well, digital paper. Here are some of our favorite tips and suggestions to keep on your radar while finding your feet in Berlin.
REINVENT YOURSELF.
So, you quit your previous job and are on lookout for a new role. Why not reinvent yourself? This could be a chance to shake things up. How about trying some of these online courses:
- Skillshare: an online learning community with thousands of classes in design, visual arts, business, tech, and more.
- Udemy: a global marketplace for online learning with a library of over 65,000 courses taught by expert instructors, mostly in the field of software and development.
- Lynda: an online learning platform that helps anyone learn business, software, technology and creative skills
- If you are looking for more conventional education, check out The 50 best free online university courses according to the data
And if you feel committed, you might consider getting a degree. Did you know that higher education in Germany is free? Besides, there are plenty of student discounts.
LEARN THE LOCAL LANGUAGE
- Tandem
- Duolingo
- Babbel
Language school. Learn and meet new people who share a similar path. Revolutionary.
If you are applying for a residence permit in Germany, the Migration Office can give you a discount on attending an integration + language course. And the Employment Agency might even pay for your Professional language course!
KEEP THE DISCIPLINE
Approach building your new life like a job. No PJ’s all day and binge watching Game of Thrones, it’s a slippery slope. Create a routine, set clear goals for the day, week, month. Our top picks:
- Our colleague Lily is the master of Trello
- Wunderlist — loved by Konstanty
- Evernote — half of Dominika’s brain
- Pomodoro — favourite topping for pizza and a great tool on getting things done for Olha and Ionut
- Ewelina and Aga swear by the analogue approach — post-it notes!
SOCIALIZE
Book club, tap dancing, UX, mushroom picking… whatever is it you might be into, possibly there is some community sharing your passion. Find your crowd here: meetup.com
Join group of expat’s and exchange your fun stories on dealing with the bureaucracy, crazy locals and intricacies of German language: Berlin Expats
HAVE FUN!
Museums, galleries, parks, festivals.
- Embrace the re-circular economy of Berlin in flea markets. So many flea markets.
- Urban Sport Membership that gives you access to 430 venues in Berlin
- 10 Cool and Alternative Things to Do in Berlin (That Won’t Break the Bank)
