The Blog — Lab Rat Abroad

Smoking, and smoking public in particular, is far more common in Germany than you might be used to as an American who first arrives over here. Whether it's at bars, the outside seating areas of restaurants, the "smoking rooms" of a club, or just on the street in general, smoking is far more socially and legally accepted. As a result, cigarette machines are a common enough sight, be it in the back of a restaurant or bar, on the side of a building, or just free standing in some residential areas.

German Law and YouStephen EnosJuly 5, 2018Cigarettes, Smoking, Cigarette Machines, TobaccoComment

There's No Ice In My Drinks!

Why is there no ice in my drinks? Why can't I find ice at the grocery store? Where on God's green Earth are the ice trays to be found? Hi! Welcome to life in Germany! Here in Germany, most people don't have their drinks with ice in them unless it's a cocktail at a bar that specifically calls for it, and if you're looking to make it to keep it at home, you may be in for a surprise.

CultureStephen EnosJune 6, 2018Ice, Drinks, Cold Drinks, Water, Mineral Water, RestaurantsComment

What To Look For In A German Flat

If you are studying or working in Germany long term, you're going to end up going flat (British English!) hunting at some point after you arrive. While most apartment hunting checklist points are the same between the U.S. and Germany, there are some points which are more specific to Germany that are worth keeping an eye out for.

How ToStephen EnosMay 27, 2018Flat, Apartment, House Hunting, Apartment Hunting, Flat Hunting, WGComment

The Doors Are Always Closed, It's Fine.

Germany is not the biggest fan of open door plans. Okay, let me clarify: every room has a door, every door has a lock, and Germans like to make liberal use of both. Regardless of whether it's the living room, kitchen, or even two parts of a hallway, the doors are there and likely closed. If you're going to an office or university building, even during "open" hours, the doors will be closed and likely locked up as well. What do you do about this?

CultureStephen EnosMay 24, 2018Doors, Privacy, Home Comment

How To Register For University Classes

If you are going to be studying abroad in Germany, unless you are part of a program which specifically registers your in advance for specific courses or a plan of study, you will have to register after you arrive in Germany. When you do so, depending on the university and the timing of your arrival, how you go about this will likely be different than you are used to back home.

Studying in GermanyStephen EnosMay 23, 2018Course Registration, Language Courses, Classes, Module, SeminarComment

Writing German Addresses

Something as simple as writing a letter can't be that much different from how we do it in the U.S., can it be? Well, no, not terribly off, but enough that you can create a minor headache for yourself or the Deutsche Post work who has to process your package or card.

How ToStephen EnosMay 22, 2018Mail, Address, Ort, Platz, City, Shipping Comment