Hello everyone,

After a long long time, I have realized that I haven’t been writing at all. I also realized how much I miss it. So here I am taking my keyboard again…

Where have I been?

I finally graduated from uni, I know when I say finally it sounds like I have been studying for a long time. But nope, I finished my bachelor’s degree in 4 years. I believe I lived it fully. Cherished every time, laughed my way into graduation. I took a risk and leap of faith by applying an abroad traineeship through my school. Well, I got in and moved to Munich. I am working in the procurement office now in the European Patent Office in Munich. And believe me, it was one of those best decisions I have ever made in my life.

I think by now, we all know how much I like adventures, new chapters in my book. And Munich is one of them. Contrary to Istanbul, Munich is pretty calm and quiet. There is no rush in this city, and almost no traffic when you compared it with Istanbul. It is an expensive city to live in, so you need a reasonably good income to be able to live here. Well, the traineeship salary is not enough for that, I can say it openly. 

Let me give you guys some tips on living in Munich or moving in here:

First of all, if you are moving here in September, believe me, you need to start looking months ahead like 4-5 months. And if you find something and you like it and the price is relatively good do not hesitate to pay 1 month more rent if it means that you can secure the place. Because September is crazy in Munich. Students come in, jobs start, and the amazing Oktoberfest happens leaving you no choice but to pay double for a place in September and early October. So, get your place in advance secure it and relax, enjoy Oktoberfest.

The public transportation works smooth, you can rely on that. Almost everywhere is in 30-40 minutes to reach approximately. You might prefer biking which is amazing, but buying a monthly ticket is I think essential here. And if you are a student or a trainee you can apply for the discount card, which will cost you like 7-8% less than usual. Also, when I say biking is amazing, be aware that the bike traffic in Munich is pretty scary at some points. You will get used to it in 2 weeks probably but be careful with bikes. 

Once you settle in your apartment you have to go to the Burgerburo to apply for Anmeldung which is a registration of address that you are supposed to do. There are 6 burros that you can go to Munich. What is essential is that ask your landlord in advance for the required paper. And get there as early as possible and wait in the line. This will be the easiest way to handle it. And there is a church tax, that you have to pay if you state that you are Christian. 

After 3 months late, you will receive a post telling you to pay for the Tv/Radio tax. It is called a Rundfunkbeitrag and each house has to pay for it. Mostly the houses here are shared thereby the flatmates share the cost which is 17.50 Euro per month. 

In Munich, the plastic bags in the stores cost money. So, you should have your bags while you are shopping. Be environmentally conscious. Also, there will be a phand on most of the plastic bottles you are buying. You can recycle them in the stores and get a coupon that can be used only in that branch of the store while shopping again. Another important thing is that do not forget to separate your trash. The papers, the tin cans, and the rest of the trash. You can recycle further and use the recycling tans outside on the streets. 

I think these are the essentials that you should know before coming in and the rest you will get used to it / learn it by living. Munich is a great place to live with tons of opportunities. It is also one of the safest cities in the World. You can be just calm and in peace here.  

See you next time, I will be enjoying the Munich life but hopefully, I will be back soon this time…