‘It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year’
Christmas traditions around the world
Werkblatt is the online magazine of studierendenWERK BERLIN. Here you can find all English articles. Get more exciting reports and stories in German on the German site!
You’re never too old for an Advent calendar!
As a child, advent calendars are always part of the pre-Christmas season, but also among students they are really popular. What is the history of this tradition? And to what extent are there trends or international specialties?
What the hell is Rundfunkbeitrag?
If you recently moved to Germany and had your place of residence registered, you surely will have received a letter about the so-called ‘Rundfunkbeitrag’. This means ‘license fee’. But what kind of license should you pay for?
“I Am.” An Art Exhibition
Emerging artists showcase a constellation of artworks that revolve around the theme of identity, and how identity influences their perception and conception of art.
Living Tiny
Minimalism isn’t just about Marie Kondo anymore. Tiny houses are supposed to be the homes of the future. But what’s it like to live in a tiny house? I tried it.
Student Self-Administration — Becoming an Advocate for the Community
When, almost five years ago, I moved into the hall of residence at Spandauer Damm, I was preoccupied with such thoughts: how do I connect with other students fast, and what’s the infamous campus life all about?
Traffic Lights for Healthy Meals
Since 2012, meals served at studierendenWERK’s canteens all over Berlin have been bearing a red, yellow, or green label. These so-called “gastronomic traffic lights” promote a balanced diet by pointing out the most wholesome food choices.
The Subtle Art of Staying Positive
Residence tutor Magdalena shares her personal experience on how to avoid the coronavirus blues.
Working students’ rights in times of coronavirus
Many students have lost their jobs due to the coronavirus pandemic and face an unprecedented precarious financial situation. Lawyer Frank Gust answers the most urgent questions for international students in these uncertain times.
Seasonal Depression: How to Cope with the Winter Blues
Feeling blue? You’re not alone. It’s just this time of the year in Berlin.
Culture Shock: Berlin Winter Blues
Autumn leaves have already started to fall down, days are getting colder and gloomier, and you want to sit at your warm and cozy home to read a book, or just lie in bed with your pyjamas on. Don’t worry, it’s just the normal Berlin winter blues
Learning for Life
70 percent of Berlin students have a side job. studierendenWERK offers various training courses and workshops for students that help them find employment, get along in the workplace and know their rights. We talked to coordinator Maria Dengel about the current programme.
Culture Shock: Gingerbread in September
It's 30 °C outside in September and you can find Christmas cookies, cakes and chocolates at the German supermarkets.
How to House-Hunt like a Pro
I attended “Tag des Wohnens 2019” (Day of Housing). Here are the key insider tips a student needs to know for successful house-hunting in Berlin.
Who won the volleyball tournament?
The volleyball tournament between the student halls of residence in Berlin is an event organised for students by the studierendenWERK BERLIN with the support of the residence tutors.
Culture Shock: Being a Grown-up
Studying in Germany requires being a grown-up: Students need to stand on their own feet and handle situations themselves.
Goodbye Berlin!
The semester ends, so their days in Berlin end, too.
Dos and Don’ts at your student residence
Living at the halls of residence with many different students in one place can be challenging at times. We asked two residence tutors and the administration manager for advice.
werkblatt