If you are an expat and want to feel in Germany like at home, then go outside and meet people. Try to meet local people – not only expats – and assimilate with them and their culture. This will help!
However, something that I find really astounding here in Munich, is that finding an apartment is harder than finding a job! This is so crazy.
My name is Mateusz, I’m 28 and come originally from Bedzin in Poland (60km from Cracow :)). I finished my Mechanical Engineering masters and a post-graduate studies in Project Management in Poland. After that, I worked more than four years in the German automotive industry and have lived here in Germany for almost three years now.
I quit my job recently to follow my entrepreneurial spirit and am working full-time on my startup with my friends: doido – delegate your tasks. We are working on a platform and mobile application to help expats and local communities to help each other to save either money or time. You can delegate your task to a local community and get it done by local people or small companies, who are looking for small jobs.
There are a few things that I really like living here in Munich. First, here is the best beer in the whole universe: the one and only Augustiner!
I enjoy cycling every day: 365 days per year, even in winter because the bicycle roads are great. I love the way it’s organised.
I also like meeting other expats, who are mostly open-minded people from different countries and cultures.
And one cannot forget the holidays… Especially here in Bayern: 30 days of leave plus around 12 “Feiertagen” every year.
There are also a few things that I don’t like in Germany… One of them being Bavarian food… But also German “chaos” – Sometimes, I missed the “improvisation” at work. Not everything has to be perfect and we don’t always have to spend one week to make a decision. 😉
Another thing is going to the doctor… I have the impression that most of them have no idea what they are doing and are not really trying to help you.
Finally, something that I find really astounding is that finding an apartment in Munich is harder than finding a job! This is so crazy. My first visit in a flat that I wanted to rent was with 60 other (sic!) people at the same time. The flat was without a kitchen and in a poor location… To find a flat of 60sqm is totally insane here.
Three tips that helped me to find a flat as an expat: first, go to visit with german friends; second, always call when you see a new offer online and, third, prepare a “package” to send to landlord (CV, social media profiles, your history etc.). You can find out more about that in my blog.
Despite all of that I feel hundred per cent accepted here in Germany. I feel safe everywhere in Munich and don’t think that somebody is treating me in a bad way. In my opinion, the key to success is to learn and communicate in German language. People will appreciate it.
Eve 
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