hey there, i'll pobably be arriving in september but right now i fell kind of wierd about the program. on the german discussion board i read a lot about partying, that people get drukn every day and don't do single other thing than drinking. i will be 20 when i arrive, so will not be allowed to drink yet. are there really all those parties goin on or is it mostly crap what they say here in the boards? people must get a wrong expression of germany... thanks for every reply,
Lol NOT everyone parties, and NOT everyone drinks! I'm usually too tired to go to parties, even though this is only my first week! So who knows what I'll be like when I actually start work! Most of the time our appartment is either sleeping or at classes or working, or sat in front of the TV.
Collin, Don't be too worried. Yes there is drinking, yes there is underage drinking as well. Yes there is marijuana. It's all about common sense and knowing your limit. At the commons, if you want to party every night, you can probably find one. If you don't want to drink/party, that's ok too! I can't stress that enough. Don't be worried about being shunned for not wanting to party a lot or drink. If people aren't alright with your choices, do you really want to be friends with them anyway? There were plenty of nights I didn't drink but hung out with those who did and they didn't care. I think you need to seek out people who are cool with your choices, but be open to those that aren't. There are a lot of people on this board that talk about "Why would you drink underage, that's so stupid! No wonder that person was termed yadda yadda." But the thing is, the people who write this haven't even been and to me sound pretty judgemental. Being completely honest, I drank underage, yes I know it was stupid but like I said, it's about knowing your limit. I wouldn't have protested if they had sent me home, yes I did something wrong. I walked home pretty drunk, but quiet & calm, past security plenty of times and they never said anything. The people who got termed were the people falling all over the place, acting totally obnoxious, causing lots of noise, challenged security. Yes it can be a little "high-school" like, but this is the case many times in life. Every pavilion jokes about it. I think if you are open, friendly, adaptable, and, secure with yourself, you'll be fine!!!! It's a work-hard, play-hard situation, and it's all up to you how you spend it. You will see once you arrive. In the meantime, don't worry yourself sick my friend! What you put into the experience is what you will get out of the experience. Gibbs is very right, the work can be exhausting, that's why it's good only 2 days of the week are designated Pleasure Island party nights. Trust me, people don't get a wrong impression of Deutschland. I had a roommate and boyfriend who were German, and I made a lot of German friends because of it, all lovely people! Besides, there are people who give a wrong impression from every country Not sure if you have this saying, but "there are idiots everywhere you go"
I am german myself and had just the same doubts after reding the german board but i am sure there are people out there who dont drink till they drop nearly dead on the floor every night and who will party with lil old me ;D
