Trust Your Gut

During the week, Berlin is not that different from Boston when it comes to worrying about safety while out and about. Normal street smarts are pretty much the same everywhere: keep your wallet out of sight, keep your phone in your bag, etc. One of the huge things I normally do not worry about too much in Boston but had to in Berlin was my backpack. While on tours or on the way to class, it is so easy to get pickpocketed when you’re wearing a huge, chunky backpack. On the train, escalators, and large crowds I learned to keep my bags in front of me. The big tourist sights that have those huge groups of people are where you have to be the most aware of your surroundings just because it is a target area for thieves.

The nightlife and weekends are much more intense in Berlin and attracts large crowds because it is known for its dance clubs. It is important to go out in bigger groups and keep an eye on each other plus everyone’s belongings. Since our group was speaking English on the UBahn and on the sidewalks we were a potential target just because we were clearly visitors. As long as we stuck together we were fine. 

One thing that I learned while abroad was to really trust my gut. I explored the city a lot during the day by myself and did not feel unsafe. I learned how to navigate people who approached me on the streets without causing a fuss. Usually if you say you are going to meet friends and cannot stop they leave you alone. But if you are ever in a situation that makes you feel uncomfortable just leave or make a point to ask for help from someone else because I have found that other people are more than willing to help out if you need it. Other college-aged students that you see are usually a good bet to ask for help, directions, or just someone to stand with if you lose your group.