University of Potsdam Reviews and Ratings: Student Reviews, Campus Reviews, Faculty Reviews

It was good.

The working culture here is super relaxed. Saturday and sundays are completly work free. Proffessors and group leader are also very cooperative. I feel very much comfortable in implimenting my own ideas in to research which I find best part of me being here.

The German universities have very different academic system compared to US and India. Their academic institutions are decentralized in decision making, research, and teaching. That means, only your advisor is responsible for your PhD with zero interference from the department and the institute. Teaching also goes like that. The department rarely decides on something regarding your research evaluation. It gives you a lot of research freedom and lesser stress. The work culture is also really cool. It is a norm that you don't work beyond work hours and on the weekends. The professors respect students in the same way as they respect their colleagues. Plus, German culture has a lot to teach Indian students, e.g., respecting other's time, discipline, work integrity. Overall, it was a wonderful experience for me.