It’s normal if you haven’t found a flat. It’s normal if you have to hop around to 3 or 4 before landing a long-term contract. Of course this is nuts! Where else in the world is it like this? (really, I would love to know in the comments below!)
Before we dig in: I made this nifty little spreadsheet to help you keep things organized. Feel free to make a copy for yourself.
I found my first flat before I arrived. I had never been to Berlin before, I knew nobody, I couldn’t speak German and I came here only to get the Freelancer’s Visa, so I wasn’t sure how long I’d stay. I googled it, found a website, selected an offer and that was it. Too easy? yes, definitely. What I discovered upon arrival was that I was living far away from where I wanted to be and I was paying more than double the average rent.