Integrate

The best part of the experience is making friends from all over the world. Advice: leave your comfort zone...but really. Hang out with Germans, even if you don't know the language, you will learn if you make even the smallest effort. Hang out with the French guys, their humor transcends any language/cultural barrier. Hang with the spicy Spanish, hospitable Italians, etc. Don't be a tourist all the time.

I have also learned how little a person needs to get by in terms of clothing and possessions. But make sure (for winter semester) pack warm-- *layers. Coming from California, I thought how cold could it really be? Answer: Cold. But Hamburg does not get very much snow, only a lot of slush. So bring shoes that will keep your feet dry-- (for winter semester//summer semester weather has been pretty descent).

Food is cheap. Beer is cheap :). I've spent on average 50-70 euros per month on groceries, but that's scraping by. Everyone's needs are different. From the groceries you buy to the life-long friends you will make, your experience is 100% what you make of it. Classes at university are only one small factor. As an art student, HAW gives students a lot of freedom. So it's up to you if you want to learn something.

Really be where you are at the present time, and savor and enjoy every moment of it.