I'm also leaving (the UK) for Berlin to start doings this come April.. Can't wait.

Good luck. Berlin is one of the greatest cities. If you get homesick, the Sony Center in Potsdamer Platz, shows american movies in english. Be sure to check the times of the Fernsehturm in Alexander platz- we were there 3 months and because we didn't make a specific plan to do so, never got a chance to go up the tower.

Also, if you go to Checkpoint Charlie, the Museum there is pretty good, and big, but during peak hours it is extremely crowded and this detracts from the experience. Worth trying to go in off hours for that one.

Also the DDR Museum is really great, as is the Berlin City Museum. Especially if you've an interest in the soviet era.