First Steps After Reaching Germany

Important things every international student should complete during the first weeks in Germany.

1️⃣ Find Accommodation (WG / Apartment)

Search rooms on WG-Gesucht or student dorm portals. Contact landlords, arrange viewing, and sign the rental contract.

2️⃣ Open a German Bank Account

Open a student bank account with banks like N26, Deutsche Bank, or Sparkasse. You will need your passport, address registration, and university admission.

3️⃣ University Enrollment (Immatrikulation)

Visit the university enrollment office with admission letter, health insurance proof, passport, and semester fee payment confirmation.

4️⃣ Public Transport Ticket

Most universities provide a semester ticket. Activate it to use buses, trams, and regional trains in your city.

5️⃣ German Health Insurance

Students must have health insurance. Public student plans from TK, AOK, or Barmer usually cost about €120 per month.

6️⃣ Register Address (Anmeldung)

Register your address at the local Bürgeramt within the first weeks of arrival. This registration is required for banking and other services.

7️⃣ Part-Time Job Search

Students can work 120 full days or 240 half days per year. Look for jobs in supermarkets, warehouses, cafés, or university assistant roles.

8️⃣ File Taxes (Steuererklärung)

If you work part-time, you can file a yearly tax return to recover part of the tax you paid.

Student Setup Guidance After Reaching Germany

Students from North Surat

Students from Katargam, Amroli, Varachha, Nana Varachha and Sarthana often ask about accommodation, city registration and student life setup after reaching Germany.

South Surat Students Going to Germany

Students from Udhana, Pandesara, Dindoli, Limbayat and Sachin frequently contact us for guidance about accommodation and initial setup after arriving in Germany.