7 things to do before starting at a German University
Starting university is a big milestone. Germany is known for its excellent quality of education, for both native and international students. There is an average of 2.9 million students enrolled at higher education institutes across the country.
Student cities in Germany are a fascinating concept. There is Berlin or Munich or cologne: cities with large international populations, varied employment opportunities, and a cosmopolitan culture. Smaller cities such as Aachen, Chemnitz, and Passau also have sizeable student populations owing to the premier universities they house.
If you're starting a program at a German university in the near future, congratulations!
But what should you be doing before classes begin? It is easy to overlook some practical steps. From handling paperwork and sorting accommodation to preparing for your first lectures, there’s a lot to think about before the semester begins. In this article, we walk you through seven essential things that you have to tick off the check-list.
Anmeldung
One of the very first things new students must do is register their address (known as Anmeldung) at the local Bürgeramt.
This is the first step, after which you can open a local bank account or even purchase WiFi for your accommodation. According to Statista, around 78% of international students say the bureaucracy was one of their biggest early challenges in Germany. Reddit threads in r/studyingingermany echo this, with students advising to make an appointment weeks in advance, especially in larger cities. The demand for Anmeldung appointments tends to be the highest in March-April and in October, typically during the two intake periods of the year.
Krankenversicherung (Health Insurance)
Health insurance (Krankenversicherung) is mandatory for all students in Germany. A majority of students opt for public insurance providers like TK or AOK, which typically cost between €110 and €125 per month.
Many Reddit users mention that registering online before arrival can save significant time. Make sure to confirm that your plan covers the duration of your studies and matches university requirements. Insurance plans in Germany are fairly flexible, and can be altered to fit the individual needs of the student. Typically, your monthly insurance will cover any visits to the doctor, medicinal requirements, and surgical processes if needed.
Finding Accommodation
Student housing can be competitive: especially in cities such as Munich or Heidelberg, where demand far exceeds supply. This is especially true for the last few years, where an increasing number of international students have immigrated to popular university towns across Germany.
DAAD data shows that around 40% of international students manage to secure a place in student housing. The figure varies on a city-wide level. A high-demand city like Berlin, for example, lists only 5% of the total student population in university housing, a significant decrease from the national average of 10%. Student housing is a lot cheaper than other forms of accommodation, although the price ranges vary according to the city of residence. It is recommended that you start your housing search at least two months before arrival, using sites like WG-Gesucht or Studenten-WG. Other avenues include joining local Facebook groups to find shared flats (WGs).
Set up a bank account
Having a German bank account is crucial for paying rent, receiving scholarships, and handling daily expenses. Online banks like N26 or Revolut are popular among students for their English-language support and ease of use.
Popular German options include Stadtsparkasse, Deutsche Bank, and Commerzbank. They are well-known for their affordable student account options, and can support you through the process of setting up an account and placing an order for a girocard. Students in Germany use a mix of cash and card payments for daily life.
The increasing digitzation of payment options also makes it possible for students to pay via providers like PayPal.
University Documents and Student ID
Before classes start, ensure that your enrollment certificate (Immatrikulationsbescheinigung), student ID, and semester ticket are ready. The semester ticket is a pass you can use for public transport, for a six-monthly semester contribution fee at your university.
Many universities provide these digitally, but you might still need printed copies for administrative purposes. You can also use your ID to avail student-specific discounts on apps, restaurants, and cafes.
Locate your Campus
Most universities offer orientation weeks (Erstiwoche) to help students settle in. According to the German Rectors’ Conference (HRK), over 80% of universities organize such events. These are a great way to meet people, explore clubs (Fachschaften), and get to know local/uni-specific traditions.
The period of orientation is also designed to facilitate a better understanding of the course itself. You have the time to register for classes, acquaint yourself with the curriculum, and devise a routine for the rest of the semester. Professors usually set up an intro session as well: you can join in and get to know the scope of learning more closely.
Get familiar with the German language & culture
It is only logical that studying and living in Germany would require a good grasp of the local language and culture. Even if your program is in English, knowing some German goes a long way.
Many reports show that German language skills can benefit an individual in multiple ways: suitability for a wider scope of jobs after graduation, making more friends, assimilating within the culture more easily, and being able to communicate freely.
On Reddit, users often suggest using free apps like Duolingo or watching German YouTubers to pick up slang and pronunciation before arrival. Portals such as Lingoda offer private and group lessons curated to your existing levels. Almost every German university has a language school you can enroll in to continue your language learning alongside your studies. These language classes are free of charge.
Key Takeaways
Germany’s higher education landscape is vast and diverse, with over 400 officially recognized universities and around 2.9 million enrolled students (Statistisches Bundesamt, 2024). The figure is increasing each year.
Here are some key takeaways to keep in mind:
- Bureaucracy is unavoidable, but manageable. From Anmeldung to insurance, completing paperwork early saves stress. Book appointments well in advance. Make sure to keep digital AND physical copies of important documents.
- Finding a room is a race against time. Rent prices have risen by 6% in major German student cities since 2022. Start your search 2-3 months in advance.
- Health insurance is crucial. A monthly cost of nearly 125 euros may seem a bit steep for health insurance (especially on a student budget), but comprehensive coverage ensures peace of mind throughout your studies.
- Learning German is always a good idea. Common sense, of course. It will make finding part and full-time jobs much easier.
- Get social. Let's not forget that university is also a time to enjoy yourself, let loose, and make friends! Be active in your uni: join clubs, attend parties, sign up for events.