You've landed.
Here's what to do next.

Reach your accommodation and confirm check-in with landlord or dorm

Get a local transport card or buy a day pass to orient yourself

Buy essentials: toiletries, food, bedding if not provided

Keep your passport, visa, and admission letter accessible at all times

Locate the nearest pharmacy, supermarket, and public transport stop

Rest — jet lag is real and the admin sprint starts soon

Book an appointment online at your city's Bürgeramt (often books out weeks in advance — do this immediately)

Obtain Wohnungsgeberbestätigung from your landlord — written confirmation of your tenancy (mandatory document for Anmeldung)

Bring: passport, visa, landlord confirmation, completed Anmeldeformular (registration form — download from city website)

Receive your Anmeldebestätigung (registration confirmation) — keep multiple copies

Buy a prepaid SIM at the airport or any electronics store (Saturn, MediaMarkt) or phone shop

Recommended prepaid providers for new arrivals: Aldi Talk, Lidl Connect, o2 Free

Avoid long contracts before Anmeldung — you need a registered address for most contracts

A basic SIM with 5–10GB data for €10–15/month is sufficient initially

Check if your university area has good coverage with the provider

Activate your blocked account — contact your provider (Fintiba, Expatrio, Deutsche Bank) to unlock monthly releases

Open a current (Girokonto) account — required for salary, rent, and day-to-day use

Online banks: N26, DKB, or Bunq work for most students — no branch needed

Traditional option: Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank — some students prefer branch access

You will need: passport, Anmeldebestätigung (registration confirmation), and sometimes enrollment certificate

Some banks require Anmeldung before account opening. Complete city registration first.

Confirm your health insurance is active from your arrival date — check with your provider

Public student insurance (TK, AOK, Barmer, DAK, etc.) — ~€110/month for students under 25 studying full-time

Your university will require proof of health insurance before enrollment

If you purchased travel insurance: check if it covers the enrollment period or if you need to switch to public insurance

Submit all required documents to the Studentensekretariat (registrar's office) — check your admission letter for the list

Pay the semester contribution (Semesterbeitrag) — covers admin + often semester transport ticket

Receive your student ID (Studentenausweis) — use it for discounts everywhere

Activate your university email address — this is your official communication channel

Register for courses through the university portal (usually opens in first week)

Locate your department, lecture halls, and library

Book an appointment with the Ausländerbehörde (foreigner's office) as early as possible — wait times can be 4–8 weeks

Required documents typically: passport + visa, Anmeldebestätigung, enrollment certificate, proof of financial means (blocked account or bank statement), health insurance proof, biometric photo

Your student visa lets you stay while waiting for the residence permit appointment — do not panic if the appointment is far out

Once approved, you receive the Aufenthaltserlaubnis — a physical card — this is your long-term permission to stay

Check if your semester ticket (Semesterticket) covers public transport — many universities include this in the semester contribution

If not covered: get a monthly transport subscription or use day passes initially

Grocery stores: ALDI, LIDL (budget), REWE, EDEKA (mid-range), Kaufland (larger range)

Useful apps: DB Navigator (trains), Google Maps (transit), Too Good To Go (cheap food), Kleinanzeigen (second-hand goods)

Student discounts: always show student ID — museums, cinema, software, transport

Apply for your Steuer-ID (tax identification number) — arrives by post within 2–4 weeks of Anmeldung

You cannot legally receive salary without a Steuer-ID — apply as soon as Anmeldung is complete

Prepare your German CV (Lebenslauf) — use Europass format

Set up your bank account before starting work — salary must be paid to a German account

Practice basic German for workplace communication — even B1 opens more doors

Check your university's job board and HiWi listings