Students enter a dynamic world of study on their first day in Germany. University corridors are buzzing with excitement as students anticipate new connections and fresh experiences. The combination of German precision and warm hospitality creates the start of a rewarding academic experience in which curiosity thrives and worldwide connections await.
Transportation from Airport, how can I travel right after landing on the airport and how I can save cash on that?
Students who came just right out of the airport needs to know what are the available options for them to travel. Instead of paying for your tickets for every journey. We would recommend you to use the 1-day ticket from DB. They are the public transportation organization handling in Germany, ranging from trains, buses and trams. Each region has their own price hence, look after the prices accordingly. You can travel unlimited number of times in the public transportation (Trams, U-Bahns, S-Bahns, Buses and Regional Bahns/expresses) with this ticket in the region for a day till 12 AM.
How can I pay for my transportation?
You can pay with international debit card or cash in their staff less counters or book online ahead. Just check if the trains you ride on is actually handled by DB as you don’t want to travel in private train organizations as the ticket isn’t valid to use there.
However, they also need to properly register along to German rules and regulations. Here’s a list of things a student must do in their list of necessities to live with the law:
Register your address
Assuming that you have already looked to an apartment and previously settled an agreement with the landlord. Go to the local municipality office and apply for Anmeldung.
What documents do I need?
- Proof of Identity (ID or a valid passport)
- Visa (attached with Passport)
- Signed registration form/ Appointment order (varies from place to place, look up in their website before proceeding)
- Notarized rent contract/ Wohnungsgeberbestätigun
Open a bank account
With a registered address, you’ll receive your registration papers with which you can open a bank account. However, not all banks are open to non-EU countries nor they are free to open for students. Some require Residence Permit which won’t be available before 90 days of staying. Check with local students on what banks they are using and proceed with your selection. You will mostly need the same documents as listed above. Wait for an official confirmation letter and card from the bank in your home post box (Don’t forget to put in your name tag on it) Send the verification to your blocked account partner.
- Which is better? Online or Offline banks?
It depends on your needs. If you’re comfortable with trusting banks that has no physical customer office, go for online banks. However physical offline banks provide more credibility and options to deposit/cash money from their ATMs which is limited to online banks
Register for Health Insurance
If you have joint public health insurance membership with your blocked account partner (i.e.: Expatrio or Coracle etc.) then simply upload all your necessary documents and bank data (IBAN). Wait for the email confirmation and rest assured they will provide your health insurance card to your residence. You can also ask for your sozialversicherungsnummer from your Health Insurance provider.
- Which is better? Public or Private Health Insurance?
Because public health insurance is required, you will be eligible for it regardless of your income. Naturally, your public health insurance covers just a subset of medical requirements. If your wages above a certain threshold, you can pursue private health insurance to cover more medical requirements
Physical Enrolment (If necessary)
If you have already sent your enrollment documents through post, then you can skip this step and update your German address in your university portal. They will send your respective college ID proof by post or by collection depending on your university. If you have to enroll after coming to Germany, prepare your notarized documents before coming to Germany.
Get a local German SIM card
can apply online or offline depending on your needs.
- What kind of SIM card would you recommend? Where can I buy SIM cards?
Price-wise, the SIM cards sold by discounters (Aldi, Netto, Lidl) are cheapest. SIM cards can be bought from supermarkets, telecom stores, large electronics stores, and online.
German Bharatham 