Essentials
Anmeldung
Registering your address (Anmeldung) is the first and most important step after arriving in Germany. This guide explains the process, required documents, how to book a Termin, and common mistakes to avoid.
Health Insurance
Learn the differences between public and private plans, compare TK, AOK, and Barmer, and understand which option fits your situation.
SIM Cards
Choosing a SIM card in Germany can be confusing. We compare prepaid and contract options from Telekom, Congstar, O2, and Lidl, including eSIM availability and student-friendly plans.
Bank Accounts
A German bank account is essential for daily life. Learn the differences between N26, Vivid, and traditional banks like Sparkasse and Commerzbank, plus what documents you need and what traps to avoid.
Residence Permit
After Anmeldung and health insurance, you’ll need to apply for your student residence permit. This overview covers required documents, booking an Ausländerbehörde appointment, and processing tips.
University System
Get an overview of how German universities work—from types of institutions (Uni, FH, dual study) to degree structures, semesters, credits, and how students study and live on campus.
Housing & Accommodation
WG, Dorm or Studio
Learn the differences between WGs, student dormitories, and private studios. Compare costs, facilities, living atmosphere, and which option fits your lifestyle and budget.
Rental Websites
A comparison of Germany’s most popular housing platforms: WG-Gesucht, ImmoScout24, eBay Kleinanzeigen, and official student dorm websites. Learn where students actually find rooms.
Avoid Rental Scams
Rental scams are common on housing platforms. This guide explains common tricks, how to verify offers, how to identify fake landlords, and how to protect your deposit.
Understanding Rental Contracts
German rental contracts can be confusing—cold rent vs. warm rent, Nebenkosten, deposit rules, and termination clauses. Here is every important term explained for students.
Moving Out
Ending a rental contract requires proper notice, cleaning, key return, and sometimes repairs. Learn how to avoid extra charges and get your deposit back smoothly.
Smoke Detectors
Smoke detectors are mandatory in most German states. Understand how they work, who maintains them, what to do when they beep, and how to avoid fines.
Life & Survival Skills
Supermarkets
A practical guide to Germany’s major supermarkets—REWE, Lidl, Aldi, and Kaufland—plus monthly living cost breakdowns and tips on where to save money as a student.
Transportation Guide
Understand how public transport works across different German states, how to use your Semester Ticket, and money-saving tips with DB, monthly passes, and the €49 ticket.
Healthcare System
A student-friendly guide to the German healthcare system—how to make appointments, family doctor vs specialists, when you need to pay, and how emergency treatment works.
Dental Care
Dental treatments in Germany can be expensive. Learn what health insurance covers, how to book dental appointments, expected costs, and how to reduce out-of-pocket fees.
Buying Medicine & Using Prescriptions
A simple guide to German pharmacies, prescription rules, over-the-counter medicines, and how insurance handles medication costs for students.
Emergencies
What to do in emergencies in Germany—from scams and harassment to theft or threats. Learn how to call the police, contact help centers, and protect yourself as a student.
Social, Culture & Mental Health
Cultural Differences
Learn Germany’s unique communication style, social norms, punctuality culture, and how academic expectations differ from other countries.
Quickly Intergrating
Practical tips for making friends, joining activities, finding student clubs, and building a social life that helps you feel at home in Germany.
Mental Health
Studying abroad can be stressful. Learn how to manage academic pressure, loneliness, cultural shock, and where to get emotional or psychological support.
Finding Activities & Hobbies
Sports clubs, music groups, university events—discover where to find activities, meet people with similar interests, and participate in local culture.
German Stereotypes & Cultural Taboos
Understand common stereotypes about Germans, what topics to avoid, why punctuality matters, and how to navigate sensitive cultural areas respectfully.
Building Confidence & Communication Skills
Living in a new country can make communication difficult. This guide helps you build confidence in daily interactions, improve your German, and communicate naturally in social and academic settings.
Legal, Documents & Important Procedures
Understanding Rundfunk
Rundfunk is Germany’s broadcasting fee, and every household receives a letter. Learn whether students must pay, how exemptions work, and how to avoid scams or fake collection notices.
Waste Sorting
Germany’s recycling system is strict and confusing. This guide explains Yellow Bag, Paper, Bio, Restmüll, bottle deposits, and everyday sorting rules for new residents.
Use Post, DHL & Hermes
A beginner-friendly guide to sending letters and packages in Germany—how DHL and Hermes work, how to print labels, package sizes, and where to drop items off.
Tax
Every resident needs a Tax ID. Learn how to find yours, register for ELSTER, understand tax classes, and claim refunds even as a student with part-time jobs.
Permanent Residency & Naturalization
A simple introduction to Germany’s permanent residency and citizenship pathways—requirements, language levels, timelines, and what international students should plan ahead.
German Learning Strategy
A complete learning strategy for mastering German—from A1 basics to B2 academic level. Includes study tips, recommended resources, and exam preparation (TestDaF, DSH).
