First-Week Checklist | Student Hub

German bureaucracy is extremely strict about the sequence of events. Follow this interactive checklist exactly in order. We save your progress automatically!

Phase 1: Before Departure (In India)

Print "The Master Folder": Print 3 physical copies of: Passport, Visa, Admission Letter, Blocked Account Confirmation, Health Insurance, and Accommodation Proof. German officials love paper. Get a Forex Card: Get a card with zero markup (e.g., Niyo Global) for your first few days of expenses before your German bank account is active. Download Essential Apps: Install DB Navigator (for trains) and download an offline Google Map of your destination city. Pack Essentials: A universal power adapter and essential spices/a small pressure cooker for your first weeks.

Phase 2: First 3 Days (Arrival)

Buy a Prepaid SIM Card: Pick up an Aldi Talk or Lidl Connect starter pack from a supermarket and activate it (requires a video call verification with your passport). Navigate Transport: Figure out the local transport zones and buy a weekly pass (or setup the Deutschlandticket on your DB Navigator app). Locate your local Discounter: Find your nearest Aldi, Penny, Lidl, or Netto for affordable groceries. Learn the Trash System: Understand Paper (Papier), Organic (Bio), Plastic (Gelber Sack), and General Waste (Restmüll) to avoid heavy fines from your landlord.

Phase 3: First 2 Weeks (The Bureaucracy)

Crucial: Do these strictly in order!

Step 1: Anmeldung (City Registration). Go to the Bürgeramt (City Hall) with your Wohnungsgeberbestätigung (landlord confirmation) to register your address. Nothing else works until you have this paper! Step 2: Open a Bank Account. Open a traditional bank account (e.g., Sparkasse) using your new Anmeldung document and passport. Avoid N26 initially as it requires a physical residence permit. Step 3: Unblock Your Money. Provide your German bank details and Anmeldung to your blocked account provider (Expatrio, Fintiba) to trigger your monthly payouts. Step 4: Activate Health Insurance. Send your German address to your insurance provider (TK, AOK) so they can mail your physical health insurance card. Step 5: Finalize University Enrollment. Submit your local address and insurance status to the university to complete your matriculation. Step 6: Keep your Tax ID safe. Your Steueridentifikationsnummer will arrive by post 2-3 weeks after your Anmeldung. You need this to get a part-time job.

Phase 4: First Month (Settling In)

Book Visa Extension Appointment: Getting an appointment at the Ausländerbehörde takes months. Book an appointment now to convert your entry visa into a residence permit. Sort out the Radio Tax (Rundfunkbeitrag): You will receive a letter demanding €18.36/month. Either register to pay it, or link your account to your flatmate who is already paying it. Ignoring this leads to heavy fines. Setup Liability Insurance (Haftpflichtversicherung): Highly recommended in Germany. It costs ~€3/month and saves you from paying thousands if you accidentally break someone else's property. Find a Second-Hand Bike: Search Kleinanzeigen for a cheap bike to cut down on daily commute times.

Your First-Week Checklist

Phase 1: Before Departure (In India)

Phase 2: First 3 Days (Arrival)

Phase 3: First 2 Weeks (The Bureaucracy)

Phase 4: First Month (Settling In)