First four things to do after reaching your destination in Germany

Image source: drj

Follow this order for easy processing

1. Enroll in university and International office

Carry all the stipulated documents by the university for student enrollment. In some universities students are asked to register in International office separately. In many German universities a buddy program is offered for international students to get accustomed with the local culture and traditions. Inquire for any such options in your Uni and don't miss the opportunity to interact with the local students. 

Many universities will ask for the health insurance subscription certificate, you can get this from your insurance service provider. It can be submitted on the later dates. 

2. Bank account activation

Visit the nearest Deutsche Bank branch with your bank details and admission letter. You will be guided through the activation procedure by the bank officials. It wouldn't cost you much of the time. It would take at least a week for the account activation. So be sure that you bring some cash with you for the initial costs like paying the caution deposit for the house and daily needs (roughly 300-500 Euros). 

3. Health Insurance subscription (mandatory)

Bank details and student enrollment form should be submitted for initiating the subscription.

AOK is a state run insurance service, it offers cash less service for all its users. They charge roughly 80€ per month for a student health insurance. AOK pays only for certain limited general medicines, so users have to bear their medicines cost. Though there are also some private insurance players providing the services much cheaper than AOK, they have no cashless option. So user have to pay the bill first and then should claim for the money. Many of them will even pay for certain medicines. 

Generally one's subscribed, its not possible to change your service provider till the completion of your education. As a student you won't have lot of money with you in case of emergency, so its safe to subscribe for a cashless option. 

4. City Registration

Many cities will fix certain time frame for registration after arriving in the city, for example in Münich it is 2 weeks in Stuttgart 3 weeks etc., So in order to avoid fines, make sure that you register within first or in second week after your arrival.

But in some cases students wont have an accommodation at their arrival, then they can enroll with in 4-5 weeks after the arrival. (Consult local authorities or senior students for further information)  

- Rajesh Nelapati