Top Student Checklist Before Moving to Germany

Moving to Germany for your studies is exciting, but there are a few important things you should take care of before you go. Planning ahead will make your move to study in Germany smoother and your experience more enjoyable. This guide will help you get ready and avoid any last-minute stress.

Moving to Germany for higher studies is an exciting but challenging journey. Germany is one of the most popular study abroad destinations for international students, for its world-class universities, affordable education, and vibrant student life. But before you pack your bags, there are several important steps you must take to ensure a smooth transition. 

From getting your student visa for Germany to setting up a blocked account and securing student accommodation, careful preparation is the key to a successful start.

The article includes the top 5 things every student should do before moving to Germany. Whether you're pursuing a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD program, these tips will help you avoid common mistakes and start your academic journey in Germany with confidence.

1. Secure Accommodation Early

Finding student accommodation in Germany is one of the most important—and often most challenging—tasks for international students, especially in major cities like Berlin, Munich, or Frankfurt. The demand for affordable housing is high, and student dormitories and apartments can get booked months in advance.

Why It's Crucial

• Proof of accommodation is required for your German student visa application.
• Dorms and student housing fill up months in advance.

Where to Start

• Apply for student dormitories immediately after getting your admission letter. Dorms are cheap, well-connected, and close to the university — but the waiting lists are long.
• Search for shared apartments (WGs) on sites like WG-Gesucht, Immowelt, Immonet, and HousingAnywhere.
• Join Facebook groups, Reddit threads, or university WhatsApp groups to connect with current students.

Tips to Avoid Scams

• Never send money to a landlord without seeing the apartment or verifying the contract.
• Ask someone in the city or university to check the apartment if you can’t visit yourself.

If the deal looks too good to be true, it probably is a scam.

2. Learn German – Start Before You Arrive

Even if you’re enrolled in an English-taught program in Germany, learning German is extremely helpful. Whether it’s for everyday conversations or dealing with official procedures, basic German language skills will make your life in Germany easier.

• Increases your chances of finding part-time jobs in Germany for students
• Helps you communicate at local government offices (for city registration, residence permit, etc.)
• Makes it easier to understand rental contracts and university paperwork
• Helps you integrate into German culture and build friendships

Where to Learn

• Free apps like Duolingo, DW Learn German, and YouTube German lessons
• Enroll in A1–B1 or A1–B2 fast-track German courses online
• Check if your German university offers free German language classes, even if your program is in English

What to Focus On First

• Daily-use phrases, greetings, and small talk
• Vocabulary related to shopping, banking, and public transport in Germany`
• Reading and understanding rental contracts and official letter

Learning German doesn’t happen overnight. Start now and build consistency.

3. Cooking Skills – Save Time, Money & Health

Eating out in Germany can be expensive. Knowing how to cook simple meals is not only a survival skill, but also a great way to save money as an international student in Germany.

What You Should Learn

• Cook 5–7 basic dishes (both veg and non-veg)
• Learn to cook in small portions
• Master efficient batch cooking to meal-prep for the week

Where to Shop

Germany has many affordable supermarkets:

• REWE
• Lidl
• Aldi
• Netto

Also, explore Indian/Asian stores for spices and specialty items. Cooking can help you eat healthier, feel at home, and socialize with flatmates.

4. Financial Preparation – Blocked Account, Insurance & Cash

Handling your student finances in Germany is critical. From setting up your blocked account for the German visa to having cash on arrival, money matters need early attention.

a) Blocked Account + Health Insurance

In 2025, the minimum required blocked account amount is €11,904. Choose a provider that is safe, reliable, and recognized by the German Foreign Office.

Why We Recommend Expatrio:

• Full €69 blocked account setup fee refunded
• Free incoming health insurance (worth €95) for visa
• Up to €90 cashback with TK Flex health insurance
• Free German bank account and digital ISIC student ID
• Instant payouts with Apple/Google Pay compatibility
• Student loans available via tie-up with ICICI Bank (India)

Expatrio’s Value Package covers everything you need to land and settle smoothly.

b) Carry Cash for Initial Expenses

More than 50% of transactions in Germany are still done in cash. Carrying €500–€600 when you land will help you with:

• Public transport passes
• Initial groceries and SIM card
• Any emergency expenses

Always keep your cash in hand and store it safely during travel.

5. Carry All Essential Documents

Don’t assume digital copies will be enough. German bureaucracy often requires original paper copies — especially during city registration, visa appointments, and university enrollment.

Documents to Carry

• Passport and visa
• Admission letter and enrollment proof
• Blocked account confirmation
• Health insurance certificate
• Academic certificates and transcripts
• Birth certificate
• Passport-size photos (white background, matte finish)
• Medical prescriptions and history
• COVID vaccination proof, if required

Why Prescriptions Matter

Without a valid Indian prescription, you may need to revisit a German doctor and repeat the diagnosis before getting the same medicine. This process is expensive and slow.

Organize your documents in waterproof folders and keep 2–3 hard copies of essentials.

Final Tips Before You Move to Germany

• Make a Germany student packing checklist (don’t forget adapters, warm clothes, kitchen items)
• Join student groups on WhatsApp, Telegram, or Facebook
• Keep your documents, blocked account, and housing confirmation handy during immigration
• Don’t stress—settling in Germany as a student takes time!

Moving to Germany is a big milestone, but preparation can make all the difference. From securing a place to live to understanding your financial requirements and legal paperwork, starting early is key.

By following these five essential steps — accommodation, German language prep, cooking, finances, and documentation — you’ll feel more confident and organized as you begin your new life in Germany.

Start preparing today — and make your transition to Germany smoother, safer, and more successful.