Anmeldung gates almost everything else, so do it first.

1. 🔵 Secure an address that the landlord will confirm in writing (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung).
2. 🔵 Book an Anmeldung appointment at the Bürgeramt as soon as you have a date to travel.
3. 🔵 Register within the deadline your city sets — commonly two weeks after moving in.
4. 🔵 Collect the registration certificate (Meldebescheinigung); the bank and the university both ask for it.
5. 🔵 Expect the tax ID (Steuer-ID) by post a few weeks later — keep it for any job.

Turn the frozen visa money into a usable monthly allowance.

1. 🔵 Open a current account (Girokonto); most providers require the Anmeldung certificate.
2. 🔵 Give your blocked-account provider the new account details so payouts can start.
3. 🔵 Check the first monthly release arrived before committing to rent payments.
4. 🔵 Set up standing orders for rent, insurance and the broadcasting fee (Rundfunkbeitrag).

Admission is not enrolment — this step is what makes you a student.

1. 🔵 Convert your cover to a German public insurer and get the enrolment confirmation they issue.
2. 🔵 Pay the semester contribution by the deadline in your admission letter.
3. 🔵 Complete Immatrikulation and collect your student card and matriculation certificate.
4. 🔵 Activate the university account, campus email and semester transport ticket.

The entry visa is temporary; the permit replaces it.

1. 🔵 Book the Ausländerbehörde appointment well before the entry visa expires — slots are scarce.
2. 🔵 Bring passport, Anmeldung, enrolment certificate, insurance proof, blocked-account statement and biometric photos.
3. 🔵 Attend the biometrics appointment and pay the fee.
4. 🔵 Collect the electronic residence permit (eAT) card once it is issued.

Day-to-day admin, and earning within the legal limit.

1. 🔵 Register for the broadcasting fee; it is charged per household, not per person.
2. 🔵 Get a German SIM and a proof-of-address utility or mobile contract.
3. 🔵 Look for a Werkstudent or HiWi role — see the job portals in the sidebar.
4. 🔵 Track your working days against the annual limit shown in the Working Rights card.
5. 🔵 Keep every certificate; the permit renewal asks for them again.

Where to actually look for paid work, and which employers hire international students fastest.

1. 🔵 Finding Jobs in Germany
2. 🔵 Companies with an Easy Odd-Job Ratio