Your pre-semester checklist before starting your studies in Germany

Starting a degree abroad is exciting — but it also involves logistics, legal requirements, and academic preparation. A structured pre-semester checklist helps you avoid last-minute stress and ensures you arrive in Germany fully prepared to succeed academically and personally.

According to the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), Germany hosts over 400,000 international students, making it the most popular non-English-speaking study destination worldwide (DAAD). Proper preparation is one of the strongest predictors of a smooth transition into German student life.

Below are some questions to ask yourself as part of the final preparations before starting your studies in Germany.

Have I secured my visa and residence permit?

Have I arranged recognised health insurance?

Do I understand my study programme structure?

Have I prepared my digital tools and study skills?

Have I secured accommodation early enough?

Have I planned my finances realistically?

Do I understand everyday life in Germany?

Have I planned how to build my network?

Final thoughts

If you are a non-EU student, a student visa is mandatory before entering Germany. Key documents usually include:

• Letter of admission;
• Proof of financial resources (e.g. blocked account);
• Health insurance coverage.

The German Federal Foreign Office recommends starting the visa process at least 3 months in advance, as appointment waiting times vary significantly by country.

Health insurance is legally required for all students. Public or approved private insurance must be valid from your first day in Germany.

Students without proper insurance cannot enrol at a German university (Study in Germany). This makes health insurance one of the most critical items on any pre-semester checklist.

German higher education places strong emphasis on self-directed learning. Before arrival, you should:

• Review your curriculum;
• Understand credit systems (ECTS);
• Familiarise yourself with assessment formats.

This is especially important for study programmes in Germany taught in English, where academic expectations may still differ from your home country.

At PFH, we have two intakes a year - April 1st and October 1st.

German universities rely heavily on digital platforms for:

• Course registration;
• Learning materials;
• Exam communication.

Make sure you download all necessary content and documents on your phone, tablet or laptop.

Student housing demand is high in most German cities. Plan your accommodation early, as it can take up to six months for student residences in major cities.

Early planning allows you to:

• Avoid expensive short-term rentals;
• Focus on your studies from day one.

While Germany offers relatively affordable education, students should budget for:

• Rent and utilities;
• Food and transport;
• Study materials.

Students in Germany spend an average of €900–€1,200 per month, depending on the city (DAAD). Financial planning is, therefore, a core part of your pre-semester checklist.

Cultural preparation is often overlooked, yet it strongly affects student well-being. This includes:

• Punctuality norms;
• Communication styles;
• Administrative processes.

Understanding these can prevent frustration and culture shock.

Successful international students in Germany engage early with:

• Orientation events;
• Student communities;
• Academic networking opportunities.

Germany’s job market values early integration and practical experience, making networking an important step even before the semester begins.

A well-structured pre-semester checklist helps you transition confidently into German academic life. By planning ahead, you give yourself the best possible foundation for success. If you’re interested in studying in Germany, take a look at the international study programmes we offer at PFH.

1. In the 2024/25 winter semester, around 402,000 international students and doctoral candidates were enrolled at German universities – around six per cent more than in the previous year.
2. You will need to present proof of health insurance when you enrol at university and apply for a residence permit.
3. Depending on where in Germany you wish to study, you will need between 900 and 1,200 Euros per month.