After getting off the plane and breathing in the German air, your head fills with these questions: "I'm here now. But what do I do? Where do I go? Who do I talk to?"
This guide was written to turn that moment of panic into a controlled and systematic process. You will find all the procedures you need to do within the first 7 days after arriving in Germany, listed by urgent-medium-low priority. If you do them in the right order, the first week will not be very hard; if you do them in the wrong order, legal problems can arise.
The First Week: Time Management
- Day 1-2: Urgent tasks (accommodation check, passport security)
- Day 3-4: Legal procedures (Anmeldung, health insurance)
- Day 5-6: Financial procedures (bank, university fee)
- Day 7: Social and academic (library, student ID, orientation)
Day 1: Immediately After Arrival (First 4 Hours)
Check the Accommodation
- Get the apartment key, note the door code if there is one
- Check whether the electricity, water and heating are working and whether the internet is set up
- Photograph any damage
- Get the WiFi password and note the university eduroam information
Ensure Passport Security
- Keep the passport in a safe place (in a safe if possible)
- Keep a photocopy of the first 3 pages and the visa page separately
- Digital backup: photograph it, upload it to Google Drive and send it to your email
Inform Your Family in Turkey
- Notify them via WhatsApp/phone that you have arrived safe and sound
- Share your home address and emergency contact number
- Save the contact details of the Turkish embassy/consulate
Day 2: The First Official Procedure
Do the Anmeldung (Residence Registration)
The Anmeldung is officially declaring that you reside in the city you are in, and it is the first legal step of living in Germany. Go to the Bürgerbüro (Citizen Office) or the Amt für Meldeservice (Google: "Anmeldung [city]"). It takes 30-45 minutes, is free, and at the end you receive the laminated Anmeldung document.
- Passport (original) and 2 photocopies
- Anmeldung form (usually given on site)
- WG contract or dormitory approval document
- The landlord's signed Wohnungsgeberbescheinigung document (very important)
Health Insurance Application
Health insurance is a mandatory insurance covering hospital, doctor, medicine and dental services in Germany. Popular companies: DAK-Gesundheit, TK (Techniker Krankenkasse), AOK, BARMER. The student tariff is about €110-120 per month; the procedure takes about 30 minutes, and the first invoice arrives by post 1-2 weeks later.
- Copy of passport
- Anmeldung document
- University acceptance letter
- Student status document
Day 3-4: Setting Up Life (Financial Procedures)
Open a Bank Account
Popular banks: Deutsche Bank, N26 (mobile bank, very fast), DKB, ING, Sparkasse (local). The procedure takes 30-45 minutes (10 minutes if N26 is online), and is free. You receive a bank card, an IBAN and an online banking password. It is vital for salary/scholarship deposits, rent payments and bills.
- Passport (original)
- Anmeldung document
- Contact details (mobile phone, email)
Pay the University Fee (Semesterticket)
Go to the university's Finance Office (Studentenwerk or Rektorat). The semester fee is between €250-450 and covers the Semesterticket (public transport), library and laboratory access. The procedure takes about 10 minutes. Some universities deduct the fee automatically from your bank account; check this.
Day 5-6: Academic Start
Get Your Student ID
Go to the university's International Student Office or Studierendenbüro. The procedure takes 15 minutes, is free, and you receive a plastic student ID. With this ID, you can enter the library, attend classes, get a discount in the cafeteria and access sports facilities.
- Copy of passport
- Anmeldung document
- 3x4 cm photo (white background)
- Acceptance letter
Get a Library Card
Go to the university library (Bibliothek) with your student ID and a copy of your passport. The procedure takes 5 minutes and is free. Create a computer account, borrow a book on a trial basis and check the opening/closing hours.
Day 7: Social Integration
- Attend the university orientation (usually Monday morning, in the Aula or Großer Hörsaal)
- Research student clubs: AStA, the Turkish student union, sports clubs, language tandem groups
- Do the first urgent shopping: bread, milk, cheese, tea, coffee and basic cleaning supplies from Rewe, Edeka, ALDI or a Turkish market
Legal Reminders and Deadlines
| Procedure | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Anmeldung | 2nd day |
| Health insurance | 3rd day |
| University enrollment | By the end of the semester |
| Residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel) | Within 2 weeks |
| Address notification | Within 7 days |
Checklist: Summary of the First Week
- Urgent (first 2 days): Accommodation check, passport security, informing the family, Anmeldung, health insurance application
- Medium (day 3-4): Bank account opened, university fee paid, internet/SIM card set up
- Normal (day 5-7): Student ID and library card obtained, orientation attended, basic shopping done
- Optional (2nd week): Residence permit application, finding a dentist and family doctor (Hausarzt), Semesterticket activation
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days can I live without an Anmeldung?+
Officially zero days. In practice you can wait 3-4 days, but the Anmeldung is required for health insurance and the bank.
Do I need an interpreter if English is not spoken at the office?+
In big cities there is usually an English-speaking official. Still, we recommend learning basic German; even a few weeks of a basic course is very helpful.
Can I find the Anmeldung form in Turkish?+
In some cities there is a Turkish form. You can ask the International Office.
How long does internet setup take?+
It can take weeks. In the meantime, you can connect to the university's free eduroam WiFi.
If I move house later, do I have to do the Anmeldung again?+
Yes. You must do an Abmeldung (deregistration) at the old address and do the Anmeldung again at the new address.
Conclusion: Be Systematic, Do Not Panic
The first week after arriving in Germany is among the most important weeks of your entire life. However, if you do the procedures in the right order, it is not hard at all.
- Do the Anmeldung as soon as possible — it is the legal foundation
- Get health insurance immediately — it is a legal obligation
- Do not panic — everyone has been through this process
- Keep the confirmation/approval number of every procedure
- Do not hesitate to ask your questions
As the Toedur consultancy team, we provide first-week support after going to Germany. If you are in a panic, we guide you through the registration procedures, provide interpreting support, and plan your first week together systematically. Welcome to Germany — the first week is ending, and the years ahead will be wonderful.
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