What Awaits You After the Airport? 2026 First-Day Guide

You got off the plane. As you walked out the door, the dry air hit your face. You thought, "I'm in Germany now." But right afterward, the anxiety began: "What do I do now? Where do I go? Who do I talk to?"

This guide describes every moment, every step of the first 24 hours after leaving the airport. This way, your first day will pass not as "stressful" but as systematic and controlled.

At the Airport: Customs and Passport Control (30 minutes)

Step 1: Passing Through the Customs Gate

The German officer scans your passport, checks the visa page and may ask "Why are you coming?" Let your answer be clear and simple: "To start university." Other questions you may be asked: "How long will you stay?" → "2 years (master's) / 4 years (bachelor's)"; "Do you have money?" → "Yes, I have a blocked account" (you may need to show it); "Where will you stay?" → State your address.

Step 2: Baggage Claim

Find the baggage belt for your flight number. It can take 15-45 minutes for your suitcase to arrive; check your phone battery. You usually pass directly through the baggage control area, with a rare X-ray re-check.

At the Airport: Communication and Information (15 minutes)

Step 3: Getting a SIM Card (Optional but Recommended)

Go to the SIM card shops at the airport (Vodafone, Telekom, O2). Say "I need a prepaid SIM card", show your passport, choose the package (€20-30). Activation takes about 5 minutes and instantly provides access to WhatsApp and Google Maps. Alternatively, you can use the airport WiFi and get the SIM card later from within the country.

Step 4: Google Maps and Learning the Route (10 minutes)

Connect to the airport WiFi, open Google Maps and plan your route: Airport → Accommodation. Determine your transport option: Deutsche Bahn (train) is fast and reliable, Flixbus (bus) is cheap but slow, a taxi is expensive (€40-80).

From the Airport to the City Center: Transportation (30 minutes – 2 hours)

Step 5: Buying a Train Ticket (Deutsche Bahn)

Go to the Deutsche Bahn counter or self-service kiosk at the airport (or buy it in advance from the bahn.de app). Type the destination station (e.g. "Marienplatz Munich"), choose the time and pay by card/cash. The price is €10-20, and the duration is 15-60 minutes depending on the city. The train is safe, comfortable and has WiFi.

Arrival at the City Center: The First Hour (30 minutes)

Step 6: Preparing to Go to the Accommodation

Definitely spend the first night in one of the following: a dormitory (approved by the university), Airbnb/Booking.com (rented in advance) or your WG flatmate's apartment (with a contract). You should never be left on the street.

Step 7: Walking with Google Maps or a Taxi

Options: walking if the accommodation is close to the station (15-20 minutes), a taxi directly to the address (€15-25) or public transport such as metro/tram. When you first arrive, you can walk to get a feel for the city; however, if you are very tired, take a taxi.

Spending the First Night (2-3 hours)

Step 8: Arrival at the Accommodation

• Check the key / door code and let your landlord know you have arrived
• Turn on the lights; check whether the electricity, water and heating are working
• Check whether the bed is clean and the WiFi password
• If anything is damaged, photograph it on the first day — it serves as proof that you did not cause any damage
• Open the suitcase; take out your toothbrush and pajamas

Step 9: The First Dinner

Go to a nearby supermarket (Rewe, Edeka, Aldi); it is usually within 500 m and open between 19:00-22:00. Buy bread, butter, cheese, muesli, water and tea/coffee (€15-20). If you are very tired, you can have pizza, döner or Asian food from a nearby restaurant (€10-15).

Step 10: The First Night's Sleep

You may have sleep problems due to jet lag, anxieties such as "what if I fail here?" may come, and you may sleep for hours from physical exhaustion. Set your phone alarm, because you will need to get up early in the morning.

The First Morning: Waking Up and Social Steps (3-4 hours)

Morning routine: wake up at 07:00, shower and get ready at 07:30, breakfast at 08:00 (the bread/butter you bought at home), finish getting ready at 09:00.

Step 11: Attending the University Orientation (If There Is One)

Most universities hold an orientation in the first week of your arrival: a guided tour, an administration introduction, club introductions. It is usually held on the main campus (Aula or Mensa). Definitely go to learn about the university, meet other students, get information about registration procedures and start building a social network.

Step 12: Library and Campus Tour

• Learn the library entrance
• Find the laboratories and the cafeteria
• Create a computer account and note the opening/closing hours
• Get the contact details of other students (WhatsApp group)

Step 13: The First Evening Social Activity

Attend at least 1-2 social events, such as the university theater, a student club party (Freitag Nacht — Friday night) or going out with the people you met at the orientation. If you are very tired, it is fine to stay home, but if possible, do not stay alone.

First 24 Hours Checklist

• Customs/passport control passed
• Baggage collected, SIM card purchased (optional)
• Route planned, train/bus ticket bought
• Arrived at and checked the accommodation
• Bought provisions from the supermarket, had the first meal
• Did the morning routine, went to the university/orientation
• Attended at least one social activity

Common Mistakes in the First 24 Hours

• Walking too much and getting exhausted: Leave fully touring the city to the 2nd day
• Taking sleeping pills: Prefer natural sleep (open the window, let the air in)
• Eating/drinking too much: Consume normal portions and plenty of water
• Staying alone: talk to at least one person and join a social activity — these worries are temporary feelings shared by every newly arrived student; you are absolutely not alone, and your mental well-being matters a great deal

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion: The First 24 Hours = Starting to Live

From the first second you leave the airport to the night you sleep in your first bed, every moment is important and will be remembered. Excitement, fear, curiosity — you will experience them all, and this is normal.

The important thing is to be systematic, not to panic and to remember that you are human. And most importantly: be proud of yourself!

As the Toedur consultancy team, we offer support services through which we will guide you during your first 24 hours. From airport pickup to introducing you to your accommodation, we can be your first-day partner. Welcome to Germany — the first day will pass, and every day that follows will be even better.