Starting university in Germany: what to organise first
Starting a degree often means handling several things at once: enrolment, health-insurance status, funding, accommodation and everyday arrangements. The exact requirements and deadlines depend on your university and personal situation.
Your university-start checklist
Confirm admission and enrolment requirements
Read the admission and enrolment instructions from your university carefully. Check the deadline, semester contribution, accepted documents and whether anything must be submitted digitally or in person.
Clarify your health-insurance status
Universities generally need electronic confirmation of your health-insurance status for enrolment. Contact a statutory health insurer early, even if you are privately or family insured, so the required status notification can be arranged.
Check BAföG and other funding
If you may need financial support, review the official BAföG requirements and application route. Ask your local Studierendenwerk about advice, student housing and other support. Do not assume that funding is automatic.
Organise accommodation and address matters
If you move, check the registration requirements at your new address and arrange any required appointment. Keep your rental agreement and other requested documents accessible.
Prepare for the first weeks
Check your timetable, student account, campus access, transport options and any programme-specific requirements. Keep a note of deadlines and contacts for the student office and student services.
Official information
Keep your university start on track
Use DOITENIT to organise the steps that apply to your situation and keep important follow-ups in one place.
Open the university journey →This guide is general orientation, not a guarantee of admission, funding or insurance eligibility. Your university, funding office and insurer make decisions under their own rules. Confirm current requirements directly with them.
Explore more life situations