Phase 3 · 5 steps
Student Life in Germany
Everyday life, work, transport, healthcare and your studies once you have settled in.
Some links may lead to partner services. All recommendations are optional, transparent and based on usefulness.
Figures such as day limits and prices are examples that change regularly; always confirm with the official source.
Why this step matters
Many international students want or need extra income during their studies, but the rules depend on your status (EU or non-EU) and the type of job.
The 20-hour rule: As a general rule, Werkstudent employees work no more than 20 hours per week during lecture periods. Exceptions can apply, for example for certain evening, weekend or semester-break work.
The annual day limit for non-EU students: On a student residence permit you may work up to 140 full days or 280 half days per calendar year without special permission; EU and EEA students have no such limit. HiWi positions and mandatory internships do not count toward this limit. Confirm the current numbers with your university International Office.
Job types: Werkstudent has no earnings cap; as a general rule you work no more than 20 hours per week during lecture periods (exceptions can apply). Minijob is capped at 603 euros per month in 2026 and the employer pays flat-rate contributions; HiWi is a university job that is often outside the day limit and good for research-heavy fields. (Last checked: October 2026.)
Common mistakes
- Losing track of worked days and exceeding the annual limit.
- Assuming a Minijob does not count toward the day limit.
- Taking a second job without checking with the International Office.
Helpful resources
Why this step matters
Public transport is the standard way to get around German cities, and knowing the ticket system early saves money and confusion.
The Deutschlandticket: A nationwide monthly ticket valid for regional trains, buses, trams and subways across Germany, but not for ICE or IC long-distance trains; the regular price in 2026 is 63 euros per month.
Student discount: Many universities include a discounted Deutschlandsemesterticket in the semester fee, either automatically or as an optional upgrade, depending on the federal state. Student discount in Bavaria: Eligible students can get the Bavarian discounted Deutschlandticket (Bayerisches Ermäßigungsticket) for €43 per month in 2026. At some universities, existing semester-ticket contributions may be credited, so the effective price can differ. Always check your university or local transport provider. (Last checked: October 2026.)
What to check: Is the ticket already included in your semester fee, do you need to actively upgrade, and can it be cancelled monthly or is it bound to the semester.
Common mistakes
- Buying a full-price ticket without checking if a student version exists.
- Not realizing it does not cover ICE and IC trains.
- Buying a BahnCard without checking whether you travel by long-distance train often enough.
Helpful resources
BahnCard — Discount for long-distance trains
The Deutschlandticket does not cover ICE and IC trains. BahnCard 25 gives 25 percent off, and BahnCard 50 gives 50 percent off flexible fares and 25 percent off saver fares in Germany. Travellers aged 6 to 26 get the cheaper My BahnCard. It renews automatically after one year unless cancelled four weeks before the end — so it is only worth it if you travel by long-distance train often. Check current prices on bahn.de. (Last checked: October 2026.)
Official Deutsche Bahn website. This is not an affiliate link.
Why this step matters
Having insurance from Phase 1 is the first step; knowing how to use the system is the second.
Find a Hausarzt: Most non-emergency visits start there; search via your insurer's doctor finder or platforms such as Jameda or Doctolib.
Book appointments: Many practices require booking in advance; some accept walk-ins during open consultation hours. Doctolib is widely used online.
Emergencies: Call 112 for a life-threatening emergency; call 116 117 for urgent but non-life-threatening problems outside opening hours.
Pharmacies: Medication is sold in pharmacies, not supermarkets; a rotating night-duty pharmacy is findable at aponet.de.
Common mistakes
- Going to the emergency room for non-urgent issues.
- Not registering with a Hausarzt early.
Helpful resources
Why this step matters
Daily habits differ from many other countries and can cause confusion or fines.
Grocery shopping: Supermarkets such as Rewe, Edeka, Aldi and Lidl are the norm; most close between 8 and 10 pm and are closed on Sundays.
Waste separation: Yellow bin for packaging, blue bin for paper, brown or green bin for organic waste, residual waste for everything else, and glass to public containers sorted by colour.
Deposit (Pfand): Most bottles and cans carry a deposit refunded at return machines in supermarkets.
Common mistakes
- Mixing waste types.
- Throwing away bottles with a deposit.
Why this step matters
German universities expect you to track deadlines and exam registrations yourself.
Exam registration: You usually must register online within a specific window; missing it can mean waiting a semester or year.
Read your Prüfungsordnung: It defines required courses, ECTS credits and deadlines.
Regelstudienzeit and your visa: For non-EU students, falling far behind the standard duration can affect residence permit renewal; talk to your International Office early.
Common mistakes
- Missing exam registration deadlines.
- Not reading the Prüfungsordnung.
- Ignoring how delays affect your residence permit.
Settled in and studying?
When graduation comes into view, continue with Phase 4 — work and stay in Germany after your degree.
FAQ
Phase 3 — frequently asked questions
Yes, both count toward the annual day limit for non-EU students.
Not always, but recommended.
Contact your International Office early, especially as a non-EU student.
Enforcement varies by city, but repeated violations can lead to extra costs from your landlord.