ARRIVING IN GERMANY
Welcome to Germany
You have arrived – welcome to Germany and to Frankfurt School!
Your first few weeks will involve some important practical and administrative steps. From registering your address and setting up a bank account to understanding public transport and healthcare, this page will help you get the essentials in place.
Your First 30 Days
What should I do first?
When you arrive
✓ Move into your accommodation and obtain your Wohnungsgeberbestätigung from your landlord or housing provider.
✓ Check the conditions and validity of your visa, if applicable, and whether you will need a residence permit.
✓ Make sure your health insurance is active.
✓ Check your Frankfurt School Welcome/Orientation schedule and complete any outstanding start-of-study tasks.
Within your first 14 days
✓ Register your address (Anmeldung) with the local registration authority responsible for the city in which you live.
✓ Keep the registration confirmation (Meldebestätigung) you receive. You may need it for other administrative processes.
During your first few weeks
✓ Open a bank account, if needed.
✓ Arrange your German SIM/mobile phone.
✓ Familiarise yourself with Frankfurt's public transport and your student Deutschland Ticket.
✓ Check whether your household is already registered for the Rundfunkbeitrag.
✓ Apply for your residence permit if required – and do not wait until your current visa or residence title is about to expire.
✓ Find a local general practitioner (Hausarzt) before you actually need one.
✓ Start exploring Frankfurt and getting involved in life at Frankfurt School.
Which tasks have a deadline?
If you require a residence permit, also check the validity of your current visa or residence status early. Do not wait until it expires before finding out what you need to do.
Other tasks – such as opening a bank account, getting a German phone number and finding a Hausarzt – may not have the same immediate deadline, but completing them early can make your first weeks considerably easier.
Where can I get help?
For visa and residence-related processes, use the resources provided by Frankfurt School and the responsible German authorities. Frankfurt School can help you understand which FS documents may be required, but you must complete applications to German authorities.
Your First 30 Days
What should I do first?
When you arrive
✓ Move into your accommodation and obtain your Wohnungsgeberbestätigung from your landlord or housing provider.
✓ Check the conditions and validity of your visa, if applicable, and whether you will need a residence permit.
✓ Make sure your health insurance is active.
✓ Check your Frankfurt School Welcome/Orientation schedule and complete any outstanding start-of-study tasks.
Within your first 14 days
✓ Register your address (Anmeldung) with the local registration authority responsible for the city in which you live.
✓ Keep the registration confirmation (Meldebestätigung) you receive. You may need it for other administrative processes.
During your first few weeks
✓ Open a bank account, if needed.
✓ Arrange your German SIM/mobile phone.
✓ Familiarise yourself with Frankfurt's public transport and your student Deutschland Ticket.
✓ Check whether your household is already registered for the Rundfunkbeitrag.
✓ Apply for your residence permit if required – and do not wait until your current visa or residence title is about to expire.
✓ Find a local general practitioner (Hausarzt) before you actually need one.
✓ Start exploring Frankfurt and getting involved in life at Frankfurt School.
Which tasks have a deadline?
If you require a residence permit, also check the validity of your current visa or residence status early. Do not wait until it expires before finding out what you need to do.
Other tasks – such as opening a bank account, getting a German phone number and finding a Hausarzt – may not have the same immediate deadline, but completing them early can make your first weeks considerably easier.
Where can I get help?
For visa and residence-related processes, use the resources provided by Frankfurt School and the responsible German authorities. Frankfurt School can help you understand which FS documents may be required, but you must complete applications to German authorities.
Your First 30 Days
What should I do first?
When you arrive
✓ Move into your accommodation and obtain your Wohnungsgeberbestätigung from your landlord or housing provider.
✓ Check the conditions and validity of your visa, if applicable, and whether you will need a residence permit.
✓ Make sure your health insurance is active.
✓ Check your Frankfurt School Welcome/Orientation schedule and complete any outstanding start-of-study tasks.
Within your first 14 days
✓ Register your address (Anmeldung) with the local registration authority responsible for the city in which you live.
✓ Keep the registration confirmation (Meldebestätigung) you receive. You may need it for other administrative processes.
During your first few weeks
✓ Open a bank account, if needed.
✓ Arrange your German SIM/mobile phone.
✓ Familiarise yourself with Frankfurt's public transport and your student Deutschland Ticket.
✓ Check whether your household is already registered for the Rundfunkbeitrag.
✓ Apply for your residence permit if required – and do not wait until your current visa or residence title is about to expire.
✓ Find a local general practitioner (Hausarzt) before you actually need one.
✓ Start exploring Frankfurt and getting involved in life at Frankfurt School.
Which tasks have a deadline?
If you require a residence permit, also check the validity of your current visa or residence status early. Do not wait until it expires before finding out what you need to do.
Other tasks – such as opening a bank account, getting a German phone number and finding a Hausarzt – may not have the same immediate deadline, but completing them early can make your first weeks considerably easier.
Where can I get help?
For visa and residence-related processes, use the resources provided by Frankfurt School and the responsible German authorities. Frankfurt School can help you understand which FS documents may be required, but you must complete applications to German authorities.
YOUR TAX ID
After registering your address in Germany, you will normally receive your personal German tax identification number (Steueridentifikationsnummer/Steuer-ID). Keep it safe – you may need it when you start working in Germany.
Registration & Residence Permit
How do I register my address?
Before registering, ask your landlord or housing provider for a Wohnungsgeberbestätigung. This document confirms that you have moved into the accommodation.
You will generally need:
- your passport or recognised identification document
- your Wohnungsgeberbestätigung
- any additional documents requested by your local registration authority.
After successful registration, you receive confirmation of your registered address – your Meldebestätigung. Keep this document safe, as you may need it for other administrative procedures.
Important: Register with the authority responsible for the city in which you live, not necessarily the city of Frankfurt, where Frankfurt School is located. If you live in Offenbach, for example, you register there rather than in Frankfurt.
If you later move to another address, remember to update your registration.
Do I need a residence permit?
Citizens of the EU, the EEA, and Switzerland generally do not need a residence permit to study in Germany.
Many students from outside the EU/EEA will need a residence permit for study purposes after arriving in Germany. Whether and when you need to apply depends on your nationality, existing visa and individual circumstances.
Your entry visa and residence permit are not necessarily the same thing. If your visa was issued only for your entry and initial stay, you may need to apply for the appropriate residence permit after arrival.
Check your visa and its conditions carefully and use the official information provided by the immigration authority responsible for your place of residence.
How do I apply for my residence permit?
The documents required depend on your situation and application type and may include your passport, proof of enrolment/study, proof of financial resources, health insurance and accommodation information.
Prepare your documentation carefully and follow the current instructions of your immigration authority.
Do not wait until your current visa or residence permit is about to expire before starting the process.
Need help identifying relevant Frankfurt School documents? Contact your Study Advisor.
Registration & Residence Permit
How do I register my address?
Before registering, ask your landlord or housing provider for a Wohnungsgeberbestätigung. This document confirms that you have moved into the accommodation.
You will generally need:
- your passport or recognised identification document
- your Wohnungsgeberbestätigung
- any additional documents requested by your local registration authority.
After successful registration, you receive confirmation of your registered address – your Meldebestätigung. Keep this document safe, as you may need it for other administrative procedures.
Important: Register with the authority responsible for the city in which you live, not necessarily the city of Frankfurt, where Frankfurt School is located. If you live in Offenbach, for example, you register there rather than in Frankfurt.
If you later move to another address, remember to update your registration.
Do I need a residence permit?
Citizens of the EU, the EEA, and Switzerland generally do not need a residence permit to study in Germany.
Many students from outside the EU/EEA will need a residence permit for study purposes after arriving in Germany. Whether and when you need to apply depends on your nationality, existing visa and individual circumstances.
Your entry visa and residence permit are not necessarily the same thing. If your visa was issued only for your entry and initial stay, you may need to apply for the appropriate residence permit after arrival.
Check your visa and its conditions carefully and use the official information provided by the immigration authority responsible for your place of residence.
How do I apply for my residence permit?
The documents required depend on your situation and application type and may include your passport, proof of enrolment/study, proof of financial resources, health insurance and accommodation information.
Prepare your documentation carefully and follow the current instructions of your immigration authority.
Do not wait until your current visa or residence permit is about to expire before starting the process.
Need help identifying relevant Frankfurt School documents? Contact your Study Advisor.
Registration & Residence Permit
How do I register my address?
Before registering, ask your landlord or housing provider for a Wohnungsgeberbestätigung. This document confirms that you have moved into the accommodation.
You will generally need:
- your passport or recognised identification document
- your Wohnungsgeberbestätigung
- any additional documents requested by your local registration authority.
After successful registration, you receive confirmation of your registered address – your Meldebestätigung. Keep this document safe, as you may need it for other administrative procedures.
Important: Register with the authority responsible for the city in which you live, not necessarily the city of Frankfurt, where Frankfurt School is located. If you live in Offenbach, for example, you register there rather than in Frankfurt.
If you later move to another address, remember to update your registration.
Do I need a residence permit?
Citizens of the EU, the EEA, and Switzerland generally do not need a residence permit to study in Germany.
Many students from outside the EU/EEA will need a residence permit for study purposes after arriving in Germany. Whether and when you need to apply depends on your nationality, existing visa and individual circumstances.
Your entry visa and residence permit are not necessarily the same thing. If your visa was issued only for your entry and initial stay, you may need to apply for the appropriate residence permit after arrival.
Check your visa and its conditions carefully and use the official information provided by the immigration authority responsible for your place of residence.
How do I apply for my residence permit?
The documents required depend on your situation and application type and may include your passport, proof of enrolment/study, proof of financial resources, health insurance and accommodation information.
Prepare your documentation carefully and follow the current instructions of your immigration authority.
Do not wait until your current visa or residence permit is about to expire before starting the process.
Need help identifying relevant Frankfurt School documents? Contact your Study Advisor.
Banking & Everyday Administration
Do I need a German bank account?
You may find one useful for:
- paying rent and regular bills
- receiving a salary from a student job
- setting up direct debits (Lastschrift)
- making SEPA bank transfers
- managing everyday payments in Germany.
When choosing an account, compare factors such as:
- account fees
- ATM access
- online and mobile banking
- English-language services
- international transfers
- conditions for student accounts.
Depending on the bank and your circumstances, you may be asked for identification and proof of your German address or registration.
Your physical bank card may take some time to arrive after you open your account, so make sure you have another way to access your money during your first days in Germany.
How do I get a German mobile number?
Prepaid
You purchase credit or a data package as needed. This can be useful if you want flexibility without a long-term contract.
Mobile contract
You pay a regular monthly amount, usually for an agreed contract period.
Before signing a contract, check:
- minimum contract duration
- monthly price
- data allowance
- cancellation conditions
- international calling
- EU and international roaming conditions.
SIM cards and mobile plans are available from mobile providers as well as many supermarkets, electronics stores and online providers.
A German phone number can also be useful when arranging appointments or dealing with local services.
What is the Rundfunkbeitrag?
The contribution is generally charged per household rather than per person or device.
If you live alone, you will normally be responsible for your own contribution.
If you live in a shared flat (WG), only one person needs to register and pay for the apartment. The residents can decide who registers and how they divide the cost. If someone in your WG is already paying, you should not simply register a second payment; you may need the paying resident's contribution number when responding to Beitragsservice.
Different rules can apply to some student-residence arrangements. Certain students receiving BAföG can also apply for an exemption. International student status alone generally does not provide an exemption.
Banking & Everyday Administration
Do I need a German bank account?
You may find one useful for:
- paying rent and regular bills
- receiving a salary from a student job
- setting up direct debits (Lastschrift)
- making SEPA bank transfers
- managing everyday payments in Germany.
When choosing an account, compare factors such as:
- account fees
- ATM access
- online and mobile banking
- English-language services
- international transfers
- conditions for student accounts.
Depending on the bank and your circumstances, you may be asked for identification and proof of your German address or registration.
Your physical bank card may take some time to arrive after you open your account, so make sure you have another way to access your money during your first days in Germany.
How do I get a German mobile number?
Prepaid
You purchase credit or a data package as needed. This can be useful if you want flexibility without a long-term contract.
Mobile contract
You pay a regular monthly amount, usually for an agreed contract period.
Before signing a contract, check:
- minimum contract duration
- monthly price
- data allowance
- cancellation conditions
- international calling
- EU and international roaming conditions.
SIM cards and mobile plans are available from mobile providers as well as many supermarkets, electronics stores and online providers.
A German phone number can also be useful when arranging appointments or dealing with local services.
What is the Rundfunkbeitrag?
The contribution is generally charged per household rather than per person or device.
If you live alone, you will normally be responsible for your own contribution.
If you live in a shared flat (WG), only one person needs to register and pay for the apartment. The residents can decide who registers and how they divide the cost. If someone in your WG is already paying, you should not simply register a second payment; you may need the paying resident's contribution number when responding to Beitragsservice.
Different rules can apply to some student-residence arrangements. Certain students receiving BAföG can also apply for an exemption. International student status alone generally does not provide an exemption.
Banking & Everyday Administration
Do I need a German bank account?
You may find one useful for:
- paying rent and regular bills
- receiving a salary from a student job
- setting up direct debits (Lastschrift)
- making SEPA bank transfers
- managing everyday payments in Germany.
When choosing an account, compare factors such as:
- account fees
- ATM access
- online and mobile banking
- English-language services
- international transfers
- conditions for student accounts.
Depending on the bank and your circumstances, you may be asked for identification and proof of your German address or registration.
Your physical bank card may take some time to arrive after you open your account, so make sure you have another way to access your money during your first days in Germany.
How do I get a German mobile number?
Prepaid
You purchase credit or a data package as needed. This can be useful if you want flexibility without a long-term contract.
Mobile contract
You pay a regular monthly amount, usually for an agreed contract period.
Before signing a contract, check:
- minimum contract duration
- monthly price
- data allowance
- cancellation conditions
- international calling
- EU and international roaming conditions.
SIM cards and mobile plans are available from mobile providers as well as many supermarkets, electronics stores and online providers.
A German phone number can also be useful when arranging appointments or dealing with local services.
What is the Rundfunkbeitrag?
The contribution is generally charged per household rather than per person or device.
If you live alone, you will normally be responsible for your own contribution.
If you live in a shared flat (WG), only one person needs to register and pay for the apartment. The residents can decide who registers and how they divide the cost. If someone in your WG is already paying, you should not simply register a second payment; you may need the paying resident's contribution number when responding to Beitragsservice.
Different rules can apply to some student-residence arrangements. Certain students receiving BAföG can also apply for an exemption. International student status alone generally does not provide an exemption.
Settling In Takes Time
Moving to a new country, navigating unfamiliar administrative processes, starting a new academic programme, and building a social network can be exciting – but also demanding. It is normal for settling in to take time. If you find that you are struggling, you do not have to wait until things become overwhelming before asking for support. Frankfurt School offers counselling and student-support resources to help you during your studies.
Getting Around
How does public transport work in Frankfurt?
It includes:
U-Bahn – underground/light rail
- S-Bahn – suburban rail
- Trams
- Buses
- Regional trains
Frankfurt's central location also makes it easy to travel around Germany and neighbouring European countries. Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof provides extensive national and international rail connections, while Frankfurt Airport is one of Europe's major international transport hubs.
Full-time students can use the student Deutschland-Ticket; check the current Frankfurt School information for details about eligibility and access.
Where Can I Use the Deutschland-Ticket?
This includes many:
U-Bahn ✓
S-Bahn ✓
Trams ✓
Buses ✓
Regional trains ✓
However, it generally does not cover long-distance services such as ICE, IC or EC trains.
Always check which ticket is valid for your journey before travelling, especially when using Deutsche Bahn services.
How can I travel around Germany and Europe?
Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof provides rail connections across Germany and to neighbouring European countries. For longer journeys, Deutsche Bahn operates high-speed and other long-distance services.
Frankfurt Airport offers extensive international connections and is easily reached by public transport.
For shorter trips, nearby destinations such as Mainz, Wiesbaden and the Rhine region are easy to explore.
Tip: Your Deutschland-Ticket can make regional travel particularly convenient, but always check whether the trains you plan to use are included.
Getting Around
How does public transport work in Frankfurt?
It includes:
U-Bahn – underground/light rail
- S-Bahn – suburban rail
- Trams
- Buses
- Regional trains
Frankfurt's central location also makes it easy to travel around Germany and neighbouring European countries. Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof provides extensive national and international rail connections, while Frankfurt Airport is one of Europe's major international transport hubs.
Full-time students can use the student Deutschland-Ticket; check the current Frankfurt School information for details about eligibility and access.
Where Can I Use the Deutschland-Ticket?
This includes many:
U-Bahn ✓
S-Bahn ✓
Trams ✓
Buses ✓
Regional trains ✓
However, it generally does not cover long-distance services such as ICE, IC or EC trains.
Always check which ticket is valid for your journey before travelling, especially when using Deutsche Bahn services.
How can I travel around Germany and Europe?
Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof provides rail connections across Germany and to neighbouring European countries. For longer journeys, Deutsche Bahn operates high-speed and other long-distance services.
Frankfurt Airport offers extensive international connections and is easily reached by public transport.
For shorter trips, nearby destinations such as Mainz, Wiesbaden and the Rhine region are easy to explore.
Tip: Your Deutschland-Ticket can make regional travel particularly convenient, but always check whether the trains you plan to use are included.
Getting Around
How does public transport work in Frankfurt?
It includes:
U-Bahn – underground/light rail
- S-Bahn – suburban rail
- Trams
- Buses
- Regional trains
Frankfurt's central location also makes it easy to travel around Germany and neighbouring European countries. Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof provides extensive national and international rail connections, while Frankfurt Airport is one of Europe's major international transport hubs.
Full-time students can use the student Deutschland-Ticket; check the current Frankfurt School information for details about eligibility and access.
Where Can I Use the Deutschland-Ticket?
This includes many:
U-Bahn ✓
S-Bahn ✓
Trams ✓
Buses ✓
Regional trains ✓
However, it generally does not cover long-distance services such as ICE, IC or EC trains.
Always check which ticket is valid for your journey before travelling, especially when using Deutsche Bahn services.
How can I travel around Germany and Europe?
Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof provides rail connections across Germany and to neighbouring European countries. For longer journeys, Deutsche Bahn operates high-speed and other long-distance services.
Frankfurt Airport offers extensive international connections and is easily reached by public transport.
For shorter trips, nearby destinations such as Mainz, Wiesbaden and the Rhine region are easy to explore.
Tip: Your Deutschland-Ticket can make regional travel particularly convenient, but always check whether the trains you plan to use are included.
Healthcare & Emergencies
What should I do if I am ill?
It is a good idea to find a Hausarzt soon after arriving, rather than waiting until you become ill. Some practices may not be accepting new patients, so finding one early can save time later.
Appointments are usually required. If you have statutory health insurance, check that the practice accepts patients with gesetzlich (public) insurance.
Take your health insurance card with you. If your card has not arrived yet but your insurance is already active, contact your insurer about the appropriate proof of coverage.
If you prefer an English-speaking doctor, the 116117 doctor-search service can help you find practices offering consultations in English.
What if I need medical help outside normal opening hours?
The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week throughout Germany. It is intended for medical problems that require attention but cannot reasonably wait until regular practices reopen.
Please note that the telephone service is currently provided in German. Some online information and services, including the patient navigator, are available in English.
For a life-threatening situation, call 112 instead.
What should I do in an emergency?
Here are the numbers:
112 – Ambulance & Fire Brigade
Call 112 for a life-threatening medical emergency, serious accident or fire.
110 – Police
Call 110 when you require urgent police assistance.
116117 – Medical on-call service
Use 116117 when you require urgent medical assistance outside normal doctors' opening hours, but the situation is not life-threatening.
Life-threatening emergency? Call 112.
How Do pharmacies work in Germany?
Some medicines available in supermarkets or drugstores in other countries are sold only through pharmacies in Germany.
Outside normal opening hours, designated pharmacies provide an emergency pharmacy service (Apotheken-Notdienst). Check the current emergency-pharmacy service before travelling to one.
This replaces the existing named pharmacies near FS, which I would not maintain on an evergreen public website.
Healthcare & Emergencies
What should I do if I am ill?
It is a good idea to find a Hausarzt soon after arriving, rather than waiting until you become ill. Some practices may not be accepting new patients, so finding one early can save time later.
Appointments are usually required. If you have statutory health insurance, check that the practice accepts patients with gesetzlich (public) insurance.
Take your health insurance card with you. If your card has not arrived yet but your insurance is already active, contact your insurer about the appropriate proof of coverage.
If you prefer an English-speaking doctor, the 116117 doctor-search service can help you find practices offering consultations in English.
What if I need medical help outside normal opening hours?
The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week throughout Germany. It is intended for medical problems that require attention but cannot reasonably wait until regular practices reopen.
Please note that the telephone service is currently provided in German. Some online information and services, including the patient navigator, are available in English.
For a life-threatening situation, call 112 instead.
What should I do in an emergency?
Here are the numbers:
112 – Ambulance & Fire Brigade
Call 112 for a life-threatening medical emergency, serious accident or fire.
110 – Police
Call 110 when you require urgent police assistance.
116117 – Medical on-call service
Use 116117 when you require urgent medical assistance outside normal doctors' opening hours, but the situation is not life-threatening.
Life-threatening emergency? Call 112.
How Do pharmacies work in Germany?
Some medicines available in supermarkets or drugstores in other countries are sold only through pharmacies in Germany.
Outside normal opening hours, designated pharmacies provide an emergency pharmacy service (Apotheken-Notdienst). Check the current emergency-pharmacy service before travelling to one.
This replaces the existing named pharmacies near FS, which I would not maintain on an evergreen public website.
Healthcare & Emergencies
What should I do if I am ill?
It is a good idea to find a Hausarzt soon after arriving, rather than waiting until you become ill. Some practices may not be accepting new patients, so finding one early can save time later.
Appointments are usually required. If you have statutory health insurance, check that the practice accepts patients with gesetzlich (public) insurance.
Take your health insurance card with you. If your card has not arrived yet but your insurance is already active, contact your insurer about the appropriate proof of coverage.
If you prefer an English-speaking doctor, the 116117 doctor-search service can help you find practices offering consultations in English.
What if I need medical help outside normal opening hours?
The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week throughout Germany. It is intended for medical problems that require attention but cannot reasonably wait until regular practices reopen.
Please note that the telephone service is currently provided in German. Some online information and services, including the patient navigator, are available in English.
For a life-threatening situation, call 112 instead.
What should I do in an emergency?
Here are the numbers:
112 – Ambulance & Fire Brigade
Call 112 for a life-threatening medical emergency, serious accident or fire.
110 – Police
Call 110 when you require urgent police assistance.
116117 – Medical on-call service
Use 116117 when you require urgent medical assistance outside normal doctors' opening hours, but the situation is not life-threatening.
Life-threatening emergency? Call 112.
How Do pharmacies work in Germany?
Some medicines available in supermarkets or drugstores in other countries are sold only through pharmacies in Germany.
Outside normal opening hours, designated pharmacies provide an emergency pharmacy service (Apotheken-Notdienst). Check the current emergency-pharmacy service before travelling to one.
This replaces the existing named pharmacies near FS, which I would not maintain on an evergreen public website.
Find Your Place at Frankfurt School
Settling into a new environment is about more than getting organised. Discover student initiatives, campus activities and opportunities to meet new people, build connections and become part of Frankfurt School community.
Living in Germany
What should I know about everyday life in Germany?
Shopping
Most supermarkets and shops are closed on Sundays and public holidays, although exceptions exist at locations such as major railway stations and airports. Plan your grocery shopping accordingly.
Pfand – bottle deposits
Many bottles and cans include a deposit called Pfand. You pay the deposit when buying the drink and can return eligible empty containers – usually using a machine in a supermarket – to receive the deposit back.
Recycling
Waste separation is common in Germany. Different bins are used for different types of household waste, and the exact system can vary by building or municipality.
If you are unsure, ask your landlord or flatmates how waste and recycling are organised in your building.
Cash and cards
Cards and contactless payments are widely used, but it can still be useful to carry some cash, particularly at smaller businesses or events.
Contracts
Before signing a phone, gym, internet, or other service contract, check the minimum term, renewal arrangements, and cancellation conditions.
Student discounts
Always ask whether a Studentenrabatt is available. Museums, cultural institutions, cinemas and other services may offer reduced prices for students.
How can I settle into life in Frankfurt?
Once the administrative essentials are sorted, take some time to explore.
Some places worth discovering include:
- Römer and Römerberg
- Museumsufer
- Palmengarten
- Alte Oper
- Goethe House
- Frankfurt Zoo
- Paulskirche
- the River Main
Frankfurt also has museums, galleries, theatres, cinemas, music venues and restaurants representing cuisines from around the world.
If you want to try something local, look out for Grüne Soße and Frankfurt's traditional regional cuisine.
Throughout the year, the city hosts festivals, cultural events, neighbourhood celebrations, the Frankfurt Book Fair and Christmas markets. Dates change each year, so check the official Frankfurt events calendar for current information.
Nearby, Mainz and Wiesbaden are also easy to explore.
How can I meet people and feel at home?
At Frankfurt School, you can connect through:
- student initiatives and communities
- FS Internationals
- Welcome and campus activities
- sports and social activities
- cultural events
- German-language courses
- Career Services
- alumni and professional events.
Learning some German can also make everyday situations easier and help you connect beyond the international community.
You do not need to understand everything about Germany immediately. Complete the important formalities first, ask for help when you need it and give yourself time to explore your new environment.
Living in Germany
What should I know about everyday life in Germany?
Shopping
Most supermarkets and shops are closed on Sundays and public holidays, although exceptions exist at locations such as major railway stations and airports. Plan your grocery shopping accordingly.
Pfand – bottle deposits
Many bottles and cans include a deposit called Pfand. You pay the deposit when buying the drink and can return eligible empty containers – usually using a machine in a supermarket – to receive the deposit back.
Recycling
Waste separation is common in Germany. Different bins are used for different types of household waste, and the exact system can vary by building or municipality.
If you are unsure, ask your landlord or flatmates how waste and recycling are organised in your building.
Cash and cards
Cards and contactless payments are widely used, but it can still be useful to carry some cash, particularly at smaller businesses or events.
Contracts
Before signing a phone, gym, internet, or other service contract, check the minimum term, renewal arrangements, and cancellation conditions.
Student discounts
Always ask whether a Studentenrabatt is available. Museums, cultural institutions, cinemas and other services may offer reduced prices for students.
How can I settle into life in Frankfurt?
Once the administrative essentials are sorted, take some time to explore.
Some places worth discovering include:
- Römer and Römerberg
- Museumsufer
- Palmengarten
- Alte Oper
- Goethe House
- Frankfurt Zoo
- Paulskirche
- the River Main
Frankfurt also has museums, galleries, theatres, cinemas, music venues and restaurants representing cuisines from around the world.
If you want to try something local, look out for Grüne Soße and Frankfurt's traditional regional cuisine.
Throughout the year, the city hosts festivals, cultural events, neighbourhood celebrations, the Frankfurt Book Fair and Christmas markets. Dates change each year, so check the official Frankfurt events calendar for current information.
Nearby, Mainz and Wiesbaden are also easy to explore.
How can I meet people and feel at home?
At Frankfurt School, you can connect through:
- student initiatives and communities
- FS Internationals
- Welcome and campus activities
- sports and social activities
- cultural events
- German-language courses
- Career Services
- alumni and professional events.
Learning some German can also make everyday situations easier and help you connect beyond the international community.
You do not need to understand everything about Germany immediately. Complete the important formalities first, ask for help when you need it and give yourself time to explore your new environment.
Living in Germany
What should I know about everyday life in Germany?
Shopping
Most supermarkets and shops are closed on Sundays and public holidays, although exceptions exist at locations such as major railway stations and airports. Plan your grocery shopping accordingly.
Pfand – bottle deposits
Many bottles and cans include a deposit called Pfand. You pay the deposit when buying the drink and can return eligible empty containers – usually using a machine in a supermarket – to receive the deposit back.
Recycling
Waste separation is common in Germany. Different bins are used for different types of household waste, and the exact system can vary by building or municipality.
If you are unsure, ask your landlord or flatmates how waste and recycling are organised in your building.
Cash and cards
Cards and contactless payments are widely used, but it can still be useful to carry some cash, particularly at smaller businesses or events.
Contracts
Before signing a phone, gym, internet, or other service contract, check the minimum term, renewal arrangements, and cancellation conditions.
Student discounts
Always ask whether a Studentenrabatt is available. Museums, cultural institutions, cinemas and other services may offer reduced prices for students.
How can I settle into life in Frankfurt?
Once the administrative essentials are sorted, take some time to explore.
Some places worth discovering include:
- Römer and Römerberg
- Museumsufer
- Palmengarten
- Alte Oper
- Goethe House
- Frankfurt Zoo
- Paulskirche
- the River Main
Frankfurt also has museums, galleries, theatres, cinemas, music venues and restaurants representing cuisines from around the world.
If you want to try something local, look out for Grüne Soße and Frankfurt's traditional regional cuisine.
Throughout the year, the city hosts festivals, cultural events, neighbourhood celebrations, the Frankfurt Book Fair and Christmas markets. Dates change each year, so check the official Frankfurt events calendar for current information.
Nearby, Mainz and Wiesbaden are also easy to explore.
How can I meet people and feel at home?
At Frankfurt School, you can connect through:
- student initiatives and communities
- FS Internationals
- Welcome and campus activities
- sports and social activities
- cultural events
- German-language courses
- Career Services
- alumni and professional events.
Learning some German can also make everyday situations easier and help you connect beyond the international community.
You do not need to understand everything about Germany immediately. Complete the important formalities first, ask for help when you need it and give yourself time to explore your new environment.
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