1. Register Your Address (Anmeldung)

Before you do anything else, you’ll need to register your residence at your local Bürgeramt (citizen’s office). This process is called Anmeldung, and it’s the key to unlocking almost everything else (bank accounts, tax ID, etc.).

• Book an appointment. Early slots can fill up fast (for Erlangen, it is not needed).
• Bring your rental contract and confirmation form (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung).
• Once registered, you’ll receive your Meldebescheinigung (registration certificate).

Erlangen Address: Rathauspl. 1, 91054 Erlangen

Nuremberg Address: Äußere Laufer G. 25, 90403 Nürnberg

2. Open a Bank Account

Next up: finances. You’ll need a German bank account (Girokonto) to receive your salary, pay rent, and manage everyday expenses.

Commerzbank (Highly Recommended for Students)

If you’re in Erlangen or Nuremberg, Commerzbank and Sparkasse are great options because staff at these branches usually speak English, which makes the process smoother for newcomers.

• Step 1: Fill out the online form before visiting the branch.
• Step 2: At the appointment, don’t forget to mention your age. Commerzbank offers a free student account up to age 27.

Step 3: Let them know you are a student so you can avoid monthly charges.

Alternative Options (Digital Banks)

If you prefer quick online setups and instant transfers (even on weekends), these digital banks are worth checking out:

• Revolut – Easy app-based banking, good for international transfers.
• N26 – Fully digital German bank, English-friendly interface, and super-fast money transfers.

3. Get a SIM Card or Phone Contract

Staying connected is crucial. Luckily, Germany has plenty of mobile providers.

• You can start with a prepaid SIM card for added flexibility.
• For longer stays, a contract plan (Handyvertrag) might be cheaper.
• Popular providers include Telekom, Vodafone, and O2, along with low-cost options like sim.de, blacksim, and AldiTalk.

4. Health Insurance (Krankenversicherung)

Health insurance is mandatory in Germany. You’ll need to choose between public insurance (gesetzliche Krankenversicherung) and private insurance (private Krankenversicherung), depending on your situation.

• Employees usually default to public providers like TK, AOK, or Barmer.
• Freelancers may need to explore both public and private options.
• Proof of insurance is required for residence permits, so don’t delay this step.

 5. Get Your Tax ID (Steueridentifikationsnummer)

After registering your address, you’ll automatically be issued a Tax ID by post.

• This number is essential for starting a job.
• Keep it safe, you’ll use it throughout your time in Germany.

6. Public Transport Pass

For everyday commuting, the Deutschlandticket is one of the best options.

• Students at FAU (Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg) get a €20 discount on the Deutschlandticket (subject to change each semester).
• With this ticket, you can use all local and regional transport (buses, trams, S-Bahn, U-Bahn, and regional trains).
• Not valid on ICE or IC trains (long-distance travel).
• The discount makes it a budget-friendly way to explore Erlangen, Nuremberg, and beyond.

Lectures, seminars, and studying will definitely take up a large part of your time at FAU. But let’s be honest: studying without breaks is never a good idea. Your mind and body will thank you if you give them time to rest – and there’s plenty to discover beyond the lecture halls.

In this post, we’ve collected a few ideas and inspirations for how you can make the most of your free time in Erlangen, Nürnberg, and the surrounding region.

🍹 Nightlife in Erlangen & Nürnberg

Maybe most importantly for many students: yes, there is nightlife here!

• Bars: Both Erlangen and Nürnberg have a wide selection of bars, offering everything from German beer to Latin American cocktails. If you’re not sure where to start, don’t worry — our student organization runs a bar crawl at the beginning of each semester. It’s the perfect chance to discover the local bar culture and meet new people.
• Clubs: Erlangen has a few student favorites such as Zirkel, Paisley, and Loco.
  Nürnberg, being a larger city, offers a lot more variety. Some of the most popular clubs include:
  • HINZxKUNZ
  • Club #Schimanski
  • RESI
  • Die Bombe
  • Nachtkind (Latino)
  • Mach1
  • Haus33 (Techno)
  • Die Rakete
  • WON ‐ World of Nightlife
  • Das Unrat
  • Club Fogon (Urban Latin Music)

Whether you’re into cocktails, chart hits, or techno beats, you’ll find a place that suits your taste.

🏃‍♂️ Sports & Fitness

Sports are a big part of student life in Germany — and there are plenty of options for you, too!

• University Sports (Hochschulsport): If you’re enrolled at FAU, check out Hochschulsport. They offer a wide range of activities — from football and volleyball to yoga and even lacrosse. Courses are very affordable compared to private clubs. Take a look at the website of FAU Hochschulsport.
  ⚠️ Registration usually opens on the first day of lectures and some courses fill up within minutes. Be quick if you’ve set your eyes on a popular class!
• Sportvereine (Local Sports Clubs): If you couldn’t get into a university sports course or want to join a team in town, consider becoming a member of a local sports club. Memberships are often for at least a year and cost more than university sports, but you’ll usually get access to better facilities and the chance to compete in regional championships. Just do a search after the sport you are interested in on the internet or Google Maps to find out which clubs offer it.

And sports aren’t just limited to the university — you’ll also find clubs for other interests such as book clubs, chess, or cultural groups.

💡 Tip: At FAU, you can also join a Hochschulgruppe (student club) to connect with people who share your interests. You can find an overview here: FAU Student Groups

🚵‍♀️ Nature & Outdoor Activities

If you’re more into nature, you’re in the right region. Franconia offers great hiking, cycling, and mountain biking opportunities:

• Fränkische Schweiz ‐ north of Erlangen, famous for its hiking trails, climbing spots, and beautiful landscapes.
• Nürnberger Land ‐ east and south of Nürnberg, with scenic trails and outdoor adventures.

You’ll get to more remote areas faster with a car, but don’t worry — regional transport can take you to many amazing spots as well. For inspiration, check out VGN’s list of day trips and routes.

I hope you agree that studying abroad isn’t just about lectures and exams — it’s also about making memories, trying new things, and connecting with people. There’s so much life beyond the lecture waiting for you here in Franconia.