Done Being Sad? Let’s Get Your Bureaucratic Things Settled

To the international student who has just arrived in Germany in the early winter days, I know how your past few days might have been.

If you've landed in a city with a strong international student community (especially Bangladeshi) like Berlin, Frankfurt, or Hamburg - kudos to you! You might have support in all aspects of life. But if you’ve found yourself in a place where your home country’s community is not as active, please pay special attention to taking care of yourself; especially your mental health. 

And please, don’t fall into the trap of thinking, “Oh, I’m a strong, independent woman. Nothing’s wrong. I can handle this.” Of course, you can handle everything, but allow yourself to embrace the vulnerability of being in a new place. There’s a certain beauty in this phase; please don’t let it slip away unnoticed. 

Even after getting accepted into the long cherished Human Rights Master's Programme, securing a wonderful scholarship, my first few days were filled with emotional turmoil. 

The apartment assigned to us by the President’s Welcome Award Team in Brucklyn has a beautiful balcony. When I arrived, there was still a bit of autumn left, and the view was breathtaking, trees painted in vibrant fall colors, slowly preparing for winter.

But no matter how beautiful the view was, I barely wanted to look outside, let alone step onto the balcony. I was going through that phase, the one we just talked about. That feeling where you’re lost, overwhelmed, and homesick, but also at an age where you can’t just call home and say, “I can’t do this”

However...

No matter how you're feeling, do not allow yourself more than two days before going to the Rathaus (City Registration Office) in Erlangen or Nuremberg. The information given below are based on my experience of City Registration in Erlangen. 

The sooner you get your paperwork sorted here in Deutschland, the better!

Step 1: Get a SIM Card

Before you start the documentation process, you need a SIM card. Choose one that offers the best deal for students. Once you have a German phone number, you’re ready for the next step.

Step 2: City Registration (Rathaus Anmeldung)

Along with all the other documents (i.e. passport, university enrollment certificate, tenancy contract etc.) you will need a single pager document from your landlord called ‘Landlord Confirmation (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung)’. Usually, your landlord should hand it over to you once you moved in. In case he/she haven’t you should ask for it. This is the most important document and you can not get registered without it.  

The Process:

🔹 Take a ticket from the vending machine at the Rathaus.
🔹 Wait for your serial number to appear on the screen.
🔹 Go to the assigned counter when your number is called.
🔹 Submit your documents to the assigned person. 

If everything is in order, your registration will be completed immediately. You’ll receive a registration slip, which serves as your official proof of City Registration.

Tip: If you’re arriving in September/October, be at the Rathaus before 9:30 AM to avoid long queues—this is peak time for international student arrivals.

    *In case your work is not done within that very day. There is Nothing to worry about! You might be asked for any missing or additional document. So, do not panic and just follow the instruction provided by the assigned person. 

When I went for my registration, I had the luck of interacting with a warm, smiling woman. She had a very Mum kind (maternal) of a vibe. And for the first time in Germany, I felt an unexpected comfort in a bureaucratic office. I was so caught up in the moment that I forgot to ask her name—sigh!

Step 3: Open a Bank Account

Now that you’re officially registered, you’re eligible to open a bank account. I opened mine at Commerzbank, which was conveniently located near the Erlangen Rathaus. The staff were friendly and helpful. There you will also need similar kind of documents for account opening. 

🔹 Before going, check the bank’s opening hours—they have strange timings on some days. 😑
🔹 Do a little research to see which bank best fits your needs. 

    Important: If you’re over 27 years old, Commerzbank won’t allow you to open a student account. Instead, they’ll offer you a classic account, which has different fees and perks. The bank staff will explain everything to you. So, prior going please do your research and see which Bank serves your needs the most. 

Step 4: Activate Your Blocked Account & Health Insurance

After your registration and bank account setup, please update Coracle (or whichever service provider you used for your blocked account) and your health insurance provider about your arrival. Request activation of both services.

If all goes well, within 3-4 weeks, you’ll receive your official health insurance and city registration,  documents. 

You’ve Got This!

For now, you’re done with the major bureaucratic steps! 

There will be some ancillary tasks as well like Radio Tax (Rundfunkbeitrag), getting your Deutschland Ticket and etc. But if you’ve made it through the city registration, bank setup, and health insurance activation, I'm sure you’ll be just fine with the rest of it! 

Embrace yourself for receiving a good number of letters from your bank and health insurance providers. Don’t ignore them. 

I know the first few weeks in a new country can be overwhelming. You’ll soon find your rhythm—so take a deep breath and give yourself some credit. 

Welcome to Erlangen, and enjoy your time here! ✨

                                                                          View from Balcony: October, 2024