Staying in a new country is exciting, and an opportunity to make many new experiences. You should bear in mind that Germany has certain rules, customs, and cultural and social norms that affect how people life and work together – in society and at the University.
The overview “First steps” offers an helpful introduction to life in Germany and answer key questions that help you settle in and get off to a flying start in your new surroundings.
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Before entering Germany:
- Apply for a visa and residence permit and address questions regarding immigration law
- Search for an apartment in Erlangen and the surrounding area
After entering Germany:
- Register with the registration office at your place of residence and apply for an income tax card.
- Open a German bank account
- Take out health and liability insurance
- Enroll at the university
- As soon as you receive your log-in: Activate your IdM portal, and enable your email address and other options
- Activate your FAU-Card for library access and as a cafeteria card
- Register for courses via campo and StudOn within the registration deadlines
- Register for language courses(Oktis) within the registration deadlines
- Read the degree program and examination regulations and the module plan
- If you would like advice, please contact a study advisor.
You should bear the following in mind before starting to study and while studying:
- Attend introductory events for your degree program or faculty
- Re-register for the next semester (each year in January/July)
- Register for examinations (within the registration deadlines)
- Possibly apply for leave of absence (illness, internship)
- For a part-time job: Apply for an income tax card
- Look for a part-time job
- Obtain information about the buddy program and student initiatives
You should do the following before leaving Germany:
- After passing your last examination, consult with the immigration authorities (clarify questions regarding the expiration of your residence permit and remaining length of stay).
- De-register with the registration office
- Cancel your health insurance and liability insurance
- Terminate your rental contract
- Close your bank account
- Terminate contracts: cell phone, gym, and any others you have
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Germany is similar in a lot of ways to other Western European countries, but it does have its own unique culture. To avoid intercultural misunderstandings, it is a good idea to conduct your own online research in advance to learn a little about German culture before coming here to study. In addition, the DAAD provides extensive information on its study in Germany portal.
All information on the topic of housing can be found on the FAU website.
In order to use FAU’s online services, you must activate your IdM account (Identity Management System). Instructions can be found in the IdM portal or in the video provided.
FAU offers a wide range of counseling services. In addition to the services offered by Student Services, including psychological counseling, the university offers further support options. The Diversity Scouts at the Office of Equality and Diversity provide information and support on all issues relating to diversity. The Student Service Centers and the International Offices at the faculties and departments also provide information on all study-related matters.
Students can join the FAU Alumni Network at any time and benefit from the many opportunities of membership.
Authorities are required to implement laws properly. The rules are the same for everyone, they are transparent from the outset and cannot be negotiated.
When dealing with authorities, politeness and respect are essential, and opening hours, appointments, and deadlines must be strictly adhered to.
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If you are staying for more than three months, it is recommended that you open a bank account in Germany. It should be noted that checking accounts in Germany may incur fees; relevant information can be obtained directly from the banks. You should only close your German bank account once all outstanding payments – for example, for rent, electricity, or telephone – have been settled for the entire term of the contract. Before departure, you can visit the bank to provide notice of your intention to close the account from a specific date. This means that you can also receive a refund of your rental deposit once you are back in your home country.
The aim of the FAU buddy program is bring international students into contact with German students in order to make the initial phase easier in particular for international exchange students and students participating in exchange programs in Erlangen or Nuremberg. Detailed information about the program can be found on our website.
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The various church institutions in Erlangen, Nuremberg, and the surrounding area are open to all citizens – regardless of their religious denomination.
All important information about the student communities affiliated with the church can be found on the respective websites of the Protestant Student Community Erlangen and the Catholic Student Community Erlangen.
The religious communities in the cities of Erlangen and Nuremberg are listed on the websites of the City of Erlangen and the City of Nuremberg.
Studying in Germany is free of charge, but other living expenses still need to be considered, of course.
A list of average expenses and further information can be found on our website and on the website of the German National Association for Student Affairs.
At FAU, you are not provided with an official schedule of all the classes you have to take. Especially at the beginning of your studies, it is challenging to create a balanced schedule for your studies. It is advisable to consult an academic advisor for your subject and to seek support from students in higher semesters and teaching staff. A total of approximately 25 to 30 ECTS credits is recommended for the first semester.
All teaching units can be viewed on campo.
A language placement test is required for some degree programs. The dates are usually announced during the introductory sessions, and registration takes place via the FAU Language Centre.
For many teaching units (e.g., seminars, tutorials, basic courses), registration is required, which in most cases can be done online via campo and/or StudOn.
Different procedures apply to students of Medicine, Dentistry, and Law.
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Students and doctoral candidates can deregister from the university themselves in order to change university, withdraw from or discontinue their studies, and after completing their degree or doctoral degree.
The university can deregister students who fail to re-register, who fail an examination at the final attempt, or who have successfully completed their studies, in this case with effect from the end of the semester in which they sat their final examination.
You can apply to the Student Records Office to deregister at any time throughout the year. Unlike enrollment, de-registration is not subject to deadlines.
There are many support services available for students with disabilities in Erlangen and Nuremberg. Further information can be found here.
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In the past, the workload of a teaching unit was expressed in weekly hours or semester hours (SWS), irrespective of whether the teaching unit was a lecture or a seminar.
Today, the amount of work done at home is also added to the weekly hours spent at university. This means that the overall workload can be calculated which is much higher for a seminar than a lecture. The units for measuring student workload are called ECTS credits.
This allows course achievements to be compared and “transferred” to another university or even another country. A Bachelor’s degree program comprises a total of 180 ECTS credits. One ECTS credit corresponds to 25–30 hours of work.
Further information can be found on our website.
The emergency number for the police in Germany is 110. Dial 112 for the fire brigade and ambulance services. All other emergency numbers for Erlangen are available on the Uniklinikum website.
Exchange students have the opportunity to enroll at FAU for one or two semesters. Enrollment is for a limited period, during which the same rights apply as for regular students. International students who are completing a full degree program at FAU must enroll as regular students.
All information relevant to examinations can be found in the degree program and examination regulations for the respective degree program. Information on exam registration is usually provided during the introductory events; students typically register for examinations via the “campo” platform. The Examinations Office is generally responsible for all matters related to examinations. An overview of the German grade scale can be found on the FAU website.
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Exchange students will receive all information regarding the formalities to be completed during their studies by email. If you have any further questions, please contact International Affairs (RIA).
Erlangen und Nürnberg haben viel zu bieten – nicht nur als Universitätsstädte, sondern auch für die Freizeit. Einen Einblick in die Kulturlandschaft und die vielfältigen Freizeitmöglichkeiten gibt es auf unserer Webseite über die Region Erlangen-Nürnberg.
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In the case of illness, you are generally free to choose your doctor, but not all treatments are free of charge. It is recommended to ask your doctor about possible costs before starting treatment. Further information on health insurance is available on the website of the German National Association for Student Affairs. If you are unable to take out German health insurance, you should purchase travel insurance in your home country or choose private health insurance for the duration of your stay in Germany.
In principle, all students in Germany are required to have health insurance. You cannot enrol without providing proof that you have health insurance.
Detailed information on compulsory health insurance for students can be found on the Health Insurance page.
It is also advisable to take out liability insurance, which provides protection in the event of you causing any damage to property. At many departments, laboratory liability insurance is a prerequisite for using laboratory facilities. All insurance policies should be canceled in good time before departure.
In the event of an accident, exchange students should contact International Affairs (RIA). RIA staff provide support and inform the respective home university.
The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is the only globally recognized student ID card. This card entitles you to various discounts abroad. The ISIC is available at many travel agencies and from Student Services Erlangen-Nürnberg. Contact details and further information are available on the Student Services website and the ISIC website.
Interns do not have student status at FAU from the outset. Enrollment is possible where feasible, but it is not possible in all cases. There is no central placement office for internships at FAU.
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Although many lectures and seminars are taught in English, German is still the main teaching language at FAU. You cannot always rely on everyone speaking English outside the University either. Attending a German language course is therefore highly recommended. The Language Centre offers free German courses throughout the semester.
It rarely happens, but occasionally students require legal assistance. Students can take advantage of the free legal advice offered by Student Services. Further legal information can also be found in this video.
Please also note:
- Everyone is equal before the law – regardless of gender, age, religion, social position, or sexual orientation.
- In Germany, there is a legal obligation to possess an identity card or passport. We recommend that you always carry an appropriate document with you so that you can to identify yourself during police checks.
- Smoking is prohibited in public buildings, restaurants, and bars in most parts of Germany.
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In Germany, there is a requirement to register with the local authorities. You must register at your place of residence within 14 days of arrival. Similarly, you must de-register when you move away from Germany. A change of residence must also be reported properly. Failure to register or de-register is illegal and may jeopardize your residence status in Germany.
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All students who have been enrolled at FAU for more than one semester must re-register for the following semester. Students are re-registered by paying the student services fee on time.
If the fee is not paid within the specified re-registration period, students may be de-registered.
The current re-registration deadlines can be found on our website. Detailed information on re-registration will be provided on campo in good time.
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Studying at FAU is free of charge for international students as well. However, it is possible to apply for a scholarship to finance living expenses. Various funding organizations offer appropriate support for specific phases of study.
The scholarship database of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) can be used to search specifically for suitable funding programs. In addition, further information on potential scholarship providers can be found on the FAU website. However, university scholarships covering the full cost of the entire course of study are not offered.
The most important semester dates, such as lecture periods and deadlines for registration, enrollment, and re-registration, can be found on the FAU website. An overview of public holidays is also available there.
Due to the introduction of the “Deutschlandticket” or the discounted ticket for students and trainees in Bavaria (38 euros per month), the semester ticket has been withdrawn.
Information about the discounted ticket for students in Bavaria is available on our website.
The university in your pocket – FAU’s social media universe offers a wide range of insights into university life. Posts, tweets, and blogs are used to provide continuous updates on the latest news about FAU.
- Facebook: Information about upcoming events, student activities, and stories about the university provide an overview of campus life.
- Instagram: Posts about studying, research, and everyday student life are published several times a week. FAU can be found at uni_fau. Images are often shared with the hashtags #unifau and #fau_germany, and posts by other users are also frequently reposted.
- TikTok: In addition to dance and lip-sync content, TikTok offers numerous other formats – including posts from FAU.
- Bluesky: FAU is also active on Bluesky, as an alternative to Platform X (formerly Twitter).
- Mastodon: FAU is also active on Mastodon.
- YouTube: The FAU YouTube channel features videos in German and English, including information about degree programs, insights into research and teaching, and recordings of events. This provides a direct insight into activities at FAU.
All students must re-register twice a year for the next semester to continue studying at FAU. This is done by transferring the semester contribution (or student services contribution). The contribution must be paid by bank transfer within the deadlines for re-registration at the University, as otherwise you risk being de-registered.
All information about the semester contribution can be found on the FAU website.
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There are several online systems which you can or are required to use at FAU. The most important of these include the Identity Management System (IdM) and “campo“. Functions available in “campo”, for instance, include printing out certificates of enrollment, registering for examinations, and viewing your grades.
The Erlangen Regional Computing Center (RRZE) provides technical services for FAU. On its website, you can find out all you need to know about computer rooms, your FAU email address, the FAUbox and internet access at FAU. The student magazine V provides an overview of all online portals at FAU.
All major cities in Germany are easily accessible by train. Germany also has an excellent public transportation infrastructure including underground trains, suburban trains, trams and buses. There are many special offers and rates.
Tickets can be purchased at ticket counters in train stations, although an additional service fee applies there. It is usually cheaper to buy tickets from ticket machines. Important: It is not possible to purchase tickets on the train itself. Tickets for public transportation are available at the customer service centers of the transportation companies or at ticket machines at larger stops.
Detailed information on ticket types and offers for local transport is available on the VGN and Deutsche Bahn websites.
Erlangen and Nuremberg are known for their bicycle-friendly infrastructure with well-developed bike paths. Therefore, it may be a good idea to rent or buy a bicycle. However, buying from unknown private individuals on the street is not recommended, as there is a risk of purchasing stolen goods and losing both money and your bike. A sturdy bike lock is strongly recommended, as bike thefts are frequent, especially in larger cities, despite the relatively low crime rate – particularly for unsecured bikes. In addition, traffic regulations must be observed: Bicycles must be roadworthy, which includes having functioning brakes and lights.
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Scientific research also involves reviewing existing literature. The relevant media (books, journals, etc.) can be found in the University Library, or UB or Uni-Bib for short, and all of its branch libraries.
Further information can be found on the University Library’s website.
All library opening hours are also listed there.
The University sports program is open to students, doctoral candidates and staff and runs a wide range of low-cost sports courses in Erlangen and Nuremberg. University sport covers both general sport courses and the option to participate in competitive sports and compete at university level. The following applies to all courses: Don’t leave it too long to register online!
Further information can be found on the university sport website.
In addition, there are a number of sports clubs you can join in Erlangen.
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Non-EU citizens who have entered Germany on a student visa must convert this into a residence permit for study purposes after arriving in Germany. Detailed information on entry formalities and residence permits is available on the Visa and Entry page.
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In order to work in Germany, there are a few things to consider, such as the regulations on income tax and social security contributions. All relevant information can be found here.