Welcome to Germany — Your new home away from home!

Living in Germany as an international student is an exciting journey filled with new experiences, challenges, and opportunities. From navigating public transport and healthcare to understanding local customs and managing your finances, this section covers everything you need for a smooth transition. Discover practical tips, essential resources, and cultural insights to help you settle in and make the most of your time here.

Public Transport & Getting Around

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Supermarkets & Shopping Essentials

German Language Courses

Cultural Differences & Adjusting to Life in Germany

Public Transport & Getting Around in Germany

Public transport in Germany is fast, reliable, and well-connected, making it the best option for students who need to travel daily to university, explore the city, or even take weekend trips. Whether you’re using buses, trams, U-Bahn (subway), S-Bahn (suburban trains), or bicycles, Germany offers a seamless travel experience.

1. Types of Public Transport: In-Depth Guide

a) U-Bahn (Underground Metro)

Primarily for inner-city travel.
Operates every 3–5 minutes during peak hours.
Some lines run 24/7 on weekends in cities like Berlin.
Tickets are integrated with other transport (valid on trams, buses, S-Bahn).

🔗 U-Bahn Maps:

Berlin BVG U-Bahn Map
Munich MVV U-Bahn Plan

💬 Pro Tip: The first and last carriages are less crowded during rush hour!

b) S-Bahn (Suburban Railway)

Connects suburbs and satellite towns with city centers.
Ideal for students living in cheaper areas outside big cities.
Runs less frequently (10–30 min intervals).

🔗 Nationwide S-Bahn Info:

Deutsche Bahn S-Bahn

💬 Pro Tip: Use the S-Bahn for weekend trips to nearby cities!

c) Trams (Straßenbahn)

Common in smaller university towns.
Typically run from early morning to midnight.
Often faster than buses during peak traffic.

🔗 Tram Info for Top Student Cities:

Dresden DVB
Leipzig LVB

d) Buses

Found everywhere, including rural areas.
Night buses operate after midnight.
For long-distance trips, FlixBus offers fares as low as €5!

🔗 Bus Booking:

💬 Pro Tip: Book FlixBus early for cheap weekend getaways!

e) Cycling – Student’s Best Friend

Cities like Münster have more bikes than cars.
Students can rent bikes from Nextbike or Swapfiets at discounted rates.

🔗 Bike Rentals:

Nextbike
Swapfiets

💬 Pro Tip: Some universities have free bike workshops for repairs!

2. How to Buy Public Transport Tickets

There are 4 ways to buy tickets in Germany:

🔹 Transport Apps (Best for Students!)

DB Navigator (for trains & regional transport)
BVG Fahrinfo (Berlin)
MVV App (Munich)

🔹 Ticket Machines (at train stations, bus stops, and inside trams).

🔹 Kiosks & Convenience Stores (Look for “Fahrkarten” or “DB Reisezentrum” signs).

🔹Buying on Buses (Available in some cities).

💡 IMPORTANT: Always validate your ticket before traveling. There are random ticket checks, and fines are €60 if caught without a valid ticket!

3. Student Discounts & Travel Passes

Semester Ticket – Best for University Students!

Included in the semester fee at many universities.
Allows unlimited travel within a specific region.
Not all universities provide it—check with your student office.

🔗 Check Your University’s Semester Ticket Policy:

University of Berlin Transport Information
Munich University Student Travel Info

Deutschlandticket (€49 Ticket) – Unlimited Monthly Travel!

Costs €49/month.
Allows unlimited travel across Germany on all regional and local transport.
Does NOT cover long-distance trains (IC, ICE).

🔗 Get the €49 Ticket:

Deutschlandticket Official Info

4. Best Apps for Navigation in Germany

🔹Public Transport & Navigation:

Google Maps – Best for directions.
Citymapper – Detailed public transport guidance (available in Berlin, Hamburg, and Munich).

🔹Train & Bus Travel:

DB Navigator – National train info & ticket booking.
FlixBus App – Cheapest long-distance bus tickets.

🔹Bike Rentals:

Nextbike – Best for city bike rentals.
Lime – E-bikes & scooters for short trips.

Supermarkets & Shopping Essentials in Germany

Navigating the shopping landscape in Germany is crucial for international students aiming to manage their budgets effectively while ensuring access to quality products. This guide provides an overview of prominent supermarkets, essential shopping tips, and additional resources to enhance your shopping experience.

Major Supermarket Chains in Germany :

Edeka

🔹Overview: As Germany’s largest supermarket chain, Edeka offers a comprehensive shopping experience with a wide array of products.

🔹Product Range: Focuses on branded products alongside its own “Gut & Günstig” value line, encompassing:

- Groceries: Extensive selection of fresh produce, meats, dairy, and international foods.
- Organic Products: A variety of bio (organic) items catering to health-conscious consumers.
- Beverages: Wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

🔹Price Range: Generally higher than discount chains, reflecting the broader product selection and brand offerings.

🔹Website: Edeka

Rewe

🔹Overview: A prominent supermarket chain known for its quality products and customer service.

🔹Product Range: Offers both branded items and its own “Ja!” budget line, including:

- Groceries: Fresh produce, meats, dairy, and a selection of international cuisines.
- Organic and Vegan Options: Dedicated sections for organic and plant-based products.
- Convenience Foods: Ready-to-eat meals and quick-prep food items.

🔹Price Range: Comparable to Edeka, with a mix of mid-range and premium products.

🔹Website: REWE

Kaufland

🔹Overview: A hypermarket chain offering a vast selection of products under one roof.

🔹Product Range: Combines food and non-food items, such as:

- Groceries: Comprehensive range including fresh produce, meats, and international foods.
- Household Goods: Appliances, kitchenware, and home decor.
- Clothing and Electronics: Affordable apparel and basic electronic items.

🔹Price Range: Competitive, with regular promotions and discounts.

🔹Website: Kaufland

Aldi

🔹Overview: Aldi is renowned for its discount retail model, offering a no-frills shopping experience with a focus on affordability.

🔹Product Range: Primarily features own-brand products, ensuring lower prices. The selection includes:

- Groceries: Staple foods, fresh produce, dairy, and baked goods.
- Household Items: Cleaning supplies, kitchenware, and occasional special buys.
- Specialty Items: Weekly rotating offers on non-food items, from electronics to clothing.

🔹Price Range: Aldi is among the most economical options, with prices often lower than competitors.

🔹Website: Aldi Süd

Lidl

🔹Overview: Similar to Aldi, Lidl operates as a discount retailer, emphasizing competitive pricing and efficiency.

🔹Product Range: Offers a mix of own-brand and selected branded products, including:

- Groceries: Fresh produce, meats, dairy, and pantry staples.
- Bakery: In-store baked goods ranging from bread to pastries.
- Non-Food Items: Weekly specials featuring clothing, tools, and household gadgets.

🔹Price Range: Competitive pricing, often matching or slightly above Aldi.

🔹Website: Lidl Germany

Penny.

🔹Overview: A discount supermarket under the REWE Group, focusing on budget-friendly shopping.

🔹Product Range: Emphasizes own-brand products, including:

- Groceries: Essential food items, fresh produce, and dairy.
- Snacks and Beverages: Affordable options for quick bites and drinks.
- Household Basics: Cleaning supplies and personal care items.

🔹Price Range: On par with Aldi and Lidl, appealing to cost-conscious consumers.

🔹Website: Penny

Netto Marken-Discount

🔹Overview: A discount chain offering a wide range of products at low prices.

🔹Product Range: Features own-brand and select branded items, such as:

- Groceries: Staple foods, fresh produce, and dairy products.
- Beverages: Affordable selections of drinks, including alcoholic options.
- Weekly Specials: Rotating non-food items like kitchen gadgets and seasonal products.

🔹Price Range: Competitive with other discount retailers, focusing on budget-friendly options.

🔹Website: Netto Marken-Discount

Tips to Reduce Grocery Expenses

1. Shop at Discount Supermarkets

Best Options: Aldi, Lidl, Penny, Netto – known for low prices and quality own-brand products.
Tip: Buy in bulk from Kaufland or Metro for shared living situations.

2. Visit Weekly Farmers' Markets

Local markets often reduce prices near closing time. Fresh produce can be cheaper and better quality than supermarkets.

3. Meal Planning & Bulk Cooking

Plan meals for the week to avoid impulse purchases.
Prepare meals in batches (e.g., curries, pasta sauces) and freeze portions.

4. Student Discounts & Loyalty Programs

REWE and Edeka sometimes offer student discounts.
Use loyalty cards (Payback at REWE) for cashback and discounts.

5. Shop Smart at Specific Stores

Turkish/Asian stores: Affordable spices, rice, lentils, and vegetables.
Drugstores (dm, Rossmann): Cheaper toiletries and household cleaning products

6. Minimize Convenience Foods

Ready-made meals can double your grocery bill. Cooking from scratch saves money and is healthier.

7. Time Your Shopping Trips

Some supermarkets discount fresh items (like bakery goods) in the evenings.
Look out for reduced-price shelves for products nearing expiry (but still safe).

8. Opt for Generic Brands

Supermarkets like Aldi and Lidl provide affordable store brands that match big-brand quality.
Examples: REWE’s “ja!”, Edeka’s “Gut & Günstig” for cheaper alternatives.

9. Use Food Sharing Platforms

Too Good To Go: Get discounted meals from bakeries and restaurants at closing time.
Foodsharing.de: Join local communities to pick up surplus food for free.

Additional Student Resources

Aldi Süd Weekly Offers
Lidl Weekly Promotions
REWE Delivery & Offers
Edeka Offers & Recipes
Too Good To Go — Rescue surplus food at reduced prices
Foodsharing.de — Join local communities to share surplus food