💡 For enrolment (Immatrikulation) you need the Zulassungsbescheid (admission letter), education documents, passport and proof of health insurance.
💡 The Semesterbeitrag is a mandatory fee each semester; it often includes the Semesterticket (local transport pass) and a contribution to the student services.
💡 The Studierendenausweis is the student ID; it is usually issued after the fee is paid; it works as a pass for the library, canteen and sometimes as a transport ticket.
💡 For recognition (Anerkennung) you usually need your study records and a beglaubigte Übersetzung (certified translation by a sworn translator); every university has its own rules.
💡 For studying in German you usually need a DSH or TestDaF certificate; the requirements differ, so check the page of your programme.
💡 In the Mensa you pay with a card (Mensakarte) that you top up at a machine; you choose a dish and show the card at the till. Prices are lower for students.
💡 You top up the Mensakarte at the machine by the entrance: hold the card to it, choose the amount and pay with coins or a bank card.
💡 To borrow you need a Bibliotheksausweis (library card), often the student ID; books have a return period (Leihfrist).
💡 The loan can be extended before it expires, often online or at a machine; a small fee (Mahngebühr) is charged for overdue items.
💡 In university libraries the wifi usually runs through eduroam with your university login; printing and copies cost money and are paid with the student card.