Overview: Step-by-step from acceptance letter to your first lecture

Please note: You should complete the following steps as soon as possible due to long waiting periods, especially when applying for visas and dormitories.

Admission

Congratulations, you have received your admission! We look forward to welcoming you to Stuttgart.

Accept your study place offer

Carefully read the information in your admission letter, including the deadline for the study place acceptance. For questions, please contact your study program manager / course director.

Financing plan

It is very important to draw up a reliable financing plan, including a financial buffer before you start your studies. Read more about it on our website: financing your studies and working.

Check visa information and start the visa application process

Depending on your home country, you may need a visa to enter Germany. Since the visa process can take very long, we suggest to start the process as early as possible. Read more about it on our website: visa regulations and residence permits.

Housing

There are two big dormitory providers on campus. The waiting times are long, so make sure to apply as soon as possible. You should also consider alternative accommodation options. Read more about it on our website: accommodation for international students.

Health insurance

In Germany, health insurance is mandatory for every student. Find out more about it on our website about insurances and contact a health insurance provider of your choice.

Register for the intensive German course (if applicable)

This option is only available for specific international Master's programs. If you are eligible for the course, you will receive an e-mail from your study program office with further information.

Travel preparations

Make sure to plan your travels according to the start date of your study program, including the introductory week or your intensive German course.

When planning your journey, try avoiding arriving on the weekend or on a public holiday. Banks and public administrative offices close from Friday afternoon until Monday morning, and you will not be able to move into your student dormitory. Shops are closed all day on Sundays and public holidays.

Please obtain and bring the following things while you are still at home:

• Your passport and visa (if applicable)
• Any health insurance documents you have; EU students: EHIC
• Both paper and PDF copies of important certificates, e.g. degree certificates, language certificates, letter of admission (Zulassungsbescheid),...
• Ask the German embassy whether you need any vaccinations. Bring your vaccination record document, if you have one.
• Medicine you might need to take regularly for at least four weeks
• Recent passport photographs (at least 6, some need to be biometrical). You can also take the photos in Germany.
• Clothing for rainy and cold weather
• You will need a 220 Volt power adapter for all electrical appliances.
• Take some cash in EUR with you. Cash is used frequently in Germany!
• If you plan to drive a car in Germany, you will need an international driving license.
• Should you arrive by car, please note that a Feinstaubplakette (emissions sticker) is required for your car. Further information about the conditions and how to obtain an emissions sticker is available on this website.

Register for peer support

The International Office offers different support programs to support new international students and to connect them with other students. Make sure to register several weeks before your arrival. Find out more about the support programs.

(Temporary) accommodation

If you have not yet received a room offer from a student dormitory or found a private flat, you should look for temporary accommodation for the first weeks/months. Find out more about housing.

Start the enrollment process

You can already start the enrollment process from your home country. Since it takes some time to finish the process, we recommend starting early. Find out more about enrollment.

Introductory and orientation sessions

We offer various orientation events.

Furthermore, there are several introductory sessions offered by your study program and by Stuvus, the representative body of students of the University of Stuttgart. These websites contain important information, and you should check them regularly.

Please note: You can complete the following steps from abroad or in Stuttgart but only after you have completed your enrollment process.

• Activate your university account
• Course registration: do not forget to register for the courses of your first semester via C@mpus. For questions regarding courses, please contact your course director or academic advisor.
• Course start: introductory events for new students take place in the week before the start of classes. Make sure to check the university calendar for public holidays, semester breaks, etc. 

Always have your passport, visa, admission letter, and proof of enrollment to hand!

Activate your health insurance (online or in person)

Contact your health insurance provider and inform them that you have arrived in Germany. Read more about it on our website: insurance.

Finalize enrollment (online)

In case, you have not finished your enrollment process yet, do so before classes start. A step-by-step guide can be found at our enrollment website.

For questions, please contact the Department for Application, Admission, and Enrollment (BZE).

Moving in

If you move into a dormitory, make sure to know the caretaker's working hours. It is not possible to move in on weekends and public holidays. Find out more about housing.

Residence registration (Anmeldung)

You need to register your new place of residence within 14 days of arrival in Stuttgart. More information: visa regulations and residence permit.

Opening a bank account (online or in person)

You can open your bank account online or in person. Find out more here soon.

Public transportation (online or in person)

If you want to travel around Stuttgart by public transport, you need to buy a ticket. We recommend buying a monthly ticket. Find out more about tickets for public transport.

Residence permit (non-EU students) (online via e-mail)

You should apply for a residence permit some weeks before your entrance visa expires. We have explained the process on our website: visa regulations and residence permit.

Personal liability insurance

This is not mandatory, but very helpful if you accidentally destroy other people's property. Read more about it on our website: insurances.

Inform the university and your health insurance provider about your arrival.
Update your address in C@mpus so the BZE can send your student ID via postal mail.
Remember to print your ECUS stamp and carry it with your student ID.

There are special regulations for incoming exchange students. You will receive the information from your IO advisor.

We wish you a successful start to your studies at the University of Stuttgart!

You can contact us via incoming@ia.uni-stuttgart.de or visit us during our open office hours.