# First Steps and Tutorials for International Students
**Source**: https://www.rwth-aachen.de/go/id/bczcgd/lidx/1
**Parent**: https://www.rwth-aachen.de/cms/root/studium/Vor-dem-Studium/~bdpsux/Internationale-Studieninteressierte/lidx/1/
Starting your studies as an international student at RWTH can be very exciting but it does also bring a number of organizatorial challenges with it. To make your transition to RWTH as smooth as possible, we’ve created step-by-step guides, video tutorials, and checklists covering everything from admission to the start of your first semester. Each video also includes recommendations on the best time to watch it as you prepare.
## Skip to content
- [RWTH Prep Webinars](#aaaaaaaaaboqnho)
- [Before Enrolling](#aaaaaaaaabczdbh)
- [After Enrolling](#aaaaaaaaabczezs)
- [Upon Arrival in Aachen](#aaaaaaaaabpoftt)
- [Start Your First Semester](#aaaaaaaaabhyrfs)
On this page, you will find all the important information you need about finding accommodation, enrolling via RWTHonline, activating your IT services, and registering in the city of Aachen. The personalized checklists for your first semester in the [Moodle room for international first-semester students](https://moodle.rwth-aachen.de/course/view.php?id=43172) will help you stay organized and ensure that you are well prepared for your studies.
For international program and exchange students, some of the initial administrative steps for [planning their stay](https://www.rwth-aachen.de/ca/f/djtn/?lidx=1) are different. International researchers and doctoral candidates should contact the [Welcome Center for International Researchers](https://www.rwth-aachen.de/ca/f/hcbpq/?lidx=1).
## RWTH Prep Webinars Summer Semester 2026
The webinars prepare you specifically for the start of your studies in Aachen in two compact online sessions with important information, practical tips, and the opportunity to ask questions about taking your first steps here.
### Part 1: First Contacts, First Steps
- Tuesday, February 3, 10 to 11am
- Wednesday, February 18, 4 to5pm
Attendance via [Zoom](https://rwth.zoom-x.de/j/62444865168) (no registration required)
[Presentation slides Part 1 – First Contacts, first steps](https://www.rwth-aachen.de/global/show_document.asp?id=aaaaaaaadkchsan)
[Recording Part 1 – First Contacts, first steps](https://rwth-aachen.sciebo.de/s/XHZmzNHsEG6sSas)
### Part 2: Countdown to Aachen
- Tuesday, March 3, 10 to 11am
- Thursday, March 19, 4 to 5pm
Attendance via [Zoom](https://rwth.zoom-x.de/j/67735606708) (no registration required)
[Presentation slides Part 2 – Countdown to Aachen](https://www.rwth-aachen.de/global/show_document.asp?id=aaaaaaaadkyhbgo)
[Recording Part 2 – Countdown to Aachen](https://rwth-aachen.sciebo.de/s/4PABMNdr2BNXDZm)
## First Steps Before Enrolling
### Finding Accommodation
#### When to watch
As soon as you have applied for a place at RWTH Aachen University
The Studierendenwerk (student services) operates student residences in Aachen; ensure that you apply early, as places are limited and the waiting list is long. Private residences and numerous options on the open housing market are also available. Most students search via online platforms, but it is important to make sure that you are dealing with reputable providers and that you do not make any advance payments to unknown persons.
#### Further information and contact details
- All information about applying for a place in a Studierendenwerk hall of residence is available on the [website for housing](https://www.studierendenwerk-aachen.de/en/housing.html). The [team at the Studierendenwerk Housing Office](https://www.studierendenwerk-aachen.de/en/housing/contact.html) advises all students in Aachen on all aspects of student housing.
- [Living in Aachen](https://www.rwth-aachen.de/go/id/egp/lidx/1) provides information about housing and advice in Aachen, supplemented by support from the [Housing Advice Service](https://www.rwth-aachen.de/go/id/goxt/lidx/1) for international students.
- The AStA page [Housing](https://www.asta.rwth-aachen.de/en/counseling/housing/) offers information about housing options and tenancy law, supplemented by advice from the [Social Affairs Department](https://www.asta.rwth-aachen.de/en/about-us/social-issues/) for all RWTH students.
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Studierendenwerk Aachen
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Housing Advice Service
### Ensuring that You Have Health Insurance
#### When to watch
As soon as you have received your admission letter
Health insurance is compulsory in Germany, so you must register with a statutory health insurance fund, even if you have private insurance abroad. You will need proof of insurance to enroll; if you have sufficient coverage, you can be exempted from statutory health insurance by a fund such as TK. Further information can be found on the [health insurance](https://www.rwth-aachen.de/go/id/talrg/lidx/1) websites.
#### Contact
- [TK](https://www.tk.de/firmenkunden/service/fachthemen/ausland/new-to-germany-lets-say-hello-2193254) provides advice on health insurance and exemptions.
- The [International Admissions Team](https://www.rwth-aachen.de/go/id/rcx/lidx/1) answers questions about proof of health insurance for enrollment.
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RWTH Representation of Foreign Students
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Techniker Krankenkasse
### Taking Out Insurance Policies
#### When to watch
Once you have received your admission letter
Find out about important insurance policies early on:
- Liability insurance: Highly recommended, as it covers damage that you might cause to others; landlords may require you to have this.
- Household contents insurance: Voluntary; protects your property in your apartment against fire, water damage, and burglary.
- Accident insurance: As a registered RWTH student, you are covered by accident insurance on campus and at University events, but not during your free time.
Contacts
- Report campus accidents to the [InfoCenter of the Studierendenwerk](https://www.studierendenwerk-aachen.de/en/infopoint-1106/accident-insurance-for-students.html).
- The [International Student Center](https://www.rwth-aachen.de/go/id/rdc/lidx/1) can help with insurance matters.
### Registering for the BeBuddy Program
#### When to watch
As soon as you have accepted your place at RWTH Aachen University.
We particularly recommend that you register for the [BeBuddy program](https://www.rwth-aachen.de/go/id/bqxb/lidx/1). BeBuddy connects new international students with experienced RWTH students who will help them with their arrival and during their first three months in Aachen.
Play Video
BeBuddy Program
### Completing your Enrollment
#### When to watch
As soon as you have accepted your place at RWTH Aachen University.
There is a separate [enrollment procedure](https://www.rwth-aachen.de/go/id/epke/lidx/1) for exchange students, which the [Incoming Student Service Team](https://www.rwth-aachen.de/go/id/momd/lidx/1) will tell you about by email. As an international [bachelor's](https://www.rwth-aachen.de/go/id/dspw/lidx/1) or [master's student](https://www.rwth-aachen.de/go/id/dsqa/lidx/1), you will need to upload your documents to RWTHonline by the deadline and pay the semester fee. Once all your documents have been checked and the fee has been received, you will be enrolled.
#### Contact
[International Admissions](https://www.rwth-aachen.de/go/id/rcx/lidx/1)
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International Admissions
## Steps After Enrollment Until the Semester Starts
### Setting Up Your Student Status
#### When to watch
After completing your enrollment via RWTHonline
After enrollment, [set up your student services](https://www.rwth-aachen.de/go/id/diok/lidx/1):
1. Set up [online services](https://help.itc.rwth-aachen.de/service/rhb2fhkpjhb7/article/ea917d7e1ee048eca31f7a23d04cced5/) (TIM ID, RWTH email, Eduroam)
2. Apply for a [BlueCard](https://www.rwth-aachen.de/go/id/eif/lidx/1) (student ID card)
3. Activate your [semester ticket](https://www.asta.rwth-aachen.de/en/semesterticket/)
#### Contact
- [IT ServiceDesk](https://help.itc.rwth-aachen.de/service/b734502cd73e4201b1f763a65a61bf9c/article/cbf1b80232b34626bbd53dda48578c09/) for online services
- [RWTH BlueCard Service Center](https://www.rwth-aachen.de/go/id/xwa/lidx/1) for the BlueCard
- [AStA](mailto:semesterticket@rwth-aachen.de) for the semester ticket
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IT Center
### Preparing for your Move to Germany
Prepare for life in Aachen with the [Survival Guide and FAQs from the International Office](https://www.rwth-aachen.de/go/id/inno/lidx/1), which contain comprehensive information on topics such as the weather, practical everyday issues, and tips for a successful start.
### Planning your Arrival
#### When to watch
After you have received your visa or when your arrival date has been confirmed
Plan your arrival so that you can take part in [Welcome Week](https://www.rwth-aachen.de/go/id/bpqj/lidx/1) or [First-Year Orientation Week](https://www.rwth-aachen.de/go/id/vcn/lidx/1).
Frequently used airports: Frankfurt (2 to 3 hours by train), Düsseldorf (1.5 to 2 hours by train), Cologne/Bonn (1 to 1.5 hours by train), Maastricht (shuttle and bus 350), and Brussels Zaventem or Charleroi (by train).
To continue your journey to Aachen, you can take the [German](https://www.bahn.de/) or [Belgian railways](https://www.belgiantrain.be/en), shuttle bus, or long-distance bus to Aachen Hauptbahnhof or Aachen West. Tickets for local transport are available from [AVV](https://avv.de/en/), ticket machines, or directly on the bus. The semester ticket is only valid from the start of the semester (October 1 or April 1). Taxis and night buses are available for late arrivals. Your [buddy](https://www.rwth-aachen.de/go/id/bpei/lidx/1) can advise you on your arrival and pick you up at the train station if necessary.
#### Further information
[Arrival at RWTH and getting around the city](https://www.rwth-aachen.de/go/id/jgtm/lidx/1)
## After Your Arrival in Aachen
### Register Your Address
#### After signing your rental agreement
Register your new address with the Aachen's City Registration Department within two weeks ([make an appointment online](https://serviceportal.aachen.de/suche/-/vr-bis-detail/dienstleistung/4599/show); daily appointments are published at 7:45 am).
To register, you will need
- A landlord's certificate (to be completed by the landlord)
- Your passport or identity card
After registering, you will receive your German tax ID and information about the [broadcasting license fee](https://www.asta.rwth-aachen.de/en/counseling/radio-contribution/) by mail. This being so, please ensure that you put your name on your mailbox. Don't forget to update your address in RWTHonline as well.
### Open a Bank Account
#### When to watch
After completing your address registration
Once you have registered your address, it may be a good idea to [open a German bank account](https://www.rwth-aachen.de/go/id/bxzl/lidx/1). If you come from the EU and already have a European bank account, this is not absolutely necessary. However, a local account can make your everyday life much easier, whether it's paying rent, managing your semester ticket, or covering everyday expenses.
### Applying for a Residence Permit
#### When to watch
After completing your address registration
After you have registered your address, the City Registration Department will forward the documents of third-country nationals (non-EU citizens) to the Immigration Office, where you must [apply for a residence permit](https://www.rwth-aachen.de/go/id/bpte/lidx/1). Please note that there may be waiting times (especially from the end of August to the beginning of November) and ensure that apply for the permit at least six weeks before your visa expires, as otherwise you will not be able to travel to other Schengen countries.
#### Contact
[Immigration Office at RWTH Aachen University](https://www.rwth-aachen.de/go/id/cgnd/lidx/1)
Play Video
Aachen Immigration Office
## Start Your First Semester
### Welcome Week for New International Students
Start your semester with [Welcome Week](https://www.rwth-aachen.de/go/id/bpqj/lidx/1), organized by the RWTH International Office. You will get to know the University and life in Aachen and you can get to know other international students. In addition, the [International First-Year Support Team](https://www.rwth-aachen.de/go/id/bibgwf/lidx/1) and a special [Moodle room](https://moodle.rwth-aachen.de/course/view.php?id=43172) are available, and these provide a number of features, some of which are listed below:
- Personalized checklists for each phase of your first semester
- Event announcements and important dates
- Q&A forums for peer-to-peer networking
- Tools for tracking your academic progress
Play Video
### First-Year Orientation Week
[First-Year Orientation Week](https://esa.rwth-aachen.de/) takes place in the winter semester before lectures begin, and it is organized by student councils, faculties, and the University. It helps new bachelor's and master's students get started with their studies. In the summer semester, first-semester master's students receive information about orientation events directly from their [student council](https://www.asta.rwth-aachen.de/en/engagement/fachschaften/).
Every new RWTH student must complete the foundational course [University Studies – the Transition Made Easy](https://www.rwth-aachen.de/go/id/qocs/). This course covers everything you need for your first semester: timetables, modules, teaching formats, study strategies, and campus life basics. The course runs in German from September 1 to March 31. You’ll need your TIM ID to access it – check out the video on activating IT services to get started.
### Late Arrival
If you miss Welcome Week, Freshers' Week, or the start of the semester due to visa delays, exams, or late admission, you will not be on your own. The [International First-Year Support Team](https://www.rwth-aachen.de/go/id/bibgwf/lidx/1) will help you with:
- Step-by-step instructions for your first semester
- Catch-up events and individual counseling
- Support from peer coaches
The [International First-Year Moodle room](https://moodle.rwth-aachen.de/course/view.php?id=43172) allows you to network with other international students and find out what events and offers (some specifically for late arrivals) are available. This way, you can network, make contacts, and get off to a good start in your studies, even if you arrive a little later.
### Making Contacts
#### When to watch
After arrival and completion of enrollment
Build up a social network through [language courses](https://www.sz.rwth-aachen.de/cms/~iilg/sz/?lidx=1), [sports activities](https://hochschulsport.rwth-aachen.de/cms/~icgi/hsz/?lidx=1) , [student initiatives](https://www.rwth-aachen.de/go/id/rsszo/lidx/1), and events held by the [Representation of Foreign Students](https://av.rwth-aachen.de/). Also check the [event calendar of the AStA student committee](https://www.asta.rwth-aachen.de/en/news/event-calendar/) regularly.
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RWTH Language Center
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University Sports Center
## Similar Topics
- [Program and Exchange Students (Incoming)](https://www.rwth-aachen.de/cms/root/studium/Im-Studium/Internationales/~bqtq/Exchange-Incomings/lidx/1/)
- [Support for International First-Year Students](https://www.rwth-aachen.de/cms/root/studium/Im-Studium/Internationales/~bibgwf/Unterstuetzung-fuer-Internationale-Ersts/lidx/1/)
- [International Student Center](https://www.rwth-aachen.de/cms/root/studium/Im-Studium/Internationales/~rdc/International-Student-Center-Internati/lidx/1/)
- [International Student Center: FAQ](https://www.rwth-aachen.de/cms/root/studium/Im-Studium/Internationales/~inno/FAQ/lidx/1/)