# First steps

**Source**: https://www.fau.eu/studying/international-students/everything-you-need-to-know-about-coming-to-fau/first-steps/
**Parent**: https://www.fau.eu/

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.

## Before entering Germany

- Apply for a [visa and residence permit](https://www.fau.eu/studying/international-students/everything-you-need-to-know-about-coming-to-fau/entry-and-visas/) and address questions regarding immigration law
- [Search for an apartment in Erlangen and the surrounding area](https://www.fau.eu/studying/student-life/living/)

## 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](https://www.fau.eu/studying/international-students/everything-you-need-to-know-about-coming-to-fau/insurance/)
- [Enroll](https://www.fau.eu/studying/applications-and-admissions/enrollment/) at the university
- As soon as you receive your log-in: Activate your [IdM portal](https://www.idm.uni-erlangen.de/go/), and enable your email address and other options
- Activate your [FAU-Card](https://www.fau.eu/studying/organizing-your-studies-and-where-to-go-for-advice/student-affairs/faucard/) for library access and as a cafeteria card
- Register for courses via [campo](https://www.campus.uni-erlangen.de/qisserver/rds?state=user&type=0&topitem=) and [StudOn](https://www.studon.fau.de) within the registration deadlines
- Register for [language courses](https://sz.fau.de/)(Oktis) within the registration deadlines
- Read [the degree program and examination regulations](https://www.fau.de/universitaet/universitaetsorganisation/rechtliche-grundlagen/pruefungsordnungen/) and the module plan
- If you would like advice, please contact a [study advisor.](https://www.fau.eu/studying/organizing-your-studies-and-where-to-go-for-advice/student-advice-center/)

## During your studies

- Attend [introductory events](https://www.fau.eu/studying/organizing-your-studies-and-where-to-go-for-advice/new-students/introductory-events-and-pre-semester-courses/) for your degree program or faculty
- [Re-register](https://www.fau.eu/studying/organizing-your-studies-and-where-to-go-for-advice/student-affairs/re-registration-and-semester-contribution/) for the next semester (each year in January/July)
- [Register for examinations](https://www.fau.eu/studying/organizing-your-studies-and-where-to-go-for-advice/examinations/) (within the registration deadlines)
- Possibly apply for [leave of absence](https://www.fau.eu/studying/organizing-your-studies-and-where-to-go-for-advice/student-affairs/student-records-office/) (illness, internship)
- For a part-time job: Apply for an income tax card
- [Look for a part-time job](https://www.daad.de/de/studieren-und-forschen-in-deutschland/erste-schritte-deutschland/nebenjobs/)
- [Obtain information about the buddy program and student initiatives](https://www.fau.eu/studying/international-students/everything-you-need-to-know-about-coming-to-fau/welcome-program-for-international-students/buddy-program/)