7. Get Your German Utilities Set Up
There are numerous internet providers in Germany, but you may also need to get a Deutsche Telekom line fitted first, so check with your landlord. Many young people in Germany rely solely on their mobile phone instead. Find out more about choosing a mobile network on our Mobile Phone Rates in Germany page.

If you are moving into shared living, you will likely just take on certain household bills or pay into a pot of household money (Haushaltsgeld) that will cover costs for the accommodation. If you are setting up your apartment alone, make sure to be aware of the following utility payments you will have to organize:

Heating (Heizung)
Electricity (Strom)
Water (Wasser)
Cable/Satellite Television (Kabel/Satellite Fernseh)
Telephone/Internet connections (Telefon/Internetanschluss)
Home insurance (Hausversicherung)

8. Learning German
Although English is widely understood in Germany, it really is advisable to learn German first. You will also need to familiarize yourself with the technical terms that you may see in work or rental contracts.

Consider a very cost-friendly German course at a local Volkshochschule (adult education center) if you do not wish to pay the tuition fees of a private German school.

Can you live in Germany without knowing German?
It is just about possible to live in Germany without knowing much German. But in order to find employment and to fully integrate into society, you will need to be able to speak and read German to a good standard, especially if you live outside the major cities. Consider attending an evening language school in your home town or doing an online course in German before you relocate.

9. Meeting people in Germany
Most Germans belong to one or more clubs or groups; in fact, they have one of the highest levels of social cohesion in the world, so joining a group can be a great way to find like-minded friends. The fastest way to meet new people, however, will likely be through your studies or your job.

Can I move to Germany without a job?
You can move to Germany without a job provided you have the money to cover your advance rent and deposit (and enough savings to warrant your visa if applicable). But, if you want to meet new people straight away, the faster you find a job, the quicker this process will be. You will not be able to apply for social benefits in Germany such as unemployment benefits (Arbeitslosenversicherung) if you've only just moved to the country.

10. The German Garbage System
Familiarize yourself with the recycling system in your new home and make sure you know the collection days. Bins tend to be color-coded, and what the colors mean may change from state to state. If in doubt, ask a neighbor or your landlord. Around 68% of all household waste in Germany is recycled.

Typically, plastics, paper, different-colored glass, bio-waste and cans should be separated for recycling, whilst non-recyclable waste has its own bin.