First month guide in Cologne

1. 1

   Secure Temporary Accommodation

   essential

   Book a hostel, Airbnb, or short-term sublet (Untermietvertrag) for your first few weeks. Finding a permanent flat takes time, so a temporary base is essential.

2. 2

   Get a Local SIM Card

   essential

   Purchase a German SIM card from providers like Vodafone, Telekom, or O2. This is crucial for communication, job applications, and navigating the city.

3. 3

   Understand KVB Public Transport

   essential

   Familiarize yourself with Cologne's excellent KVB network of trams, U-Bahn, and buses. Download the KVB app for schedules and ticket purchases; consider a monthly pass (MonatsTicket).

4. 4

   Stock Up on Groceries

   recommended

   Locate your nearest supermarket (Rewe, Edeka, Aldi, Netto). Learn basic German grocery terms and note opening hours, as most shops are closed on Sundays.

5. 5

   Explore Your Immediate Neighborhood

   nice-to-have

   Walk around your temporary living area. Identify pharmacies (Apotheke), bakeries, public transport stops, and local eateries to feel more at home.

6. 6

   Connect to Free Wi-Fi

   recommended

   Utilize free Wi-Fi spots in cafes or public libraries while you arrange home internet. Many KVB stations also offer limited free access.

7. 7

   Learn Basic German Phrases

   essential

   Even a few phrases like 'Hallo', 'Danke', 'Bitte', and 'Sprechen Sie Englisch?' will significantly help with daily interactions and show respect.

8. 8

   Start Your Apartment Search

   essential

   Begin actively searching for shared flats (WGs) on platforms like WG-Gesucht.de and local Facebook groups. Be prepared for quick decisions and high competition.

1. 1

   Register Your Address (Anmeldung)

   essential

   This is your absolute top priority. Book an appointment at a Bürgeramt as soon as possible after moving into permanent accommodation to register your address. It's legally required within two weeks.

2. 2

   Open a German Bank Account

   essential

   Once registered, open an account with a German bank (e.g., Sparkasse KölnBonn, Commerzbank, or online banks like N26). This is vital for rent, salary, and daily expenses.

3. 3

   Obtain Health Insurance

   essential

   Health insurance is mandatory in Germany. Enroll with a public provider like AOK or Techniker Krankenkasse, or ensure your private insurance is recognized.

4. 4

   Get Your Tax ID (Steuer-ID)

   essential

   Your Steuer-ID will be mailed to you automatically after your Anmeldung. You'll need it for employment and tax purposes.

5. 5

   Understand TV and Radio Fee (GEZ)

   recommended

   Be aware of the mandatory Rundfunkbeitrag (TV and radio license fee). You'll receive a letter to register and pay, regardless of whether you own a TV.

6. 6

   Sign Up for Internet and Utilities

   essential

   Arrange home internet (e.g., Telekom, Vodafone) and register for electricity and gas with providers like RheinEnergie, usually needed upon moving into a new apartment.

7. 7

   Secure Your Wohnungsgeberbestätigung

   essential

   Ensure your landlord provides you with a 'Wohnungsgeberbestätigung' (landlord's confirmation of residence) for your Anmeldung. You cannot register without it.

8. 8

   Visit the Foreigners' Office (Ausländeramt)

   essential

   If you need a visa or residence permit, book an appointment with the Ausländeramt (part of the Stadt Köln) well in advance, as wait times can be long.

1. 1

   Join Local Expat Groups

   recommended

   Search Facebook for 'Expats in Cologne' or 'International Friends Cologne' groups. They are invaluable for advice, social events, and meeting new people.

2. 2

   Attend University or VHS Courses

   recommended

   If a student, join university clubs. Otherwise, consider a German language course at Volkshochschule (VHS) or private schools to meet diverse individuals.

3. 3

   Explore Cologne's Neighborhoods

   nice-to-have

   Wander through distinct areas like Ehrenfeld for street art and cafes, Südstadt for gemütlich pubs, or Belgian Quarter for boutiques. Each offers a unique vibe.

4. 4

   Visit the Kölner Dom

   nice-to-have

   An absolute must-do! Climb the Cathedral tower for breathtaking views of the city and the Rhine. It's a quintessential Cologne experience and a great landmark.

5. 5

   Experience Local Cuisine

   nice-to-have

   Try traditional Kölner dishes like Himmel un Ääd (heaven and earth) and a proper Halve Hahn (rye roll with cheese), always with a glass of Kölsch.

6. 6

   Find a Doctor (Arzt)

   essential

   Locate a general practitioner (Hausarzt) in your area. Websites like Doctolib or Jameda can help you find English-speaking doctors and book appointments.

7. 7

   Join a Sports Club or Gym

   recommended

   Cologne has numerous sports clubs (Vereine) and gyms (Fitnessstudios). Joining one is a fantastic way to stay active and integrate into local society.

8. 8

   Discover Green Spaces

   nice-to-have

   Enjoy Cologne's many parks, such as Volksgarten, Grüngürtel, or take a stroll along the Rhine. They are perfect for relaxation and social gatherings.

1. 1

   Understand Waste Separation

   essential

   Germany has strict waste separation rules (Restmüll, Bio, Papier, Gelber Sack/Tonne). Learn the system to avoid fines and contribute to sustainability.

2. 2

   Get a Schufa Credit Check

   essential

   Many landlords require a Schufa-Auskunft (credit report). Start building your credit history by paying bills on time, or get an initial 'BonitätsCheck' from Creditreform Boniversum.

3. 3

   Beware of Rental Scams

   essential

   Never pay a deposit or rent before viewing an apartment in person and signing a contract. Be wary of requests for money via Western Union or unusually low rents.

4. 4

   Learn About Recycling Deposit (Pfand)

   recommended

   Bottles and cans often have a 'Pfand' (deposit) which you get back when returning them to supermarkets. It's an easy way to save money and recycle.

5. 5

   Register at the Library (Stadtbibliothek)

   nice-to-have

   Get a library card for the Stadtbibliothek Köln. It's a great resource for books, movies, music, and often offers free Wi-Fi and study spaces.

6. 6

   Familiarize with Emergency Numbers

   essential

   Know the emergency numbers: 112 for ambulance and fire, and 110 for police. Hopefully, you won't need them, but it's vital information.

7. 7

   Understand Your Rental Contract

   essential

   Thoroughly read your 'Mietvertrag' (rental contract), whether it's an 'Untermietvertrag' or 'Hauptmietvertrag'. Seek translation help if needed before signing.

8. 8

   Consider Liability Insurance (Haftpflichtversicherung)

   recommended

   A private Haftpflichtversicherung is highly recommended. It covers damages you accidentally cause to others' property, including your rented apartment.

• Always carry some cash (Bargeld) for smaller shops or cafes, as card payments aren't universally accepted, especially in local establishments.
• When applying for shared housing, personalize your message on WG-Gesucht.de; mention your hobbies, why Cologne, and offer to meet for a Kölsch.
• For KVB tickets, consider the 'Deutschland-Ticket' (€49/month) if you plan extensive travel beyond Cologne, as it's valid nationwide.
• Don't underestimate the 'Anmeldung' appointment scarcity; book it immediately upon having a permanent address, even if it's weeks away.
• Explore the 'Veedel' (neighborhoods) beyond the city center. Each has its own character, local shops, and often more affordable shared housing options.

This guide is tailored specifically for Cologne due to its unique blend of a highly competitive housing market, distinct bureaucratic processes like the mandatory Anmeldung, and a vibrant local culture influenced by its large student and expat populations. The recommendations for specific services, transport (KVB), and social integration strategies are designed to help newcomers navigate this particular German city.

• Best neighborhoods
• Cost of living
• Moving checklist
• Student discounts
• Public transport
• Pet-Friendly living
• Safety guide
• Coworking spaces
• Remote work cafés
• Neighbourhoods

• Rental contracts
• Tenant rights
• Deposit protection
• Registration guide
• Flatshare etiquette
• Phone & internet