Guides

From the Abitur to the start of studies: child benefit, family insurance, BAföG, the exemption deadline and the semester fee for 2026, with deadlines and order.

Sleep during your studies explained: how it supports learning, the signs of sleep deprivation, and evening and morning habits that help.

Student mental health explained: how to spot overload early, what helps against stress and where to find counselling, therapy and crisis support.

PKV medication coverage explained: how you are reimbursed for prescriptions, which rules apply to over-the-counter drugs and how this differs from GKV co-payments.

How to fund a degree without BAföG: parental support, child benefit, a part-time job, scholarships and loans, with a worked example.

Sport during your studies with a full timetable: university sport, gyms with student discounts, home workouts and running, with a sample week.

Semester fee, semester ticket, AKAFÖ residence halls, 12% second-home tax and the BAföG office. The figures for Bochum in the winter semester 2026/27.

Semester fees at the University of Mainz and Hochschule Mainz, student residences, second home tax, the BAföG office and health insurance for students.

PKV hospital coverage explained: how direct billing works, the difference between standard and optional services and what to check in your tariff.

Meal prep for students explained: a simple weekly plan, cheap recipes, a shopping list and safe storage of pre-cooked food.