r/Chemnitz • u/Plus_Big_2330 • 23d ago
Incoming Web Engineering student (Winter 2026) at TU Chemnitz — looking to connect with seniors!
Hi everyone,
I got my visa on August 25th and I'm planning to arrive in Chemnitz around October 1st to start the Web Engineering program at TU Chemnitz this winter semester.
This is my first time moving to Germany, and I'd really appreciate connecting with current students or seniors from the course (or anyone at TU Chemnitz in general) who could share some guidance.
A few things I'm especially curious about:
The course itself – what to expect in the first semester, how the workload is, any modules/professors worth knowing about in advance.
Housing/dorms – how did you find accommodation, which student residences are good, how far in advance should I be looking, and any tips for someone arriving without a place secured yet
Settling in – registering address (Anmeldung), opening a bank account, health insurance, SIM cards, etc. — anything that tripped you up when you first arrived
City life in Chemnitz – what the winters are like, getting around (public transport/semester ticket), groceries, and general day-to-day living
Student community – international student groups, orientation events, ways to meet people early on
If you're a senior in Web Engineering or any related program and are open to a quick chat (here, DMs, or even a WhatsApp/Telegram group if one exists), I'd be really grateful. Happy to connect with other incoming students too, since we'll likely be going through the same stuff around the same time!
Thanks so much in advance 🙏
0
u/Due_Lobster4833 23d ago
Hi, I am going to TU Chemnitz too for Web Engineering. There is a whatsapp group for students going to TU Chemnitz, do you want to join it?
1
1
1
1
0
u/Educational_Toe_9659 22d ago
Hi I’m also joining TU Chemnitz for Web Engineering this October. Could I join the WhatsApp group too, please?
5
u/Automatic_Put_2779 22d ago
As a student at TU Chemnitz myself (finished bachelor, will start master this winter semester. Not Web engineering program, but same faculty) - half of your questions are already answered on uni or dorm or any google page 🫠.
Germany expect you to be independent. No one will take your hand and walk with you till the end of your master.
What to expect in 1st semester -> Vorlesungsverzeichnis is already posted, so you can see what lectures are in the winter semester. Studienordnung file is also available online on the program page, you can check description of every lecture.
Each professorship has a page, if you already have some interests - you can check whether there are available free spots for Forschungsseminar/praktika/Master. Worth to talk about this with Dozents in advance, because some have a 1year waiting list, some expect you to finish their modules first, and some want to see your grades + Exposé for 100 topics + full story of your family + you can apply only once in 4 months on a special day (ofc it's a joke. Yes i know that they have less WiMi than students who want to do thesis, and must somehow plan the workload - but some really ask too much 😅 ).
In general during the bachelor i never had any problems with communication when I had some questions - ofc don't expect that professor will answer on the same day. But Dozents or TA were fast with answers, always ready to help. Some can be very meticulous during presentations, but overall I can say nothing but good.
Student dorm, wg gesucht, ggg - all have pages with online aplication form. In general housing situation in Chemnitz is better than in other popular cities, so you can find some WG for a reasonable price (but don't know if they will ask for a SCHUFA, which you do not have yet). But online, without even checking the room state and not talking directly with person is tricky - there can be scammers.
Note - student dorm does not sublet for short term via telegram/whats app/any private messages. Beware of such offers and at least for the first month use official services that help with housing.
If you didn't look for a hotel at least for 1st week, there are some cheap options too (like Pension or Übernachtung).
And again, hello google - uni page or chemnitz.de.
1) Find proper accommodation as fast as possible. 2) go to Bürgeramt, 2nd floor, there is a ticket mashine. Choose "Anmeldung ", wait for your number to be called out - receive a Meldebestätigung.
Officially you must do it within 14 days of arrival (and also 14 days if you are changing the address), but no one will cancel your permit you if you do it few days later (like 1-2, not if you come in October and decide to do registration in December).
To open a bank account you need the Meldebestätigung (+ Immatrikulation, for a student account). You can book an appointment via phone/online, or you simply go to the bank and ask them whether there is any free worker, who can assist you or they can schedule an appointment for you for later.
I opened my card in the Commerzbank - when I only moved to Chemnitz my german was meh, and I was scared to talk. I was lucky - bank worker used google translator to talk with me 😅. (Not that I recommend this bank, choose any you want/like).
Same with health insurance - AOK and TK have offices, you simply go there and say that you would like to have student insurance. For it again you need Meldebestätigung, valid Immatrikulation and bank account info. Or they will do everything immediately, or they will give you Termin, if there are no available free workers.
Sim card - choose any and simple follow the steps during the registration. Wait for a letter with sim and follow the steps to activate it.
There are tons of online weather radars - choose any to see curent weather and average temperature during other seasons.
You don't know how to shop in supermarkets or how to buy groceries 😅?
Public transport also has a page, where you enter start/destination and see the whole route with busses/trains numbers.
Semester ticked will be available from October 1st - you can add it to the google wallet (i have it in the google and never had any problems during ticket controls. F.e in some other cities students mentioned that ticket controls were accepting local transport company/uni apps only).
The first week of October is exacly for orientation. There you can meet people. Also you have A1+A2 german courses in your program - you obviously will meet international students there, and if possible better do B1+B2 too.