A small step that saves real pain: plan your landing like a project.

When to arrive: 1–2 weeks before your semester or job starts — enough time for registration and setup, not so much that you burn money in temporary housing. Arrive Monday–Thursday: offices, banks and shops close early on weekends (nearly everything is shut on Sundays).

Your week-one hit list (each is a step in the Arrive phase):

SIM card — day one
Transport ticket — day one
Check in to your accommodation, get the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung from your landlord
City registration (Anmeldung) — the keystone step
Bank account
Health insurance activation

Pack for reality: bring 1–2 weeks of any medication (with prescription), an EU power adapter, and some cash — Germany still loves cash and some places don't take cards.

Money for the start: have access to €1,500–3,000 outside your blocked account, which only pays out monthly once set up.

Red flags:

Booking non-refundable flights before the visa decision — the most expensive common mistake in the whole journey.
Carrying €10,000 or more in cash into the EU without declaring it at customs — the fines are severe. Larger sums belong in a bank transfer.
Prescription medication without paperwork: bring the prescription and a doctor's letter; some substances (strong painkillers, ADHD medication) fall under narcotics rules and need special documentation — check German customs rules for your specific medication before flying.
Landing on the exact day your semester or job starts — one delayed flight and you're doing the Anmeldung sprint jet-lagged and already behind.
Arriving Friday evening with no cash, no SIM and a closed city until Monday.