Bremen. It is a wonderful city with unique weather and beautiful streets that seem straight out of a fairy tale. A city of nature blended with just the perfect mix of civilization. However, before you can enjoy the beauty of Bremen, there are a few pivotal steps to take upon arrival.
Moving to a new country always feels a little like stepping into a story you haven’t read the first chapter of. The plot is unfamiliar, the setting is different, and you’re suddenly cast as the protagonist who is expected to figure everything out as they go. When I boarded the plane to Bremen for my studies at Constructor University, I thought I was prepared. I had watched enough videos, browsed enough blogs, and mentally rehearsed this moment for months. Yet nothing quite prepares you for the moment you realize that the life you knew has dissolved beneath you, making room for something entirely new.
If you’re preparing for your own move to Bremen, here are the things I wish someone had told me. Think of this as advice from a slightly older, slightly wiser version of yourself - someone standing a few steps ahead on the same path.
Moving to a new country always feels a little like stepping into a story you haven’t read the first chapter of. The plot is unfamiliar, the setting is different, and you’re suddenly cast as the protagonist who is expected to figure everything out as they go. When I boarded the plane to Bremen for my studies at Constructor University, I thought I was prepared. I had watched enough videos, browsed enough blogs, and mentally rehearsed this moment for months. Yet nothing quite prepares you for the moment you realize that the life you knew has dissolved beneath you, making room for something entirely new. If you’re preparing for your own move to Bremen, here are the things I wish someone had told me. Think of this as advice from a slightly older, slightly wiser version of yourself - someone standing a few steps ahead on the same path.
Before boarding the plane: The essentials you must pack.
Let’s start with the most obvious yet surprisingly overlooked point: documents. Students often remember their passport and sometimes the visa, but forget the one thing that determines whether immigration will let you in without unnecessary complications - proof that you are enrolled at a German university. This could be your admission letter, enrollment certificate, or any official document from Constructor University confirming your student status. Keep both physical and digital copies. Trust me, when you’re jet-lagged and shuffling through your bags at border control, you’ll thank yourself.
And then comes clothing. Most students arrive in late summer or early autumn, and the warm breeze at home may trick you into believing Europe will be just as forgiving. It isn’t. Bremen’s weather has a mind of its own - sometimes moody, often cold, and always unpredictable. Pack layers, a proper jacket, warm socks, and shoes that can survive rain. Germany does not believe in gentle drizzle! Unfortunately, I learnt this the hard way.
Another thing students sometimes forget: accommodation arrangements. Whether you’re living on campus or off campus, ensure your housing is confirmed, your deposit is paid, and your contract is in order. Migrating your entire life only to realize your room isn’t secured is not a plot twist you want.
Finally, the one regret I still carry is not learning German earlier. You might assume everyone speaks English, and while that is true in major German cities, Bremen is more subdued, more local, more authentically German. Many residents do not speak English comfortably, and even basic phrases can save you from awkward silences or confused gestures. Constructor University offers German courses, but arriving with at least a foundation will make your transition smoother.
Upon Arrival: Navigating the first hours in Bremen
Stepping off the plane in Bremen feels surreal - the air is colder, the announcements are unfamiliar, and everything smells faintly of rain. The easiest way to reach campus from the airport is, without question, a taxi. Constructor University often sets up a stand for incoming students during arrival days. They were kind enough to arrange a taxi for me right outside the airport and even pay for it, which remains one of the warmest surprises of my arrival.
Taxis are expensive but practical, especially when you’re carrying half your home in your suitcases. Public transport is excellent, but not when you’re exhausted, disoriented, and dragging heavy bags.
Once you’re on campus and settled into your room, the next quest begins: shopping for essentials. Thankfully, Constructor University is connected to the rest of Bremen through Bus 90, which stops right outside campus and leads straight to Vegesack - your new headquarters for all things practical. Vegesack Mall has Kaufland for groceries, phone service providers for a SIM card, and even a gym if you’re committed to staying healthy despite the temptations of German pastries.
For greater variety, take the train to Bremen Hauptbahnhof (Hbf), the city centre. There, you’ll find DM and Rossmann, which are German convenience stores you will soon develop an emotional attachment to. A quick tram ride to Herdentor opens up a cluster of shops, cafes, restaurants, and almost anything a new student could need.
And then there’s IKEA. Although it’s a bit far from campus, it is a sacred pilgrimage for those seeking hangers, storage boxes, door hooks, and oddly satisfying homeware you never knew you needed. I still use the hooks I bought in my first week; they’ve somehow become symbolic of my attempt at “adulting”.
For transport, consider getting the Deutschlandticket for unlimited regional travel. But if you’re a Constructor student, your semester ticket has this covered.
The Bureaucracy: Registration, Residence Permits and Banks
If you are living off campus, you must register your address within two weeks of moving in. Search for your nearest Bürgeramt and make an appointment. Don’t panic if you can’t find an immediate slot; the system is notoriously packed.
For the appointment, you’ll need:
• Passport or national ID
• Completed Anmeldung form
• The Wohnungsgeberbestätigung (confirmation from your landlord)
I strongly recommend bringing someone who can speak German as it makes the process a whole lot convenient.
Campus residents have it easier: the housing office will guide you and handle the formalities. After registration, your next step is the temporary residence permit. Book an appointment at the Ausländerbehörde.
Constructor University usually emails instructions and necessary documents, so keep an eye on your inbox. Then comes the bank account - a rite of passage for every international student. Sparkasse is a popular choice, but appointments take time, and you need a phone number and registered address first. If you’re impatient (or simply practical), N26 is a great online banking alternative. I opened my account within minutes and used the digital card for everything.
The small but vital things
Lastly, here are just a few tips from me to really cement yourself as one of Bremen’s citizens! Since Germany’s weather changes in the blink of an eye, always carry an umbrella! You will end up regretting it once drenched in the rain. And never forget your semester ticket or Deutschlandticket when you travel. Getting fined on the train will be the last thing you want!
Moving to Bremen is both an adventure and a challenge - but a meaningful one. Every document, every bus ride, every moment of confusion becomes part of your growth. If you embrace the process rather than fear it, the city slowly unfolds itself to you. And soon, what once felt foreign begins to feel, quietly and unexpectedly, like home.
