Comparisons hub
Decide in five minutes, not five weeks
Side-by-side tables for the three choices every GJU student makes in the first week: a bank, a SIM card and a health insurer.
Banks
Which bank account should I open?
| Sparkasse | N26 | Deutsche Bank | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Local savings bank with branches in every town | Online-only bank, everything in the app | Large national bank with branches in cities |
| Opening | Appointment at a branch; usually needs your Meldebescheinigung (address registration) | In the app in about 10 minutes with passport video ID; needs a German address | Online or at a branch; ask for the student account |
| Monthly fee | Often free for students (age limits vary by Sparkasse) | Basic account free | Free or reduced for students with proof of enrolment |
| English app | Mostly German | Yes, fully in English | Yes, English available |
| Cash | Its own ATMs everywhere, even in small towns | Limited free withdrawals per month; deposit cash at partner shops | Free at Cash Group ATMs (Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank, Postbank, HypoVereinsbank) |
| Card | Girocard + often a debit/credit card | Mastercard debit | Girocard and/or Visa debit |
| Best for | Small towns, cash users, face-to-face help | Fast start, English speakers, travel in Europe | Big cities, a full-service bank in English |
Our take for GJU students
Most GJU students start with N26 (or another free online bank such as DKB or C24) because they can open it before registering their address. If you prefer a branch and cash in a small town, Sparkasse is the safe choice.
Mobile plans
Which SIM card gives me the best internet for the money?
| Telekom | Vodafone | O2 | Aldi Talk | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Network | Telekom (D1) | Vodafone (D2) | O2 (Telefónica) | Uses the O2 network |
| Coverage | Best overall, especially rural areas and trains | Very good | Good in cities, weaker in the countryside | Same as O2 |
| Typical price | Usually highest | High; frequent student deals | Mid; good-value unlimited plans | Usually lowest; prepaid packs |
| Contract | Mostly 24-month contracts; prepaid available | Mostly 24-month contracts; prepaid available | Contracts, monthly options and prepaid | Prepaid only, no contract |
| Where to buy | Telekom shop or online | Vodafone shop or online | O2 shop or online | At any Aldi supermarket |
| Best for | Small towns and lots of train travel | Student deals and bundles | Big-city students who want lots of data | A cheap, simple start in week 1 |
Our take for GJU students
Buy an Aldi Talk (or Lidl Connect, Congstar, Fraenk) prepaid SIM in your first week; you need your passport to activate it. Avoid 24-month contracts: your German Year is 12 months. In a small town, check coverage maps first; Telekom-network brands such as Fraenk or Congstar are usually best there.
Health insurance
TK or AOK: which public insurer should I choose?
| TK (Techniker Krankenkasse) | AOK | |
|---|---|---|
| Student contribution 2026 | €141.16 a month under 23; €146.29 from 23 without children | Set by your regional AOK; usually within a few euros of TK |
| Organisation | One nationwide insurer | 11 regional AOKs; extras depend on your region |
| Service in English | Strong: English website, app and hotline | Varies by region; branch staff in every town |
| Digital | Very good app (documents, sick notes, uploads) | Good apps; many questions handled in local branches |
| Travel vaccinations | Covers many recommended travel vaccines | Often covered; depends on your regional AOK |
| Dental cleaning | Contribution towards professional teeth cleaning (amount set yearly) | Many regional AOKs subsidise cleaning; amounts vary |
| Extras | Bonus programme, online doctor services | Bonus programmes, local health courses |
| Best for | English speakers who want everything online | Students who like face-to-face help in a small town |
Our take for GJU students
Either is a good choice; there is no "bad" public insurer. Many GJU students pick TK for its English service. Compare the current Zusatzbeitrag and the extras of your regional AOK before you decide; you can switch later.