Regional travel
Getting around town is a snap with Germany’s efficient public transportation. Whether it’s by bus, tram, train or taxi, there is almost always an efficient means of public transit available to get you where you need to go. If your Studentenausweis/Semesterticket does not offer free transportation, then your best bet is to buy a monthly transportation pass (Monatskarte), offering unlimited rides on the city’s network of bus and train routes. Ask about student discounts on bus passes and train tickets. Pay attention to when the bus or train stops running at night. Taxis are usually always available, but can get expensive.
You can pick up a used bike at one of the flea markets (Flohmarkts). The local classified ads newspaper can also be helpful if you want to purchase a bike, or you can find one at most Tabak stores. And don’t forget about walking. With the highly urbanized structure of most cities in Germany, getting around on foot is possible in even the largest cities.
By air
Discount airlines offer an easy way to travel Europe. Easyjet or Ryanair are the most prevalent. These airlines often fly into smaller airports, and the best prices are usually for the very early or very late flights, so check your schedule carefully. Additionally, please be aware that discount airlines are notorious for tacking on large fees that make a seemingly good deal not much of a bargain.
By train
Be sure to inquire at the information center of the train station about special bargains or discounts you can receive as a student.
Most importantly, do your research. There are lots of options available for students, so shop around to find the one that is the best deal for your needs.
Accommodations
If you want to travel cheaply and meet new people, a hostel is probably your best bet for accommodations. Typically, a hostel consists of rooms with several bunk beds for four to 20 people. There are single-sex rooms as well as co-ed rooms. They usually have a general room and kitchen that everyone can share. The drawbacks compared to a hotel are the lack of privacy and there are often times during the day when the hostel is closed and you will not have access.