Your cheat sheet for surviving the first month.
Follow this order to avoid bureaucratic dead-ends.
Without a rental contract (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung), you cannot register. Start looking 3 months early!
Visit the Bürgeramt within 14 days of moving in. This is the key to everything else (Tax ID, Bank, etc.).
Open a "Girokonto". Most landlords won't deduct rent from a non-EU account, and internet providers require a German IBAN.
Activate your student insurance (TK, AOK) so you can officially enroll at your university.
Convert your entry visa into a long-term residence permit at the Ausländerbehörde.
Every household must pay ~€18.36/month for public broadcasting. Register online to avoid fines.