Studies start: This is how you master life as a working student!

Studies start: This is how you master life as a working student!

The transition from school to university represents a crucial phase in life for many young adults. In addition to the new freedom and independence that comes with studying, students encounter a number of challenges and responsibilities that need to be mastered. The Süddeutsche Zeitung reports that aspects such as financial management, insurance and part-time jobs are part of the new reality for students.

Student life offers many advantages, such as exciting lecture hall visits or sociable shared flat parties. But in order to enjoy this world of experience, students must learn to manage their finances and obtain detailed information about the legal and tax aspects of the various activities.

Important aspects for students

A central point is the topic of working alongside your studies. Loud Studiumdenwerk-berlin.de Students benefit from the working student privilege: employers and students pay lower social security contributions. In particular, there are no taxes for unemployment, health and nursing care insurance. Only a contribution to pension insurance remains, which gives students financial flexibility.

The regulation allows students under the age of 25 to take advantage of the benefits of family insurance. After reaching this age limit, you must choose statutory or private health insurance. The requirements for working hours are clear: a maximum of 20 hours per week can be worked during the lecture period. During the semester break, however, there is permission for full-time work, which offers students additional income opportunities.

Earn money and pay attention to BAföG

Despite the flexible working hours, there are a few important aspects to consider. The26 week rulestates that students can work a maximum of 26 weeks within a twelve-month period in order not to lose their working student privilege. Otherwise they have to pay into regular social security.

For a mini-job that can contribute to living expenses, the minimum wage is 12.82 euros per hour, with a maximum earning limit of 556 euros per month. There are no taxes or social security contributions here, but there are also regulations regarding pension insurance contributions.

It is important that students who receive BAföG keep an eye on their additional income limits. The maximum gross amount of 6,672 euros within one year may not be exceeded, otherwise entitlement to training funding may be lost. The basic allowance for 2025 is 12,096 euros plus income-related expenses, which means that lower incomes remain tax-free.

In addition, students are entitled to vacation and continued payment of wages in the event of illness, while pregnant students are subject to special protection against dismissal and are entitled to maternity protection wages. International students have the opportunity to apply for family benefits after the birth of a child, which provides additional support for young families.

In conclusion, entering the academic world not only brings the excitement of new experiences, but also brings with it serious financial and legal issues to consider. Careful planning and being informed are the key to optimally mastering the challenges.