Social Protection (MSc)
Finding an Accommodation
Applying for a place in Studierendenwerk Apartments
Finding housing in Germany can be difficult, however. One option in this case is to apply for a dormitory room – but this must be done well in advance as space is limited!
A room in a student dormitory costs between 190 and 490 €, depending on the size and facilities offered. One advantage is that the rooms are already furnished and even bed sheets can be rented. All applications 4 for dormitory rooms are handled by the Students' Administration (Studierendenwerk) in Bonn, which is in- dependent from the university.
Please apply as early as possible for a room in the dormitories in Bonn, Rheinbach or Sankt Augustin, ideally right after the admission to the university has been granted. In the online application of the Studierendenwerk state the kind of room you would like, either an apartment with bathroom and kitchenette or a single room with shared bathroom and kitchen (prices vary accordingly). Keep the application as general as possible so not to limit your range of possible options. If you select the student residence in Rheinbach or Sankt Augustin, please state in the free text field that you would also live in Bonn, as this increases your chance of getting a room. The fact that you have applied for a room does not mean that you will get a room. The Studierendenwerk will get in touch with you to either ask if you want to maintain your application or to offer you a room. They will not contact you to tell you that you didn't get a room. Phoning the office might be more productive than writing an E-mail. Going to the office in person is the best option. Get there early because the queues are long.
The administrative office of the Student Housing Department (Abteilung Studentisches Wohnen) is available to assist you on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 09:00 to 12:00, and also on Thursdays from 14:00 to 16:00.
E-mail: wohnen@studierendenwerk-bonn.de
Phone :+49 228 73 71 63
Website: www.studierendenwerk-bonn.de
Please note that it is only possible to move into your dormitory room on working days before 18:00. If you arrive in the evening or over the weekend, a hotel room will be necessary.
Please also note that you will first need to sign your rental contract in the office of the Studierendenwerk and also pay your first month's rent and damage deposit. Please keep this in mind when planning your travel arrangements!
Shared apartments
Most students live in flat shares (WG = Wohngemeinschaft). In this arrangement, each person gets their own room in an apartment and everyone shares the kitchen and bathroom. Advantages of flat shares include reduced living costs and easy access to a social network. The rent will likely be between 450 and 600 €. However, the rooms in flat shares are generally not furnished. Because flat shares are popular amongst students, it is a good idea to start looking for one early.
There are Internet portals such as https://www.wg-gesucht.de/ for this purpose, as well as notice boards at the university. Renting an apartment is generally the most expensive alternative, ranging from 300 to 600 € per month. The advantage, however, is one's own kitchen and bathroom. Students can find rental options in the newspaper, through the notice boards at the university or via many inter- net portals.
Inexpensive furniture can be purchased at many charitable second-hand stores in Bonn Folders containing rental offers can be found at the reception of the Sankt Augustin and Rheinbach campuses – it's worth taking a look!
In addition to the Student Administration, Christian communities also operate dormitories but have a separate set of application requirements. For more information, please visit: https://www.katholische-studentenwohnheime.de/studierendenwohnheime/. S… the homepage of the International Office for further information on accommodation and addresses looking for private and temporary housing.
Caution
Never make advance payments to private individuals before arrival, especially if the offer seems too good to be true! Once you have found a place to live, it's important to register your new address at the residents' registration office. Please see the extra chapter on this procedure.
Public broadcasting fee
All residences in Germany pay a quarterly fee to fund Germany's public broadcasting system. The "Beitragsservice" automatically receives your data from the residents' registration office and will contact you by letter. The fees for public broadcasting are about 18 € per month. If you don' pay the fee, a bailiff can come and seize the money or apply to the local court for an arrest warrant. This can lead to the withdrawal of your residence permit.