International matters & Culture: Studierendenwerk Bonn

Service point for international matters

As service point for international matters, we make sure that foreign students feel comfortable in their new surroundings, get along well and find connections. A lively exchange between the many cultures of origin is very important to us.

Students from abroad can order the Dorm Basic Set from us, which provides basic equipment for the dormitory so that they can quickly settle into their new home. Additionally, we provide advice on all questions regarding everyday student life. We also have an open ear for their concerns.

At our events, such as the annual Chinese New Year, we bring foreign and German students together, thus facilitating integration in Germany.

Dorm Basic Set

The Dorm Basic Set is a special offer for students from abroad who are only able to travel with limited luggage to their new home in Germany. The basic equipment "Dorm Basic Set" provides you with basic utensils you will need every day, such as bedding and essential kitchen equipment. Thus, you can concentrate on your studies without stress and settle into your new four walls.

International Guesthouse

The International Guesthouse in the city district of Endenich is a modern, inviting building. Scientists from all over the world meet there and may soon call it their "home away from home". The guesthouse consists of 64 newly renovated apartments and is run by the Studierendenwerk Bonn. It is exclusively available to the University of Bonn. For this reason, reservations can only be made via the Welcome Center for International Researchers at the University of Bonn.

...more about the International Guesthouse

German-French exchange between Bonn and Toulouse

The Student Circle Bonn-Toulouse association has existed for over 40 years and is one of the oldest German-French student exchanges. The students of the respective universities visit each other once a year. Financially and non-materially, the Student Circle Bonn-Toulouse has been promoted and supported by the Studierendenwerk Bonn for over four decades. The basis is an agreement between the Studierendenwerk Bonn and its French counterpart, the CROUS in Toulouse. In addition, the German-French Youth Office (DFJW) regularly promotes the exchange.

Französische und deutsche Studierende feiern das 40. Jubiläum des Studentischen Freundeskreises Bonn-Toulouse e.V

Chinese New Year

Freitisch

"Freitisch" - what is that?

„Freitisch“ translates to „Free table“ and means in a nutshell: free food for students in particular need or in distress. The aim was and is to help in an uncomplicated way.

The concept and the institution of the "Freitisch" are quite old. As early as the 1920s, there was a free lunch for particularly needy students in Bonn, the "Freitisch". At that time, it was organised by the Studentenwohl association, which is what the Studierendenwerk Bonn used to be called.

Freitisch for students of the University of Bonn in cases of social hardship

In 2016, we launched the "Freitisch" and established it for the first time in a cooperation with the AStA of the Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn to support students of the University of Bonn in cases of social hardship. The Freitisch simply pursues the goal of avoiding hunger and thus maintaining the ability to study. Due to the current pandemic situation, we have adjusted the admission criteria.

Find out here who and how to apply for the Freitsich.

Do I have to pay the Rundfunkbeitrag (broadcast licence fee)?

Licence fee exemption

Students who do not live with their parents can be exempted from the radio fee of €17.50 per month if they receive BAföG. The exemption applies for the period for which the BAföG is granted. For that a copy of the BAföG decision must be provided with the application. Students who share a flat must also state the names of the flatmates.

The application form and additional information can be found at www.rundfunkbeitrag.de and are also available from local authorities (e.g. your municipal administration). The completed form and relevant proof must be sent by post to: Beitragsservice von ARD, ZDF und Deutschlandradio, 50656 Köln.

Where can I get the Mensa Card for cashless payment in the canteens?

The Mensa Card is available at the info.point in the entrance area of the Mensa Nassestraße for a deposit of 5,00 EUR. You will get this amount back when you return the Mensa Card at the cash desks of the canteens. The remaining amount will also be returned there. With the Mensa Card, you can use cashless payments in all catering establishments of the Studierendenwerk. More information can be found here.

Do I have to register with the city of Bonn?

Yes, no later than one week after your move or after a move, you have to register at the Einwohnermeldeamt of the city of Bonn. You should bring your tenancy agreement and passport (with visa). You can make an appointment online. More information can be found on the website of the city of Bonn.

How and where can I open a bank account?

Most banks offer students a free checking account. Simply look up more information regarding a student account. You should bring your passport (with visa) as well as the registration certificate of the city.

Do I need health insurance?

Yes, you need a valid health insurance certificate to register at the university or higher education institution and to extend your stay. The monthly contribution of a statutory health insurance is about 80,- €. Attention: From the age of 30, the contribution increases to approximately 150,- €.

I am not yet enrolled, for example because I am taking a language course. How can I insure myself?

Health insurance before studies begin

Whoever takes part in a language course in preparation for their studies cannot get health insurance from a public health fund. In this case you must opt for private health insurance. Once the language course has been completed students who are younger than 30 can change to the public health insurance for the duration of their studies.

The regulations for preparatory colleges vary. The best thing to do is to contact the preparatory college of the university where you would like to study later on.

The Deutsche Studentenwerk has made a general agreement with the UNION Versicherungsdienst GmbH for students participating in language courses.

Tariff overview


	Vela Optimal	Vela Basic
1.-12. Months	78,00 EUR	34,50 EUR
13.-60. Months	78,00 EUR	60,00 EUR

If you are staying for a longer period, the "VELA optimal" tariff is recommended. This offers comprehensive health insurance including vaccinations and preventive medical checkups. The tariff "VELA basic" offers only limited services and is more suitable for exchange students who are only staying one or two terms in Germany. It is especially good value for money in the first twelve months; however as of the 13th month the contributions for the basic tariff increase.

Please note:

The tariff "VELA Light" listed on the Vela website is not part of the general agreement of the Deutsche Studentenwerk with UNION Versicherungsdienst GmbH. Hence, we would like to point out that we do not recommend this tariff.

More information from your Studentenwerk or directly from:

VELA - a brand of UNION Versicherungsdienst GmbH

Ecclesiastr. 1-4

D- 32758 Detmold

Contact:
Customer service: 0800 603-6039 (Germany)
Customer service: +49 5231 603-6390 (international)
E-mail: info(at)vela.insure

Click here for the website

Do I have to visit the Immigration Office?

Yes, if you're from a non-EU country. Then you must make an appointment with the Immigration Office/Ausländerbehörde after your entry and before your entry visa expires. You can make an appointment online. You must bring the following with you:

Biometric photo
Passport/Visa
Health insurance certificate
Bank account/bank contract
Notification of admission from the university/higher education institution
City registration certificate
Proof of financing (e.g. account statements)
Fee (max. 110 EUR)

Further information can be found here.

I have questions about accommodation:

Find answers to your questions about accommodation here.

Finance the studies

This video from our umbrella organisation, the Deutsches Studentenwerk, provides helpful tips on financing your studies in Germany.

Contact

Oliver Bungard

International Affairs & Culture

Lennéstraße 3
53113 Bonn

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Events & Culture

Are you planning to organise an event and still need a room as well as support? Thinking about e.g. Open Mics, concerts, readings, slams... Contact us! Together we can plan your event, organise it and let it take place in one of our spaces!