- New in Berlin (Neu in Berlin)
1.1. Accommodation (Unterkunft)
1.1.1 Student Dormitories
Students can apply for a dormitory using their university admission letter (Zulassung) or enrollment certificate (Immatrikulationsbescheinigung). Applications are submitted via the studierendenWERK BERLIN website. Detailed information about each dormitory and its management office (Standorte Wohnheime-Wohnheimverwaltungen) can be found on the studierendenWERK site.
Dormitory application link:
https://www.stw.berlin/wohnen.html
Process:
1) Go to the Wohnheimportal website;
2) Create an account and fill in your personal details;
3) Select your preferred dormitories (up to 3 choices);
4) Submit your application to be placed on the waiting list.
Once a room becomes available in one of your three chosen dorms, studierendenWERK staff will contact you with the housing details and contract. No status updates are shown in the portal after submission. Please be patient; waiting times vary depending on when you apply, with longer waits before the semester starts.
Achtung: Every six months, the system sends a confirmation email to your registered address. If you fail to confirm promptly, you will be removed from the waiting list and must reapply. Use an email address you check regularly.
studierendenWERK BERLIN:
Office hours: Monday to Friday: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Tel.: (030) 93939-70 / (030) 93939-8990
Address: Hardenbergstraße 34, 10623 Berlin
1.1.2 Private Housing
Private housing listings can be found in newspapers or on websites. Since private landlords vary widely and many are unregulated, read the contract terms carefully before signing. Inspect the property thoroughly before moving in, and document any damage with the landlord—ideally in the contract—to avoid disputes and losses when moving out. Bulletin boards in cafeterias and main university buildings also offer many rental listings.
Websites for housing:
www.dolc.de
http://forum.kaiyuan.de/forum-92-1.html (Kaiyuan Forum)
www.wg-gesucht.de (German)
Achtung: Read the contract carefully and sign only after full understanding!
1.2 Residence Registration (Wohnsitz-Anmeldung)
By law, you must register your new address at the Bürgeramt (citizen's office) within 14 days of moving in. All forms and appointment booking details can be found on the official website. Click https://service.berlin.de/dienstleistung/120686/ to access the page. The following is for reference only; policies change yearly, so always check the official site for the latest requirements.
Required documents:
1) Passport (Reisepass)
2) Beiblatt zu Anmeldung
If you keep your previous apartment and register an additional residence, fill out the "Beiblatt zu Anmeldung" form and designate one as your main residence (Hauptwohnung).
3) Registration form (Anmeldeformular)
Download from the official website.
4) Proof of marital status (Personenstandsurkunde)
First-time registration in Berlin requires a marriage certificate, birth certificate, or similar.
5) Confirmation of move-in from landlord (Einzugsbestätigung des Wohnungsgebers)
This must include: landlord's name (if not the owner, also the owner's name), address, tenant's name, address, and move-in date, signed by the landlord/owner. An example is available on the official site.
Note: This is not a rental contract.
6) Rental contract
While not explicitly required on the official site, it's advisable to bring it.
Registration locations: Over 40 Bürgeramt offices in Berlin. Find your district's office at:
www.berlin.de/verwaltungsfuehrer/buergerberatung
Tipp: Office hours vary; check the relevant website before visiting.
Procedure:
Step 1: Book an appointment online (link on the official site).
Step 2: Appear in person with all documents at the scheduled time. If unable to attend, an authorized representative can go with a power of attorney (Vollmacht) and a signed registration form.
1.3 Bank Account Opening (Kontoeröffnung)
1.3.1 Required documents:
a. Passport
b. Residence registration certificate (Anmeldebestätigung)
c. University admission letter (Zulassung) or enrollment certificate (Immatrikulationsbescheinigung)
Achtung: a) You can request all desired services during account opening. Forms will list options; ask staff if anything is unclear—they are obligated to explain. Double-check everything before signing. b) In Germany, banks send the card first, then the PIN separately. The PIN is used at ATMs. Sign the back of the card (Unterschrift)!
1.3.2 Two types of ATMs
One type only allows withdrawals and balance inquiries; the other also accepts deposits. Both offer multiple languages. Ask bank staff if you need help.
1.3.3 Printing statements
There are also machines for transfers and printing transaction records. They can print a statement (Kontoauszug) of your account activity for roughly the past month.
Achtung:
a) Always keep your Kontoauszug! Requesting a duplicate at the counter incurs high fees.
b) These machines have additional functions. For example, at Deutsche Bank, you can set up a Dauerauftrag (standing order) for recurring fixed payments.
Tipp: Using another bank's ATM incurs high fees. In non-emergencies, use your own bank's ATM. Many German banks form alliances for free withdrawals. For instance, Deutsche Bank, Postbank, and Commerzbank are part of CashGroup, allowing free withdrawals among them.
1.4 Health Insurance (Krankenversicherung)
Valid health insurance is mandatory for university enrollment in Germany. Insurance is either public or private. TK, AOK, DAK are well-known public insurers offering student plans at a uniform price of around €100 per month (including nursing care insurance Pflegeversicherung, subject to minor increases). Private insurance is cheaper in the first year but costs rise later.
Achtung: Insurance is a crucial document before enrollment—you need proof of insurance to register and to extend your visa.
Tipp:
1) Public insurance has a fixed price and can be applied for with your university admission letter. Private insurance varies in price and benefits (often inferior), but anyone can apply. It's advisable to apply for insurance before arriving in Germany, once you have your admission letter.
2) A key difference is payment for medical visits. With public insurance, you generally pay nothing out-of-pocket. With private insurance, you pay upfront, submit the bill for reimbursement, and must check if medications/services are covered beforehand to avoid unexpected costs.
1.5 University Enrollment (Immatrikulation)
1.5.1 Steps for enrollment at TU Berlin
TU sends first-semester students the required documents, payment slip, and admission letter before the semester starts. General steps:
a. Prepare materials as specified in the admission letter.
b. Transfer the enrollment fee using the payment slip at a bank (print the Kontoauszug) or via online transfer (save as PDF and print).
c. Bring all documents and your updated passport (see visa section) to the CampusCenter in the TU main building, queue, and submit.
CampusCenter
Location: TU main building, Room H30
Phone: 03031429999
Office hours vary by service; check the website for your specific needs before going:
http://www.referat-1a.tu-berlin.de/menue/kontakt_sprechzeiten/campus_center/
Achtung: Staff review documents on the spot. After submission, wait for your enrollment certificate. Keep the sheet with the barcode—you can use it at the photo booth in the main building to take a picture, then collect your student ID (with semester ticket) from the designated room. This completes your first enrollment. For subsequent semesters, simply transfer the fee upon receiving the enrollment notice, then attach the new semester ticket to your student ID.
1.6 Changing Your Visa (Visum)
Upon first entry, you typically have a 3-month short-term visa and must switch to a long-term student visa promptly.
1.6.1 Electronic Residence Permit
Since September 1, 2011, Germany introduced the electronic residence permit (eAT – elektronischer Aufenthaltstitel) for non-EU residents. This is a credit-card-sized chip card with your photo, two fingerprints, and a PIN to prevent misuse.
1.6.2 Functions of the eAT
a. Stores photo and fingerprints to prevent misuse and protect your identity.
b. Supplementary conditions are stored on the chip and printed on a separate sheet, no longer attached to the passport.
c. Optional "Online-Ausweisfunktion" (online ID function) allows secure identity verification on the internet or at ATMs, protecting your personal data.
d. The signature function is legally equivalent to a handwritten signature, enabling online contracts and applications without paper.
1.6.3 Applying at the Foreigners' Office
1.6.3.1 Office Information
Location: Landesamt für Einwanderung (LEA)
Address: Keplerstraße 2, 10589 Berlin
Getting there: U7 Mierendorffplatz / Bus M27 Keplerstraße
Office hours:
Monday: By appointment only
Tuesday: By appointment only
Wednesday: By appointment only
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: By appointment only
Mailing address (different from office): Landesamt für Einwanderung, Friedrich-Krause-Ufer 24, 13353 Berlin
1.6.3.2 Online Appointment
Book an appointment online for visa extension/change, bring required documents at the scheduled time. Due to high demand (especially around semester start), appointments are scarce—book early.
Booking link: http://www.berlin.de/labo/willkommen-in-berlin/termine/
Fill in basic details and choose your preferred date and time.
Required documents:
1) Valid passport (gültiger Pass)
2) One recent biometric photo (aktuelles biometrisches Foto, 35mm x 45mm), not identical to previous photos, facing forward, natural expression, lips closed, bright background.
3) Completed visa application form (only for first application) (Antrag auf Erteilung eines Aufenthaltstitels)
Download: https://www.berlin.de/formularverzeichnis/?formular=/labo/zuwanderung/_assets/mdb-f72301-labo_agen1__antrag_engl_frz_ital_03_2017.pdf
4) Proof of financial resources (Lebensunterhaltsnachweis)
a. First extension: bank statement showing at least €8,640 in a blocked account.
b. Subsequent extensions: last 6 months of bank statements (Kontoauszug).
5) Health insurance certificate (Krankenversicherung)
6) University enrollment certificate or admission letter (Immatrikulationsbescheinigung oder bedingte Zulassung)
7) Residence registration certificate (Meldebestätigung oder Mietvertrag und Einzugsbestätigung des Vermieters)
8) Visa fee (Gebühren)
First extension: €100; subsequent extensions: €93.
1.6.3.3 Walk-in Queue:
The foreigners' office distributes a limited number of walk-in numbers every Thursday morning. Arrive at least 3–4 hours before opening to secure a spot.
Tipp: Always book online if possible, as walk-in numbers are limited and competition is high. Once inside, find the queue area corresponding to the first letter of your last name.
Achtung:
a) Due to the new eAT, first-time applicants must provide fingerprints and other biometric data in person. Processing takes about 6 weeks, so apply at least 8 weeks before your current visa expires. (Procedures may change; consult the university's visa office early to avoid issues.)
b) During the appointment, staff will ask about height, eye color, etc., and print the details for your signature. Fingerprints are scanned digitally (no ink), typically both index fingers, scanned three times each, with the best print saved.
c) About 4 weeks after application, you'll receive the eAT PIN by mail. About a week later, you'll be notified to pick up the chip card.
1.6.4 TU Berlin Visa Service:
TU Berlin students can have their visa extension handled by the university, provided you apply at least 1 week before expiry (but not more than 2 weeks in advance). Processing takes 1–1.5 months. The university does not currently issue eAT cards.
To use this service, book an appointment for Monday office hours to have your documents checked, then schedule a Friday appointment to submit them. Wait for notification from the university. If your application requires a Semester Prognose, visit Dr. Fred Mengering in room H055 (next to H051) on Tuesdays or Thursdays, 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM.
Note: Processing through the university takes longer, and your passport is kept during this time—you cannot leave Germany or fly.
Location: Main building (Hauptgebäude), Room H051
Hours: Monday 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM & 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM (consultation only); Friday 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM (submission)
Phone: 314-24 359
Required documents: Same as for the foreigners' office, except proof of residence must be the official registration certificate (Anmeldebestätigung vom Bürgeramt). First-time applicants also need an application form (Antragsformular), available at room H051. - Campus Info (Campusinfo)
This section covers essential information for studying and living at Technische Universität Berlin (TUB), including an overview, orientation, campus facilities, academic advice, and legal counseling.
2.1 About TU Berlin
Website: www.tu-berlin.de
TUB covers about 604,000 m², with its main campus in Charlottenburg. Each building has a fixed name and abbreviation (see official Campusplan).
TUB is one of Germany's most international universities, with 6,611 international students (20.3% as of June 2016), nearly 50% from mainland China, Turkey, Poland, Russia, and Vietnam.
TUB has seven faculties (Fakultät):
Fakultät I: Geisteswissenschaften (Humanities)
Fakultät II: Mathematik und Naturwissenschaften (Mathematics and Natural Sciences)
Fakultät III: Prozesswissenschaften (Process Sciences)
Fakultät IV: Elektrotechnik und Informatik (Electrical Engineering and Computer Science)
Fakultät V: Verkehrs- und Maschinensysteme (Transport and Mechanical Systems)
Fakultät VI: Bauingenieurwesen und Architektur (Civil Engineering and Architecture)
Fakultät VII: Wirtschaft und Management (Economics and Management)
2.2 Orientation for New Students (Note: Due to the pandemic, most events will be held online)
For most bachelor's and master's programs, a semester lasts six months, divided into Vorlesungszeit (lecture period) and Vorlesungsfreie Zeit (lecture-free period). Exams, some lab courses, pre-semester courses, and internships typically fall in the lecture-free period.
2.2.1 Pre-Semester Courses
Bachelor's students at TUB can attend free pre-semester courses. About a month before each semester, the math and computer science student organizations offer introductory courses (Einführungskurs) in mathematics and computer science. For STEM students, attending these courses helps you get up to speed before formal lectures begin. Details are available on campus posters and faculty websites.
Berlin Student Guide by TU Berlin Student Union
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