Important information about finding accommodation:
Central contact points for finding accomodation
Important information about housing from DAAD
International students must register their place of residence in Germany with the Residents Registration Office (also known as the Citizens' Office), just like German citizens.
When do I need to register?
Once you have found accommodation (e.g., an apartment, a room in a student residence, or a shared apartment), you must register with the Residents' Registration Office within two weeks. If you move to different accommodation, you must re-register within two weeks. This means that you must report your new address to the Residents' Registration Office.
What do I need to bring with me to register?
- Passport or identity card
- Confirmation from your landlord (you can obtain this form from your landlord)
- Rental agreement (useful, as you will need to provide details about your landlord)
How do I get an appointment?
An appointment at the Residents' Registration Office can usually be made online. Please check the website of your city
for more information. Appointments for registration in Bochum can be made online here.
Why is registration important?
Registration with the Residents Registration Office is required by law. After registering, you will receive a confirmation of registration. This is very important because it serves as proof of address. You will need it, for example:
- to open a bank account,
- for dealing with the authorities,
- for a library card
The broadcasting fee is a mandatory fee used to finance public media in Germany (TV, radio, and online services).
The fee is paid per household, not per person.
After you register with the residents' registration office, your address will automatically be forwarded to the license fee service. You will then receive a letter asking you to register and pay the fee.
If you live with others, one person can pay the fee – all roommates are then exempt. Only those who receive BaFöG (student loan) can be exempted.
More information: www.rundfunkbeitrag.de
The Consumer Advice Center is an association that provides information and advice. The topics covered include contracts (e.g., rental and purchase agreements), energy-saving tips, insurance, telephone/internet/mobile phones, and information on healthy eating. Tips for first-year students can be found HERE.
