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Life in Berlin

Life in Berlin!

Welcome to the Berlin University of the Arts! This page will help you get started in Berlin. We explain everything step by step in simple language. Here you will find information about accommodation, registration, visa, transport and much more.

  • Where can I live?

    Most students live in a WG (Wohngemeinschaft) – this means you share a flat with other students.

    Popular neighbourhoods for students:

    • Charlottenburg – Most of the UdK buildings are located here (close to the UdK!)
    • Kreuzberg & Neukölln – Lots of cafés, bars and young people
    • Friedrichshain & Prenzlauer Berg – Good atmosphere, but further away from UdK

     

    How much does a room cost?

    Type of accommodation                  Price per month
    Shared room (with other people)          €450 - €600
    Small flat (alone)                                 from €500


    These prices usually include: electricity, heating and internet

     

    Where can I look for rooms?

    Tip:

    • Facebook groups for flat hunting in Berlin
    • Flat-sharing portals on the internet
    • Notice boards at the UdK and TU Berlin
    • Ask friends of friends
    • Contact former exchange students

     

    Here you will find a detailed list of links from ERG with further tips on flat-sharing portals, hostels and accommodation agencies.

    Important – avoid scams:

    • NEVER pay rent via Western Union or similar services!
    • Visit the flat before paying (if possible)!
    • Always ask for a written contract!
    • Only pay into normal bank accounts!

     

    Siegmundshof Student Residence Website

    For exchange students only!

    The UdK has a limited number of places in the student residence. Please contact Anna Fudala: anna.fudala_ @intra.udk-berlin.de 

    • Price: approx. €400 per month
    • Deposit: €500
    • Minimum stay: 6 months (September-February OR March-August)


    If you do not yet have an apartment

    You can stay in a hostel temporarily:

        Single room: €30-40 per night
        Shared room: from €15 per night

  • Very important! Register your address!

     

    Obligation: You MUST register your address within 14 days of moving in!

    Where do I register?

    At the Bürgeramt (citizens' office) – you can go to any Bürgeramt in Berlin, not just the one in your district, or register online.

    Book an appointment or register online

    What do you need to provide?

    • Passport or identity card
    • Registration form (form for registering your address)
    • Confirmation of move-in (tenancy agreement or signed document from the landlord confirming that you have moved in)

     

    Important: Keep your registration confirmation (proof of registration) in a safe place! You will need it for your visa/residence permit.

    When you leave Berlin!

    You must also deregister (this can be done by post). More information: Deregistration

     

  • EU-citizens (+ Liechtenstein, Iceland, Norway)

    You do NOT need a visa for Germany!

    Citizens of Switzerland

    You do NOT need a visa, but you must register with the immigration office within 3 months of arrival.

    Citizens of third countries

    Important: Contact the German embassy in your home country and apply for a national visa (D visa).

    The D visa is valid for up to 12 months and means that you do not need to apply for an additional residence permit in Berlin.

    More information: Visa Navigator

    Special case: Certain countries

    Andorra, Australia, Brazil, Canada, El Salvador, Honduras, Israel, Japan, Monaco, San Marino, New Zealand, South Korea, United Kingdom, USA

    You can enter Germany without a visa (for up to 90 days).                                               BUT: Your exchange semester is longer than 3 months, so our recommendation is to apply for a D visa in your home country anyway. This is easier than applying for a residence permit in Berlin.

    Further information can be found on the website of the Federal Foreign Office.

    Important! When looking for an apartment, make sure that you receive a legal rental agreement. Otherwise, you will not be able to register, which is an important prerequisite for obtaining a residence permit.

    If you are coming to Berlin without a visa: Contact our International Student Services after your arrival: aaa_ @udk-berlin.de

     

  • Obtaining a German mobile phone number

    You have two options:

    1. Contract – Advantage: Usually more data volume/ Disadvantage: More expensive, often with a minimum term of 12-24 months.
    2. Prepaid card – Advantage: Flexible, often cheaper/ Disadvantage: You have to top up your credit yourself.

    Prepaid cards are available in supermarkets, drugstores (dm, Rossmann, etc.) and electronics stores.

    Opening a German bank account

    Most international students open a current account (standard bank account) in Berlin.

    Why is a bank account useful?

    • Paying rent and bills
    • Receiving scholarships or salaries
    • Withdrawing money free of charge from cash machines
    • Paying with an EC card (more common than credit cards in Germany)

  • Your semester ticket

    Good news: When you enrol at the UdK, you automatically receive a Deutschlandsemesterticket!

    What does the ticket include?

    • Use all public transport in Germany (S-Bahn, U-Bahn, buses, trams, RE & RB trains, ferries)
    • NOT included: EC, IC, ICE trains


    Further information can be found at here. 

    Taking your bicycle with you: Permitted on S-Bahn, U-Bahn, RE & RB trains – NOT on buses and trams

    Travel times

    Weekdays: S-Bahn + U-Bahn trains run from 4 a.m. to 1 a.m. Night buses run between 1 a.m. and 4 a.m.

    Weekends: S-Bahn and U-Bahn trains run all night! (Friday/Saturday and Saturday/Sunday)

    App tip: Download the ‘FahrInfo’ app from BVG. There you will find all timetables and information about disruptions.


    Cycling in Berlin

    Berlin is very flat and bicycle-friendly! Many students ride bicycles.

    Buying a bicycle

        New: In bicycle shops
        Used: Kleinanzeigen, flea markets, ask other students

    Bicycle sharing services

    Don't want to buy your own bicycle? Use bike sharing:


    Rules for cycling

    Use the marked cycle paths! (Mandatory!)

    Use lights at night! (Mandatory!)

    Wear a helmet! (recommended for your safety)

  • Berlin is not the most expensive city in Germany, but living here still costs money.


    Monthly costs (approximate)
    Category                        Cost per month
    Total (minimum)                 approx. €900
    Rent + utilities                    €500-600
    Food & drink                        €200-300
    Study materials                    €30-50
    Mobile phone & internet       €15-30
    Leisure activities                  €70-150

     

    Costs upon arrival (one-time)

    Important: Make sure you have enough money for the first few weeks!

    • Semester fee
    • Deposit for flat (usually 2-3 months' rent)
    • First month's rent
    • Health insurance
    • Perhaps a bicycle


    Some international students must prove in advance that they have sufficient financial resources to cover their studies. Otherwise, their visa or residence permit application may be rejected. 

  • The UdK does not have its own sports programme, but you can participate in the sports programmes of other Berlin universities!


    Important information

    • You must register and pay a fee.
    • Courses start in October (winter semester) and April (summer semester).
    • Registration begins a few weeks beforehand – check the websites!


    University sports websites

    TU Berlin Sport   HU Berlin Sport   BHT Sport

  • 110 Police

    112 Ambulance + fire brigade

    116 117 Ärztlicher Bereitschaftsdienst (Medical on-call service)

    Medical emergency in the evening or at the weekend

    Go directly to the emergency room of a hospital.

    List of hospitals: Berlin hospitals

    Important: Always bring your health insurance proof with you!

     

    Buying medication

    Most medications are only available from a pharmacy with a prescription from a doctor.

    Drugstores (dm, Rossmann) do not sell actual medications such as aspirin – only dietary supplements.

    Find an emergency pharmacy: aponet.de

     

    Psychological counselling

    The UdK has a psychological counselling: Psychological service for students

    You can also take advantage of these offers: