FAQ Living in Göttingen
Is there anything else I have to think of when I come to Göttingen?
The new Residence and Immigration Act (Zuwanderungsgesetz) requires the possession of a Visa for the first visit in Germany. After arriving in Germany this Visa has to be converted during your first 2 weeks in town into a temporary residence permit which allows to study at the University the student was accepted at. This can be done at the “Ausländerbehörde” of the administration of the City of Göttingen.
This temporary residence permit costs 50,- €. For every extension the city of Göttingen charges about 30,- €.
As a German you also have to go to the town hall and register your principal residence in Göttingen. You can find more information on the website for citizen services.
It is my first time in Germany. Is there anybody who could pick me up at the train station?
Foreign students who would like to be picked up from the station or bus station upon their arrival in Göttingen may take advantage of our so-called „Exchange Buddy Service“. Just fill out the registration form found in the link below and send it to us at International Student Services 14 days before your arrival: Exchange Buddy Service.
How much are the living costs in Germany?
Living costs in Germany could be from 500 € to 800 € per month, depending on your standards. Rooms rates are from ca. 250 € onwards. Remember that also the semester tuition has to be paid twice a year.
How do I find an accomodation in Göttingen, if I do not speak German at all? Is there an organisation which helps international students to find a place to live in Göttingen?
We will help you here with accomodation, language etc. In Göttingen it is common for students to live in a shared flat with other students and all students are usually able to speak English. You do not need to speak German, but - being here - you should develop an interest in understanding the language a little at least. Like that you will feel better when being in town.
Is there a “hall of residence” where I could live?
The “Studentenwerk Göttingen” (student union Göttingen) offers students` Hall of residences to a reasonable price (about 200,- to approx. 400,- € a month for single rooms and apartements). There are also apartements available for couples and families. Since there is a great demand for these rooms, it is advisable to apply as early as possible at the “Zimmervermittlung” of the “Studentenwerk”.
For students with a DAAD scholarship it is not possible to live in a students residence, if the monthly amount of the scholarship is too high. For getting more information about this, please contact the Studentenwerk.
Where can I take German Classes?
The Georg-August-Universität Göttingen offers free classes for "German as a foreign Language". Please contact: Lektorat Deutsch als Fremdsprache
In the library of the ZESS you will find the bill-board for Tandem. There you can find people that speak the language you want to learn or use. In return you offer your language to the other person for training.
Is it possible to get a student job at Göttingen University?
The Homepage of the Georg-August-Universität Göttingen has a special section for student jobs. If you are looking for a students job at the university you have to read the bill boards of the several faculties.