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Freshman-Help: Starting your studies in Cologne

You've heard of Studierendenwerk, but what exactly is it responsible for? No idea. We'll help you out and introduce ourselves.

On this page, we have compiled all the important information for a successful start to your studies in the city with a "K", especially for first-year students. This includes helpful contact addresses and contact points: from the refectory to the right party locations to finding an apartment, everything is included. So that your studies are successful and fun - even in difficult times. 

Introducing the Werk

The Kölner Studierendenwerk – short Werk – is pleased to meet you and warmly welcomes all Freshmen in Cologne! Which services does the Werk offer besides BAföG and Student Accomodation? You'll find out in the video. Select ‚settings‛ to turn on the English subtitles. 

Click 'Settings‛ in the video if you want to turn on the subtitle (ENG/DE).

Our Services

Find out more about the Werk and what we can do for you:

(freshman) pages of the universities

The Kölner Studierendenwerk serves and supports students of the following universities in Cologne. The Werk basically takes care of all matters surrounding your study. For more details about your study programm, courses and regulations, visit the website of your university:

join in - Student Initiatives

You like to take action, join the discussion and get involved? Then the following student initiatives might be exactly what you have been looking for. At every university there are student bodies of faculty - the so-called Fachschaften. They organise fun events and are the first contact for students of the different faculties. Among two of them, there is an infamous rivalry. To determine which one has the better parties, they challenge each other in legendary competitions (for example Campus Crown).

culture and travel

The cultural diversity of Cologne is almost endless as are the ways to spend your freetime. Here are some insider tips:

  • KölnTag: Every first Thursday of each month (except holidays), Cologne inhabitants get free access to all municipal museums (Museum für Angewandte Kunst, Museum für Ostasiatische Kunst, Museum Schnütgen, NS-Dokumentationszentrum, Rautenstrauch-Joest-Museum, Römisch-Germanisches Museum, Wallraf-Richartz-Museum).
  • Studiobühne: Freshmen of the University of Cologne get free access to the Studiobühne. The regular student ticket costs 7€. The free of charge course programm is available for everyone.
  • Semester-Ticket: You can use your Semester-Ticket across all NRW, as well as for some connection lines to other states. Explore the region and cities and visit all the famous castles, parks and museums. Many places offer a special price for students.

student councils of the universities

The student council (German: Allgemeiner Studierendenausschuss - shortly AStA) represents your interests towards the university administration and politics.

sports offers for students

Just do it! - If you need to clear your head after another online seminar, check out the two cheap sports offers for students in Cologne:

jobs and consulting offers

Living in Cologne is pretty pricey. This is why most of the students have to work part-time. If you are looking for a job, the following links could be helpful.

Sometimes, studying can be overwhelming, but you are not alone.

  • Nightline – Counseling hotline for students