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.
The Kölner Studierendenwerk supports students at the following universities and higher education institutions in Cologne. If you study at one of these institutions, you can use our services.
We’re basically here for everything around your studies. For information about your course structure, subjects, classes and administrative matters, please contact your university or higher education institution:
Are you someone who likes to get things done and wants to get involved, have a say and make a difference? Then the following student initiatives might be just the thing for you. Every university also has so-called student councils (Fachschaften). They organize cool events and are the go-to contacts for students in their respective departments. And between some of the more notorious party-loving student councils, “rivalries” occasionally break out – leading to legendary competitions such as the Campus Crown party series.
Cologne’s cultural diversity is virtually endless – and so are the ways to spend your free time. Here are a few insider tips for you:
CologneDay: On the first Thursday of every month (except public holidays), residents of Cologne can visit the city’s museums for free. This includes the Museum of Applied Arts, Museum of East Asian Art, Museum Schnütgen, NS Documentation Centre, Rautenstrauch-Joest Museum, Roman-Germanic Museum and Wallraf-Richartz Museum.
Studiobühne: First-year students at the University of Cologne get free admission to the Studiobühne. Student tickets are otherwise available at a reduced price of €7. The Studiobühne also offers a free programme of courses that is open to everyone.
Semester Ticket: With your semester ticket, you can travel throughout Germany. Make the most of your ticket and explore the country’s many cities, castles, parks and museums. Many attractions also offer discounted student prices.
The General Students’ Committee – or AStA for short – looks after your concerns and represents students’ interests to the university administration and policymakers.
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:
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.
In addition to our counselling services, there are other places you can turn to outside our office hours. If you need someone to talk to or are experiencing a mental health emergency, you can contact:
