From semester abroad to damage reports to the washing machine, you will find all the important information you need as a resident in Cologne Student Union's halls of residence here.
In each hall of residence there are students (administrative assistants) who work for Kölner Studierendenwerk on an hourly basis. The administrative assistants are your first point of contact for all matters relating to your room or the hall of residence. They will also give you your room key when you move in, lend you small machines, collect light bulbs or report any damage.
You can contact the administrative assistants in your hall of residence via the email address you received in your “move-in info”.
Download |Change of account form (PDF)
Cheaper for many students: Since 2013, the broadcasting fee, which finances the public broadcaster's services, has become a household fee and is therefore independent of devices. Only one contribution is collected per household, even if you live in a shared flat. One apartment = one contribution (€18.36 per month).
If BAföG is claimed, an exemption from the broadcasting fee can be applied for. You can find the various registration forms and the information flyer on the broadcasting fee at → Service fee: what applies to students and trainees with regard to the broadcasting fee
Download:
Consumer Dispute Resolution Act (VSBG) - Information obligation as of 01.02.2017 (§§ 36, 37 VSBG)
We are neither willing nor obliged to participate in a dispute resolution procedure before a consumer arbitration board in accordance with the Consumer Dispute Resolution Act (VSBG).
However, the Consumer Dispute Resolution Act requires that we nevertheless refer you to a consumer arbitration board responsible for you:
Allgemeine Verbraucherschlichtungsstelle des Zentrums für Schlichtung e. V., Straßburger Str. 8, 77694 Kehl
Download | Cancellation (PDF)
For families or students with children, the 2-bed or 3-bed shared apartments are bundled together and rented out as a whole apartment. See also our daycare page.
CarSharing for students. Download info flyer (PDF)
Kölner Studierendenwerk operates a number of student residences that are more than ten storeys high. Following the fire disaster in London's Grenfell Tower, which was caused by a highly flammable façade cladding, the Cologne Studierendenwerk inspected the façades of its high-rise buildings.
The result: the materials used for their façades are all harmless. Fire protection is intact and the safety of student residents is guaranteed.
Students living independently who are not entitled to BAföG financial aid are entitled to a housing allowance. This could be the case in which the student has received the maximum amount of educational support. In order to receive this allowance from the state, the student must prove that they reside in a permanent household, independent of the parents. This could include any of the following cases:
A housing allowance is not granted retroactively, it starts from the date of application. Applications can be made regardless of your residence within Cologne at the central housing allowance office at the Lindenthal city hall (Bezirksrathaus Lindenthal) or at any location of the Department of Housing (Amtes für Wohnungswesen). Further information can be obtained from the Housing Benefits Office (Wohngeldstelle) in the Social Affairs section of the Department of Citizens (Bürgerämt) and from → Stadt Köln.
The Studierendenwerk is not liable for damage caused to tenants' property - even if this is caused by damage to the building, such as burst water pipes. It is therefore advisable that you take out your own household contents insurance if you are not covered by your parents.
The tenancy agreements are concluded for a period of one semester until the maximum period of three years is reached, provided that the tenant complies with the contract. The three-year time limit is intended to ensure that as many students as possible are able to find an affordable place in a hall of residence (rotation principle).
An extension for one year beyond the maximum period of three years can only be granted to those who
You can make a note of any damage or necessary repairs on a report form, which you can find in a box next to the letterbox in the hall of residence office or download directly here. Please fill in the damage report form legibly with your telephone number and your request and drop it in the letterbox at the hall of residence office. Our janitors or craftsmen will then take care of the repair.
You can request a move from us. Please state your reasons for wanting to move so that we can check whether and what alternatives we can offer you.
Cancellation policy for the Distance Selling Act according to §§ 312b ff. BGB
You have the right to cancel the rental contract within 14 days without giving reasons. The revocation period is 14 days from the day the apartment/room is handed over. To exercise your right of withdrawal, you must inform Kölner Studierendenwerk Studentisches Wohnen, Universitätsstraße 14, 50937 Cologne, by means of a clear statement (e.g. a letter sent by post or an e-mail) of your decision to withdraw from this contract. You can use a sample withdrawal form, but this is not mandatory.
As a general rule, you can only live in a hall of residence once!
Exceptions: Students can only move back into a hall of residence of the Kölner Studierendenwerk after moving out if they have taken a leave of absence from their studies due to illness or a semester abroad or have completed a study-related internship in another city. Please submit the application for moving back in with an informal application to the Student Housing Department.
As a general rule, you can only live in a hall of residence once!
Exceptions: Students can only move back into a hall of residence of the Kölner Studierendenwerk after moving out if they have taken a leave of absence from their studies due to illness or a semester abroad or have completed a study-related internship in another city. Please submit the application for moving back in with an informal application to the Student Housing Department.
It is generally possible to sublet your room, but you must apply to the Kölner Studierendenwerk.
You can find the requirements and an application here:
You can obtain further information from your responsible case officer or at the Infopoint.
Short-term tenancy agreements are concluded for exchange students and students on internships for a period of up to 12 months.
We do not charge a deposit for short-term tenants, but a rent supplement of €30 per month.
Download | Sample short-term tenancy agreement (PDF)
After signing the tenancy agreement, the deposit of 300 euros will be debited from your account with the first rent. At the end of the tenancy, you will receive the deposit back into your account approximately four to six weeks after moving out, provided no damage has been found in your room. If damage has occurred or cleaning is necessary, these costs will be deducted from the deposit. Interest will not be paid on the deposit in your favor. The interest earned will benefit the hall of residence.
The washing machines and dryers in all halls of residence are operated using the Wewash payment system.
How does it work? It's very simple. Simply download the Wewash app, register and off you go. Each wash or dry cycle costs €2. Billing is cashless via Wewash.
In the laundry rooms you will also find information about how the app works. We have also provided you with a digital flyer in German and English.
