Bielefeld
Survival Guide

Housing is scarce. Plan to spend up to 35% of your budget on rent.

1. Costs & Contracts
Basic rent ranges from €6 to €10 per m² plus operating costs (~€2.17/m²).
Note: You usually pay a deposit ("Kaution").

2. Furniture
Most apartments are unfurnished. Cheap options:

• Recyclingbörse (Second-hand)
• Brockensammlung Bethel
• eBay Kleinanzeigen

3. Where to search

• Studierendenwerk (Apply early!)
• WG-Gesucht (Shared flats)
• Housing Associations: Look for "Genossenschaften" (e.g. Freie Scholle, BGW).

Scholarships: Check the DAAD database.
Jobs: Non-EU students are allowed to work 120 full days or 240 half days per year.
Fees: Don't forget to pay the semester fee ("Semesterbeitrag") on time to stay enrolled!

Feeling sick? Here is where to go:

👨‍⚕️ Finding a Doctor:
Use the KVWL Search. Tip: Use "Erweiterte Suche" and select "Fremdsprachen" -> "Englisch" to find English-speaking doctors.
For appointments, you can also check 116117.de.

💊 Pharmacies (Apotheke):
Need medicine at night or on Sundays? Check the Emergency Pharmacy Search.

📶 Eduroam (WiFi):
The university WiFi is called "eduroam". To set it up correctly, you must use the CAT Tool.
👉 Download Eduroam CAT Tool

🛠️ Problems?
Visit the BITS Support in the Student Service Center (Main Hall). They help you set up your WiFi.

The main building is huge. Don't get lost!

🏢 Room Logic (The "Teeth"):
The building has parts sticking out called "Zähne" (Teeth), named T, U, V, etc.
Example: Room U3-200 is in Tooth U, Floor 3.

📍 Map:
Download Campus Map (PDF)

Bielefeld is more than just studying. How to enjoy it:

• 🚆 Travel for Free: Your "Deutschlandsemesterticket" is valid for public transport in all of Germany (Regional trains, buses, trams)!
• 🚲 meinSiggi: Rent a bike for free (usually first 60 min) all over the city. Great for short trips!
• 📅 Events: Check bielefeld.jetzt for concerts, festivals and city events.
• ☕ Cafés: Relax at Café Deppe (Westen) or M Café (Old Town).
• 🍻 Nightlife:
  • Cool: Nr.z.P., Cutie, Forum.
  • Classic: Cafe Europa, Stereo.
  • Hangout: Siegfriedplatz ("Siggi").
• 🍽️ Food: The university "Mensa" offers cheap meals. Download the "Mensa App".

Meet people and get involved!

🌍 International:
ESN Bielefeld: The "Erasmus Student Network" organizes parties and city tours.
ISR: The International Student Council represents your political interests.

📢 Student Politics:
Get involved in the Student Parliament (StuPa). Join a list or vote!
Also check out autonomous AStA departments like Feminist or Queer Department.

University & Support:

• International Office: io@uni-bielefeld.de
• Student Office: stud-sek@uni-bielefeld.de
• AStA (Student Union): info@asta-bielefeld.de