Studying and Living at the University
Housing
The situation at the housing market in Cologne is rather tense. We therefore strongly recommend you to consult the webpages of the “Studierendenwerk”, the student service provider, as soon as possible. For rooms offered in Cologne`s private sector, the most popular website is https://www.wg-gesucht.de/. The most common webpages for renting a (mostly unfurnished) flat is http://www.immoscout24.de or https://www.immonet.de. The International Office of the University of Cologne also offers the possibility to connect Cologne and international students quickly during the housing search via the following portal: https://wohnungsportal-international.uni-koeln.de/. A private private dorm, very close to the University, and fully furnished is: https://www.smartments-student.de/en/locations/koeln-hoeninger-weg. You can send a request via the website and we advice to also write an email to the main secretary.
Canteen/Mensa
The University of Cologne operates several canteens to offer its students a broad range of meals including vegetarian and organic meals. You can find all food related information, e.g. the offered meals for the day and the upcoming week on the websites of the Kölner Studierendenwerk (kstw).
Library
At the University of Cologne, you can access the literature you need from a variety of different sources. However, the largest collection of books, journals and electronic media you can find in the “Universitäts- und Stadtbibliothek (USB)”. To get an overview of what is offered and how to, for example, borrow a book, please visit the webpage of the USB.
IT-Helpdesk
If you have any IT related problems, be it hard- or software issues, please contact WiSo-IT, the faculty’s IT service.
Sports
Due to a cooperation of the University of Cologne and the German Sport University Cologne, you are offered an excellent selection and great variety of sport classes on and off campus. More information you find on the webpages of the Hochschulsport (for free) and Unisport (small costs). Also, if you want to work out before or after going to your office, the UniFit, which is located next to the Mensa, is a great opportunity to do so.
Cultural Activities
If you are interested in cultural activities, you may have a look at the Calender of Events, which offers an overview of all current guest lectures, theatre performances, musical events, guided tours, exhibitions and much more.
Student Groups
Being enrolled at the University of Cologne does not only mean that you have access to excellent research infrastructure, you can also profit from a very vibrant campus life. There is a large number of student groups ranging from singing groups to debate clubs. An overview of all active groups is given here. Please find overview of all international students associations here.
Family Support
Family Support is the first point of contact at the University of Cologne when it comes to balancing a partnership, family and a career. As a central office for information, advice and services, they support members of the university in achieving and maintaining a good balance between their work and private life.