Le Studentenwerk/en

Un article de Guide MFC.

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Briefly summarized, the Studentenwerk in Munich is a non-profit organization committed to assisting students enrolled at state-subsidized universities. It plays a preponderant role for students, providing them with important resources which may not be directly available through the university.

Located not far from the city centre, Leopoldstraße 15, (subway U6/U3, Giselastrasse) or online, (in german, english and partially in french), this organisation offers a wide range of services (all detailled online), namely:

an accommodation service : providing affordable housing is one of the most important ways that the Studentenwerk aids students. There are the Studentenwerk dormitories ("Studentenwohnheim"), and the private dormitories, that provide together about 10,000 rooms. Since so many students study in Munich (around 100,000), finding affordable housing can be difficult. Concretely, if you do not apply about one year before, that's hopeless to get a room. The service „Housing Referral Service“ of the Studentenwerk posts offers for rooms or apartments let by private landlords in Munich. This free service is now posted on-line and is updated each day (to have access to the addresses and phone numbers, you have to prove that you are a student in Munich). International students are also advised to explore the "Service Packet" option designed especially for foreign students beginning their studies in Munich.
a legal advising service, that allows you, always after presentation of your student card, to ask personally to a lawyer for any problem you could meet (advices, and also some financial help if you want to begin a procedure).
a psychosocial advising service if you need some support or help.
a service for fellowship in order to know if you can receive some money, up to your studies and the nature of your stay in Munich.

The main help is the BAfög ("Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz"), which is a federal subsidized loan and not a fellowship. During the course of their studies, students who qualify for BAföG receive a monthly stipend. They have in turn to repay this sum in installments five years after having finished their degree. Please note that most international students are not eligible for Bafög. A students who wishes to receive BAföG must meet several qualifications (have a low income, be a permanent resident of Germany or a refugee,...)

a maternal help service to help the students with childrens.
a cultural service: library, media, theatre,... The office organizes cultural events, exchanges, contests, workshops and provides students with resources about the cultural scene in student organizations and Munich at large.

a cafeteria or "Mensa", direct on the side of the building, on the same square.

As a student, there are a number of places where you can enjoy an affordable meal, managed by the Studentenwerk. The Mensas offer very inexpensive hot and/or cold lunches to students at a fraction of the cost of a restaurant meal.

For more details, look on the official website.