The Studierendenwerk Oldenburg is the first point of contact for both German and international students for many issues concerning your life as a student. There is probably no comparable organisation in your home country. On this page, we want to show you which questions the Studierendenwerk can help you with.

Regardless of whether you are coming to the north-west of Germany for just one semester or for your entire degree programme: We're glad you're here!

 

What can we do for you?

Studierende in der Mensa

Canteen&Cafeteria

We run canteens, cafeterias and café bars directly on your campus: inexpensive, fresh and delicious!
WG-Zimmer Pferdemarkt 15b

Living

We let accommodation for over 2,200 students. Our furnished rooms are particularly practical for international students.

BAföG

BAföG is the state education grant in Germany. Find out here whether you can also benefit from it.

Psychological counselling

Anyone who has difficulties with the cultural change, expectations of the new phase of life or problems with the learning material can turn to the Psychological Counselling Service PBS with confidence.

Student finance counselling

For example, our counselling service explains what you need to bear in mind when taking a job alongside your studies.

Counselling on studying with a disability

From physical disabilities to neurodivergence: we help you to create the right framework conditions for your studies.
Frau und Kinde spielen im Sankasten

Childcare

While you study, your children are well looked after in one of our four daycare centres.

Culture

We are your contact for student culture in all its facets.
diverse Gruppe junger Menschen im Gespräch

Housing for internationals: what you need to know

The Studierendenwerk is your first point of contact when it comes to finding accommodation during your studies. We offer you affordable, partly furnished rooms in shared flats and individual flats near your university.

We endeavour to provide as many students as possible with accommodation. But it is very important that you know that

A place at a German university is no guarantee that you will have accommodation!

We know that this is different in other countries. In Germany, you have to organise your own accommodation during your studies. As soon as you have been admitted to study at the University of Oldenburg, Jade University or Emden/Leer University of Applied Sciences, you can apply for a place in one of our halls of residence.

Please take a close look at the different halls of residence beforehand. In order to apply, you have to decide on a residence. You must always expect to wait until a place becomes available for you. And unfortunately, we are far from being able to accommodate all students. So start looking for accommodation as early as possible.

More useful information at the university's site.

Tips for finding a flat
eine Beratungssituation

By your side for problems

Studying abroad changes everything in your everyday life. When you left your country, you may have been looking forward to being more independent from your family. Now you may feel alone and lack support.
German values, traditions and conversations may be confusing for you. You may ask yourself, how do I communicate with other people here and how can I make friends? You may also be thinking about how to make the most of your free time, especially at weekends.

Missing family and friends

You may often think about your family back home and don't want to disappoint them. In a familiar environment, it is often easier to react to difficult situations and find solutions. It could happen that you feel completely alone with your problems. There doesn't seem to be anyone you can talk to about it.

At the Psychological Counselling Service (PBS), experienced counsellors are there to help you with any problem - whatever is bothering you. No issue is too big or too small for us. In other countries, turning to a counsellor or psychologist may mean that the person seeking advice has to deal with a serious psychological problem. This is different in Germany. Here, it is not unusual to seek the support of psychological counsellors. It is seen as proof that you have the courage to develop personally and achieve your own goals.

Counselling is confidential and free of charge. Counselling is available in English and German.

The PBS also offers regular workshops on topics of interest to international students.

To the PBS

What's "Putzplan" in English? Illustrated dormitory dictionaries

German - French - Spanish

More help if you're at a loss for words

Illustrated Mensa dictionary
Illustrated health dictionary

Tips on financing your studies