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Here you'll find information and advice to help you settle into life in Berlin as a student of BSBI.
Living Expenses
The table's below are designed to give you an idea of the expected cost of living as a student in Berlin. Living expenses in the capital tend to be lower than other parts of the country.
Please note, the table below is an average estimate only and your personal experience may differ from this.
| Expenses | Estimated amount per month |
| Rent | From €400 |
| Food | €200 - €300 |
| Books | €20 - €40 |
| Transport | €45 - €75 |
| Expenses | Estimated amount per month |
| Phone/Internet | €40 - €60 |
| Health* | €45 - €80 |
| Other | €80 - €120 |
| Average Total | €830 - €1475 |
*(health insurance, medication, consultations)
Find out more about the accommodation process, here.
Online Booking
Once you receive your visa and book your flight, you can start to search accommodation via our partners Spotahome or Uniplaces.
Connecting
Contact the landlord and reserve the property. A multilingual customer service team are there to support you through every step of the process.
Tenancy Agreement
The agreement is signed during check in. All students have to register their residence in Berlin within 14 days after they have moved into their accommodation.
Accessing Health Insurance in Germany
Germany requires international students to get private health for the duration of their studies. Some of the companies you can sign up with for this are: AOK, BARMER, DAK, HEK, KKH, IKK. The process begins with signing up online. Once you’ve signed up, you will be sent your insurance certificate.
To join a plan, it is your responsibility to contribute a small amount each month which is typically between €70-80.
If you’re a student from the EU or EEA and already possess insurance in your own country, your existing plan may be accepted by German health companies.
Similarly, if you’re the owner of a European Health Insurance Card which is recognised in Germany, you don't need to register for health insurance in Germany. If this is the case, you will receive a certificate stating you are exempt.
Opening a German Bank Account
Germany has strong banking infrastructure and opening an account should be a swift process for you. It’s up to you whether you want to start this process at a bank branch or online. However, if your German speaking skills aren’t the best, it’s best to go to a branch.
Documents to take with you:
- Passport or national identity card (if you’re an EU citizen)
- Proof of registration
- Proof of address
- Student registration – if you wish to open a student account
The four largest banks in Germany are Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank, Postbank and Hypovereinsbank.
If you bank with one of these, you can withdraw cash at the ATM’s of the other three for free. It’s likely you will opt for a current account. This will allow you to:
- Withdraw cash using an e-card
- Pay bills
- Set up regular payments
It should be noted that if you submit a visa application after 1 September 2019, the annual amount you will be required to pay into a blocked bank account will increase to €10,236. This will be enforced from 1 January 2020.
Things to see and do in Berlin
The Brandenburg Gate
This is one of German’s most recognised landmarks, and is believed to represent European peace and unity.
The Reichstag Building
The Reichstag was built in 1894 to host the German government. The building is still used today by German politicians.
The Berlin Wall
Parts of the Berlin wall still stand today, as a reminder of how the nation once stood divided, and is now united.
Berlin Cathedral Church
The magnificent dome of the Cathedral Church (Berliner Dom) is one of the main landmarks in Berlin’s cityscape and is steeped in history.
Museum Island
Berlin’s Museum Island (Museumsinsel) has an outstanding ensemble of five world-renowned museums and has been designated a UNESCO world heritage site.
Carnival of Cultures
Due to Berlin’s diversity, the city hosts an annual multicultural festival over the Whitesun weekend.
Berlin Marathon
The marathon is 42km and takes place in September. 30,000 people, including professional athletes participate for charity.
Photo Credit: ©SCC EVENTS/camera4
Art Forum Berlin
Every autumn, artists and art dealers from around the world gather here to visit this international fair which displays the best of contemporary art.
Christmas Markets
Germany is well-known for its Christmas markets which are held across many cities. Berlin’s market is one of the most well-liked ones.
Berlin International Film Festival
This annual festival brings the best of the international film industry to Berlin, showing the latest and greatest of the world's movie talent.
Potsdamer Platz
This is one of Europe’s busiest traffic intersections and the business center of Berlin.
Tiergarten City Park
This is Berlin’s most popular park and includes a city garden and a zoo. It’s the ultimate place for relaxation after a day of studying!