When you are about to move, you will usually be looking for an affordable moving truck or van. RUB’s general students’ committee (AStA), collaborates with the transport rental company Studibus.
- Learn more on the AStA website.
Accommodations: Important Info
Radio Rundfunkbeitrag
RUB, Kramer
Ongoing Expenses: TV License Fee
The license fee finances all radio, TV and online programs provided by public broadcasting companies. Each household in Germany is obliged to pay a license fee, regardless if it owns any TV or radio sets.
The license fee is paid by only one person per household.
A license fee has also to be paid for a second home.
However: If a person of legal age has registered their apartment with the authority that charges the license fee, the fee covers the entire household with all TV, radio and online devices as well as all private cars of all people residing in that apartment. In that case, all other residents – for example housemates in a shared apartment – can opt out from paying the license fee, indicating the person who does pay it on behalf of the entire household.
Important distinction: Rooms in student halls are considered individual apartments if they open into a corridor that is accessible by the general public.
Exemption from License Fee
Students who receive a student loan (BAföG), vocational training grants (“Berufsausbildungsbeihilfe”), or other monies paid by a social security office are potentially eligible for an exemption from license fee. The exemption may be approved retroactively for three years, if the relevant statements for that period can be produced. In that case, the person cannot represent the entire household, i.e. render it exempt from license fee.
In some cases, people with disabilities or people suffering from chronic diseases can also be granted a reduction (RF label in the German disabled identification card “Schwerbehindertenausweis”, or an international equivalent) or exemption from license fee.
Registration
Registration and exemption can be submitted online via the ARD ZDF Deutschlandradio contribution service website.
Bergbaumuseum
Stadt Bochum
Exploring Bochum
The most important thing for all student is: getting to know Bochum and the Ruhr metropole! Culture, leisure or clubbing – there’s a lot to see and to experience, with a dash of the famous “Ruhrpott” charm.
For Moving: Rent a Van
Register with the City of Bochum
Wohnungsgeberbestätigung
RUB, Kramer
Everyone who moves to Bochum and takes up their first or second residence here must register with the residents' registration office at one of Bochum's citizens' offices within two weeks. It is therefore important to book an appointment early at one of the citizens' offices that the city of Bochum maintains in many districts.
- You can book appointments online on the Bochum Citizens' Offices website.
To register on site, you will need your ID (identity card or passport) and a landlord's confirmation of residence. This is usually issued by the landlord or is available as a download form on the Bochum city website.
Information for Students from Non-EU Countries
Students from non-EU countries must extend their visa after their arrival or request a residence permit for study purposes. For exchange students, the International Student Service RUBiss offers accompanied group appointments at the Bochum Foreigners' Office at the beginning of the semester. The RUBiss team will be happy to help with any questions about visas and residence.
Leben aus dem Koffer
RUB, Kramer
Just a Place to Stay: Overnight and Short-Term Accommodation
During preliminary courses or when looking for accommodation, for single events or when visitors from home are coming: Sometimes we only need a cheap bed for a few days or weeks.
RUB's State Language Institute (Landesspracheninstitut, LSI) offers its language course participants and other visitors of RUB overnight accommodation in its institute building.
Bochum hostels also offer inexpensive accommodation.
Students who are only looking for a (furnished) apartment or room temporarily can also look for offers for interim rent on housing exchanges or ask local providers who allow monthly rentals.
Accommodation