This FAQ is prepared by students for students, based on shared experiences of international students at HfK Bremen. It covers topics such as accommodation, health insurance, employment, and support services. It focuses on situations that typically arise after arrival or during ongoing studies. It does not replace official regulations or individual legal advice, but helps you understand where to look, who to ask, and what to pay attention to.
Rules and procedures can change. If something has legal or financial consequences, always double-check with the office responsible.
How do I find accommodation ?
In Deutschland ist eine Krankenversicherung für das Studium gesetzlich vorgeschrieben. Ein Wechsel Shared flats (WG) Platforms:
https://schwarzesbrett.bremen.de
Student residences (Studierendenwerk)
What to keep in mind regarding housing?
-Clarify whether rent is Kaltmiete or Warmmiete. Never send money before seeing the room and signing a contract.
-You will need a landlord’s confirmation (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung) to register your address (Anmeldung). This is a critical step: without your registration certificate (Meldebescheinigung), you cannot get a Tax ID. While some “neobanks” might let you open an account with just a passport, most traditional German banks and almost all employers will require your registration and Tax ID before you can officially start working.
-The Deposit (Kaution): Always document the room’s condition with a signed Handover Protocol (Übergabeprotokoll) and photos when moving in and out. This is your only proof to prevent landlords from unfairly withholding your deposit for pre-existing damages or cleaning fees.
If I get into a conflict with my landlord?
Der Bremer Mieterschutzbund (Bremen Tenants’ Protection Association)
Where can I look for student jobs?
University of Bremen vacancies
https://www.uni-bremen.de/universitaet/die-uni-alsarbeitgeber/offene-stellen
Sidejobs HfK Bremen
https://sidejobs.hfk-bremen.de
Schwarzes Brett Bremen
https://schwarzesbrett.bremen.de
Websites/social media pages of local institutions, cultural spaces, and initiatives.
What about freelancing?
In employment, you work for an employer under the conditions stated in your residence permit. Taxes and social contributions are handled by the employer. You receive a payslip and do not issue invoices. Student jobs, student assistantships, part-time or minijobs vs. fall into this category. When freelancing on the other hand, you work independently, issue invoices, and declare income yourself.
In most cases, freelance work is not automatically allowed under a student residence permit. To work legally as a freelancer, you usually need to:
1. Get confirmation from the university
Ask HfK for a letter stating that freelance work related to your field is part of your professionalisation and relevant to your studies.
2. Update your residence permit
Contact the immigration office (BSU) with this letter and request an addendum that explicitly allows specific freelance activities.
3. Register with the Finanzamt
Once permission is granted, register your activity and obtain a Steuernummer.
Because freelance regulations affect both your residence status and taxes, permission must be clarified before starting any work. Once you start invoicing, you will have to do tax declarations every year.
How does health insurance work for international students?
Health insurance is mandatory for studying in Germany. Switching between public and private insurance during your studies is usually not possible.
Public health insurance offers broad coverage and usually bills doctors directly. Public student tariffs typically end at age 30 or after a certain study duration, after which costs increase significantly. Private health insurance can seem cheaper initially but often requires you to pay bills upfront and apply for reimbursement. Coverage varies between providers.
Some students working independently in artistic fields later become eligible for the Künstlersozialkasse (KSK). The KSK can cover part of your health, pension, and care insurance contributions, but it is not available during regular student public insurance and usually only becomes relevant after graduation or when working primarily as a freelancer. Application procedures are strict and require proof of sustained artistic self-employment.
https://www.kuenstlersozialkasse.de
To find doctors in Bremen, including services in other languages:
What is the “TV Tax” (Rundfunkbeitrag)?
In Germany, every household is legally required to pay a monthly broadcasting fee to support public media. You will likely receive an official-looking letter in the mail shortly after your Anmeldung (address registration). While it might feel like a surprise, do not ignore these letters; failing to pay can lead to heavy fines and damage your German credit score (Schufa).
The good news is that the fee is charged per apartment, not per person. If you live in a shared flat (WG), you can split the cost with your roommates. Only one person needs to register and pay the full amount; everyone else simply provides that person’s “Beitragsnummer” to the service to prove the household is covered. While students receiving BaföG can apply for an exemption, most international students on scholarships or self-funded visas are required to pay, even if they don’t own a TV or radio.
https://www.rundfunkbeitrag.de/buergerinnen-und-buerger/formulare/abmelden#step_abmeldegrund
What is a P-Konto (Pfandschutzkonto)?
A P-Konto (Pfändungsschutzkonto) is a protected account that prevents your entire balance from being seized if you fall into serious debt (e.g., unpaid health insurance or rent). While a standard account can be frozen by creditors, a P-Konto legally protects a “base allowance” of approximately €1,500 per month, ensuring you can still pay for essentials like food and rent.
If you receive a court order to seize your funds (Pfändungs- und Überweisungsbeschluss), you should ask your bank to convert your account immediately; by law, they must do this within three business days. If this happens, contact the Studierendenwerk Social Counseling right away—they can help you apply for a higher protection limit if you have extra costs or dependents.
Where can I ask questions if I’m unsure about work, permits, or bureaucracy?
For matters with legal or financial consequences, always confirm details with the responsible authority.
AStA
Student support for questions around studying, work, bureaucracy, and initiatives
Email: asta@hfk-bremen.de
Contacts: https://asta.hfk-bremen.de/kontakte/
Studierendenwerk Bremen
Social, legal, and financial counseling for students. Most offices are on the University of Bremen campus. Counseling in Speicher XI takes place on specific dates announced by the Dean’s Office per email.
https://www.stw-bremen.de/en/counsellingsocial
International Office (HfK Bremen)
Support with administrative and institutional questions as well as mobility chances
Email: international-office@hfk-bremen.de
Location: Speicher XI, Room 3.06.020 / 3.06.030
Office hours: Wednesday 10:00–12:00, Thursday 11:00–13:00
Last modified on: 27. March 2026