Here, you will find a whole range of support and guidance. These should help you personally or with your project. Are you overwhelmed with the guidelines, applications, language, or don’t know who you can turn to?
The speaker for social affairs and anti-discrimination can help you find the right contact person.
BAFöG and housing support
As a student, you can apply for BAFöG. You can find all information and important contacts on the website of the Studierendenwerk Bremen.
If you are having financial issues and don’t know how you are going to pay your rent for next month, you might be eligible to apply for housing benefits.
Registration & Residence Permit
After arriving in Bremen, you must confirm your residency as soon as possible. You can make an appointment on the Serviceportal Website (in German).
If you are not an EU Citizen it’s important to apply for a Residence Permit within 90 days (or before your student visa ends), which will allow you to extend your stay while you are a student. You can find the necessary information and formular in the BSU (Bremen Service Universität) Website.
Applying for “Welcome money”
Did you know that you can apply for 150€ of “welcome money” within the first twelve months of registering in Bremen? The BSU are also responsible for this matter!
Language Assistance
If you have problems with complicated or bureaucratic German, you can ask for help from your peers at the Language Assistance. They strive to help not only in English, but also other languages like Korean, Arabic, Spanish or Chinese through a student network. They offer support with filling out forms, short texts or advertisements in German, and the translation of assignments in studies or support and company in important appointments.
You can reach the Language Assistance at language_assistance@hfk-bremen.de
Language Center
Do you want to take a language course to improve your German? You can register for courses through the “Sprachenzentrum” (language center) and receive reimbursements for German courses up to the C1 level. You must initially pay for the course fees, however, upon successful completion you can contact the International Office for a reimbursement.
Psychological Counseling Service
If you are having a difficult time – whether it is with your studies, in crisis situations or in general – there are mental health assistance offerings for students, free of charge, like the Psychological Counselling Center of Studierendenwerk Bremen, which you can use non-bureaucratically. Counselling takes place on the university campus. In addition, there is a one-site counselling service without appointment once month at Speicher XI. Establishing contact can often be the hardest first step for people affected. If this is also the case for you, just remember: as soon as you’ve managed it, you will have support for every step the rest of the way. All employees are of course bound to confidentiality.
You will find detailed information on the HfK-Website and here.
Social Counselling Service
The Social Counselling of Studierendenwerk Bremen supports students with social law and financial issues, including study financing (excluding BAföG), job combinations, health insurance, studying with children, international student concerns, and the transition from studies to a career. It also provides guidance when changes like family planning, illness, or a leave of absence impact status or financing, helping to find tailored solutions. Counselling takes place regularly on the university campus. In addition, there is an open consultation hour once a month without an appointment at the Speicher XI location. Counselling appointments can also be arranged in advance for the consultation days. All employees are of course bound to confidentiality.
You will find detailed information on the HfK-Website and here.
Student living
Are you looking for affordable living? In Bremen, there is a wide student housing scene from the Studierendenwerk – subsidized apartments or shared accommodations.
The shared community apartments tend to select their new roommates/flatmates. For single apartments there is a waitlist. For these you should contact the Studierendenwerk directly.
Last modified on: 16. September 2024