Welcome to Konstanz, Ravensburg, Weingarten and Friedrichshafen! In order to make your time with us start smoothly, we have put together some key information for you here.
We wish you a pleasant and successful time at Lake Constance!
First steps in Germany
Erasmus and other programmes
Students who come to Lake Constance via exchange programmes such as ERASMUS apply through their respective universities for a place at the Seezeit halls of residence.
Free movers / full-time international students
Please apply online if you are interested in getting a place at one of our Seezeit halls of residence. We allocate places based on random selection (lottery) and cannot guarantee that you will get a place. Further information on our halls of residence can be found on the relevant websites. You should also find out about alternative accommodation options.
Links
The tutors at our halls of residence organise regular icebreaker events and help international students get settled in Germany.
Links
According to the Federal Citizen’s Registration Act, all people staying permanently or temporarily in Germany must register at their local registration authority.
Links
We recommend opening an account at a German bank. You normally require a passport/Identity Card (EU), letter of admission from your university and confirmation of registration for this purpose.
Health insurance
You must have health insurance to study in Germany. We recommend taking out statutory health insurance. Health insurance is not compulsory for students who are insured in their home country and can present the ‘European Health Insurance Card’ or E128 form to their health insurance company. This no longer applies if students from the EU take up a paid internship or a job. Then you are subject to the compulsory insurance here in Germany.
Personal liability insurance
Personal liability insurance is not required by law, but can be very useful if you cause accidental harm or damage to others (e.g. bicycle accident; forgetting to switch off hob, etc.). We especially recommend foreign students and university applicants to take out personal liability insurance.
Links
You normally need proof of income in order to obtain a residence permit. You can get a residence permit at your relevant municipal authority.
Downloads
Links
Please contact your relevant university directly.
Links
We would be pleased to advise and assist you in all financially-related matters e.g. free meals (Freitisch), hardship funds, student loans and emergency assistance.
The International Office at the University of Konstanz offers a DAAD graduate scholarship at the end of your degree course.
Links
With the ISIC (International Student Identity Card), students can present their ID internationally and save money worldwide at the same time. Upon presentation of the card at participating institutions and organisations, the holder can receive attractive discounts. You can apply for the ISIC at Seezeit.
Links
Students from third countries can obtain a secondary employment work permit for 120 full days or 240 half-days a year. Further information on employment for foreign students and academics can be found at DAAD and the relevant immigration authority offices.
Downloads
Links
If you want to work alongside your studies, you will find plenty of employment offers on our job board.
Links
The International Office at the University of Konstanz provides information about legitimate options for entering the workplace in Germany upon graduation.
Links
The TV and radio licence fees are collected by GEZ and are not included in the rent.
Please find out for yourself if and how you are required to pay these fees.
Downloads
Links
Take a look at the ‘Assistance’ section on our website or feel free to come and speak with us in person.
Links
Downloads
Links