Living and Studying in Germany
Living and Studying in Germany
Visa
For stays of up to three months, Canadian citizens do not require a visa. If you decide to stay more than 90 days in Germany, you have to apply for a study permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis zu Studienzwecken) at the Foreigner's Registration Office.
For more information concerning the regulations of visa and entry to Germany, please contact the Embassy and Consulate of Germany.
Botschaft der Bundesrepublik Deutschland in Kanada, Ottawa 
Tel (001 613) 232 11 01
http://www.ottawa.diplo.de
Generalkonsulat der Bundesrepublik Deutschland, Montreal
Tel (001 514) 931 24 31, 931 22 77, 931 75 88
http://www.montreal.diplo.de
Generalkonsulat der Bundesrepublik Deutschland, Toronto
Tel (001 416) 925 28 13
http://www.toronto.diplo.de
Generalkonsulat der Bundesrepublik Deutschland, Vancouver
Tel (001 604) 684 83 77
http://www.vancouver.diplo.de
Housing & Living
In Germany, students live eiter in residence they share an apartment with other students or they rent a flat privately. All three scenarios have one thing in common: the student has the responsibility of finding a place on his or her own! Ok, that sounds difficult, but don't worry. We will explain to you where to search for flats.
- Halls of Residence (Studentenwohnheime)
Most universities have Studentenwohnheime. International students can ask for help at the Student Services (Studentenwerk) .
They offer a Service Set which includes accomodation, meals and health insurance for approx. 158 - 358 Euros per month. The rooms are fully furnished. TV and internet accessare included in the rent. - Shared Apartment (Wohngemeinschaft, WG)
If you decide you take a room in an apartment which you share with other people, it is affordable as well.
This way of living is actually very common among the German students and a great way to get to know people. Depending on the city, the average rent costs between 150 and 350 Euros for a room. You share the living room, the kitchen and everything else with the other tenants.
Search for flats here: www.studenten-wg.de ; www.wg-gesucht.de ; www.easywg.de ; www.mitwohnzentrale.de - Private Renting
Those who prefer to live completely on their own can also search for a one-bedroom apartment close to campus.
The best way to search a place like this would be in the local newspaper, the bulletin board of your university or the internet: www.immobilienscout24.de, www.immobilo.de. But you have to consider that the rent is usually more expensive. It starts at 350 Euros and up.
The Student Services also help with your start in Germany. Check out their website: www.internationale-studierende.de
Fot the first nights after your arrival in Germany, you can easily sleep in Youth Hostels or cheap Hostels. The safest thing is to book that in advance: www.hostelworld.com ; www.jugendherberge.de
Insurane
You need health insurance in order to study in Germany. Luckily, Canada and Germany have a social security agreement. This means, your Canadian insurance can get approved by a public health insurance company in Germany. Make sure you clarify at home what documents you need to bring with you. If you don't have insurance at home, you will have to insure yourself in Germany -just like all other students- for around 50 Euros a month. DAAD Scholarships cover the costs of insurance!
How expensive is Germany?
This is an example for how much money a student needs per month. It certainly depends on the city you live in.
Munich for instance is more expensive than Berlin. But with the student card from your university, you get all kinds of discount on theatre, transportation, sportsclubs, museums, cell phone plans, etc...
The cost of living in Germany is average compared to other EU-Countries. 
| Rent and hydro | 266 Euro |
| Food and drinks | 147 Euro |
| Clothing | 50 Euro |
| Books | 35 Euro |
| Transportation | 82 Euro |
| Health insurance and medicine | 54 Euro |
| TV, internet and phone | 43 Euro |
| Sports and leisure activities | 62 Euro |
| Total: | 739 Euro |
Driver's Licence
Your can use your foreign driver's licence for up to six months in Germany. After that period of time, you would have to apply for a German licence. Usually there is no extra driving test required.
Weather
Well, Germany is warmer than Canada, that's for sure! And there is not that much snow. The four seasons are well differenciated without any extreme weather conditions. In the wintertime, the average temperature is between 1.5°C an -6°C in the mountains. July and August are the warmest months. Temperatures can rise up to 35° C.
For more information visit the website of the German Tourism Office: www.deutschland.de
