Moving to Berlin

Since the fall of the Wall on November 9, 1989, Berlin has undergone rapid and dramatic change. As Germany’s capital, it is the seat of the German parliament and government. Source: Bernd Wannenmacher

The museums in Berlin are worth exploring in your free time. Source: Bernd Wannenmacher

Berlin is a popular city for tourists, as well as for students and researchers. Source: Bernd Wannenmacher

Berlin is one of the most exciting cities in Europe. As Germany's capital and cultural metropolis, it attracts people from around the world. Greater Berlin is an important region for education and research.

Formalities and Pre-arrival Information

It is best to carefully plan your stay well before you travel to Berlin. Formalities with regard to enrollment, residence permits, visa, etc. can be handled more quickly if you bring along all the required documents.

• Information about formalities for students
• Semester dates, application deadlines, etc.
• Orientation events for prospective and enrolled students
• Pre-arrival checklist
• Insurance Issues in Germany
• Accommodation
• Housing (on and off campus)
• Seminaris CampusHotel Berlin – Science & Conference Center
• International Association of Scientific Meeting Places (IBZ): Apartment rentals for visiting scholars

Coming with Your Family

Here is a compilation of information that will be useful, if you will be moving to Berlin with your family. It includes information on work or study for your partner, insurance, and accommodation, as well as information about pregnancy, birth, child care, and schools in Berlin.

Communication

Information about Telephones, Internet, Radio and TV, Postage

Finding Your Way Around on Campus

Freie Universität Berlin has four main campuses. To help you find your way around, we have compiled brief descriptions, addresses, and maps of the four main campuses and other important institutions. Campus map (pdf)

Would you like to make friends fast? Then join the International Club! It has more than 300 members from all continents, with an even balance between German and foreign members. The International Club membership includes students, Ph.D.s, university staff, and friends of Freie Universität, who are all committed to promoting intercultural understanding and friendship. 

Shared Experiences

• Testimonials from International Students / Researchers

Learning German

Whether coming to Freie Universität as a student or a researcher, it will be useful, and often imperative, to learn German. The academic programs designed for international students, FUBiS and FU-BEST, include German language classes. For exchange students the ZE Sprachenzentrum (Language Center) offers a limited number of German language courses at different levels. It also has a self-study center, which is a useful resource. Degree-seeking students should check this link. Additional information can be found on the websites of the TestDaF Institute and the Goethe Institute.