When it comes to living in Kassel or Witzenhausen, there is a lot to know and consider. That is why we have put together some useful information for you here.

You can also find answers to frequently asked questions about living in a student hall in our Student Hall FAQ.

If you have no luck finding accommodation, we suggest looking at the area of publicly supported accommodation. To rent subsidized accommodation an accommodation entitlement certificate (Wohnberechtigungsbescheinigung) is required, which is to be applied for, along with housing allowance (Wohngeld), at the housing authority (Wohnungsamt).

Construction companies that rent out subsidized accommodation:

• Vereinigte Wohnstätten 1889
• Gemeinnützige Wohnungsbaugesellschaft mbH Hessen (GWH)
• Gemeinnützige Wohnungsbaugesellschaft der Stadt Kassel (GWG)
• Wohnstadt m.b.H.
• Wohnungsbaugenossenschaft Belvedere
• Bauverein 1894 zu Kassel, Gemeinnützige Wohnungsbaugesellschaft eG

This certificate, which is necessary for renting subsidized accommodation, is available to practically all students who satisfy the income conditions (1 person currently € 12.000 gross annual income).

The certificate entitles people to rent subsidized accommodation up to a max. of 50 m².

Accurate information (e.g. if the accommodation is shared among several people) is available from the housing authority (Wohnungsamt), where the application is to be made. The following documents are required: identity card (Personalausweis) or passport, if necessary with residence permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis), as well as certificate of matriculation and evidence of income, such as student financial assistance (BAföG) or support.

• Bauverwaltungsamt / Abteilung Wohnraumversorgung (Building Administration Office)
• Bewilligungsstelle für Wohngeld im Landratsamt Witzenhausen (Authorization agency for housing allowance in the District Administration Witzenhausen)

Please note that the accommodation entitlement certificates are basically issued by the appropriate local authorities (Gemeindeverwaltungen). So, if you live in Baunatal, for example, it is the authority there that is responsible for your application.

Housing support is approved for single students, when all other conditions are satisfied, only if they are not entitled to a student financial assistance (BaföG). This applies when, for example, they change their subject, exceed the age limit or the time limit imposed on loans. Housing support is also possible if the student's state financial assistance is only in the form of a loan.

• Sozialamt / Abteilung Wohngeld (Social Services Department/Depart of Housing Allowance)
• Bewilligungsstelle für Wohngeld im Kreissozialamt Witzenhausen (Authorization for Housing Allowance in the Witzenhausen Welfare Office)

Both practical and beautifully illustrated are the dictionaries that the Studierendenwerk Bielefeld developed not only for international students not only in the dorm residences. The dictionaries were published in eight languages by Studierendenwerk and University of Bielefeld, Deutsches Studierendenwerk and the Federal Ministry of Education and Research. Here for you as a PDF download.

Student Hall Dictionary

• German-English-Chinese
• German-Polish-Russian
• German-French-Spain
• German-French-Arabic

 
Health Dictionary

• First aid: Dictionary for international students (German-English)

According to the Federal Registration Law (Bundesmeldegesetz) students are obliged to register officially with the city authorities within two weeks of moving to the city.

In case of moving they have to unregister.

Please note: The City of Kassel charges a tax for so called "Zweitwohnungen" (second home residences). Ask the Department of Residence Service, what this means for you.

Anyone living in their own apartment (or room in a student hall) in Germany must pay the Broadcasting Contribution Fees. This also applies to international students. You can find out more about the fee here.