How to organise your stay in Oldenburg
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Advisor for international students (International Office)
Further information about studying in Germany
How to enter and stay in Germany (video provided by "Study in Germany")
How to organise your stay in Oldenburg
We very much welcome your decision to study at the University of Oldenburg. As soon as you receive your admission letter, you should follow these 10 steps.
Before departing for Oldenburg
Step 1: Visa
Many international students require a visa for their stay in Oldenburg. Visas can be obtained from the German diplomatic mission in your home country. Processing applications can take up to three months. For the visa, you will need to present your admission letter from the University of Oldenburg (Zulassung), a valid passport, and proof of adequate funding (Finanzierungsnachweis). Citizens of EU countries and other countries (e.g. the USA, Australia) do not require an entry visa. Please check if you need an entry visa to Germany or not:
Country list visa requirements and visa exemptions (German Federal Foreign Office)
Visa Navigator of the German Federal Foreign Office: Which visa do I need for Germany?
Step 2: Health insurance
In Germany, the law requires everyone to have health insurance. International students from EU countries or from countries with a social security agreement with Germany can use the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). International students from all other countries should find out if their health insurance from their home country covers their stay in Germany. If it does, then written proof of this is needed. If not, then a German health insurance policy is required. We strongly recommend to opt for a public health insurance (statutory health insurance). This costs about EUR 110 per month, and can be organised during International Orientation Week.
The German health insurance system ("Krankenkassenzentrale")
Step 3: Arranging for accommodation
Before taking up a place at the University of Oldenburg, students have to arrange for accommodation. The Studentenwerk Oldenburg is there to help. Studentenwerk staff will be happy to help you find accommodation, whether you are looking for a room in a student residence or a privately rented room.
Accommodation databases
- Accommodation and living in Oldenburg for students (University of Oldenburg)
- Student dormitories: Studentenwerk Oldenburg
- Private accommodation database for international students (Studentenwerk Oldenburg)
- Hermann-Ehlers-Haus: private student dormitory
- Oscar-Romero-Haus (student dormitory, catholic university community)
- GSG Oldenburg: student apartments
- Nordwest Zeitung (NWZ): online database of Oldenburg's regional newspaper
- WG-Gesucht: online database for shared apartments ("WG")
- Studenten-WG: online database for shared apartments ("WG")
Step 4: Getting here
The University of Oldenburg is located in the Northwest of Germany. Public transport from the airports in Bremen (BRE), Hamburg (HAM) and Hannover (HAJ) is comfortable and effective. The following bus lines run from the central train station in Oldenburg to the University:
- 306 going to "Universität" or "Uni/Campus Wechloy"
- 310 going to "Wehnen", "Famila" or "Dürerstr."
- 324 going to "BBS Wechloy"
- 350 going to "Bad Zwischenahn" or "Westerstede"
- S35 going to "Westerstede"
Useful links:
After your arrival in Oldenburg
Step 5: Registration with the Citizens’ Office
You have to register with the City of Oldenburg citizens' office within a week after your arrival. This requires your passport/ ID card and a written confirmation from your landlord in Oldenburg ("Wohnungsgeberbestätigung"). Upon registration, you will receive a Certificate of Residency ("Meldebescheinigung"). Please keep it — it is important (e.g. for opening a bank account).
The International Office organises group appointments for registration during orientation week.
Information from the City of Oldenburg regarding the "Wohnungsgeberbestätigung" (in German)
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Proof of residential address in German ("Wohnungsgeberbestätigung")
Step 6: Bank account
In order to open a bank account in Oldenburg, you will need a passport/ID, as well as your registration form from the City of Oldenburg. For students up to 27 years of age, bank accounts are usually free.
Step 7: Enrolment and re-registration
As soon as you arrive in Oldenburg, you can enrol at the Registrar's Office. Please come during the office hours. The enrolment requirements are specified in your admission letter.
If you are already enrolled, please keep in mind that you have to re-registrate (that is: pay your semester contribution) in order to continue your studies in the following semester.
Step 8: Residence permits for students from non-EU countries (EAT)
Non-EU students need a residence permit for their stay in Germany. Students need to apply for their residence permit at the latest two months before their visas expire. Getting or renewing your residence permit
Step 9: Preparing a timetable
With your enrolment documents, you receive access to the University's online platform Stud.IP. Here you can find a catalogue of all lectures and seminars offered at the University of Oldenburg, and you can register for lectures, seminars, and tutorials. If you are doing a full degree course in Oldenburg, then you will also use Stud.IP to manage your examinations and grades.
Step 10: Enjoy Oldenburg!
Networking and new contacts, sharing information, learning about the country, fun, and entertainment are all important parts of being a student. Join our events for international students and discover the charming city of Oldenburg!