Before you start your stay abroad in Germany, there are a few organizational steps that need to be realized in advance. Herefore you should consider at least 3 months. With all these steps, you will get the support of the responsible people at the University of Münster. Nevertheless, more information about the most important organizational things to be done can be found below.
Without exception you must be in possession of a valid passport to get a visa. So make sure that you have a passport that will be valid at least until the first date of departure plus 3 months.
If your stay in Münster does not exceed 3 months, you can obtain a tourist visa. Students who stay longer than 3 months need to apply for a Study visa at the German Consulate General in São Paulo. Since this process might take several weeks to months, it should be initiated as soon as possible. Contact the embassy for individual questions.
If you are not able to receive your study visa in time, it is necessary to bring the following documents to the airport in order to enter the country without a study visa. You can then apply for a visa directly in Münster at the Foreigner´s Registration Office.
| certificate of funding |
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| letter of invitation from the University of Münster |
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| passport |
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It is recommendable to start looking for an apartment in Münster as soon as possible. Münster´s housing market is on very high demand throughout the year - especially when the semester starts (in March/April and September/October). Furthermore, it might be difficult to rent an apartment in a short period of time.
Student dormitory
If you like to live in a student-oriented atmosphere, you might want to apply for a flat in a student dormitory. This is convenient as rooms are already furnished. The “Studierendenwerk” of Münster provides an online application and can be easily contacted via e-mail to info@stw-muenster.de. However, if you want to get a spot in a student dormitory, applying for a room should be one of your priorities when starting the organization. Keep in mind that you might be put on a waiting list.
Leasing an apartment
If you are looking for a private room or a flat, there are several websites that support searching for housing. In Germany, shared flats (called ´Wohngemeinschaft´, in short ´WG´) are a common way of living together and meeting young people or other students. Sharing a flat means that you share the kitchen and the bathroom but get your own unfurnished room in an apartment. Housemate interviews can often be arranged online.
Another option to consider is a temporary accommodation: Students who spend a certain period abroad try to keep their rooms in Münster and therefore offer an already furnished room for temporary rent (“Zwischenmiete” or “Untermiete”).
Short term accommodation
You did not manage to organize a flat? Don´t panic! In case you come to Münster without a place to go, you might want to check out these options:
Once you are in Münster, it will get easier to get in touch with a house rental company. Also, you are able to take part in face-to-face interviews when searching for a room or an apartment which will be an advantage. Please note that the university does not act as an agent for housing. It will be your responsibility to organize your own accommodation.
The most convenient travel options are direct flights from São Paulo Guarulhos (GRU) to either Frankfurt Airport (FRA) or Amsterdam Airport (AMS). Flights are also offered to Münster/Osnabrück Airport (FMO). Please note that when you have a domestic connection flight, you might be charged extra fees for excess luggage. Note that costs for a train ticket to Münster (via ICE) might exceed the costs for a connecting flight to Münster/Osnabrück.
Taking the train or bus from the airport
When going by train, please pay attention to choosing the destination “Münster (Westf.)”. You can buy tickets online on the DB homepage or at the machine.
From Frankfurt Airport
From Amsterdam Airport
From Münster/Osnabrück Aiport
When staying longer than two months in Germany, it is compulsory to register one´s abode to the local Resident Registration Office within the first week after moving into your apartment or the student dormitory. Additionally you have to de-register yourself within two weeks before you leave the country again. The responsible office in Münster is the „Bürgerbüro Mitte“. To register you need the following documents:
If you have any questions concerning the registration contact the Bürgerbüro Mitte Münster.
When you study in Germany, you need a German bank account for money transactions. It is a necessity for paying the rent, the semester fees and your health insurance. The following bank institutions currently offer a debit account without charges:
Prior to opening a bank account you need to have a permanent address in Germany. It might also be advantageous to make an appointment in advance so that an English speaking person is in charge for you. To open a bank account, the following documents are required:
Students from Brazil may need an additional german health insurance. This health insurance is mandatory not only to enroll at the University of Münster but also to receive a residence permit. The following companies offer good insurance programs for international students, which currently cost approximately 400€ per semester:
To get a german health insurance, the following documents are required:
passport
USP student ID, after enrolment please submit certificate of admission of University of Münster
proof of your residency in Münster, including the address
You can make an appointment with the program coordinator who will assist you in the enrolment process. As a participant of the SãmBio program, you need to bring the following documents:
Foreign exchange students who stay for a longer period than 3 months need to apply for a residence permit within 3 months after the arrival in Germany. The responsible authority is the Foreigner´s Registration Office of Münster. In order to be granted a residence permit you need:
The Foreigner´s Registration Office of Münster offers an online appointment service. It is recommendable to use this service in order to avoid long waiting times.
Bus and train
When you enroll yourself at the University of Münster, you receive a semester ticket (travel card) which enables the use of local public transportation (regional trains, trams and busses) within the marked area of NRW and even a few connections outside of NRW. More information about the semester ticket can be found here. You can check the train times and connections at the DB website.
Check the bus timetable of Stadtwerke Münster if travelling by public transport in the city and/or its surrounding area.
Welcome to the city of bicycles
In Münster bicycles are the number one vehicles and offer you the easiest way to get around. You can buy or rent a new or used bicycle at one of the many bicycle shops in Münster. Once per month, special bicycle fleemarkets take place where you will easily find an affordable bike that suits your purpose.