Student Life in Germany at IU's Campus

Network, study, and explore Germany’s buzzing opportunities in our Berlin or Bad Honnef campuses. Learn about campus life at IU on this page.

Here’s what’s waiting for you

Do you want to know what your everyday life at university is going to look like?

On this page, you’ll find tips on topics such as finding an apartment as a student, finding a job, and what departments at IU you’ll be in regular contact with.

Here we’ll cover everything you need to know about campus life at IU, plus the benefits of international student life in Germany.

Part uni time, part you time

As a student learning on campus, you‘ll have tutorials on campus 2-3 days per week. The other days are at your free disposal!

So you can decide for yourself when to study, when to work, and when to just take a break and enjoy some of what Germany has to offer.

Your success is our mission

Even before you start your studies, our study advisors are here to answer any questions you might have.

And once you started your studies? You’ll have study guides available for any need you have as an international student, plus learning advice and motivation from study coaches, career coaches who‘ll prepare you for your career entry.

And the student office for any questions or requests about your studies.

Use your status to your advantage

As a student in Germany, you’ll benefit from discounts during your studies:

For example, you can pay less on your Spotify subscription or Amazon Prime account.

As an IU student, you can improve your skills thanks to free access to LinkedIn Learning with over 5000 exciting courses, and get free access to programmes such as Microsoft 365 or Adobe Cloud, to help you work on class projects.

How is student life in Germany?

Germany is a great place for students to live, work and build their future careers in. It has a very strong economy, one of the best educational systems in the world in regards to graduate employment rates, and countless opportunities for skillful, hard-working students who can contribute to its workforce.

Here are some of the perks of international student life in Germany:

It’s multicultural

23% of Germany’s population have either immigrated to the country at one point, or have parents who immigrated to the country. That is well above the EU average of 10%, making Germany one of the most international countries in all of Europe*.

Everything is accessible

Despite its size, major cities in Germany are pretty evenly distributed across the map. Even smaller towns like Bad Honnef, that offer an intimate learning experience, are only a short train ride from lively cities like Cologne, Dortumnd and Düsseldorf - so university campus life can offer the best of both worlds.

Opportunities are everywhere

Make campus life the entry point to your career life – living in Germany offers plenty of career prospects to international students, especially as an IU student. Plus, with your student visa you can legally work part-time throughout your studies.

You can stay after you graduate

Due to the large size of the local economy, German companies are always looking for talented, skillful employees. One of the best parts about international student life in Germany is that as a graduate of a degree with campus learning, you’re entitled to an 18-month job seeking visa.

International student community in Germany

Germany's international student community is a vital part of student life in the country. As an international student, you'll find yourself among a diverse group of peers from all corners of the globe. This rich tapestry of cultures not only enhances your academic experience but also opens doors to friendships and networks that span the globe.

You can learn a new language

While the primary language of instruction is English, you'll also have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the German language. This linguistic exposure is valuable for your personal and professional growth and allows you to engage more deeply with the local community.

* According to official statistics collected by the German government

Student Life in Germany: Our Tips for Working, Studying, and Living

Moving to another country, finding your first job as an international student, sorting out your accommodation:

These are all exciting aspects of being an IU student learning on campus.

We need they can all be stressful, too – so we’ve compiled some useful advice here for you, to help make your life easier.

Student looking at tuition fees and health insurance options

How do I find a flat?

Whether it's a shared flat, student dorms, or a room for subletting: You have many options. The best time to start looking is 2-3 months before the end of the current semester, when many graduates leave the city.

In Bad Honnef, we offer student accommodation exclusively for IU students. In Berlin, the housing market requires a dedicated effort.

If you're looking for a flat, it's worth looking into shared flats: the prices are usually a little lower compared to a flat of your own –

And it’s a great way to meet new people.

You can find rooms in shared flats on the following sites:

www.wg-gesucht.de
www.en.wg-suche.de
www.wohngemeinschaft.de
www.housinganywhere.com
www.immobilienscout24.de/wohnen/wg-zimmer

Our tips:

Mobilise your friends and family
Post on online groups
Start an appeal on social networks
Look at local online ad boards (Craigslist, eBay Kleinanzeigen)

Professionals discussing on student union

How do I find a job?

You can earn money and gain valuable work experience while studying -with a part-time job.

With a 450 € mini-job or a student job, you will have enough time for your studies. If you find a working student job, you might even be hired after your graduation.

You can find offers on social media, through our career office, or on job portals such as JobTeaser (you’ll get access to the site as an IU student).

Students learning about german cities and german culture

How do I learn on campus?

As unique as each IU campus is, they all have one thing in common: they offer you optimal opportunities to study, exchange ideas with others and relax.

Our modern facilities give you plenty of opportunities to eat, study in peace and take breaks.

In addition, you can look forward to the following advantages to learning on campus:

You‘ll study in small groups and can better participate in the learning process
You can study in a relaxed atmosphere in our designated learning areas
You‘ll benefit from our innovative infrastructure and central location
You‘ll have the opportunity to spend time with your fellow students – grab lunch or a coffee, and get to know the people you study with

The benefits of on campus learning in Germany

Build the skills for your future career on campus in Germany – In a nurturing and supportive Education environment. Learn about the benefits of on campus learning in the next section.

Accessibility: Helping you get started as a student

No need to wait a year or compete with others – our on-campus-learning options are available to any student who meets the admission requirements, with intake dates 2-4 times a year, depending on the programme.

Only meet some of the admission requirements? Thanks to our unique pathway programme, you can still come to Germany and start working towards your goals – we’ll give you all the support you need.

Flexibility: Structured studies, with plenty of freedom

Learn on campus to enjoy the best of both worlds – structure & flexibility. By working with a fixed curriculum and attending regularly recurring tutorials, you’ll have a clear and easy-to-follow study plan.

Thanks to only having your tutorials 2-3 times per week, you’ll have plenty of time to work or spend on your hobbies, and with 24/7 access to all of IU’s online study tools, you can expand your knowledge whenever you want.

Employability: Start your professional life in Germany

What better place to build your skills and kick off your career than Europe’s biggest economy? From traditional industry to engineering and all the way to start-ups and digital media agencies:

Germany offers countless opportunities for young professionals. With the help of our career experts, and thanks to the option of getting an 18-month post-study visa to find work, it’s the perfect graduate launchpad.

Read more about why you should study in Germany.

Intimate, Supportive, and Valuable: Your on-site learning

Study in small groups

Accessible, quality education means having enough space to express yourself. Forget about crowded study halls and impersonal events – at IU, you’ll study in small, easygoing groups, and work closely with your tutors.

Personal support throughout your studies

Study independently, but not alone. You’ll have constant support - whenever you need it – from your study guides, study coaches, career experts, tutors, and fellow students. Plus, the student office is available for any questions about life in Germany.

Less pressure, more success

Thanks to the two-part semester, you usually only take three modules at a time – each one with its own final exam. This means that your exams are spread out over the year in an ideal way, giving you a better chance of passing them.

Learning on campus pays off

Be part of a wide range of campus-related activities, network with students from all over the world, and benefit from free-of-charge access to MSOFFICE365 – plus a ton of student discounts on various services and products.