international freshmen

Welcome to CBS! Explore Germany, connect globally, and make unforgettable memories in Cologne.

prepare for your departure and studies in germany

Studying in a foreign country is a great opportunity to broaden your horizons, immerse yourself in a foreign culture, meet people from other cultural backgrounds, and study foreign languages. Especially for those who haven’t lived abroad before, coming to Germany to live and study is a great adventure! Good preparation is key. You undoubtedly have many questions regarding the steps you need to take as well as what to expect during your first few months in Germany. Do I need a visa? What documents do I have to bring to Germany? How high are living costs? How can I find accommodation?

entry and visa issues

Health insurance

All students studying in Germany must provide proof of adequate health insurance for the immigration office and for the university they are enrolled at.

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You can choose to take out health insurance in your home country that includes coverage abroad or you can get health insurance from a company in Germany.

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Often, insurance companies offer limited services and coverage when you are abroad. If you decide to get health insurance in your home country, be aware of the conditions that apply while abroad. Also, find out whether your health insurance will be recognized in Germany! If not (for instance, because reimbursements in the case of claims are too low), you will have to take out another insurance policy. In order to be recognized for a residence permit, your health insurance package must cover:

Medical treatment by doctors and dentists
Medical products, nursing care, provision of medication, remedies, aids and adjuvants
Hospital treatment
Rehabilitation services
Pregnancy and birth benefits

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EU and EFTA countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland) and the United Kingdom:

Students from these countries can bring their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or the form E104/S041 from their current health insurance which has to be recognized by a public German health insurance company after arrival.

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Non-EU countries:

A public health insurance company in Germany will have to confirm any private and/or foreign insurance after your arrival. We personally recommend that you take out a public or private German healthcare insurance policy – for instance at Techniker Krankenkasse or at Mawista - because this will make the process of receiving medical treatment much easier. Please note that you cannot change your decision (public or private health insurance) during your studies in Germany.

What are the main differences?

With public German health insurance, you will not have to pay for medical treatment, whereas with a private and/or international healthcare insurance policy, you will have to pay for medical treatment in advance and then apply for reimbursements afterward. However, monthly tariffs may vary depending on the provider.

living in germany

ATTENTION: Housing Scams & Legal Requirements

Finding a home is exciting, but it’s important to stay vigilant. To ensure your stay in Germany starts smoothly, please pay close attention to the following safety guidelines:

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1. How to Spot and Avoid Housing Scams

The housing market can unfortunately attract scammers who target international students. Protect yourself by following these golden rules:

Never transfer money upfront:
Do not send a deposit or the first month's rent before you have seen the apartment (in person or via a live video tour) and signed a formal contract.
The "Remote Landlord" Trap:
Be extremely wary if a landlord claims they are currently abroad and promises to send the keys by post or via a "friend" once you pay. This is a classic scam.
Request a Live Viewing:
If you cannot be there in person, ask for a video call (WhatsApp/Zoom) to see the apartment in real-time. If the landlord refuses or makes excuses, this could be a red flag.
Protect Your Identity:
Be cautious about sharing scans of your passport or ID too early in the process. To stay safe, you can black out sensitive information that isn't required for an initial check (such as your document serial number or personal signature). Scammers often steal these documents to commit identity theft or to impersonate others in future scams.
Too Good to Be True?
If a luxury apartment in the city center is offered at an unusually low price, it is likely a fraudulent listing.

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Unsure about an offer? If something feels suspicious, please contact us at accommodation@cbs.de. We are happy to help you verify a listing.

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2. Important: Short-Term Platforms & City Registration

While platforms like Airbnb or Booking.com are helpful for your first few days in Germany, they are not suitable for your entire period of stay.

Official Registration (Anmeldung): To receive your residence permit, open a bank account or get a SIM card, you are legally required to register your address with the German authorities. This requires a specific document called a Wohnungsgeberbestätigung (Landlord Confirmation).
The Problem: Most hosts on daily booking platforms cannot or will not provide this document. Therefore, these accommodations do not count as an official residence.
Our Advice: Use these services only as a temporary base while looking for a long-term apartment or a room in a shared flat (WG).

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CBS Private Accommodation Offers

CBS Students doing a semester abroad often offer their accommodation as a subletting offer for one to two semesters. The accommodation types vary from a single apartment to a room in a shared flat but all of them are normally fully furnished, include all additional costs and the prices range between 600 and 1.000 Euro. If you are interested in these kinds of offers, please contact the accommodation team directly: accommodation@cbs.de

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No Housing Yet? Don't Panic!

If you haven’t secured a permanent place to stay by the time you arrive in Germany, there are plenty of temporary options to get you started. Many students stay in hotels or hostels while they attend viewings in person.

Our Advice:

Book in Advance: Cologne is a busy city for trade fairs and tourism. Make sure to reserve your temporary room before you arrive in Germany to avoid high prices or lack of availability.
Stay Central: Look for accommodation in areas with good public transport links to the campus to make your initial search easier.
Use as a Base: Use this time to visit shared flats (WGs) and apartments in person, being on-site often makes the search much faster!

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pre-departure checklist

Valid passport (and visa)
Credit card and some cash for the first days
Plane ticket(s)
Prescription medicine (if needed)
School certificates, translations and certified copies
Vaccination card (if you have one)
International driver’s license (if you have one)
Hotel/hostel room for the first days after your arrival
Contact details CBS
Your own laptop for lectures and exams

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arriving in cologne

what do i do in case of an emergency?

During the introduction week, we will inform all international students regarding precautions you may need to consider for your stay in Germany and your trips around Europe. The CBS International Office also has contact information to counselors for different languages, should students need psychological support after an emergency situation.

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In case of an emergency please call:

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Police: 110

Emergencies & Fire Department: 112

Medical Emergency Service: 116 117

Dental Emergency Service: 01805/ 986700

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how do i get to campus? where can i park?

We recommend that you come to the CBS by tram. The tramstop of the KVB (the Cologne Public Transport Association) is just around the corner.

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However, if you are forced to come to the CBS regularly by car, the CBS offers some subsidised parking spaces in the immedate vicinity of the CBS. A parking space normally costs 90€/month – however, the CBS pays a share, so that the price for students is 50€/month.

Experience has shown that parking spaces are always allocated quickly. But maybe you will be lucky! If you would like to have a parking space, please contact us at students.office@cbs.de. If no spaces are currently available, we will put you on our waiting list.

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Do you have any questions?

The team at the CBS International Office is happy to assist you with all questions around studying abroad at CBS and planning your stay in Germany. Likewise, as a CBS degree student, we will of course support your plans to study abroad at our international partner universities, or make plans for further international experiences, and guide you through the application process and planning of your stay abroad!

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Maria Molozhon

International Coordinator

international.office@cbs.de

+49 (0) 221 93 18 09 - 789

Michelle Becker

International Coordinator

international.office@cbs.de

+49 (0) 221 93 18 09 - 789

Hannah Liebe

Accommodation Coordinator

accommodation@cbs.de

+49 (0) 221 93 18 09 - 477

REQUEST A BROCHURE

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