- Ruhr-Universität Bochum

Tasks after your Successful Application

After your successful application there will be a number of practical tasks for you to organize. The list below provides you with information concerning your stay during the next two years. Some of the points are time-critical (marked in bold).

1. Visa and visa extension

Non-Europeans need to get a visa before they come to Germany. The regulations differ from country to country and must be enquired at the German embassy or consulate of the specific country. Find out what kind of visa you need and apply for it as early as possible. You have to extend your visa after arriving in Germany at the Foreign Citizens‘ Office of the City of Bochum (address: Willy-Brand-Platz 8-10, 2nd floor, 44777 Bochum)

At least 3 months before departure and 1st month after arriving

2. Accommodation

Apply for a room in a student dormitory at least two months before arriving. Rent deposit amounts to 1-2 monthly rents. Cancellation period for both rooms/apartments in student halls and common private flats is usually 3 months.

At least 2 months before departure

3. Registration in the citizens‘ office

Within two weeks after you arrive in Bochum, you must first go to the citizens‘ office („Bürgerbüro“) and register as a new citizen of Bochum with your permanent place of residence. You need a current passport and your rental contract or reservation confirmation of your apartment. After this and also within two weeks after your arrival, you must register at the foreigners‘ registration office („Ausländeramt“) in the city centre. Otherwise, you may have to pay a fine. Please keep all the documents you receive because you will need them for all other visa matters.
This information refers to the administrative procedures of Bochum. Other cities may have different requirements. Please inform yourself about registration issues in your city, e.g. appointment, fees or necessary documents.

1st – 2nd week after arriving

4. Enrolment

Each semester you have to pay the so-called social fee to the university, amounting to about 341,08 € and being slightly raised each semester. After the payment you will be able to print a new matriculation certificate and to extend your public transportation ticket.

Social Fee Information

1st week after arriving

5. Bank account

You have to open a bank account at a German bank (checking account) for operating payments for rent, student fees, health insurance a.s.o. Checks or cash payments are unusual for these purposes in Germany. With the bank card (the so-called EC-card) you can also pay in many shops. Credit cards are less common in Germany. To open a bank account, you need:

  • your passport
  • certificate of enrollment (your student ID card is not sufficient)
  • your lease contract

The following banks have branches in Uni-Center:

The following bank has an automated tellers at the Ruhr-University campus:

After your enrollment at the Ruhr-University

6. Residence permit

You have to apply for a residence permit for the time of your studies in Germany. The documents needed are:

  • an up-to-date biometric passport photo
  • health insurance certificate
  • proof of sufficient financial means (in 2021: 861 EUR/month)

The residence permit allows you to work part time (usually 19 h/week max.).

Residence permit information

First 3 months after arriving, at earliest 1 week after getting registered at the city hall

7. Orientation week

The International Office offers special orientation weeks for foreign students at the beginning of the semester. Please visit the links below for further information on the offered program.

Orientation Week
International Office

Obligatory registration; 1 week before semester start