About Münster
Münster is a delightful and historic city in the western part of Germany, with bike-friendly streets and fantastic architecture. The University of Münster and FH Münster add to the academic atmosphere of Münster while providing a relaxed lifestyle overall. With its parks, markets, and cultural experiences, such as the Prinzipalmarkt and the Aasee, Münster offers a great place to balance your studies with your free time, with a sense of safety and hospitality!
Best Student Accommodation in Münster
You’ll find a variety of excellent Münster student accommodation, just minutes from major universities. Whether you prefer shared flats or private studios, student housing in Münster often includes modern, fully furnished rooms with essentials like Wi-Fi, study spaces, and laundry access. Top options for student apartment Münster living include:
Why Choose Münster for Higher Education
Münster is known for its high academic quality and has a few prestigious higher education institutions in Germany, including the University of Münster and FH Münster. The range of studies available in Münster includes humanities, social sciences/studies, natural sciences, and economics. It has a well-developed research infrastructure, with connections to other popular universities across Europe. Students are offered good facilities, great educators, and a learning environment that supports them in their academic journey and personal development.
Best Areas for Student Accommodation in Münster
Münster is a very student-friendly city. Here are some popular areas home to student residences in Münster:
- City Centre: Super central, busy with immediate access to shops, nightlife, and transport. Great for people wanting to be near the city.
- Aaseestadt: South of town, these parts are quieter and greener, located near the lovely Aasee lake. While laid back, they are still near the city and university facilities.
- Kreuzviertel: To the north of town, sociable areas with lovely old buildings and a vibrant pub and café culture. Very popular due to the energetic atmosphere and its proximity to the university.
- Ostviertel: An urban area to the east of town, very well known for its entry points and affordable accommodation. Very sociable and the transport link to university sites is excellent.
Different Types of Münster Accommodation
- Private Halls of Residence (PBSA): These are private student studios in Münster that offer modern and furnished student rooms in Münster or studios, with facilities such as gyms or lounges. It is more expensive, but it ensures more comfort. Purpose-built student housing in Munster comes with amenities like study spaces, free Wi-Fi, a gym, common areas, and more that make student life convenient and comfortable.
- University Accommodation: cheap, furnished rooms usually located on campus or just a few minutes away from campus.
- Shared Student Flats: These are shared student apartments in Münster. Students rent a room in an apartment, which includes shared usage of the kitchen and bathroom. Utilities are usually not included, but this accommodation allows for independence and excellent chances to meet people.
Cost of Living in Münster
The cost of living in Münster for international students is comparatively affordable. Here is a brief breakdown:
- Münster Accommodation: €300 - €750 per month according to the location and accommodation type.
- Food & Groceries: €150 - €250 per month. Many students shop at budget-friendly supermarkets like Aldi or Lidl.
- Travel: Most students benefit from the Semester Ticket, which covers public transportation across North Rhine-Westphalia; otherwise, a monthly pass is around €49
- Utilities & Internet: if not included, can cost up to €50 - €100 monthly.
- Leisure & Entertainment: €60 - €150 per month, depending on your lifestyle.
Transportation in Münster
There is a high connectivity across the city for Students. Here are the transport options in Munster:
- Walking and Cycling: Münster is extremely bike-friendly. Most destinations can be reached by walking or by the more typical option of cycling, as there are extensive and well-connected cycle paths across the whole city.
- Buses: The bus network covers the entirety of the city, and your university semester ticket generally includes free local bus transport throughout Münster, as well as local regional transport (by train) throughout North Rhine Westphalia.
- Trains: The central station has great connections to other major cities in Germany, and your semester ticket often covers local region transport within NRW, etc. In addition, there are additional student rail discounts available.
- Taxis and Rideshare: While ride-sharing services may be limited in reliability when compared to large cities, when you can't cycle, you can always find a reliable local taxi service.
Student Life in Münster
The student life in Munster is very lively and provides many opportunities for students to socialize and have fun.
- Campus Life: The University of Münster (WWU) boasts a very active student life, and there are a variety of clubs, associations, and sports (Hochschulsport) that you can join.
- Outdoor Areas and Recreation: You can enjoy the Aasee lake for leisure or cycling on the Promenade, which is a green belt around the city.
- Cafés: There are a lot of nice, cozy cafés in Münster, especially in the Kuhviertel and Kreuzviertel areas. Enjoy a good cup of coffee or a relaxing study session here.
- Student Nightlife: The Kuhviertel is known for its pubs, while the Hafen (harbor) area has trendy bars and clubs for a good night in the town.
- Events and Festivals: You shouldn't miss events such as the Send (Münster's Volksfest), Eurocityfest, or a few events organized by the university throughout the year.
Universities in Münster
- University of Münster (Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster): This university has a historic fascination with its old buildings and equally fascinating in its longevity of academic tradition with programs in Law, Humanities, Natural Sciences, Economics, Theology, Social Sciences, and many more. The university is a research-led institution with multiple degrees in collaboration with international institutions globally.
- Münster University of Applied Sciences (FH Münster - Fachhochschule Münster): FH Münster has the strongest reputation as an applied science university undertaking various partnerships with industry and business in social, public, and private-based needs. FH Münster’s courses focus on vocational education to provide practical, industry-ready solutions for employers in Engineering, Business, Design, Health, Architecture, and Social Work.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
- DAAD Scholarships: The largest provider of funding for international students (mostly Master's/PhD) for living expenses, health insurance, etc., and all based on merit.
- University-Specific & STIBET Scholarships: Universities in Münster (WWU, FH Münster) also offer limited internal scholarships for graduating students or for special cases.
- Foundation Scholarships: Many German political or private foundations offer scholarships to international students, in many cases depending on the area of study or ideology.
Tips for International Students
- Submit your application for your German Student Visa early and make sure you have all the required documents (passport, admission letter from your university, proof of finances, health insurance).
- Make a budget and keep track of your main costs.
- Look for part-time work at cafes, shops, or the university (20 hours of work a week during term, full-time during semesters).
- Don't forget to utilize the support teams at your university and the Studierendenwerk Münster. They offer support with your studies, visa issues, psychological support, accommodation, and support for integrating into student life.
Health & Safety Tips & Student Well-being Resources
- Safety: Münster is safe; it has a low crime rate and safe student areas.
- Healthcare Registration: Register with a GP. Health insurance is compulsory, and having a public health card will allow you to access the public health system.
- University Support: WWU and the FH Münster both offer individual psychologists, and many others will support students.
- The student union provides social counseling, psychological counseling, and well-being services.
