FAQ for International Exchange Students

If you’ve been offered accommodation through the Studierendenwerk Mannheim, you’ll receive an email with your rental contract, important documents, and instructions. Please sign and upload all required documents within three days to the Mieterportal 24h. Once you accept and sign, your contract is legally binding.
Further information will be sent by email once your signed contract has been processed. Please note that you will not receive a second offer through the exchange-contingent of rooms. If you decline the offer, you can still apply for accommodation through our regular online application process.

Prices listed on our website apply to regular student housing, not to rooms reserved for short-term exchange students.
Exchange student housing differs because:

• Contract terms are shorter and linked to exchange semesters.
• No security deposit is required (depending on Exchange Program).
• All rooms are fully furnished and depening on the program with bedding and sheets.
• A final cleaning service is included (depending on Exchange Program).

These special conditions explain why rent prices may differ from those of regular tenants.

Your contract length corresponds to your university’s exchange semester and exam schedule. Dates are coordinated with your International Office and cannot be changed, even if your personal travel plans differ. Because move-ins are not always possible on weekends or public holidays, contract dates may start or end slightly earlier or later. Rent must be paid for the entire contract period.

The “rental object” refers to your private room. Shared areas such as kitchens and bathrooms are available for use but are not part of your rented space. All tenants share responsibility for keeping these areas clean.

Extensions are generally not possible. If you plan to stay longer, please reapply for accommodation through our website or contact your International Office for housing advice.

Early termination is not permitted. Your contract remains valid until the end date stated in your signed agreement.

Your VO (Vermietungsobjekt) number identifies your accommodation and appears on the first page of your rental contract. The last four digits show your room number.
Example: VO 810-15-01-03-0 → Room 103.

Please transfer your rent (and any applicable deposit) within five days of uploading your signed contract. Payment details are on your contract and will also be sent by email. If you ordered a Service Packet, include the 110 € fee in the same transfer.

Important:

• Check international transfer fees to ensure the full amount is received.
• We cannot accept cash or card payments.
• Services like WISE or Revolut are accepted.
• If payment is not received on time, the contract may be canceled.

You can pay rent in two ways:

1. Direct Debit (SEPA):
If you have a European bank account, we can automatically withdraw rent each month. Submit your bank details through Mieterportal24h or by email.
2. One-Time Transfer:
If your home country is outside SEPA, you may either open a German account or transfer the total rent for your stay in one payment.

The bank account listed in your rental documents is only for rent, the security deposit (if required), and the Service Packet. Semester fees must be paid directly to your university — not to Studierendenwerk Mannheim.

Yes. Internet access is included in your rent. In most residences, internet is provided via network cable. You can bring your own router if you prefer Wi-Fi. We cannot provide or support routers left by previous tenants. Check the individual sites of the student accommodations on our website for more information.

In most cases, your room will receive a basic cleaning before you arrive. During your stay, you are responsible for keeping your room and shared spaces clean. Studierendenwerk does not provide cleaning materials — please bring your own or purchase when you arrive.

Yes. All rooms include:

• a bed with bedding and sheets,
• a wardrobe,
• a bookshelf,
• a desk, and
• a chair or stool.

Kitchen utensils are not included, but you can order a Service Packet to receive basic kitchen supplies.

The Service Packet helps you settle in easily. It includes kitchen utensils, a MensA Card, and other essentials ready in your room when you arrive.

Price: 110.00 €

Eligibility:

• You have a signed housing contract with Studierendenwerk Mannheim.
• You are part of an official exchange program.

How to order:

• Mention your request in the comments of your online housing application, or
• If you already have a contract, email us before the deadline.

Deadlines:

• Winter semester: July 15
• Summer semester: January 15

Included items:

• MensA Card (30 € credit) + StarterKit Kitchen (cutlery, plates, cooking utensils, pot, pan, etc.). Please note: Contents may vary slightly.

Most Studierendenwerk residences are coed. Please note that you do not share a room with anyone. All rooms are single rooms with your own door. If you prefer a non-coed flat, please indicate this in your housing application comments. We will try to accommodate your request if possible.

All residents in Germany must register their address with the city within 14 days of moving in. In Mannheim, registration takes place at the K7 Registration Office.
You’ll receive your Wohnungsgeberbestätigung (landlord confirmation) by email together with your move-in protocol. Please bring this document when registering your address. Failure to register may result in a fine of up to 1,000 €.

If your contact details change (address, phone number, email, bank account), please update them through Mieterportal24h. Keeping your information current helps us contact you in case of maintenance or emergencies.

The Rundfunkbeitrag is a mandatory national broadcasting fee, required for all households in Germany. In shared flats, you can split the cost with your flatmates since only one payment is required per residence.

All damages must be reported on the Mieterportal 24h immediately so our Facility Management team can repair them promptly.

Notify Facility Management via the Mieterportal 24h of your move-out date. You must move out by 12 noon on the last working day before the end of your contract at the latest by dropping your keys in the facility management mailbox at the student accommodation. You will receive a move-out protocol by email. Do not move out without consulting the Studierendenwerk—additional fees may apply. 

Please note: Moving out early does not cancel your contract early.

Move-ins are only possible from the start of the contract, not before. Move-in appointments can be booked online. There are some in-person appointments and keybox appointments, depending on availability. Move-ins without an appointment are generally not possible. If you arrive early, please arrange temporary accommodation.

• Police: 110
• Fire / Ambulance: 112
• Medical On-Call Service: 116117

• During operating hours: 0621 49072872
• After hours: 0621 101561

Please be aware that this service is not free of charge and you will have to pay on the spot or may receive an invoice.

• During operating hours: 0621 49072872
• After hours: 0800 100 18 73

Please be aware that this service is not free of charge and you will have to pay on the spot or may receive an invoice.