FAQs

  • What is Studierendenwerk Münster?

    Today, the Studierendenwerk Münster is a not-for-profit, modern service organisation employing a staff of 600 of more than 30 different nationalities. The Studierendenwerk Münster was founded in 1922 as a self-help organisation for students, and in those days was primarily concerned with providing accommodation and food for students in need.

  • Is the Studierendenwerk Münster a part of the university?

    No, the Studierendenwerk Münster is a separate organisation and since the 1970s it has been run within the legal structure of a public-law institution.

  • Why do I pay a social contribution?

    Public social services for students must be financed. According to the Studierendenwerksgesetz (Student Services legislation) passed by the State government of North Rhine Westphalia, students are required to contribute an amount towards financing the services provided by Studierendenwerk Münster, which include subsidies by the State, turnover and rental income from Studierendenwerk Münster accommodation.

  • Who decides the level of the social contribution?

    The level of the social contribution is determined by the Administrative Council of Studierendenwerk Münster in the Beitragsordnung (contribution rules). The council also includes students among its members. Currently those studying in Münster pay the lowest social contribution compared with state-wide statistics even after the last increase. However, stagnating or falling levels of state assistance on the one hand, as well as increasing costs for energy, food and maintenance of accommodation present constant challenges for Studierendenwerk Münster’s budgeting.

     

  • What is the social contribution used for?

    The social contribution is used only to assist with the costs associated with the social services provided by Studierendenwerk Münster. You can find a breakdown of how the social contribution is used here: Verwendung des Sozialbeitrags.

  • Does the Studierendenwerk Münster negotiate the 'Semester ticket' (for rail/bus travel)?

    No, the conditions for using a discounted semester ticket are negotiated between the constitutional student body of the University of Münster, represented by AStA on the one hand, and the Münster City Works and German Rail on the other.