Thousands of first-year students are beginning their studies at Ludwig Maximilian University (LMU), the Technical University of Munich (TUM), and the Munich University of Applied Sciences (HM). Many are moving to the Bavarian capital for this purpose and are still finding their bearings. The following tips can help students get started.
The semester at HM began on October 1, 2025. Lectures and seminars at LMU and TUM, however, don’t start until October 13. Given the parking situation in Munich, it’s advisable to use a bicycle or public transport to get to university. Depending on the degree program, campuses are spread across the entire city and beyond. The Munich Transport Company (MVG) offers a discounted ticket for students. This is a cheaper version of the “Deutschlandticket” and costs 38 euros per month. You will need a certificate of enrollment and a verification form stamped by your university.
A major problem affecting many newcomers to Munich is finding affordable housing. Rents are very high, and availability is scarce. An important point of contact is the Studentenwerk München Oberbayern (Munich and Upper Bavaria Student Union). Here, students can apply for a place in a dormitory, where the average monthly rent is about 360 euros. The organization also helps arrange private rooms or provides emergency accommodation for a few weeks. There are also several dormitories run by private providers.
Those searching for an apartment on the open market through common real estate portals must be prepared for high costs and need patience. Two students share their experiences with the Munich rental market. However, luck can always play a role, and you might find your dream apartment or perfect shared flat (WG). The Studentenwerk has also compiled a list of further housing portals and regional newspapers with property listings:
- wohnungsboerse.muenchen.de
- friendsquarters.de
- wg-gesucht.de
- wohngemeinschaft.de
- kurzfuendig.de
Various Facebook groups also post listings, but beware: scammers repeatedly try to cheat people out of their money on all kinds of portals. A key tip is to never transfer a deposit, rent, or similar fees in advance before the rental contract is signed.
Money is often tight for students, even beyond housing. Some finance their studies with help from parents, a scholarship, or a part-time job. In some cases, this may not be enough, requiring further support. One of the most well-known options is BAföG (Federal Training Assistance Act). According to the relevant authorities, half of this funding is a grant, and the other half is an interest-free loan. The amount of support depends on the financial situation of the applicant and their family.
Those not eligible for BAföG can also take out a student loan of up to 650 euros per month from KfW (a German state-owned development bank). This is independent of income, but it carries an effective annual interest rate of 6.04%. The Studentenwerk offers further information on support options. LMU also offers an online lecture on financing your studies and finding housing in Munich (November 4; 6-7 PM).
For those wanting to earn extra money for vacations or hobbies, a part-time job is an option. LMU, TUM, and HM offer job boards on their websites, including positions for research assistants. Student jobs are also frequently advertised on common job portals. During the lecture period, students can work up to 20 hours per week, and during semester breaks, up to 40 hours per week. Classic options like tutoring or working in the hospitality industry are also available.
Of course, first-year students shouldn’t only worry about money but also enjoy the finer things in life. Although Munich is expensive, it has a lot to offer. For instance, spending time in the English Garden is completely free. In summer, you’ll see many people sunbathing, meeting friends, or playing volleyball. At several spots along the Isar River, you can barbecue or cool off in the water. During cooler seasons, these natural oases are perfect for walks or jogs. Many neighborhoods also have public green spaces offering relaxation or free fitness programs like “Fit im Park.”
For more outdoor sports, you can visit the Hermann-von-Siemens-Sportpark for free, with facilities for basketball, beach volleyball, pickleball, and a fitness trail. The Zentrale Hochschulsport München (ZHS), located at the former 1972 Olympic training grounds, offers a wide range of sports. For 12 euros per semester, students can join hundreds of courses, from fitness and ball sports to swimming, martial arts, winter sports, and much more.
Visiting many of Munich’s sights won’t break the bank either. You can explore all churches, like the Frauenkirche or Theatinerkirche, and famous viewpoints like the Friedensengel, Olympiaberg, and Monopteros for free. Admission to the BMW Welt is also free.
Munich hosts several free concert events, such as the Theatron Festival in the Olympic Park, Free & Easy at Backstage, the Isarinselfest on Steinsdorfstraße, and Isarflux at Gasteig. If tickets for your favorite artist at the Olympiahalle are too expensive, you can try listening from the Olympiaberg hill, as many live performances are clearly audible from there.
For culture enthusiasts under 30, the Münchner Kammerspiele and the Bayerische Staatsoper offer tickets for 10 euros, available online on the first Monday of the month. Tickets for the Münchner Philharmoniker cost just 11 to 14 euros for those under 29. These prices often include public transport.
Movie fans can save money on discount days (often Monday or Tuesday), with tickets costing around 7 to 8.50 euros. The Filmmuseum at the Stadtmuseum screens selected classics and film series for 4 euros.
Munich has many interesting museums. The Kunsthalle offers half-price admission every Tuesday. The Haus der Kunst is free every last Friday of the month from 4 PM, and the Villa Stuck is free every first Friday of the month from 11 AM.
These venues are always free:
- Rathausgalerie
- MaximiliansForum
- NS-Dokumentationszentrum
- Exhibition at the ESO Supernova
- Paläontologische Museum
- Geologische Museum
- Münchner Kaiserburg im Alten Hof
- Museum für Abgüsse Klassischer Bildwerke at Königsplatz
Admission to these museums costs only 1 euro every Sunday:
- All Pinakothek museums (Alte, Neue, Moderne)
- Museum Brandhorst
- Museum Fünf Kontinente
- Ägyptisches Museum
- Glyptothek
- Bayerisches Nationalmuseum
- Staatliche Antikensammlungen
- Museum Mensch und Natur at Schloss Nymphenburg
- Sammlung Schack
Munich is also known for its culinary scene. Beyond Michelin-starred restaurants, there are options for smaller budgets. You can save money in a beer garden, where you can bring your own food to the self-service areas (though drinks must be purchased from the vendor).
As the birthplace of the Weißwurst, the city has many affordable places to enjoy this traditional breakfast. It’s worth comparing different pubs, as some offer it for around 5 euros. On Rose Monday, the sausage often costs just 1 euro.
Inexpensive meals are also available in the mensa and student cafés run by the Studentenwerk. For those wanting to explore the city’s gastronomy, numerous small restaurants and student pubs offer diverse cuisines from around the world at various price points. It’s worth venturing beyond university districts like Maxvorstadt and Schwabing. Such exploration can also lead to new or stronger friendships.
orientation events, faculty parties, by getting involved in student government, university magazines, choirs, orchestras, or mentorship programs. Nowadays, apps and online platforms like Bumble Friends, Facebook groups, and the Munich Social Club on Reddit are also great ways to meet new people.
Especially in the first few weeks of university, many people are in the same situation and looking to make connections. It pays to be proactive, stay engaged, and try out different activities.
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