Accommodation

The FU-BEST program offers three housing options:

The housing option chosen by a participant is considered final and binding for the entire semester. No (partial or full) refund of fees used for homestay or apartment arranged by the program is possible after June 1 (in case of Fall semester) or November 15 (in case of Spring semester).

• homestay (incl. breakfast and dinner);
• fully furnished, single-occupancy studio apartment;
• personally arranged housing.

Please note the following information concerning housing and keep it in mind when making your selection on the application form: Switching from a homestay to an apartment or from an apartment to a homestay would only be possible under rather exceptional circumstances, and after very close review of your situation. It is thus better not to count on this option. Switching from one homestay setting to another homestay may be somewhat more easily accomplished, but only when it is deemed absolutely necessary on-site.

Participants opting for apartment housing are required to submit credit card information as security deposit. The apartments do not feature telephone or internet connections; a cost-effective wireless internet connection can be purchased directly by each participant at his/her own expense at a nearby office/shop, using information provided by the program. Most participants buy a cell phone once they are in Berlin. The FU-BEST program assumes no responsibility for telephone or internet connections in the apartments.

If you wish to opt out of the two housing choices provided through the program, you may do so, but please note the following. Clearly mark the fact that you are “opting out” on the housing page of the application form. After the application deadline has passed (October 15 or April 1, depending on the semester for which you are applying), it is no longer possible to reverse your “opting out”: in other words, you have then firmly committed yourself to setting up your own housing in Berlin, with the program exempt from any responsibility in this regard. If you wish to use the internet in your search for independent housing, you may wish to consider the following websites: www.berlin-sofort.de, www.city-wohnen.de, www.city-mitwohnzentrale.com, www.studenten-wg.de, and www.berlin.studenten-wohnung.de. If you pursue independent housing, the Program Fee on your FU-BEST invoice will be adjusted downward accordingly.