Living in Berlin
Berlin’s arts and cultural scenes
Berlin is one of the most exciting destinations on the planet for musicians, filmmakers, actors, writers and artists. Progressive, gritty, experimental and cutting-edge – there’s no better place than Berlin to immerse yourself in creative spirit while celebrating your uniqueness.
From the music studio to the dance floor
After the work day ends, the same creative energy transforms the city from dusk until dawn, with a music scene that is dynamic and ever-evolving. Berlin’s music ecosystem occupies a unique space in which it is both legendary and internationally revered, yet accessible for newcomers seeking to carve a space for themselves in it. If you’re looking for a specific genre, Berlin’s techno scene is so renowned that it recently earned UNESCO cultural heritage status. The Afrohouse, hip-hop and jazz scenes are also treasured here – plus, the city is home to the Berliner Philharmoniker, one of the world’s leading orchestras.
While temples of techno like Berghain or Tresor are an essential Berlin experience, there’s a huge range of niche spaces and alternative venues to explore. GRETCHEN won an award in 2023 for its contemporary club music and left field beats. SO36, founded in 1970 in East Berlin, played a crucial role in cultivating punk rock and new wave music, as well as the LGBTQ techno scene. Increasingly, we’re seeing programming from venues such as Morphine Raum that reflects the city’s multiculturalism and cross–pollinates genres. There is also no shortage of opportunities for emerging artists, with plenty of open-mic nights and small venues specialising in one type of music.
Lights, Camera, Berlin: the city's film scene
Berlin has a rich cinema history. Berlinale – aka the Berlin International Film Festival – is one of the most famous international film festivals and competitions in the world. It is one of Europe’s “Big Three” – alongside Venice Film Festival and Cannes Film Festival – and one of the world's “Big Five” – a list that includes Toronto Film Festival and Sundance. Every year, Berlinale, along with the European Film Market and Berlinale Talents, takes over our city, with ten days of film premieres and thousands of industry experts.
There are plenty of other film festivals for emerging artists to participate in, from world-leading to specialist and independent, such as the Berlin Music Video Awards, or platforms for underrepresented groups, such as Grrl Haus Cinema. You can also watch the latest movies in some of the oldest cinemas in the world, get cosy in an intimate Kiezkino or one of Berlin’s many open air cinemas during warmer months.
Curtains up: theatre and performance in Berlin
The theatre and live performance scene is a cornerstone of Berlin's rich cultural tapestry and a dynamic playground for aspiring actors and performers. Known for avant-garde and innovative productions, Berlin has an eclectic mix of venues, from historic theatres like the Berliner Ensemble to cutting-edge spaces such as the Volksbühne and HAU Hebbel am Ufer. The city's dance landscape is equally impressive, with institutions like the Berlin State Ballet and contemporary ensembles pushing the boundaries of movement and expression. If you're looking for laughs, comedy clubs such as Quatsch Comedy Club and Comedy Cafe Berlin will provide.
Berlin’s art scene: from galleries to graffiti
Open up to new ideas through the many galleries and museums that make Berlin a global epicentre for visual art. Home to renowned institutions like the Berlinische Galerie, the Hamburger Bahnhof, and the Alte Nationalgalerie, Berlin offers everything from classical to cutting-edge. Walk through halls of old or modern masterpieces or immerse yourself in cutting-edge new media installations at spaces like P61 or our neighbours DARK MATTER, then ride the S-Bahn between Berlin’s UNESCO heritage sites. The city's streets themselves are a canvas, covered with striking murals and graffiti by international street artists - the East Side Gallery (formerly part of the Berlin Wall) being the most famous example. The city also offers a wealth of artistic exploration beyond traditional venues and events. Head to trendy neighbourhoods, like Neukölln or Kreuzberg, and you may stumble across our students performing at an exhibition opening or project space.
First steps
Registering in Berlin
This is the most important thing you can do when you settle in Berlin. Without your Anmeldung – an official certificate personal to you – you will not be able to use government services or receive a tax number (if you’re choosing to work whilst studying).
You can go to any Bürgeramt (citizens office) in Berlin, regardless of where you’re living, to get your Anmeldung. To book an appointment follow this link and click on the blue banner “Termin berlinweit suchen” and then on one of the dates in blue to see which Bürgerämter have appointments – this is best done first thing in the morning. The government requires that you do this within two weeks of moving into a new apartment.
Registering at the Bürgeramt is a simple process. You will need to bring:
Passport (with visa, if relevant)
“Wohnungsgeberbestätigung” form from your landlord / WG stating that you’re renting a flat / room
After having done this, the person at the Bürgeramt will hand you a piece of paper called “Anmeldebestätigung”. This paper (your Anmeldung) is very important, so make sure to keep it safe!
For more details on the Anmeldung process, including an English translation of the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung form, we recommend the website allaboutberlin.com.
Berlin on a budget
Best low-budget city
You will have heard a lot about how cheap it is to live in Berlin. The bad news is that it’s not as cheap as it used to be. The good news is that it’s still much cheaper than comparable cities across Europe and beyond especially if you see evening and weekend entertainment as part of your living costs! It's a cheap place to have a lot of fun.
The following websites have information on everything including cheap accommodation. Click on 'Read more' to read an extensive blog article on the subject.
Student discounts
Being a student in Berlin also has a lot of perks that you can enjoy around the city. With your student card, you will be able to apply for all sort of useful discounts from annual tickets for transport, cinemas, fitness activities and art galleries to discounts for events, gigs and more.
- BVG transport – We recommend a Deutschlandticket for transport, this is €49 per month and applies to all public transport and regional transport in Germany (does not apply on long-distance trains such as IC, EC and ICE).
- Berlin Museums – Discounted access to a range of museums and galleries in Berlin.
- Urban Sports Club – Student discount of 10€/month for Urban Sports Club (USC) membership.
- Student Rabatte - A student discount website.
Finding a (mini) job in Berlin
While it's possible to work and study at the same time, you must check the conditions of your study visa (if relevant) and consider finding a job that doesn't deviate you too much from your study objectives.
Linkedin and Indeed are useful platforms to find work opportunities.
There are also some platforms focusing specifically on jobs for students:
Relocating to Berlin
Finding your new 'home away from home'
Advice
Finding a new 'home away from home' takes time and a fair amount of preparation. During the summer, those officially enrolled on our courses will gain access to our student Facebook group, where our community also posts about rooms on their radar or available spots in their own WG (shared apartment). Start as soon as possible and aim for a long term solution. Those enrolled on one of our short summer courses can also ask for access to a Whatsapp group in which current long-term students may sublet their apartments over summer.
There's a great in depth guide to moving to Berlin here. It's not specific to students but it provides lots of good background info.
Student housing
Special deals for Catalyst students:
The Social Hub - Student Stay
Centrally located in a prime spot in the Mitte district - with the Museum Island and the Holzmarkt nearby. With plenty of transport connections to help you navigate easily through the city. A fully-furnished room, private bathroom, spaces to work and relax, gym use, free bike-sharing, laundry, 24-hour security... all yours, in one great value package. On-site laundry facilities; all utilities (yes, all of them!); access to an on-site gym, linen and cleaning services and even a free night’s stay for parents, are also all included in the monthly rate.
Catalyst students receive 3% discount on all semester bookings for all length of stays visible on their website. Discount code will be shared with you once you have enrolled.
Neon wood
Fully furnished apartments with high-speed internet, 24-hr laundry lounge with a spacious community lobby. Neon Wood currently has 3 locations in Berlin, with Frankfurter Tor offering the most convenient location for Catalyst students as the 21 Tram (the public transport line to Funkhaus) is right outside the door!
We have an allocation of apartments reserved for Catalyst students at the Frankfurter Tor and Adlersdof locations. Information will be shared with you once you have enrolled.
Spotahome
A complete property listing that provides Catalyst students with a 25% discount on the service fee (one time fee). Discount code will be shared with you once you have enrolled. Get more info here.
More student housing options
The Fizz
In the iconic Kreuzberg district close to countless bars, restaurants and clubs. The student apartment complex features 212 fully furnished single and double apartments on seven floors.
Shared apartments / Private housing
The most common practice for young people and students is to live in shared apartments (WG). The most popular source for finding a room is the website WG gesucht.
You can also try and find a new WG with people you meet here or rent an apartment for yourself. It's a bit more complicated but not impossible.
Short term accommodation solutions
There are lots of good, cheap hostels in Berlin. They can be a great opportunity to meet new people in a new city and give you a base to explore Berlin before finding a more permanent accommodation solution, with a lot located in Friedrichshain which is a short tram hop to our school.
Short term apartments:
- Short term sublets
- Airbnb
- Various Facebook groups
Documentation required for renting
If you want to rent an apartment on your own or set up a new flatshare, be prepared to go to a lot of flat viewings. Often there are many people applying for the same flat, so having your documents ready and leaving a good first impression with the estate agent will increase your chances! You’ll need your last three payslips (or bank statements showing that you have sufficient funds) and a copy of your passport. You usually need to fill out a questionnaire that’s given to you by the landlord or agent, so try to request this before the viewing so you’re properly prepared.
To apply for a room in an established flatshare (WG), respond to the ad telling the current flatmates about yourself and what you’re like as a flatmate, i.e. why you’ll be great to live with! It’s good to include your expectations about WG-life (cleanliness, noise etc), your hobbies and what you’re doing in Berlin. Please be aware that sometimes it’s completely normal to send a lot of messages before finding the right fit.
If the WG likes your description they will invite you to a “WG-Casting”, where you can meet and find out whether you get along. Sometimes there are several applicants there at the same time, sometimes they will have appointments one after the other. You’re much more likely to be successful if you’re in Berlin already, as most people prefer to choose someone they’ve met in person.
When moving into a sublet, please make sure you draw up a contract with the landlord (or main leaseholder) before moving in. This should cover you in case of any dispute over rent, length of tenancy and deposit.
Beware of scams
There are a lot of people looking for flats in Berlin, and people will take advantage of this. If an apartment looks too good to be true, pay attention, it could be a scam! If you get an email with an elaborate story about how the owner is currently not in the country and needs you to transfer money to them in order to secure the apartment – it’s definitely a scam. Never send any money to someone before you’ve seen the apartment!