What motivated your decision to provide housing for international students?

Britta Plote: I saw a request by the university’s International Office that they were still looking for people willing to provide accommodation for international students. These days, affordable apartments and rooms are generally hard to find, but it’s especially difficult for international students because they’re often only here temporarily. Since we had a spare guest room, we decided to make it available short-term. For me, having international guests is a bit like traveling without leaving your home. It broadens your horizon.

Claudia Pellegrino: I completely agree. Many of my friends travel long distances to see the world – I bring the world to my home. In addition, in my job at the International Office, I worked extensively with international students in recent years. This is why I decided to bring these positive professional experiences into my personal life.

Did you have any concerns beforehand?

Pellegrino: I was initially concerned that sharing the kitchen and bathroom might cause problems. But these concerns were quickly dispelled thanks to clear agreements and sticking to set times.

Plote: When you take on a new roommate, it’s impossible to know in advance whether you’ll get along or have similar expectations for living together. Before Zeynep moved in with us, we arranged a video call, so we could at least get to know each other briefly and see if our expectations of living together were compatible. We liked each other right away.

Who is currently living with you?

Pellegrino: Up until the lecture period of the winter semester recently ended, a 22-year-old economics student from Uzbekistan lived with me.

Plote: Four months ago, Zeynep moved in with us. She is 20 years old and comes from Ankara. She is currently working on improving her German language skills so that eventually she will be able to study Computer Sciences here. She just moved out of her parents’ home, and is also in a different country for the first time ever. I think that’s very brave.

What is everyday life like living together?

Plote: It’s lovely having Zeynep with us. We’re enjoying it very much. Having her live with us is a combination of having an extended family and flat sharing. We usually cook separately, but sometimes we spontaneously decide to eat together or spend the evening together. Zeynep taught us how to play the Turkish game “Okey,” and we showed her some of our favorite games. We’ve divided up the household chores, such as cleaning the bathroom, taking out the trash, and vacuuming. Open communication and addressing issues directly are important to us, and this contributes greatly to everything working so well.

Pellegrino: Everyone kept their own food in their own compartment in the refrigerator and pantry. Still, whenever possible, we ate together and were able to learn about each other’s food cultures.

The University of Bremen is currently looking for accommodation for its international students again. What process do those who want to offer a room need to follow?

Pellegrino: Everyone in Bremen who has a spare room or apartment available can get in touch. They just need to fill out the online form (in German only). The university’s International Office contacts you as soon as they have found a suitable tenant, you will be contacted. They also provide students with all the necessary information so that landlords don’t have to concern themselves with administrative details such as where to find a proof of residence form. It’s really very simple.

Plote: I also found the registration process very straightforward. After providing some information about the room, our home, and our expectations, I was immediately added to the International Office’s online database. After the initial contact had been established, Zeynep and I communicated everything else directly via email and messenger.

Further Information:

Form from the International Office for interested individuals who wish to provide accommodation (in German only).