The Johannes Gutenberg University (JGU) network is used in the Studierendenwerk Mainz dormitories. Therefore, a JGU internet account is required for use in the dormitory.

How to obtain this account and how to recognize it is explained here: Internet in the dormitory

Broadcasting fees are mandatory payments

As a general rule: If you are registered as having your primary residence in one of our apartments or shared rooms, you are required to pay the monthly broadcasting fees. It doesn’t matter whether you are a student or come from abroad. Information on exceptions (e.g., BAföG) is provided below.

You have three options for paying the fees. You can pay every 3 months, every 6 months, or once a year in a single payment. 
So, if you want to pay broadcasting fees every 3 months, you must pay (as of March 2026) 18.36 euros * 3 (months) = 55.08 euros.

The current fee amounts (as of March 2026: 18.36 euros) are listed on the website linked below. These change every few years, so the price information provided here may not always be accurate. Be sure to check the official website!

• All important information about the broadcasting license fee - Broadcasting license fee
• PDF for international students - Broadcasting Licence Fee – Guidance for International Students

Do I have to pay?

Yes, you do. But there are a few exceptions and rules you should definitely be aware of. We’ve summarized them for you.

I live in a shared apartment

A shared apartment is considered a single household. A household pays the monthly fees collectively. This means that if several students live in a shared apartment, they pay the fees together (as of March 2026: 18.36 euros) rather than individually. 
To pay this fee jointly in, for example, a three-person shared apartment, the fee is divided fairly among the three residents: At 18.36 euros, that comes to 6.12 euros per person per month. One person then collects these 6.12 euros from their roommates and pays them to the contribution service on behalf of the shared apartment.

I live in a studio apartment

In this case, you live alone in a household and must pay the full broadcasting fee.

I receive BAföG

If you receive BAföG, you can be exempted from broadcasting fees with a certificate. This means you do not have to pay broadcasting fees. However, you must apply for the exemption yourself. 
In Rhineland-Palatinate, the Studierendenwerk is not responsible for BAföG; instead, the University of Mainz handles it. You can find more information on our website: Studierendenwerk Mainz: BAföG

Other Exceptions

If you have a disability, receive other social benefits, or another situation applies to you, you may also be able to apply for an exemption or a reduction. 
You can find all the information on the official website: Broadcasting license fee 

Letters and mailboxes

In every dorms, each apartment has its own mailbox with the apartment or room number.
Do you want to make sure your letters are always delivered?

Then always include the following, if possible:

• First and last name
• Zip code, city, street, house number
• Apartment or room number

By providing your apartment or room number, you make the work of mail carriers and parcel delivery services easier and increase the likelihood that your mail will be delivered.

Parcel deliveries

Unfortunately, having parcels delivered is a challenge in large residential buildings: parcels often go missing or are not delivered.

Our tip:

Find a parcel station near your dorm and have your parcels delivered there.
If you are not at home, ask your friends to accept your parcels.

NEVER deliver your mail/parcels to the caretaker of your dorm. He/she will not accept the mail/parcels.

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Digital damage report

You can use the rental portal to digitally report damage in your apartment, hallway, outdoor areas, laundry room, etc.
You can do this in the following dormitories:

• Binger Schlag
• Inter 2
• K3
• Münchfeld
• Oberstadt
• Wallstraße
• Weisenau

The damage report will then be displayed to the caretaker.
However, your damage will not be repaired immediately. There are other people living in the dormitory who have also reported damage.

You can access the rental portal on our website or from the StudiwerkMainz App.

Damage report in paper form

In the Hechtsheim and Kisselberg dorms, you still have to fill out damage reports in paper form.
The paper forms are available at the caretaker's office, and you can then drop them in the caretaker's mailbox.

More information on damage reports can be found here: Studierendenwerk Mainz: Report Damages

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Each dormitory has a laundry room with washing machines and dryers. These are adapted to the number of dormitory residents.

The machines can be paid for at the laundry terminals using the StudiwerkMainz app. If you have a Studicard, you can also use it to pay. However, new cards are no longer being issued.

• A wash cycle currently costs 2 Euro.
• A dryer cycle currently costs 1 Euro.
   
• The machines can be used at any time during the day or night.
• Set a timer and pick up your laundry on time:
  Other residents also want to wash and dry their laundry and will otherwise have to wait for you because no other machine is available.
• Filters  must always be cleaned after use:
  If they are not clean, the dryer cannot dry the laundry properly.
• Keep the laundry room tidy and clean: Throw empty packaging in the trash can.
• Prevent theft by locking the doors when you leave.
• Prohibited: Using washing machines to dye laundry.

There will be no refunds for incorrect use of a machine. In the event of malfunctions or breakdowns, inform the caretaker immediately or submit a damage report. You can find out how to do this under “Report damage - Request repairs.”

How do you wash laundry?

Go to the washing machine and load it with your laundry. Make sure that there is only enough laundry in the drum so that you can still fit your flat hand on top.

Then close the machine door and fill the detergent compartment with your powder or liquid detergent. But you don't need to add a mountain of detergent; 3 spoonfuls (powder) is usually enough.

Then set your wash cycle, e.g., 75 degrees boil wash, and press start. Then go to the payment terminal and select the washing machine where your clothes are. The wash cycle will then start automatically, or you may have to press Start again.

Set a timer for when your machine will be finished and go there 3 minutes early. There are many other residents who also want to do their laundry. If you pick up your laundry on time, no one will have to wait for you.

After washing, take your laundry out. Make sure the drum is completely empty. Sometimes items such as socks are left behind. Wash out the detergent compartment with water at the sink and put it back in the machine. Turn off the machine and leave the door slightly open so that it can ventilate. That's it.

How does drying laundry work?

You put your wet laundry in. Then you look in the filter compartments: clean filters mean that your dryer can dry your laundry properly. If the filters are not clean, your laundry will remain wet. Every dryer has two filter compartments: in older machines, the first compartment is built into the door. Check it and if there is no lint or dust accumulated, you can put it back. If there is, clean it over the trash can. In newer machines, the compartment is built into the drum.

The second compartment is located at the bottom of the machine and does not need to be cleaned every time. It is sufficient to clean it after 10 drying cycles. However, you must remove this filter and clean it over the sink with running water. Then let it drain briefly and reinstall it as before.

Then all you have to do is close the door, turn on the machine, set your drying cycle, e.g., cupboard dry, press start, and pay using the same procedure as mentioned for washing machines.

Set a timer again and come back in time to pick up your laundry. There are many other residents who also want to do their laundry. If you pick up your laundry on time, no one has to wait for you.
Take out your laundry, check to see if anything has been left behind, and clean the filter in the door.

In addition to clothes dryers, there are also drying rooms where you can dry your laundry on clotheslines or drying racks. These rooms are usually located in the laundry room.

Still unsure? Then just ask one of your fellow residents. They will probably be able to help you.

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StudiwerkMainz App

This app is a must-have. Want to pay for washing machines and dryers in the laundry room? Then you need the StudiwerkMainz app.

Studicard

There used to be the Studicard—so if you've been studying for a while, you probably still have it and can continue to use it for payments. Otherwise, you'll need to use the StudiwerkMainz app.

Cash

You can only pay with cash in certain dormitories. And even then, only at snack vending machines that are not provided by the Studierendenwerk Mainz, but by external companies.

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It has never been easier to meet people than during your studies and in a dormitory!

Because many students are just like you, it's pretty easy to meet new people in your dorm.

You can go to the regular evenings in the common rooms, join or start a club, or get involved with the student council. Or you can join others who sit outside and talk to each other. Or knock on your neighbor's door and get to know them.

If you live in a shared apartment, you may also be able to make new friends with your roommates!

More offers besides in your dorm

In addition to the activities offered in your dorm, our Freetime & Events team also offers great opportunities to meet new people. Just take a look at our website, where you can find information about numerous leisure activities!

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What is volunteer work?

Volunteer work is unpaid work that is carried out for the common good or for a non-profit organization.
The Mainz Student Union offers various opportunities for you to do volunteer work.
In the dorms, for example, dorm representatives (HV) and working groups (AGs) offer such opportunities.

Are you interested or would you like to see what opportunities are available? Then take a look at the information below. However, we recommend that you contact your HV, who can provide you with further information specific to your dorm.

What options are available?

Dorm representatives (HV)

The HV organizes social life in the dorm, is your point of contact for all kinds of issues, and represents you and your interests to the Studierendenwerk Mainz. If you would like to know more about the HV, take a look under “HV – Representing your interests – Your free time.”

Network working group (NAG)

The NAG is there for the internet

Are you interested in technology, the internet, and similar topics? Perhaps the Network Working Group (NAG) is an opportunity for you to volunteer with others for the residents of your dormitory.

Working group (AG)

AGs are for communal meetings.

In general, anyone can join, lead, or found one (or more) AG(s).

In the Weisenau and Hechtsheim dormitories, for example, there are music AGs that have access to the music room. There you can play your favorite instrument or sing undisturbed.

But it doesn't have to stop there! Are you interested in a gardening, cooking, art, games, or sports working group?

As a resident of your dormitory, you can approach your HV and ask for advice and support (including financial) if you want to start a new working group. In doing so, you will contribute to a more lively environment in the dormitory and help others pursue their hobbies or even discover new ones.

Depending on the dormitory, there are various rooms available for clubs. So just ask your HV what options are available!

Why is volunteering worthwhile?

Making contacts

The HV and AGs offer a great opportunity to promote social interaction in the dormitory!

The HV members and AG leaders already contribute a lot, but they are always looking for support to make dorm life unforgettable for students. After all, you usually only study once.

Both activities make it easy to meet new people, who may even become your friends. By leading a working group, you can also help other residents make new contacts or pursue their hobbies.

Volunteer certificate & extension of residence

If you can prove that you have been active as a member of the HV or as the leader of a working group, you will receive a volunteer certificate from the Mainz Student Union. This can be helpful when applying for jobs or BAföG, for example.

According to the framework statutes of the dormitories, you will also receive an extension of your residence period of up to four semesters for your commitment if you successfully complete your volunteer work. 

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Since many people live together in a dormitory, it is necessary to be particularly considerate of your roommates and neighbors. We therefore ask that you carefully observe the house rules.

Avoid disturbing your roommates: Keep the volume of your devices at a reasonable level, especially between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m.

You are living in a student dorm. It is normal for it to be a little noisy at times and for you to hear your neighbors from time to time.

However, you should ensure that everyone can live together peacefully. Being loud all day or all night disturbs all your neighbors. This is not necessary.

House rules

Quiet hours are from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. This means you should be considerate of your neighbors and keep the noise down. If there are regular violations, we will be forced to intervene. 

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Separate waste correctly

Every dormitory has an area for waste disposal.

In Germany, waste is separated, and in our dormitories we separate between:

• Paper/cardboard
• “Yellow” (recycling, plastic, synthetics)
• “Black” (residual waste, organic waste, metal)
• Glass

Make sure you separate your waste correctly. If you don't, the garbage collectors will no longer come. This also leads to higher waste disposal costs, which will affect your rent. None of us want that.

If the first containers are full, look further back for more and throw your bags in there. Make sure the waste disposal area is kept clean.

For noise protection reasons, glass waste may only be disposed of between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.

Disposing of waste in unauthorized areas

It is prohibited to leave garbage bags in hallways, stairwells, and in front of the entrance area. You must dispose of your waste yourself in the designated areas. If you leave your garbage bags in front of your apartment door, no one will come and dispose of them. You have to do that yourself. 

Bulky waste & old clothing

The addresses and opening hours of bulky waste collection points and recycling centers are listed on the website: 

This website provides information about used clothing containers and collection points in Mainz.

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If, for example, you notice disturbances of the peace or are affected yourself, contact the public order office (see below).
In serious cases such as criminal offenses, contact the police station responsible for your dorm or, in an emergency (e.g., physical assault), call the police emergency number.

Police

Criminal cases rarely occur in our dorms.

If you witness an acute situation or are affected yourself, contact the police emergency number immediately.
Acute cases include, for example:
Vandalism, physical assault, burglary, discovery of an unconscious person, etc.

Police Emergency Number: 110

In non-urgent situations:

such as reporting theft (laundry), damage to property, or if there are unauthorized persons on the premises who refuse to leave when asked to do so.

Reports can also be submitted digitally via the online reporting portal. You can access it via the following link: Rheinland-Pfalz - Online Strafanzeige

For anything other than acute emergencies, the police stations can also be reached as follows:

Contact for dorms Inter 2, Oberstadt and Weisenau
Police Station 1
Weißliliengasse 12, 55116 Mainz
Telephone: 06131 65-34150
Email: pimainz1@polizei.rlp.de

Contact for dorms Binger Schlag, Kisselberg, Münchfeld and Wallstraße
Police Station 2
Valenciaplatz 2, 55118 Mainz
Telephone: 06131 65-34250
Email: pimainz2@polizei.rlp.de

Contact for dorms K3 and Hechtsheim
Police Station 3
Regerstraße 10, 55127 Mainz
Telephone: 06131 65-34350
Email: pimainz3@polizei.rlp.de

Contact for dorm Bingen
Police Station Bingen
Mainzer Straße 122, 55411 Bingen am Rhein
Telephone: 06721 905-0
Email: pibingen@polizei.rlp.de

Public Order Office

If, for example, there are noise disturbances in your dormitory that cannot be resolved through normal conversation, you can contact the Public Order Office. They will take care of the problem.

However, the Parks and Environment Office only accepts noise complaints during normal office hours.

Visiting address
Parks and Environment Office
Geschwister-Scholl-Straße 4, House C
55131 Mainz

Regular opening hours: 
Monday - Thursday: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.; 2 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Telephone:  +49 6131 12-3129
Email: christiane.engel@stadt.mainz.de

For noise complaints outside of regular opening hours, please contact the Central Enforcement and Investigation Service (ZVE)
(available around the clock) Telephone: +49 6131 12-49333

Further information: Lärmbelästigung melden | Landeshauptstadt Mainz

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Is there a fire? Is a smoke detector beeping or is there smoke? What should I do in each case?

Call the fire department!

If there is a fire in your apartment, hallway, or anywhere else in the dormitory

A smoke alarm has been beeping for several minutes, for example in an apartment, and the resident is not responding to messages, knocking on the door, or similar?

Don't think twice: call the fire department!

Emergency Number for Fire Department & Ambulance: 112

Unsure what to do?

Can you see and smell smoke but can't quite locate the source?

Investigate a little: sometimes it may just be burnt food, which poses no danger. But sometimes it can be serious: in that case, call the fire department!

Important: Stay calm.

Fire or similar situations are exceptional circumstances. It is natural for many people to have a physical and psychological reaction. However, try to stay calm.

Follow these steps:

If it is safe to do so, extinguish the fire with a fire extinguisher. 
NEVER pour water on burning oil. This creates a dangerous jet of flame.

Call the fire department: 112.

Close your apartment windows and doors. (If it is safe for you to do so.)

If possible, leave the burning house immediately. 
If this is not possible, stay in your apartment. Keep your door closed, go to the window, and draw attention to yourself.

On your way out, knock loudly on other apartment doors to alert your neighbors to the danger.

Use safe stairs and other escape routes. NEVER use the elevator.

Also call the Student Housing Department (the contact details for the administrator responsible for your residence hall can be found under “by telephone :: for residents - I live in this dormitory!”) and the caretaker or, outside of their working hours, the on-call service (phone: +49 6131 39 24568).

Escape routes

Escape routes must be free of any objects that could obstruct escape or are flammable. Emergency exits, fuse boxes, and shut-off valves must not be obstructed. It is prohibited to keep fire doors open. Violations will be punished under civil and criminal law.

Fire department access routes must be accessible.

Smoke detectors

Every apartment is required by law to have a functioning smoke detector. This ensures that you are warned in the event of smoke or fire.

Never remove the smoke detector! Removing or covering smoke detectors is strictly prohibited and may result in termination of your lease without notice and additional costs.

If you notice a defective/missing smoke detector or fire extinguisher, report this immediately to your caretaker!

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Keys and transponders

The transponder gives you access to all important areas in the residence hall. You will receive it as your room key when you move in.

Traditional metal keys are only available in the Hechtsheim and Weisenau dorms, but they also give you access to all important areas.

Lost your key?

Have you lost your key or left it in your apartment?

Then you must contact the caretaker.

Outside of their working hours, the emergency service/on-call service is responsible. 
However, the on-call service costs 150 euros.

If you have lost your metal key (Hechtsheim and Weisenau) and cannot find it, there will be a fee of €100. We will then have to replace not only your key but also your apartment door lock.

For the other residences, there is a fee of €10 for a new transponder.

Locked out?

Did you forget your key in your apartment and now you can't get in?

This happens to some students here all the time. No need to panic. During their working hours, you can contact your caretaker. They will then unlock your apartment for you.

If this happens outside of working hours, the on-call service is responsible. You will need to call them, but this will cost €150. You can find more information on our website.

Our tip: In some halls of residence, there are other ways to get into your apartment without contacting the on-call service. Just ask around in your dorm—your roommates may be able to tell you if and how this is possible.

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Doors in the hallways leading to your apartment must always remain closed. Yes, it's annoying to have to constantly open the doors. But this ensures fire safety.

The doors in the hallway are smoke and fire barriers that can prevent the spread of fire and smoke. This also prevents smoke from entering your apartment, for example. In addition to fire, smoke can also cause a lot of damage or even destruction.

Be mindful of fire safety and always close the hallway doors!

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For everyone's safety, the entrance doors to the dormitories must always remain closed.

In the past, unauthorized persons have entered some dormitories because the doors were left open. So make sure you always close them, especially at night.

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Our tap water is safe to drink. In some residences, it is only slightly calcareous. Whether this bothers you is up to you.

In addition, there are regular and mandatory legionella checks in our dorms. Abnormalities are almost never found here.

Water conservation

Do not leave the water running unnecessarily in your apartment. This is not good for the environment and will also lead to higher rental costs in the future.

Therefore, take showers as short as possible and turn off the water while rinsing and brushing your teeth. 

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Proper ventilation is often underestimated:

Ventilation replaces stale air with fresh, oxygen-rich air. Moisture escapes and mold growth is prevented. Ventilation after showering is particularly important.

During the heating season, open the window wide several times a day and turn off the heating. So please don't just leave the window tilted open, but open it wide. A window that is constantly tilted open increases your rental costs!

Every degree less in room temperature saves about 6 percent in energy. But: Don't let your room cool down during the day only to heat it up again for a few hours in the evening. The heat radiated by the walls also contributes to the temperature perception.

If you are not using your apartment over the weekend or during the lecture-free period, set your heating to frost protection mode—this is the symbol: *

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There are bicycle parking spaces in every residence hall.

• Wallstraße and K3: 
  Lockable mesh boxes
• Bingen, Binger Schlag, Hechtsheim, Inter 2, Münchfeld, Oberstadt, and Weisenau: 
  Bicycle cellars & outdoor parking spaces
• Kisselberg: 
  Outdoor parking spaces

Always lock your bicycle. If you don't, your bicycle could easily be stolen.

Bicycles may not be parked or locked to trees, railings, posts, etc.

Bicycle campaign

Once per semester, old, unused bicycles are removed during the “Fahrrad-Aktion”. We will inform you of this in advance. If you have a bicycle in your dormitory, always keep an eye on our emails. They usually contain information that is relevant to you and that you would otherwise miss.

If your bicycle is removed, contact the caretaker within the specified period to get it back.

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Every dormitory has more parking spaces than there are students with cars.

If you want to know how parking works in your dormitory:

• ask your caretaker (Office Hours of the Caretaker) or
• the administrator of your dormitory. You can find out who this is under “by telephone :: for inhbitants - I live in this dormitory!”

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Everything doesn't always have to be sparkling clean—unless you want it that way.

But cleaning your apartment regularly helps it look tidy—and that has been proven to benefit your health.

Our janitors regularly enter dirty, messy apartments, and that doesn't have to be the case. Treat your apartment the way you want others to treat it.

If you clean regularly, you'll also have less tidying and cleaning to do when you move out.

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If you are away during the lecture-free period (February, March, and July–September), you can apply for vacation rental. We charge a one-time fee of €75 for this service.

You continue to pay your rent to the Studierendenwerk Mainz, while the vacation renter pays you directly. You are liable to the Mainz Student Services Association for any damage caused by your vacation renter. You are responsible for handing over the apartment to your vacation renter yourself. This is not the responsibility of the caretaker.

Further information can be found here on our website in the FAQ.

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Please note the following before moving out

If you wish to terminate your lease, the Student Housing Department must receive your notice of termination by the dates specified in the table at the latest. The lease can only be terminated at the end of the respective semester.

Further information can also be found here.

If you move out early, you are liable for the rent until the end of the lease if no new tenant can be found. You can find the termination form here.

If you wish to move out, please make an appointment with your caretaker approximately 2 to 3 weeks before moving outto inspect your apartment and identify any defects. If there are any defects, you must remedy them before moving out.

Deposit

In order to get your deposit back in full, the furniture in your apartment must be complete. Everything must be thoroughly cleaned: kitchen, bathroom; wash curtains and mattress covers at 30 degrees and do not put them in the dryer. If your apartment is not in order, we will retain part of your deposit for cleaning or renovation. This can be expensive.

If everything is in order, you will get your deposit back approximately 6 weeks after the end of the contract. If you have a new tenant in your apartment, they must check out and hand over the keys to the caretaker.

The official move-out report is the basis for the refund of the deposit. If you move out without the caretaker, you will have no proof of the condition of your apartment. Photos are no substitute for a move-out report. Please do not simply leave the key in the apartment or in the mailbox, but clarify with the caretaker where it should be left.

The deposit you paid us at the beginning of your tenancy will be offset against any outstanding claims after you move out or at the end of your contract and then transferred to your account. 

Mail

To ensure that your mail continues to reach you, you can set up a paid mail forwarding order with Deutsche Post in good time: Post an neue Adresse nachsenden | Deutsche Post | Nachsendeservice

Please inform the Student Housing Department of Studierendenwerk Mainz of your new address.