More space for learning, culture, and exchange of ideas

StudiTUM – three facilities just for students

Research groups developing electric cars or space elevators. Teams planning projects for international biotech competitions. Social and cultural initiatives. To foster a common sense of identity for the diverse student activities at TUM and provide them with the space they need, dedicated student facilities – to be known as StudiTUM houses – are being developed at TUM's three locations in Munich, Garching and Freising-Weihenstephan.

"StudiTUM is fantastic because it's going to fill a very big need," said Paul Maroldt, the student representative in the TUM Senate, at today's ceremony on the Garching campus. "There aren't many places where we can discuss things outside our own faculties or just kick back. We're hoping that this house, with the 'Neue Mitte' center being built at the same time, will be the beginning of a real campus university where life goes on after 6 pm. Student housing would be the next step."

Lounge, quiet space, and rooftop terrace

The four-story StudiTUM house will have about 1,200 square meters of floor space, with rooms to accommodate large groups as well as small study spaces, a lounge as a meeting point, a quiet space, an office for student representatives, a music rehearsal room, and a rooftop terrace.

A similar concept will be implemented for StudiTUM Weihenstephan, which will occupy a restored and updated historical building with approximately 1,500 square meters. At the Munich city campus, an older building will be refurbished, with 700 square meters of mixed-use study and group rooms as well as a coffee bar.

"The university experience is more than just the sum of the courses a student attends," says TUM President Prof. Wolfgang A. Herrmann. "Where the cultures from different fields meet and interact – that's where real creativity takes shape."

Opening in time for TUM's 150th anniversary

A total of 15 million euros has been set aside for the StudiTUM project, jointly financed from the state funding and TUM's own resources. The houses will open in time for TUM's 150th anniversary in 2018.

Dr. Ludwig Spaenle, the Bavarian Minister of Science, said: "The TUM campus in Garching is world-renowned as a center of scientific and engineering research. To attract students, it takes more than an excellent scientific reputation. The conditions they find here also play a major role. With StudiTUM, TUM is establishing an interdisciplinary venue where students can work and communicate, meet one another, exchange ideas and relax. I very much hope that StudiTUM will offer students an attractive space for living and learning where they can also recharge their batteries in order to succeed in their studies."