Topping-Out Ceremony for New Student Residence in Potsdam-Golm

Peter Heiß, Managing Director of Studierendenwerk West:Brandenburg, is pleased with the progress: “I’m truly delighted that we are celebrating the topping-out of our new student residence today. The project is on schedule and within budget. For the university hub in Golm, this is a key development: more than 400 new living spaces on campus will provide much-needed affordable housing and hopefully also foster a strong, connected student community. My special thanks go to the State of Brandenburg for funding this forward-looking project—setting a clear signal for strengthening the social infrastructure at our universities.”

Dr. Manja Schüle, Minister for Science, Research and Culture of the State of Brandenburg, underlined the social and political relevance: “At the new student residence Golm II, 423 bright young people will soon live without the existential stress of finding affordable accommodation. They will live affordably, in a modern, energy-efficient building, fully integrated into campus life. My ministry, together with the Ministry for Infrastructure and Regional Planning, supported this project with nearly €37 million. I’m proud that our state government is actively countering the student housing crisis. By 2028, around 800 new student units will be created in Potsdam alone. I’d like to thank Studierendenwerk West:Brandenburg for being such a reliable partner. My sincere appreciation also goes to everyone involved in the construction—wishing continued success!”

Dr. Ina Bartmann, State Secretary at the Ministry for Infrastructure and Regional Planning of the State of Brandenburg, highlighted the broader regional impact: “This student housing project is an important contribution to easing the strained housing market in Potsdam and the Berlin metropolitan region. It’s absolutely right that we, together with the Ministry for Science, Research and Culture, took on this financial commitment. Our ministry will continue to support social housing in Brandenburg. Affordable housing for students remains a key objective of our state government. We thank the Studierendenwerke in Potsdam and Frankfurt (Oder) for their reliable and effective partnership.”

The new residence is being built on an 8,000 m² plot on the University of Potsdam’s Golm campus. With a net usable area of 14,500 m², the building will offer 423 residential units—including over 200 single apartments, shared flats (WG), family apartments, and units that are accessible and wheelchair-friendly. Six spacious communal rooms will provide space for social, cultural, and sporting activities.

The project places a strong emphasis on sustainability and energy efficiency. It will be equipped with a combined heat and power unit, heat pumps, photovoltaic systems, a greywater recycling system, and a rainwater retention basin to manage runoff into the public system.

The total investment of €37 million is financed approximately 50% through state grants and loans via Brandenburg’s ZifoG (Future Investment Program for Public Infrastructure) and 50% through federal and state social housing support.

With the completion of Golm 2, the number of student housing units on Brandenburg’s largest university campus will rise to over 1,000—a significant step in meeting the region’s growing demand for affordable student accommodation.

Background – Social Mission of Studierendenwerk West:Brandenburg

Studierendenwerk West:Brandenburg supports around 30,000 students at university locations in Potsdam, Wildau, and Brandenburg an der Havel. As a non-profit public institution, it provides reliable social and economic support for students. Its services include 7 dining halls, 14 student residences, and various counseling and assistance programs—for example, on financial matters, mental health, family life, and employment. It also implements the BAföG student aid program on behalf of the federal and state governments and supports student-led cultural initiatives.

Further Information

• Website: www.stwwb.de  
• Projekt Blog „Golm 2“: www.stwwb.de/bloggolm2

Press Contact

Josephine Kujau
Head of Public Relations / International Affairs
Studierendenwerk West:Brandenburg
Anstalt des öffentlichen Rechts
Babelsberger Str. 2, 14473 Potsdam
Contakt via website