The Paulus-Kolleg, in short PK, is different to other student dormitories in both its size and spirit. A total of 40 students from a variety of cultural, religious and social backgrounds live together in a house which is roughly divided into two wings: the old building (Altbau) and the new building (Neubau). The house has a strong focus on its internal community or ‘Gemeinschaft’. The two kitchens form the central gathering points and lie at the heart of the PK’s way of life. Here roommates meet to cook together or just sit and chat over a cup of coffee or tea. Other rooms such as the study room (Leseraum), the PG Room, lounge, chapel, party cellar and the big garden, give the students the space to learn together and socialise. In this way everyone gets to know everyone.
The students regularly organise community events such as: cooking together, grilling outside, sports activities (roller skating, jogging, yoga, volleyball, spike ball etc.), movie nights in the lounge using a projector, parties, bicycle tours, theatre excursions, environmental activities, or anything else they have an interest in. In this way everyone can bring their ideas to the table. Creativity is always encouraged! With new students come new ideas and cultures, therefore the dynamic of the house in constantly changing 😊.
A short History of the PK
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After the second World War left Münster and most of Germany in a state of ruin, a group of Christian students from the University of Münster formed the Paulus-Gemeinschaft in 1948. A few years later they decided to build a student dormitory to give newcomers in Münster an affordable place to stay while studying. In 1954 the old building (Altbau) and the chapel were built. In 1964/1965, the new building (Neubau) along with the house for the House Manager (Heimleitung), were added.
Once a year the Paulus-Kolleg community and friends gather (Patrozinium) in the PK garden to celebrate. Here current and old members come together to chat and share stories, helping to keep the community spirit of the house alive.
In order to finance the upkeep of the house, as the rent paid by the students is not enough to cover larger costs, a Sponsorship (PK Förderverein) was established in 2000 to raise funds for the house. This is done mostly through membership fees from current and former students. The money is used by the Paulus-Gemeinschaft to make repairs to the house, improve the sanitation systems, buy new furniture for the bedrooms, or anything else which needs to be done.
Bedroom, Bathroom, Kitchen Description:
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The bedrooms vary in size (7m² – 16m²) and in prize (166,00€ – 283,00€) per month, depending on where in the house they are situated. The price includes all additional costs (warm water, heating etc.), and WiFi is provided by the University of Münster. All rooms come fully furnished with a bed, mattress, cupboard, bookshelf, desk, chair, ceiling light and a window. Some of the larger rooms also come with a bedside table, a basin, and a mirror. By request, it is possible to get curtains, a blanket or a pillow for the room.
The students share the bathrooms at the end of their hallway. Here there is space for them to keep their shampoo, soap, towels etc. The students without basins in their rooms share the large bathroom where they have additional space to store their toothbrush/toothpaste etc. In the kitchens students are allocated a small cupboard to keep their food in. Together with 3 other students they share a refrigerator and also have access to freezer space. The kitchens come fully equipped with cooking equipment and utensils. Several times a week a cleaner comes to help clean the bathrooms and the kitchens.
Living together and Responsibilities:
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Living in such a big house with so many people means that one must be considerate of others. Cleaning up after oneself and being friendly to one another helps to keep the house harmonious. To help with this students are expected, amongst other things, to help out with kitchen duties such as taking the rubbish out, and looking after the garden. Once a semester a big Working Day is held, where all the students come together to clean the house and accomplish larger tasks, such as sweeping the hallways, tidying up the common rooms, defrosting the refrigerators, painting the house or making small repairs. This forms part of the way of life in the PK, where students work together and help each other to look after the house we call home.
Posts (Ämter) in the Paulus-Kolleg:
In order for the house to function effectively on a day-to-day level, many students will take on a post (Amt) and are responsible for a specific aspect of the house. The students are appointed at the General House Meetings (Heimversammlungen) which take place twice a semester. The appointed students can keep their posts for two semesters, after this they can be re-elected. Two people always share a post. In this way they share the responsibility and can help each other out for example during an absenteeism.
Posts (Ämter):
Beer Post (Bierwart:innen)
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- Is responsible for the beer vending machine, including ordering stock, filling the vending machine and making changes to it where necessary.
- Is in charge of ordering new drinks and storing them in the beer storing room (Bierdusche).
- Is responsible, with the help of other students, for organising the PK-Parties.
- Is responsible for the party cellar including the stereo system, the bar, the furniture and that it is maintained clean.
- Oversees that the storage room (Fotolabor) is kept clean and organised.
- Is responsible for the beer cash box and bank account.
- Ensures that someone is there to take over the above mentioned responsibilities when they are away from the PK for longer periods of time.
- Reports the current standings at the General House Meetings including the total amount of money currently in the cashbox.
Bicycle Post (Fahrradwart:innen)
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- Oversees the bicycle cellar, including the tools and spare parts.
- Sorts through the bicycles on the property once a semester.
- Is responsible for looking after the PK bicycles so that they can be used by visitors.
- Running costs are to be discussed with the House Committee and are then taken over by one of the other house cashboxes.
- Ensures that someone is there to take over the above mentioned responsibilities when they are away from the PK for longer periods of time.
- Reports the current standings at the General House Meetings.
Chapel Post (Küster:innen)
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- Oversees the Chapel and the small office attached to it, making sure that it is kept clean and tidy.
- Is in charge of the storage cupboard outside of the chapel.
- At the wish of the students, religious festivals can be organised to celebrate certain events. (For example, Easter, Lent, Christmas, etc.)
- It is possible to hold this post together with a second post.
- Reports the current standings at the General House Meetings.
Communications (to former Students) Post (Ehemaligenwart:in)
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- Manages the new addresses for students who have moved out, as well as their personal email addresses to keep in touch in the future.
- Oversees the post which arrives for the students who have moved out.
- Keeps the former students of the PK informed of new developments and tries to keep the connection to the PK spirit in this way.
- This post is only held by one person.
- Reports the current standings at the General House Meetings.
Environment Post (Umweltwart:innen)
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- Is responsible for ensuring that the correct bins are put outside on the correct days. This mainly involves bringing the four different bins to the side of the road once a week.
- Is responsible for regularly taking the glass away to a nearby glass collection container.
- Tries to make the house more environmentally friendly, such as by suggesting ways to reduce waste or using more sustainable products etc.
- Ensures that someone is there to take over the above mentioned responsibilities when they are away from the PK for longer periods of time, specifically so that the trash is collected on time.
- Reports the current standings at the General House Meetings.
Garden Post (Gartenwart:innen)
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- Manages the garden duties list, where students sign up twice a semester to do a garden chore.
- Is responsible for ensuring that everyone completes his/her task, and if not, reporting it to the House Committee.
- Ensures that the paths to and in front of the house have been cleared of snow in winter.
- Oversees the key to the garden room, where the garden tools are kept.
- Tries to ensure that the lawn mower is well looked after.
- Keeps an eye on the garden shed where amongst other things the pillows for the outside chairs are kept.
- Puts the outside tables and chairs away in winter for safe storage.
- Ensures that someone is there to take over the above mentioned responsibilities when they are away from the PK for longer periods of time.
- Reports the current standings at the General House Meetings.
House Technician (Heimtechniker:innen)
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- Takes care of the tools and repair supplies, which students can borrow when doing home improvements or fixing something.
- Does small repairs in the house or delegates when larger jobs need to be done.
- Is the contact person for students when something is broken, needs fixing or replacing. For more complex repairs, they report these to the House Manager.
- Is responsible for the key to the toolroom (Empore) and ensuring the room is organised.
- Is responsible for managing and ordering new repair supplies, such as lightbulbs, paint, sandpaper, nails, glue etc.
- Should keep an eye out for any areas around the house which need repairing and then either fixing them or reporting them to the House Committee.
- Ensures that someone is there to take over the above mentioned responsibilities when they are away from the PK for longer periods of time.
- Reports the current standings at the General House Meetings.
Internet Post (Internetwart:innen)
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- Is responsible for managing the PK website and updating the information on it.
- Oversees the internet connectivity in the house, in terms of students having internet access and the University internet system being connected to the house.
- Manages the internet user account (Internet-Nutzungs-Konto)
- Is responsible for a key to the attic (Dachbodenschlüssel), as this is where the main router is located.
- Ensures that someone is there to take over the above mentioned responsibilities when they are away from the PK for longer periods of time.
- Reports the current standings at the General House Meetings.
Kitchen Posts (Alt- & Neubauküchenwart:innen)
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- Is in charge of hanging up the kitchen rosters, so that students take turns to clean the kitchens, as well as assigning weekly tasks to be done.
- Tries to encourage the students to clean up after themselves when cooking in the kitchen.
- Is responsible for the defrosting and cleaning of the refrigerators and freezers on working days, (together with other students who have been assigned the task).
- Is responsible for replacing broken or damaged kitchen appliances. (Repairs where possible).
- Ensures that there is a sufficient supply of sponges, baking paper, spices, etc.
- Ensures that someone is there to take over the above mentioned responsibilities when they are away from the PK for longer periods of time.
- Reports the current standings at the General House Meetings.
Laundry Post (Waschwart:innen)
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- Is in charge of the laundry room and equipment: the washing machine, dryer, iron, ironing board, vacuum cleaners.
- Buys washing powder for the students to use.
- Hangs up the washing list, where students can put their names down for a washing timeslot.
- Is in charge of the coin machine which students use to pay for a load of washing and depositing the money into the cashbox.
- Ensures that someone is there to take over the above mentioned responsibilities when they are away from the PK for longer periods of time.
- Reports the current standings at the General House Meetings including the total amount of money currently in the cashbox.
Sports Post (Sportwart:innen)
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- Manages and looks after the sports equipment found in the cupboard on the ground floor of the old building (Altbau), as well as the pool table, table tennis table and table football in the party cellar.
- Organises sporting events and tries to motivate the residence to participate.
- Works together with the Tutor when planning events.
- Reports the current standings at the General House Meetings.
Treasurer (Kassenwart:innen)
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- Is responsible for the house cashbox, from which small general house expenses are paid. Such as the newspapers, GEZ fees, etc.
- When students buy something for the house such as sponges or anything else from which everyone benefits, the Treasurer is responsible for the bill. Any expenses over 30,00€ need the approval of the House Committee before being purchased.
- Pays orders and pays for the newspapers which are delivered to the house each morning.
- Reports the current standings at the General House Meetings including the total amount of money currently in the cashbox.
Cashbox Auditor (Kassenprüfer:innen)
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- Audits the cashboxes at the end of each semester. (house cashbox, tutor cashbox, washing cashbox, beer cashbox).
- It is possible to hold this post together with a second post.
- Reports the current standings at the General House Meetings.
House Committee (Heimausschussämter)
The House Committee (Heimausschuss) consists of four students each in charge of one post and the House Manager. They are also appointed at the General House Meetings (Heimversamlung) but carry larger responsibilities. They meet regularly to discuss house matters, such as improvements, repairs, students moving in or out, etc.
Old Building Representative (Altbausprecher:in)
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- Is responsible for people who move in and out of the old building.
- Ensures the bedrooms in the old building are all equipped with the necessary furniture.
- Is responsible for the old building keys (laundry cupboard, fire door to the cellar, attic).
- Ensures the hallways are clear and looked after, including the balcony, attic, and laundry cupboard.
- Looks after the PG Room, including the beds for guests.
- Is member of the House Committee and has voting rights.
- Forms part of the Applications Committee (Aufnahmeausschuss) and helps to decide which new students will be moving into the PK.
- Supports the Tutor and Senior in their tasks where necessary.
- Ensures that someone is there to take over the above mentioned responsibilities when they are away from the PK for longer periods of time.
- Reports the current standings at the General House Meetings.
Neu Building Representative (Neubausprecher:in)
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- Is responsible for people who move in and out of the new building as well as the middle building (Mittelbau).
- Ensures the bedrooms in the new building are all equipped with the necessary furniture.
- Is responsible for the new building keys (Storage cupboard key, Tools room key).
- Ensures the hallways are clear and looked after, including the storage cupboard and foyer.
- Looks after the study room (Leseraum), including the printer.
- Is member of the House Committee and has voting rights.
- Forms part of the Applications Committee (Aufnahmeausschuss) and helps to decide which new students will be moving into the PK.
- Supports the Tutor and Senior in their tasks where necessary.
- Ensures that someone is there to take over the above mentioned responsibilities when they are away from the PK for longer periods of time.
- Reports the current standings at the General House Meetings.
Tutor (Tutor:in)
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- Helps to create a pleasant PK atmosphere in the house.
- Helps to integrate new students into the house, for example by organising activities and events.
- Collaborates with the Sports Post to host sporting activities in the house.
- Together with the Communications Post, organises events to include former students in house activities.
- Is responsible for managing the notice boards (Schwarzes Brett).
- Manages the tutor cashbox.
- Manages the tutor (art) supplies in the storage room.
- Is member of the House Committee and has voting rights.
- Forms part of the Applications Committee (Aufnahmeausschuss) and helps to decide which new students will be moving into the PK.
- Assists the Senior in their duties and may act on their behalf during absences.
- Reports the current standings at the General House Meetings including the total amount of money currently in the cashbox.
Senior (Senior:in)
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- Is the House representative and works together with the House Manager to oversee all aspects regarding the PK.
- Keeps in contact with the House Manager regarding larger matters regarding the house.
- Is the chairperson of the House Committee (Heimausschuss) and the General House Meeting (Heimversammlung).
- Is member of the House Committee and has voting rights.
- Forms part of the Applications Committee (Aufnahmeausschuss) and helps to decide which new students will be moving into the PK.
- Organises, together with the Tutor and Old/New Building Representatives, the above mentioned meetings.
- Manages the general house keys when the House Manager is on holiday.
- Reports the current standings at the General House Meetings.
Application Procedure:
To apply for a room in our student dormitory, you need to fill out the application form and submit it together with a copy of your Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a motivational letter to Mirjam Schilling, our House Manager.
To find the Application form please click on the tab “Bewerben” on our website, and then scroll down until you see the British flag. By clicking on this, the website will redirect you to our application form. Further information about our application procedure is found in the document.
For further questions regarding the Paulus-Kolleg please contact the House Manager Mirjam Schilling via Email. heimleitung@paulus-kolleg.de
We look forward to hearing from you! 😊
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