{"id":25401,"date":"2026-01-23T18:25:21","date_gmt":"2026-01-23T17:25:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.stw-muenster.de\/geschaeftsbericht\/jahr-2023\/geschaeftsjahr-2023\/"},"modified":"2026-01-25T20:11:31","modified_gmt":"2026-01-25T19:11:31","slug":"geschaeftsjahr-2023","status":"publish","type":"geschaeftsbericht","link":"https:\/\/www.stw-muenster.de\/en\/geschaeftsbericht\/jahr-2023\/geschaeftsjahr-2023\/","title":{"rendered":"financial year 2023"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Financial year 2023<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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Dear readers <\/strong>and readers,<\/strong><\/h3>

Studierendenwerk M\u00fcnster currently provides its services to a good 58,000 students. By performing its numerous and important social tasks, the Studierendenwerk is an important partner for the universities in their efforts to attract students to M\u00fcnster and Steinfurt as academic locations in the face of increasing competition. <\/p>

The quality with which Studierendenwerk M\u00fcnster manages its diverse tasks in the core areas of Accomodation, Catering, Student Finance, Counselling and Childcare, as well as in other business areas, not only increases the attractiveness of the university landscape, but also that of the M\u00fcnster location and the entire M\u00fcnsterland region.<\/p>

Inspiring enthusiasm for the region
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The Studierendenwerk plays an important role in attracting around 58,000 students to M\u00fcnster and Steinfurt as places to study. It therefore plays a major role in all the associated positive effects for the region. This is particularly true in cultural and economic terms. At this point, it is only worth mentioning the purchasing power that students bring to M\u00fcnster. <\/p>

As at the balance sheet date (31.12.2023), the Studierendenwerk manages the above-mentioned tasks with 550 employees (excluding trainees [7] and managing directors). With total assets of around \u20ac 236.6 million and its employees, the Studierendenwerk plays an important role as a regional employer. These are predominantly long-term jobs with extremely low fluctuation. The number of severely disabled employees is well above the minimum required by law. Here too, the Studierendenwerk fulfills its role as a social service provider and employer. In addition, Studierendenwerk M\u00fcnster has been certified as a family-friendly company since 2009 and works with the active support of many employees to continuously improve the compatibility of work and family life.<\/p>

Studierendenwerk as a secure service provider and employer<\/b><\/p>

Studierendenwerk M\u00fcnster’s function as a service provider and a secure employer must be maintained in the future. The current criteria of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia for the allocation of the fixed amount subsidy for ongoing business entail the risk that the funds made available will decrease from year to year after adjustment for inflation and thus do not compensate for cost increases, especially for energy and tariff increases. Fortunately, the general subsidy for the Studierendenwerke in NRW was increased by 3% in the 2023 financial year. However, this regular increase of 3%, originally planned for subsequent years, has already been suspended again for 2024 due to the tight budget situation. <\/p>

On the other hand, in 2023, the state once again set up a number of separate funding pots to cushion price increases with regard to the increased costs of energy supply and the use of goods in university catering. In the view of the Studierendenwerke, however, a permanent increase in state subsidies is urgently required due to the additional cost burdens, particularly against the backdrop of the ongoing war in Ukraine and the Middle East conflict and the associated inflation. This is also necessary in order to close the gap that has arisen in recent years between the relative increase in NRW state subsidies and the far greater increase in students’ social contributions. <\/p>

Expansion of service offerings<\/b><\/p>

Since the winter semester 2023\/24, Studierendenwerk M\u00fcnster has been charging a social contribution of \u20ac120.00 (previously \u20ac99.34). In order to generate additional contribution margins, the Studierendenwerke will continue to examine whether they can expand their range of services and open up further markets in the student environment. For example, in the reporting year, the management of parking spaces at the student residences was implemented via an external service provider. On the other hand, loss-making services must be reduced as far as is justifiable with the social mission. <\/p>

A situation that must be particularly taken into account in M\u00fcnster is that the Studierendenwerk largely owns its real estate in the areas of administration, residential complexes and large dormitories, while other Studierendenwerke operate their facilities in buildings owned by the universities or the state (BLB). Accordingly, it has to take responsibility for all associated problems, risks and, above all, investment measures and their effects (loan repayments etc.) without state aid. While the funds for the general subsidy in the state budget are decreasing due to the inflation effect alone and the cost burdens are increasing in parallel, a sufficient amount for the twelve North Rhine-Westphalian Studierendenwerke for project funding, including for upcoming major topics such as digitization or climate neutrality, is desirable for the coming years. <\/p>

Focus on redensification
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In addition, the Studierendenwerk will continue to be required to invest considerable funds in the multi-digit million range in its own buildings in the large Mensas, as well as in the technology of the corresponding catering facilities and in student Accomodation over the next few years. There will also be a particular focus on creating new living space through densification on our own properties. The Studierendenwerk will also be required to constantly review its other services and organizational processes in order to achieve a sufficient annual result in the future.
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Positive annual result due to special factors
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The new organizational chart created in October 2021 meets the requirements for optimized organizational processes and improved internal communication channels. It is continuously reviewed and adapted to current requirements. For example, the creation of a staff position for sustainability management was decided in 2023. In the reporting year, work on the strategic direction with regard to clarifying relevant core issues in the Studierendenwerk was again carried out in several workshops with the management, department heads and department heads. Due to the business policy of commercial prudence, the Studierendenwerk’s financial liquidity is stable. This ensures that future necessary investments and unforeseeable situations can be mastered.
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The 2023 financial year closed with an annual result of \u20ac +4,085.1 thousand. However, it should be noted that this positive annual result was influenced by numerous, largely one-off special factors, including one-off subsidies, energy price brakes, etc. Without the commitment of Studierendenwerk employees, it would not have been possible to solve many difficult tasks against the backdrop of the ongoing war in Ukraine and the conflict in the Middle East. The employees continue to work hard for the benefit of the approximately 58,000 students at M\u00fcnster’s universities. <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Catering facilities <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t
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For the first time since 2019, 2023 was no longer affected by pandemic-related restrictions following the coronavirus outbreak. Sales development is gradually returning to pre-pandemic levels, although this trend is not adjusted for price adjustments. The change in the pricing system has also contributed to the improvement in earnings, as it is possible to react flexibly to cost developments with regard to the cost of goods sold. The difference between the two pricing systems lies in the fact that menu prices were previously capped and can now be calculated using actual item prices. This has made some components more expensive and others cheaper. An additional positive side effect is the reduction in food waste thanks to the possibility of putting together individual meals. <\/p>

The aim of offering student guests high-quality food at affordable prices is and remains one of the guiding principles of the Studierendenwerk’s corporate policy. In addition to our efforts to offer an attractive selection for all dietary requirements every day, the use of regional and seasonal products is an integral part of our menu planning. In order to take account of the general trend towards more vegetarian and vegan dishes, the Bispinghof canteen is now offering a purely vegetarian\/vegan menu following its reopening. This makes it the second institution, alongside Hier und Jetzt, to consistently implement this nutritional concept. Studierendenwerk M\u00fcnster will do everything in its power to achieve the qualitatively and quantitatively ambitious catering targets in the coming years. It will also continue to optimize its own processes and continuously identify and exploit further savings potential. <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

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Demand for student Accomodation remained high. With 5,363 places on the balance sheet date, the Studierendenwerk is a major provider in this market segment in M\u00fcnster. In close cooperation with the universities, student representatives and the city of M\u00fcnster, Studierendenwerk is trying to overcome the particular challenges in terms of providing sufficient living space for students. The strengths of all those involved are brought together in the Student Accomodation Working Group. <\/p>

In the 2023 financial year, urgently needed repair and maintenance measures were implemented and investments were made in accordance with the investment plan. For example, a facade cleaning was carried out on Stadtlohnweg, the renovation\/refurnishing of residential units in the course of new occupancy in the residential complex at Gescherweg 50-64, the redesign of the outdoor area on Boeselagerstrasse and the conversion to underfloor containers on Rudolf-Harbig-Weg. Despite these diverse activities and the further planning of maintenance measures, however, the following must be taken into account: Despite the successful modernization work carried out in recent years, there is a long-term need for further investment in the high double-digit million range. <\/p>

Even though the announced federal and state program “Young Accomodation” for 2024 may be significantly improved, the problem of the small number of available properties combined with the increased construction costs continues to exist in M\u00fcnster. Nevertheless, Studierendenwerk M\u00fcnster continues to pursue the goal of creating new and affordable living space for students in M\u00fcnster. Specifically, the planning of a redensification at Gescherweg 70-84 with around 200 places, which was already planned for 2023, is to start in 2024. In addition, the residential complexes at Wilhelmskamp and Gescherweg 50-64 are to be renovated. The measures are scheduled to start in 2024 and should be completed by 2027. The monthly rent for a residential unit in 2023 was between \u20ac 184.99 and \u20ac 606.58. Rental income in the reporting year amounted to \u20ac 18,841 thousand (previous year: \u20ac 18,653 thousand). The increase is primarily the result of rolling rent increases due to agreed graduated rents in some residential complexes, and living in a residential complex is the most popular form of accommodation for foreign students. 23.8% (previous year: 23.9%) of the Studierendenwerk’s residential units were rented to foreign students. <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

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Social affairs <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t
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The Studierendenwerk supports the internationalization of universities. In order to increase international competitiveness, it is urgently necessary to improve the framework conditions for study visits for guests from abroad. In order to meet the framework conditions mentioned above, the Social Affairs department was reorganized and staffed in 2022. In order to make it easier for students to access the support services and social offers\/projects, outreach work is to be given greater consideration. In the area of educational support, the number of students receiving funding has risen by 6.7%. This means that 17.47% of students in M\u00fcnster received educational support. Compared to the previous year, 13.2% more BAf\u00f6G applications were processed in 2023 (2023: 10,253\/ 2022: 9,056). As expected, this compensated for the generational change taking place, which was reflected in a significant decline in the previous year. <\/p>

In NRW, a “case flat rate regulation” is used for BAf\u00f6G cost reimbursement. This form of financing triggers additional funding requirements. The current flat rate per case was negotiated with the state of NRW in 2013 and continues to this day. The reimbursement of expenses by the state of NRW in 2023 amounted to \u20ac 1,937 thousand, a reduction of around \u20ac 121 thousand compared to the previous year. The use of Daka loans at the M\u00fcnster BAf\u00f6G office decreased from 32 to 24 applications. Benefits amounting to \u20ac 190 thousand (previous year: \u20ac 174 thousand) were transferred by Daka. <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

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Coronavirus \/ CoV-2 pandemic <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t
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In order to compensate for the decline in turnover, the state of North Rhine-Westphalia had made further aid available to the Studierendenwerke in NRW for 2022. Studierendenwerk M\u00fcnster received \u20ac 657.6 thousand in state aid in the reporting year. This had to be repaid in 2023 after the final settlement in the amount of around \u20ac 265 thousand, as the corona-related losses in the catering sector were partially offset by the positive deviations in rental income compared to the 2022 plan in the area of student Accomodation. A partial amount of around \u20ac 392 thousand was demonstrably collected for the decline in revenue in university catering. In the psychosocial area, around \u20ac 49 thousand of the maximum funding commitments of \u20ac 283.7 thousand were received to compensate for the increased counseling costs due to the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic. <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

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On February 24, 2022, Russia attacked Ukraine, massively changing the security order in Europe. This war has enormous economic consequences for almost all companies in Germany and the EU. For Studierendenwerk M\u00fcnster, the war and the associated rise in energy prices means a future risk of increased payments to energy suppliers. The massive increase in energy costs has not yet had a significant impact on the annual result due to existing energy contracts for 2022. The contracts for natural gas and district heating had to be renegotiated at the beginning of the reporting year. The conditions in the new energy contracts have increased significantly compared to the old conditions, but were cushioned in 2023 by the energy price brake and VAT reduction. To raise awareness among students, Deutsches Studierendenwerk launched a campaign called “Flip the Switch” in conjunction with all other student unions in Germany in fall 2022. Students received lots of information and tips on how to save energy. This appeal was placed again in the reporting year. At the same time, numerous other suggestions for saving energy were developed and implemented in a specially established energy working group. For example, the room temperature was lowered, shower heads replaced, light bulbs changed and much more. <\/p>

In the catering establishments, the increased purchase prices for almost all products made themselves felt. In addition, suppliers were no longer able to provide price guarantees. These uncertainties made calculations extremely difficult. The Studierendenwerk reacted by changing the menu. Ingredients with significant price increases were removed from the menu. Nevertheless, the aim is still that the design of the menus enables students to be provided with a wide range of food at fair prices in the catering facilities. As the duration of the war and the effects of further global conflicts cannot be foreseen, Studierendenwerk M\u00fcnster will monitor the consequences for the individual departments and react promptly to developments. On a positive note, the state of North Rhine-Westphalia was quick to compensate for the increased use of goods and energy costs. The allocations amounted to a total of around \u20ac 1,375 thousand in the reporting year. Proof that the funding amount was required for the roughly forecast additional expenses must be provided and certified in the current year. A (partial) repayment or final receipt will only be made as part of this final settlement. Studierendenwerk M\u00fcnster remains confident that it will be able to meet the challenges ahead. <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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New mural at the Studierendenwerk’s Bismarckallee 47 b-d residential complex: the community mural, on which over 1,200 people have worked, is intended to set an example in the anniversary year of 375 years of the Peace of Westphalia.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

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The demands of 2023 were mastered well despite challenging conditions. Even in difficult times, the employees of the Studierendenwerk work together to ensure that students can always rely on the good service provided by the Studierendenwerk. The fact that M\u00fcnster is an attractive and lively student city today is also thanks to them. Studierendenwerk M\u00fcnster stands firmly by the students’ side, whether it’s about Accomodation, food or social matters. In retrospect, the Studierendenwerk provides the necessary security during what is often the best time of your life. <\/p>

M\u00fcnster, May 05, 2024<\/p>

Studierendenwerk M\u00fcnster – Anstalt des \u00f6ffentlichen Rechts –
gez. Dr. Christoph Holtwisch
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