On April 15, 2025, the Studierendenwerk West:Brandenburg celebrated the topping-out ceremony for the new hall of residence "Golm 2" together with guests from politics, academia, and construction. The ceremony on the campus of the University of Potsdam marked a significant milestone: The shell of the building is complete, the topping-out crown has been placed – now the interior work of the groundbreaking new building begins, which is expected to be ready for occupancy in the upcoming winter semester.
Defying the usual unpredictable April weather, the sun created a warm and inviting atmosphere on the construction site. Guests and the press were welcomed in the morning, before the official topping-out ceremony began promptly at 10 a.m. Among the concrete bricks and steel scaffolding, many familiar faces from the state government, the university, the DSW, and the Studierendenwerk gathered – along with curious glances from construction workers and some students, who accompanied the ceremonial speeches on campus.
Political support for affordable student housing
The event was opened by Brandenburg’s Minister for Science, Research, and Culture, Dr. Manja Schüle. She praised the project as "an important contribution to the social infrastructure at the university location" and emphasized:
"In the new student residence hall in Golm, 423 bright minds will soon live, and one existential concern will be alleviated for them. They will live in modern, energy-efficient accommodations, right on campus – and most importantly: affordable."
She added with a smile:
"The Studierendenwerk is the landlord of all dreams." Who wouldn't want to move in right away?
Dr. Ina Bartmann, Secretary of State in the Ministry for Infrastructure and Regional Planning, also emphasized the significance of the project for the region:
"This housing offer is a strong signal against the strained housing market in Potsdam and the Berlin metropolitan area. We thank everyone involved – especially the Studierendenwerk – for the reliable implementation."
In addition to the political speakers, Stefan Grob from the DSW, Katharina Wolf as a student member of the board, and Peter Heiß, Managing Director of the Studierendenwerk West:Brandenburg, also spoke. Heiß expressed pride in the progress of the construction work:
"For the Golm campus, this project means more than just new housing – it is a vibrant place of living in close proximity to the university. That we are staying on schedule and within budget is thanks to the fantastic work of everyone involved."
Topping-out poem, tour, and visionary spaces
A special moment was the traditional topping-out poem, which the roofer delivered with visible dedication. Following tradition, the crown was then raised: a symbolic act that served as a ceremonial "final chord" for the shell of the building and blessed it for the upcoming interior work.
Afterward, guests were given the opportunity to tour a model apartment and one of the six future communal spaces. It became clear that the planned living spaces will not only be functional and modern but also atmospheric – perfectly tailored to student life. Large windows, beautiful views, compact kitchen areas, and barrier-free access – the housing complex is designed to be inclusive, flexible, and sustainable.
Conclusion at the Mensa Golm
To conclude, the gathering moved to the upper floor of the Mensa Golm for a shared catering. In a relaxed setting, guests enjoyed their meals, raised their glasses, and discussed the future of student housing – bringing the morning to a social close.
With the new housing complex in Golm, not only is much-needed student housing being created, but also an energy-efficient, resource-conserving building with a model character. 423 living spaces in various formats – from single apartments to barrier-free shared apartments and family-friendly units – will provide students with a safe and comfortable home. The rent is aligned with the BAföG housing allowance, currently set at €380 – an important signal for affordable student housing.
Special thanks go to everyone who contributed to the success of this project with their expertise, dedication, and perseverance: the involved construction companies, the many professionals on site, the planning partners, the construction and renovation department of the Studierendenwerk, which has been leading the project, and the state of Brandenburg, whose funding made this project possible. Without this reliable cooperation, a project like this – from the first idea to the topping-out ceremony – would not have been achievable.
