How does it actually work?

You pick the group that fits you on this website, click the WhatsApp button, send us a message, and within 48 hours (usually the same day) a real person adds you to the right WhatsApp community. That's it. No apps to download, no login, no fees.

Yes. Joining any Berlin People Club group is 100 percent free. We do not sell your number, we do not spam the chat, we do not run ads inside the groups.

Can I join more than one group?

Absolutely. If you're a founder who cycles at dawn and goes out on Fridays, join the Startups, Cycling and Nightlife groups. Most members are in 2 to 4 groups.

What's the group size? Won't it be spammy?

Each group stays under 250 members with active moderation. Anyone posting promo, crypto, or off-topic links gets removed. The chat is for members, by members.

I've only been in Berlin for a few weeks. Worth joining?

That's exactly why Newcomers - First 30 Days exists. You get a welcome dinner, Anmeldung tips, and a dozen locals telling you the real spots within hours of joining.

I don't have WhatsApp. Another option?

WhatsApp is how most of Berlin's international community actually organises - meetups, flat shares, recommendations, everything. If you're new here it's the one app to install. If you really can't, message us from the contact page and we'll figure something out.

Are these groups safe? Vetted?

Every new member sends one intro message before being added - 1 photo, first name, where you're from, which group you want. We remove anyone flagged for harassment or scams. We're a community of residents and travellers, not a business directory.

Berlin People Club is run by long-term Berlin residents and newcomers who believe nobody should stay alone here. We started informally in 2021 with one WhatsApp group; now we moderate ten. It's a labor of love, not a company.

All communities

Community

Research Stay Scientists

You will not stay alone. The Berlin Research Stay Scientists community is already waiting.

Join the group Who is in it

Research Stay Scientists community in Berlin

About this group

Visiting researcher badge. One year in a Berlin lab.

Visiting scientists and researchers on fixed-term stays at Berlin universities and institutes. Lab-culture orientation, funding-body paperwork, and cross-institute networking.

Group vibe

Analytical, collegial, generous with lab-culture tips.

Members

Who is in this group.

Example members. Real archetypes drawn from the people who already meet up here.

Elena, 36

From Barcelona

One-year Humboldt fellowship

Chen, 34

From Shanghai

Visiting researcher, materials science

Omar, 38

From Cairo

DAAD-funded research stay

Anke, 40

From Munich

Sabbatical researcher from a German university elsewhere

What we do

What happens in the chat.

Lab-culture and institute-orientation meetups
Funding-body (DAAD, Humboldt) paperwork help
Cross-institute research-networking evenings
Conference and seminar-trip coordination
Housing near major research campuses
End-of-stay handover and farewell dinners

Before you join

Quick answers.

Is it free to join?: Yes. All ten Berlin People Club communities are free. No hidden fees.
How fast do I get added?: Usually same day, always within 48 hours. You will send a quick intro message before being added.
Can I leave whenever?: Of course. Leave the WhatsApp group any time. No questions, no guilt.
Will the chat be spammy?: Each group is capped around 250 members with active moderation. Promotional or off-topic messages get removed.