LIFE AT BBIS BOARDING

BBIS Boarding is more than a place to live during the school year - it is a welcoming international home where students feel safe, supported and encouraged to grow. With around 70 students from across the world, our boarding community offers a close-knit residential environment where every student is known personally and supported as an individual.

From the moment they arrive, students become part of a warm and inclusive community where friendships develop naturally and independence grows step by step. Living and learning together helps students build confidence, resilience and a strong sense of responsibility, while benefiting from the structure and guidance that supports their academic success.

Boarding life at BBIS combines a supportive daily routine with many opportunities to explore new interests, participate in activities and build lasting friendships. Supported by our experienced boarding team, students quickly settle into life on campus and become part of a community where they feel a genuine sense of belonging.

LIFE BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

Living on campus means enjoying the best of both worlds: a peaceful, green setting and the excitement of being close to one of Europe’s most vibrant cities. Boarding students have many opportunities to explore Berlin’s rich cultural life - from the East Side Gallery and Museum Island to concerts at the Berlin Opera, vibrant markets and major sporting events.

Students also enjoy time in nature, with lakes, forests and parks nearby for hiking, swimming and paddleboarding. For many, the simple pleasures matter just as much: sharing a meal with friends, relaxing in the lounge or finding a quiet corner of the library to study.

Our boarding team organises regular excursions in and beyond Berlin, giving students the opportunity to experience the city’s history, culture and natural beauty. These shared experiences help strengthen friendships and foster a spirit of curiosity and adventure.

We also warmly encourage boarding students to spend a night or weekend with a day student’s family - with parental permission and the Head of Boarding’s approval. These visits deepen friendships and enrich the cultural exchange that makes BBIS such a welcoming international community.

ACADEMIC SUPPORT, HEALTH AND WELLBEING

At BBIS, we are committed to supporting students both academically and personally. Our boarding community promotes a culture of positive health and wellbeing while ensuring that every student has access to the guidance they need to thrive.

Each boarding student is assigned a dedicated boarding mentor who serves as an important link between boarding, school and home. Mentors meet regularly with students, helping them stay organised, manage the demands of the IB programmes and make the most of their learning opportunities. This personalised support helps students feel confident, connected and well prepared to meet academic expectations.

Our school nurses are available in the boarding house each day, providing assessments, care and guidance whenever needed. Boarding students are also supported by the Student Support Services team and our Boarding School Counsellor, who is available during the day and in the evenings for academic, health and wellbeing support. When required, a member of the boarding team can accompany students to medical appointments, and several hospitals and clinics are located close to campus.

Healthy living is an important part of boarding life. We encourage participation in extra-curricular activities, active habits and balanced routines. All meals are included in the boarding tuition fee and served in the school cafeteria. On school days, students enjoy breakfast and lunch, followed by an after-school snack and dinner. At weekends, meals are optional, with brunch and dinner served on campus and packed lunches available for students attending trips or sports events.

ACTIVITIES, CLUBS AND EVENTS

Boarding students take part in a wide range of activities, clubs and events both at school and beyond. They can choose to join organised programmes or simply use their free time to relax, study or explore their surroundings. Our aim is to offer a balanced mix of opportunities that help students connect with others, discover new interests and enjoy life beyond the classroom.

Many boarding students join the school’s extra-curricular programme, representing BBIS in sports teams, performing in theatre productions and concerts, or participating in academic clubs such as Model United Nations.

The boarding team also organises a full programme of weekday and weekend activities. Recent examples include Thai cooking sessions, cinema trips, Bundesliga football games, gym club, visits to the Berlin Botanical Gardens and Christmas markets, escape rooms, go-karting and paintball.

Students can also take advantage of opportunities in Kleinmachnow and Berlin by joining local sports teams and clubs. Popular choices include football, rowing, tennis, martial arts, kickboxing and volunteering projects. Many students also enjoy exploring nearby lakes, parks and neighbourhoods with friends during their free time.

Throughout the year, we organise excursions to local attractions so that students can discover more of the region and spend meaningful time together. Twice a year, students also take part in overnight trips to destinations such as Rügen, Hamburg or Dresden - memorable experiences that strengthen friendships and broaden horizons.

A TYPICAL DAY AT BBIS BOARDING

From Monday to Friday, students attend school during the day and return to the boarding house in the afternoon. Evenings follow a structured routine that balances study time, activities and opportunities to relax with friends.

At weekends, the schedule is more flexible. Students can take part in organised activities and excursions, explore Berlin and the surrounding area, or enjoy time for independent study and relaxation in the boarding house or school library.

Here is what a typical school day looks like: