Originally Posted by acidfast7

We have sleeping quarters as well, but they're not used for commuters ... only long term guest researchers or current researchers working overnight.

Most students are cooking every day on a rotation for the other students (10-15 in a group). It keeps the costs down to 2-3€/day for food, which is good as a student can't have a job while studying and student loans don't really exist (as there is no tuition per se). Students like to keep their costs as low as possible (usually <300€/mo including rent/utilities which can be tricky in Frankfurt).

However, I don't think I've seen a office "break room" in an office building over here without a full kitchen, it would seem really unfinished if that was the case. How would one heat up food in a pan at work for example? Or make espresso without a stove top or a dedicated machine?

edit: I should state that there is Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz, which is a little like a student loan. Most people say "Bafög."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Student_loans_in_Germany