Student Housing In Germany – Find Student Accommodations | Guide for International Students

After securing admission to a German university, the next step is to find a place to live. There are various student housing options available in Germany. While it can be competitive, being well-informed and approaching the process correctly will help you find a suitable place to live.

If you're new to finding accommodation abroad, we're here to help you get all the information you need. Continue reading for a simplified guide to German student housing types, their costs, the application process, understanding rental contracts, and more.

Types of Student Accommodation in Germany

There are two main types of student accommodation in Germany: student dormitories, which are the economical option, and private accommodation, which is the pricier option (but that’s not always the case!). You can find plenty of options within each category. Some are cheaper, some offer more independence, but the beauty of it is that there’s something for everyone.

These are the most common types of housing for international students in Germany:

Student Halls of Residence (Dormitories)

Student halls of residence, also known as student dormitories (Studentenwohnheim), are residential complexes that are shared by students. They are very popular among international students as they are usually the most affordable option.

The majority of dormitories in Germany are managed by local student unions such as "Studentenwerk" or "Studierendenwerk". There are over 196,000 spots available nationwide, with most being assigned on a first-come-first-served basis.

The most common setup in dormitories is a single furnished room within an apartment that is shared by two or more students. The kitchen, bathroom, and common areas are usually shared with other students. Here are some of the pros and cons of living in student dormitories in Germany: 

How to Find and Apply for Student Dorms in Germany

To apply for a student dorm in Germany, first, contact the local student services. They usually provide registration deadlines and conditions on their websites, or you can reach out to them via email. Your university’s International Office can also help you with this. DAAD offers a useful residence hall database to search for dormitories as well.

Most dormitories have an online application form that you can submit up to six months in advance. You just need to select the type of room you want, provide personal information (such as full name, date of birth, and passport details), and indicate any specific requirements you may have (e.g. wheelchair access).

Many dorms only accept students who are enrolled in nearby or partner universities, so you will likely need to provide proof of acceptance/enrolment to the university.

What Is the Quick Accommodation Offer (Schnellanschreiben)?

Rooms may become available on short notice. The union sends an email with payment details to everyone on the waiting list. The room is given to the first person to reply to the email with a payment confirmation.

Shared Apartments (WG)

WGs (Wohngemeinschafts) are private flats or houses shared by several people, often students or young professionals. In this type of accommodation, it is typical to have a private bedroom and share common spaces like the living room, kitchen, and bathroom.

Thanks to online portals and worth of mouth, you can people with whom you can share an apartment even if you don’t know each other.

Some of the pros and cons of living in a WGs in Germany are:

How to Find a Student WG in Germany

If you think living in a shared apartment (WG) is a better option for you, you can start your search before arriving in Germany. Use online platforms like WG-Gesucht, Studenten-WG, and local Facebook groups. 

Posters can receive a lot of responses due to high demand, so don’t be discouraged if you don’t get an answer or the listing is removed quickly. This is quite common, so apply to as many listings as you can and refresh the website to apply as soon as new listings are posted.

When writing to ask about a room, include a brief introduction about yourself to stand out. Once someone replies, arrange a visit or a video call to talk more about the WG. When you agree to live together, review the rental agreement carefully and sign it.

Private Rentals

Renting a private apartment is not the most common type of accommodation for young students on a limited budget. But, if you prefer privacy, comfort, and having the whole place to yourself despite the higher cost, this is a great option. Apartments come in all sizes, styles, and different neighbourhoods, so you can pick what’s convenient for you.

Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of renting a private apartment in Germany:

How to Find a Private Apartment for Students in Germany

To start your search for a private apartment, look up platforms like ImmobilienScout24, Immowelt, and eBay Kleinanzeigen. After finding a potential place, arrange a viewing with the owner or agent and express your interest.

If you’re selected, you will receive a rental contract to sign, so make sure to read it carefully before doing so. Next, comes the apartment handover (Wohnungsübergabe)—to receive the keys and talk about any issues.

*Note: Most rental properties in Germany are unfurnished, so you will likely need to do this yourself.

How to Find Student Accommodation in Germany

Finding a place to stay in Germany is difficult before actually arriving in the country. That’s why many international students opt for short-term accommodation before looking for private accommodation once they arrive. However, you can apply for student residence halls and many WGs online, as soon as you’re accepted in a university.

Here are some key tips on finding accommodation in Germany for students:

• Start early. Begin your accommodation search well in advance to secure the best options.

• Consider budget and preferences. Consider your budget and whether you prefer communal living in student residence halls or more private options.

• Search online. Use reputable websites and platforms such as WG-Gesucht and ImmobilienScout24 to search for available accommodations.

• Review the application process. Be prepared to provide the necessary documents and meet any requirements during the application process, especially if you’re applying for student residence halls.

How Much Do Students in Germany Spend on Accommodation?

International students in Germany spend €410 per month on average on rent. This excludes other living costs, therefore making accommodation one of the biggest expenses to plan for. 

Researching ahead of coming to Germany and knowing what you’re in for when it comes to accommodation costs will save you a lot of headaches. Here is what each type of accommodation may cost you:

Rent prices tend to be higher in the following bigger cities compared to others in Germany:

• Berlin 

• Munich

• Frankfurt am Main 

• Cologne 

• Hamburg

Cost of Student Halls of Residence

Student housing is the most budget-friendly choice. On average, the monthly rent for a student dorm in Germany managed by Studierendenwerke is approximately €266.83. 

The cost of student dormitory accommodation will, however, vary depending on the location, room type, and the amenities available. While in smaller university towns you can find rooms as affordable as €180 per month, pricier cities or larger rooms can set you back as high as €500 per month.

Cost of Shared Apartments

WGs are generally quite affordable for international students. According to DAAD, the average monthly cost of this type of accommodation is €363 per month. 

Rents typically range from €300 to €650, higher prices being more common in larger cities. Prices can fluctuate due to high demand, so it’s not surprising to see listings in Berlin or Munich that are even more expensive. However, with proper research and planning, you can still find cheaper options. That’s why around 30% of students in Germany prefer this housing option.

Cost of Private Apartments

On average, renting a one-bedroom apartment in Germany costs about €820 per month. As with any other accommodation, prices will vary by location. In city centres, rent is between €600 and €1,500 per month, averaging around €940. Outside city centres the monthly rents range from €450 to €1,200, averaging about €700 monthly. 

> See how one-bedroom apartment rentals cost vary across Germany.

Avoiding Surprises Before Signing Your Lease

To avoid potential surprises like a lack of furniture, a broken sink, or any other details, it’s best to visit the property in person or at least have them send recent pictures of the place.

Here are some things to keep in mind before renting in Germany:

• Lack of furniture. When you’re searching for rentals in Germany, don’t be surprised when you’re shown a space with only floorboards in place. This is typical with private apartments, but not so typical with student dorms. The latter usually have a bed frame with a mattress, a small desk, and a closet where you can put your clothing. 

• Limited furnished apartments. Fully furnished private rentals are rare and more expensive than unfurnished ones. A good way to go around this is to find someone who is subletting their room.

• Long-term contracts. Landlords prefer long-term contracts as they don’t want to deal with changing tenants too often. But, some are open to negotiation so it doesn’t hurt to ask.

• Potential rent increases. Some landlords may include clauses that allow them to raise the rent over time. If you have an Indexmiete (Index rent), your landlord can increase the rent price once a year to adjust for inflation. If you have a Staffelmiete (Graduated rent), there will be a pre-determined amount (usually 2-4%) increase per year. Make sure to understand all terms of your contract before signing.

• Language barriers in contracts. Lease contracts are usually in German, and landlords may include conditions you don’t understand. Bring a translator to help you understand everything.

Where to Stay During Your First Days in Germany as a Student

Many international students in Germany choose to stay in temporary accommodation while they’re searching for a more permanent place to stay.

These are the most common temporary accommodation options for international students in Germany:

• Affordable hotels

• Low-cost hostels

• Youth hostels (membership required)

• Private bed and breakfast (B&B) accommodations (search for “Privatzimmer” + location online)

• Guest houses (pensions)
  

You can find the most options in Booking.com, Hostelworld, and Airbnb. The German Youth Hostel Association (DJH) also lists youth hostels in Germany. 

Student Services (Studentenwerke), local classified websites like WG-Gesucht, and university recommendations are some other additional resources for temporary lodgings.

Tip: Make sure to book your accommodation online well in advance of your travel date. 

Explaining Key Terms About Renting in Germany

Here are some key terms and practices to know so you don’t get lost in rent-speak when finding accommodation in Germany:

Cold and Warm Rent

Renting a place in Germany typically involves two key monthly rent categories: “Kaltmiete” and “Warmmiete.” The “Kaltmiete” (cold rent) stands for the basic rent for the room or apartment without any additional costs, such as utilities (water, electricity, heating, internet, or cable).

When you add these utility costs to the basic rent, you get the “Warmmiete,” (warm rent) which is the total amount tenants typically pay the landlord each month. 

Deposit

You may be required to pay a “Kaution” (deposit) at the beginning of the tenancy. The deposit will be refunded once you move out of the room/apartment if you leave it in good condition. If, however, you cause any damages and don’t repair them, the landlord can keep your deposit.

Utilities

In most dorms, your rent will include utilities. But, if it doesn’t or if you’re living in another type of accommodation, you will usually have to pay extra each month for utilities (Nebenkosten) based on estimated usage.

At the end of the year, your landlord will reconcile the actual costs (Nebenkostenabrechnung) with the payments made. They will either issue a refund or bill you for any additional expenses, depending on your usage. Nebenkosten typically ranges from 15% to 30% on top of the Kaltmiete, but this can vary so it’s best to carefully review each rental listing.

Some costs like internet and phone bills are rarely included in Nebenkosten, so you need to sort this yourself and pay them separately.

Now that we’ve gotten around the basics, here is an overview of useful terms and abbreviations related to housing in Germany:

• Wohngemeinschaft (WG) – Shared Apartment: A living arrangement where multiple people live together in a shared space, each having their room.

• Wohnung (Whg.) – Apartment: A living space within a building.

• Nebenkosten (NK) – Additional Costs: Expenses like heating, water, and garbage collection are covered in rental agreements.

• Kaltmiete (KM) – Cold Rent: The basic rent for the apartment, excluding additional costs like utilities (Nebenkosten).

• Warmmiete (WM) – Warm Rent: The total rent, including basic rent and additional costs like utilities.

• Kaution (KA) – Security Deposit: Payment made by tenants to cover potential damages or unpaid rent, refundable by the end of the lease if the place is left in good condition.

• Zi or Zimmer – Room: Often seen in rental listings with numbers (e.g., 2 Zi, meaning a 2-room apartment).

• WG-Zimmer – Room in a Shared Apartment: Refers to bedrooms in shared flats.

• Zweck-WG/Keine Zweck-WG – Shared apartment to save money/to not solely save money: Zweck-WGs are common among working people who want to split the costs of living with someone out of necessity. If you see “Keine Zweck-WG” in a listing, it means that your flatmate/s are interested in socializing and becoming friends with each other.

• Schlafzimmer (SZ) – Bedroom

• Wohnzimmer (WZ) – Living Room

• Einzelzimmer (EZ) – Single Room

• Mehrzimmer (MZ) – Multiple Rooms 

• Bad – Bathroom

• Einbauküche – Fitted Kitchen: The apartment comes with a pre-installed kitchen.

• Hausordnung – House Rules: Rules and regulations for residents in a building or apartment complex.

• Kündigungsfrist – Notice Period: The advance notice required for ending a tenancy, as stated in rental contracts.

• Möbliert (Möbl.) – Furnished

• Unmöbliert (Unmöbl.) – Unfurnished

• Mieter – Tenant

• Vermieter – Landlord