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Germany: Student Accommodation - Must read

Student accommodation in Germany

We tell you all you need to know about finding your accommodation when studying in Germany

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If you’re dreaming of studying in Germany, it’s important to note that finding accommodation is a bit of a ‘DIY’ job, which takes careful planning. Unlike in other major study destinations like the UK, Australia and the US, German universities do not help you find your accommodation. Some student unions do offer help in finding residences, but for all other options, you’re on your own. Luckily, we’re on hand to help you out! 

 

Below we’ve listed the three main types of student accommodation, average costs, best accommodation websites and other important tips.


Student Residences

Average cost of a room: around €240 a month. 

 

More than 40% of international students stay in student residences – they are relatively cheap and provide a great environment to meet people. In fact many alumni end up lifelong friends with people they lived with in their first year of university! Rates vary depending on the type of residence, whether it's a large residence or smaller student flat, the size of your room, and the quality and quantity of furnishings.

 

To apply for a room you should contact the Student Union of your college studentenwerke.de or the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service), which has an accommodation finder service. Remember with this type of accommodation, you have to book early.

 

Shared Accommodation

Average cost of a room: around €280 a month. 

 

More than 30% of students choose this type of accommodation and it is often popular with groups of friends who want to live together. This is usually a shared flat with other students, they might be international or domestic. You each pay for a room, you share the communal facilities and you share the bills, such as the cost of energy and the internet. 

 

To find shared accommodation you’ll need to check local newspapers, university notice boards and the internet, as this is where private landlords advertise vacancies. 

 

Your own accommodation

Average cost: anything from €300-€500

 

You might decide that living alone is the best option for you. This will inevitably be the most expensive option. In this case, you will again have to search for an apartment through the local press or internet. What you will have to careful about is the contract – you must make sure you know exactly what is included. When you rent an entire apartment, it usually does not even include the furniture!


 
Important points to note:

  • Demand and costs are highest in western cities compared with cities in the east of Germany where it's slightly cheaper
  • The highest demand is at the start of the winter semester. If you really can’t find somewhere, most universities offer emergency assistance, although this is often very basic and will only be suitable on a short-term basis.

 

Accommodation tips:

  • Plan your accommodation well in advance – particularly if you’re enrolling for the winter semester
  • Shop around. Accommodation in Germany can be expensive, so check all the websites we’ve listed and do your own research
  • When organising shared accommodation or your own accommodation, make sure you check the contract carefully and see what is included and NOT included.
  • Remember you’ll have to pay for your own bills including electricity and internet, so factor this into your budget

Excited about living in Germany? Start looking for university courses now!