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Types of Accommodation in Germany for Students
Finding the right accommodation is one of the first challenges international students face when moving to Germany. Understanding the different types of housing options available will help you choose what best suits your needs and budget
1. Student Dormitories (Studentenwohnheim)
Finding the right accommodation is one of the first challenges international students face when moving to Germany. Understanding the different types of housing options available will help you choose what best suits your needs and budget
Student dorms are one of the cheapest and most convenient accommodation options. These are managed by Studierendenwerk (Student Services Organization) and are located near universities
🔹 Average Rent: €250 – €400 per month (varies by city)
🔹 Features: Fully furnished, shared kitchens, private or shared bathrooms, student community
🔹 Best For: Students on a budget who want a social environment
✅ Pros:
✔️ Most affordable student housing option
✔️ Utilities (electricity, heating, Wi-Fi) usually included in the rent
✔️ Great way to meet fellow students
❌ Cons:
❌ High demand – waiting lists can be long (apply early!)
❌ Shared bathrooms and kitchens in many dorms
❌ Limited privacy compared to private apartments
How to Apply for a Dormitory
✔️ Visit Studierendenwerk to check dorms in your city.
✔️ Apply months in advance (some cities have waiting times of 6+ months).
✔️ Some private dorms can be found on Uninest Student Residences or The Fizz.
2. Shared Apartments (WG - Wohngemeinschaft)
Shared apartments (Wohngemeinschaft or WG) are very popular among students. You rent a room in a shared flat, and common areas (kitchen, bathroom, living room) are shared with roommates.
🔹 Average Rent: €350 – €600 per month (varies by city)
🔹 Features: Private room, shared kitchen/bathroom, lower costs than solo apartments
🔹 Best For: Students looking for a social but independent lifestyle
✅ Pros:
✔️ More privacy than dorms (own room)
✔️ Bills are split among roommates
✔️ Easier to find than dorms
❌ Cons:
❌ Flatmates may have different lifestyles/habits
❌ Some landlords require proof of income or guarantors
❌ You might need to buy furniture in some cases
How to Find a WG
✔️ WG-Gesucht – Most popular website for shared flats
✔️ HousingAnywhere – Verified listings for students
✔️ University Facebook Groups – Many students post available WG rooms
🔴 Be careful of scams! Never pay money before seeing the apartment or signing a contract.
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3. Private Apartments (Einzelwohnung)
Renting a private apartment is the most expensive but best option for privacy. Many students choose this if they prefer to live alone or cannot find a WG or dorm.
🔹 Average Rent: €600 – €1,200 per month (varies by city)
🔹 Features: Entire apartment for yourself, fully private
🔹 Best For: Students who prefer privacy and can afford higher rent
✅ Pros:
✔️ Full privacy and independence
✔️ Freedom to decorate and set your own rules
✔️ No waiting lists
❌ Cons:
❌ Expensive, especially in big cities (Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt)
❌ Landlords often require a Schufa credit score and proof of income
❌ Finding a furnished apartment can be difficult
How to Find Private Apartments
✔️ ImmobilienScout24 – Largest rental listing website
✔️ WG-Gesucht – Also has private apartments
✔️ Ebay Kleinanzeigen – Look for direct landlord listings
4. Homestay & Private Room Rentals
Living with a German family (Homestay) or renting a room in someone’s house can be a short-term or long-term option. Some families rent rooms to students and include meals or utilities.
🔹 Average Rent: €400 – €800 per month (depends on location & inclusions)
🔹 Features: Fully furnished, some include meals & utilities
🔹 Best For: Students who want an immersive cultural experience
✅ Pros:
✔️ Good short-term option while searching for permanent housing
✔️ Opportunity to practice German with locals
✔️ Less paperwork compared to renting an apartment
❌ Cons:
❌ Limited privacy compared to living alone
❌ Might have house rules set by the host
❌ Availability depends on location
Where to Find Homestays
✔️ Homestay.com – Find local host families
✔️ Airbnb – Some hosts rent long-term to students
✔️ University Notice Boards – Some universities have listings for student-friendly homestays
5. Temporary Housing Options (Before You Find a Permanent Place)
If you arrive in Germany without permanent accommodation, you may need a temporary stay option while searching.
🔹 Best Options:
✔️ Hostelworld – Budget hostels for students
✔️ Airbnb – Short-term stays
✔️ Couchsurfing – Free stays with locals (for short-term)
Tip: Book at least 1-2 weeks of temporary housing before arriving, especially in peak seasons.
How to Find Housing
Finding student accommodation in Germany can be challenging, especially in major cities where demand is high. However, with the right strategies and resources, you can secure a place before or shortly after arrival. Below is a detailed step-by-step guide on how to find housing, where to look, and how to avoid scams.
1. Where to Search for Accommodation?
a) Online Housing Platforms (Best for private apartments & shared flats)
These websites have thousands of listings for student dorms, WGs (shared flats), and private apartments.
✔️ WG-Gesucht – Most popular platform for shared flats (highly recommended)
✔️ ImmobilienScout24 – Largest real estate website for private apartments
✔️ HousingAnywhere – International platform for student rentals
✔️ Ebay Kleinanzeigen – Direct listings from landlords (similar to Craigslist)
✔️ Studenten-WG – Student-specific shared housing
Tip: Use Google Translate for websites that are in German.
b) University Housing Services (Best for student dormitories)
Many universities have accommodation offices that help students find housing.
✔️ Studierendenwerk – Official website for student dorms
✔️ Check your university website for on-campus housing options
✔️ Some universities have partnerships with private dormitories
Tip: Apply early (3-6 months before arrival) since dorms have long waiting lists!
c) Facebook Groups & Student Communities (Best for last-minute housing & networking)
Many students post available rooms on Facebook groups and forums.
✔️ Search “WG + [City Name]” on Facebook (e.g., “WG Berlin”, “WG Munich”)
✔️ Join your university’s international student group
✔️ Websites like Meetup can help you connect with other students who know of vacancies
Tip: Message landlords in German (use Google Translate if needed) for a quicker response!
2. How to Apply for a Room or Apartment?
a) What to Include in Your Application Email
✔️ Introduction: Who you are (name, nationality, university, program of study)
✔️ Reason for Moving: Why you’re looking for a place (student, work, etc.)
✔️ Budget & Move-in Date: How much you can pay and your preferred start date
✔️ Additional Information: Whether you smoke, have pets, etc.
Tip: Always be polite and concise!
Download sample email templates here:
3. How to Avoid Housing Scams in Germany
Unfortunately, housing scams are common, especially for international students. Here’s how to protect yourself:
❌ Red Flags for Rental Scams:
❗“Landlord is abroad” and asks for money upfront without a contract
❗Requests for Western Union or cryptocurrency payments
❗ Unrealistically low rent for a prime location (too good to be true!)
❗No in-person or video tour is offered before payment
✅ How to Stay Safe:
✔️Always visit the apartment in person (or request a live video call).
✔️Never send money upfront before signing a rental contract.
✔️Use trusted rental platforms (WG-Gesucht, Studierendenwerk, etc.).
✔️Check if the landlord is registered – ask for proof of ownership.
Tip: If you suspect a scam, report it to the platform and avoid further contact!
4. Best Practices for Finding Accommodation Faster
🔹 Start Early: Begin searching at least 3-6 months before arrival.
🔹Be Flexible: Consider living in suburbs where rent is cheaper.
🔹Apply to Multiple Listings: Don’t rely on just one option!
🔹 Attend Housing Events: Some cities have housing fairs for students.
🔹 Have Documents Ready: Landlords often ask for:
✔️ Passport copy
✔️ University admission letter
✔️ Proof of income (blocked account or scholarship)
Understanding Rental Contracts in Germany
Signing a rental contract (Mietvertrag) in Germany is an essential step, but it can be overwhelming due to legal terms and conditions. Here’s a breakdown of what students should know before signing a lease.
Key Elements of a Rental Contract
A German rental agreement typically includes:
✔️ Rent Amount & Additional Costs (Kaltmiete vs. Warmmiete) – Cold rent (Kaltmiete) covers only the base rent, while Warmmiete includes utilities (heating, water, waste disposal). Electricity and internet are usually paid separately.
✔️ Deposit (Kaution) – Typically 2-3 months’ rent, refundable when you move out, provided there’s no damage.
✔️ Rental Duration & Notice Period – Contracts can be fixed-term (befristet) or open-ended (unbefristet). If it’s open-ended, tenants must usually give 3 months’ notice before leaving.
✔️ House Rules (Hausordnung) – Some buildings have rules regarding noise levels, garbage disposal, and common area usage.
✔️ Furnished vs. Unfurnished Apartments – Many apartments in Germany are unfurnished, meaning they might not even have a kitchen or light fixtures.
✔️ Subletting (Untermiete) – If you plan to sublet your room, check if it’s allowed in the contract. Some landlords require prior approval.
✔️ Repairs & Maintenance – The contract should specify who is responsible for repairs, particularly for minor damages.
Important Clauses to Watch Out For
🛑 Automatic Rent Increases (Staffelmiete & Indexmiete) – Some contracts include gradual rent increases, so read carefully!
🛑 Utility Cost Adjustments (Nebenkostenabrechnung) – If you consume more than expected, you might have to pay extra at the end of the year.
🛑 Renovation Clause (Schönheitsreparaturen) – Some landlords require tenants to repaint or restore the apartment when moving out.
What to Check Before Signing?
✔️ Read the entire contract carefully (or ask someone fluent in German for help).
✔️Compare Warmmiete and Nebenkosten with similar apartments in the area.
✔️ Clarify who is responsible for minor repairs (e.g., plumbing issues).
✔️Ask whether the deposit will be held in a special escrow account (Mietkautionskonto) for security.
✔️ If renting in a shared flat (WG), confirm how payments and responsibilities are divided among tenants.
Useful Resources for Rental Contracts
Free Contract Review Services – Some student unions or tenant associations offer free contract checks for students:
- Deutscher Mieterbund (German Tenant Association) – mieterbund.de
- Local Studentenwerk offices – studentenwerke.de
Legal Advice Platforms – If you need professional legal advice, you can use:
- Mietrecht.de – www.mietrecht.de
- Berlin Tenants’ Association (Berliner Mieterverein) – www.berliner-mieterverein.de