Students in Germany either live in a student hall of residence (economical option) or private accommodation (more costly compared to the first option). We recommend finding accommodation before you arrive in Germany. You’ll most likely have to find a place to live on your own because, in contrast to other countries, German universities do not automatically assign rooms to students when they enrol.
The rent is usually the largest item in their monthly budget. On average, students pay 298 EUR per month for their room, but prices vary between regions. Accommodation in large cities such as Munich, Hamburg or Frankfurt am Main and in traditional university towns such as Freiburg or Tübingen is expensive: a studio flat costs around 500 EUR in Frankfurt, and even more in Munich. Living in eastern Germany is much cheaper than in the West: a small flat in Leipzig costs on average 300 EUR in rent. Even more affordable is sharing a flat with other students.
When to start looking for an Accommodation
As soon as your place on your course has been confirmed, you should start looking for accommodation. The International Office at your higher education institution in Germany can help. You can also get help from or by using social networks. If you are starting your course in Summer Semester, you will have less trouble finding accommodation because only 10 % students in Germany start their degree programme at that time or you can say that many courses are only offered from the winter semester.
Read Also: Anmeldung – How to get register in Germany
How to find accommodation in Germany as a student?
Finding a place to stay in Germany is very challenging specially for those who are already out of Germany. That is why most of the international students of Germany wait for it up until they can explore their options for
This does not include cases of applying for a place in the hall of residence, as this is done entirely online and it is counselled to be done right after the acceptance in studies.
Some Basics term used when you are Renting an Accommodation
The monthly rent for a flat is divided into Kaltmiete, or Basic Rent and Warmmiete
Kaltmiete, or basic rent, is the part of your rent that covers the use of one or several rooms. Adding the costs for waste collection, water, gas, heating and other amenities in the house, the so-called Nebenkosten, or utility costs gives you the Warmmiete or total rent.
You will also almost always be required to pay a Kaution, or deposit, which usually amounts to three times your monthly basic rent and serves as security for your landlord. The deposit is returned when you move out if you leave the flat in good condition.
Why meeting with the landlord in Person before signing for Accommodation is Important
Main reasons why meeting with the landlord in person for discussing in details all the terms of the lease agreement, before signing it are:
- there are plenty of affordable private apartments expecting to be rented by students, which lack being furnished with kitchen cabinets, refrigerator, stove, clothes cabinet, bed or table, curtains and all other essentials needed for living – you must buy them by sacrificing your own money, as the landlords will typically not offer compensation
- fully-furnished private places are very rare to be found and they are way too much more costly in comparison to the unfurnished ones
- landlords having available places for rent are usually searching for long-term rental contracts –something that will restrict you from switching into another place
- landlords at cases might include contract articles which leave them the option to increase the rent over the time
- there are apartments needing renovation which have to be done by the tenant, this will cost you extra money, time and energy and you will not get compensation in most of the cases
- lease contracts are usually written in the German language, and the landlord may use the advantage to include articles which allow them to include conditions for which you unable to understand – take a translator with you who can explain everything that
is written in the contract
Where to stay during your first few days in Germany as a student?
Accommodation in temporary means until finding the permanent place of stay in Germany is a very common practice amongst the international students.
Temporary accommodation options for students in Germany are:
- Cheap hotels
- Low-cost hostels
- Youth hostels – but you have to be a member of the national association of the International Youth Hostel Federation by paying a small fee
- Private B&B – private rooms of people advertising online use “Privatzimmer”(private room) + your location to find them online
- Guesthouse (pension)
Tip: do the reservation online early enough before your travel date.
Read Also: Guide for International Students to Start your Studies in Germany
Options for Accommodation in Germany for students
1. Student residence
Student residences often offer the most affordable accommodation for students. Many university towns have several of them. You live in a house with other students and share certain rooms, such as the bathroom and kitchen. The rent depends on the location, size and amenities. In the student residences run by student services, a room costs on average 234 EUR per month. Because these rooms are very popular, it is important to secure your place early on.
Pros and Cons of Student Residence
Pros: Low cost, lots of contact with other students
Cons: Little privacy, very high demand for this type of accommodation
How to register for a place in a Student Residence
If you would like to register for a place in a student residence, contact your local student services. Registration deadlines and conditions can be found on the student services’ websites. The International Office can also help.
You can find a large selection of German student residences in the DAAD student residence hall database.
2. Flatshares
If you don’t want to move into a student residence or don’t manage to get a room there, you can move into a flatshare where several students live together in a privately rented flat. The kitchen, bathroom and sometimes a living room are used communally, but each flatmate has his or her own room. Costs for rent, electricity and Internet are shared. This form of cohabitation is one of the most popular among young people in Germany. On average, students pay 280 EUR per month for a room in a shared flat.
Pros and Cons of Flatshares
Pros: Affordable rent, direct contact with German and international students
Cons: Compromises in using the shared flat
How to search for flatshares
You can search for flatshares or post your own wanted ad on various online platforms. At higher education institutions, flatshare ads can, for example, be found on notice boards. You can also place your own ad there.
Student services also offer portals with private accommodation ads. You can find your student services here.
3. Own flat
If you prefer to live alone, you can rent your own flat. This is the most comfortable, but also the most expensive form of accommodation. Students pay on average 357 EUR per month for their own flat.
Pros and Cons of having Own Flat
Pros: Plenty of freedom and privacy
Cons: High costs, little day-to-day contact with other students
How to search Own flat
To find your own flat you can use specific websites and search the local paper in your university town for advertisements. Or you can post your own wanted ad in the paper.
4. The interim solution
If you don’t yet have accommodation when the semester begins in Germany you can try an interim let: many students sublet their rooms for a limited period when they themselves go abroad or complete a placement elsewhere. In some cities, student services and student communities also offer overnight accommodation for the first few days. You can also rent a room in an independent hostel, a youth hostel or a private B&B until you have found permanent accommodation.
More information
- studentenwerke.de | List of all German Student Services Organisations (Studentenwerke) (in German only)
- jugendherberge.de | Finding rooms in a Youth Hostel
