Student Accommodation in Germany: Cheap, Best, Price

When you plan to study in Germany, one of the most important things to think about is where you will live. Germany has many types of accommodation for students, and this guide will help you understand your options, costs, and tips for finding a place to stay.

Germany is home to many world-class universities and attracts thousands of international students each year. When you arrive in Germany, one of the first things you need to arrange is your accommodation. Finding a suitable place to live can be challenging, especially in big cities like Berlin, Munich, and Frankfurt, where demand for housing is high. Canidates should aware of best cities in Germany for international students. There are several types of student accommodation available in Germany, catering to different budgets and preferences. The most common options include student dormitories, shared apartments, and private rentals.

It’s important to start looking for accommodation as soon as you receive your university acceptance letter. Many dormitories have limited spaces and fill up quickly. Rent can vary widely depending on the type of accommodation. Dormitories typically cost between €250 and €450 (approximately ₹22,000 to ₹39,500) per month, while shared apartments may range from €300 to €650 (about ₹26,500 to ₹57,500). Private apartments can cost between €500 and €900 (around ₹44,000 to ₹79,000) per month. When applying for accommodation, be prepared with necessary documents such as your university admission letter and identification.

We do not wish to alarm you but the fact remains that finding accommodation in Germany is a challenge unto itself. There are options but Germany can be a very expensive place to stay. Hence, to revise it, the challenge is not to find a place to stay but to find an economical place to stay. Rentals can go really high and statistically, students spend almost 50% of their monthly expenditure on rent. Many factors determine the kind of costs you can expect but they would largely vary on the city. The more popular student cities, expectedly, have higher rentals as compared to the lesser-known. 

Types of Student Accommodation in Germany

1. Student Halls of Residences

A Hall of Residence or a Hostel is usually the most preferred mode of accommodation for first-year international students for many reasons. The fact that they offer the cheapest options also adds to the many advantages of staying in student halls. However, the challenge is finding a room in one. Like many international universities, German Universities do not promise you accommodation and it is available on strictly first come first serve basis. Usually, there is a waiting list and you might be offered a Temporary Residence (read below).

As per costs, they cost on an average around €220 - €240 per month. You can always get in touch with the International Office or the Student Council of the University you have applied to. Another thing to keep in mind is that most of the students start their studies in the Summer Session and the rooms are accordingly taken. So, in case you are planning to start your studies from the Winter Session, we still advise you to start searching for accommodation during the summer session and register a room. You can search for them at the DAAD’s Accommodation Finder.

2. Shared Accommodation

Every student appreciates the experience of staying in a student hostel and then every student also understands and appreciates the many advantages of staying in private and shared accommodations. While the former offers affordability, prudent search and good company can also make shared accommodations rather fun. And with the shortage of rooms in halls of residence, they are also a more convenient and economical accommodation option.

These apartments usually have 2 – 3 rooms and are shared by different students. The rentals are split and so are the usual utilities like internet, power, etc. On average, shared accommodation costs you around €280 a month. This again would depend on the location you choose. Since they are often free housing market, it is not really regulated and hence is rather high in rentals. There are many websites where you can search for some. Also, some social networks would also give you options. You can also get in touch with the student unions in the city you are planning to go for some assistance. Some helpful links would be www.wg-gesucht.de, www.studenten-wg.de,  and www.wg-cast.de.

3. Apartment

A lot of international students also prefer to stay along and apartments (one, two or three-room accommodations) are also famous. Especially, since a large number of students choose to do their PhD from Germany, the need for an apartment might be higher (considering you might wish to take your family along with you). With many Scholarships in Germany, offering to cover the accommodation of your spouse as well, it is also a rather effective option.

There are many options available for standalone apartments for international students and options at an average of €350 are not too difficult to come by. Usually, these places are advertised in the local newspapers on specific days. You can also search for special websites like www.immobilienscout24.de, www.immowelt.de, and www.immonet.de.

Cost of Student Accommodation in Germany

• Dormitories: €250–€450 per month
• Shared Flats (WG): €300–€650 per month
• Private Apartments: €500–€900 per month

Popular Areas for Student Accommodation

1. Near Campus
   • Living close to your university saves time on commuting. Many dorms and apartments are within walking distance or a short tram ride away.
2. City Center
   • Accommodations in the city center are lively but can be pricier. However, they offer easy access to shops, restaurants, and public transport.
3. Suburban Areas
   • If you want cheaper options, look in suburban areas. They often have lower rents but are still connected to universities by public transport.

How to find Student Accommodation in Germany Easily?

1. Start Early: Begin looking for a place as soon as you get your university admission letter. Good spots fill up fast.
2. Use University Resources: Check your university’s website for housing information and help.
3. Join Student Groups: Connect with other students on social media or forums where housing options are shared.
4. Consider Temporary Housing: If you arrive before finding permanent accommodation, stay in hostels or temporary places while you search.
5. Have Your Documents Ready: When applying for accommodation, have documents like proof of enrollment and identification ready.

Often, a large waiting list necessitates the universities (mostly the big ones), to offer temporary accommodation to international students. These are just makeshift arrangements in the gymnasiums and as the name suggests, are only a temporary solution until you find one of the above. If you are truly unable to find a suitable option, you can get in touch with your universities’ international office to get some assistance in this regard.

So, take your pick, start your search and be prepared. You still might have months to go before you actually travel to Germany but even as you read, the options are being picked up. Happy Surfing!