Finding Student Accommodation in Germany: The Complete Guide

Understanding the German Housing Market

Finding accommodation in Germany is competitive, especially in popular cities like Munich, Berlin, and Hamburg. Start your search 3-6 months before arrival!

Types of Student Accommodation

1. Student Dormitories (Studentenwohnheim)

Pros: Cheap (€250-€400), bills included, meet other students
Cons: Limited availability, may need to wait 6-12 months
How to apply: Through local Studentenwerk website

2. Shared Flats (Wohngemeinschaft/WG)

Pros: Social, practice German, flexible
Cons: Shared facilities, personality match important
Cost: €350-€600/month

3. Private Apartments

Pros: Privacy, own space
Cons: Expensive (€500+), harder to find, bills separate
Best for: Couples or those wanting independence

4. Temporary Housing

Options: Hostels, Airbnb, student hotels
Use for: First 2-4 weeks while searching on-site

Best Platforms to Search

For WG Rooms:

• WG-Gesucht.de - Most popular! Check daily, respond within 1 hour
• Studenten-WG.de - Student-focused listings
• Facebook Groups - "[City] WG Zimmer" or "[University] Housing"

For Apartments:

• Immobilienscout24.de - Largest real estate platform
• Immowelt.de - Good selection
• eBay Kleinanzeigen - Private listings, some gems

For Student Dorms:

• Local Studentenwerk website
• University housing office

The Application Process

For WG Rooms:

1. Create a profile: Photo, short bio, what you're looking for
2. Write personal messages: No copy-paste! Mention specific details from their ad
3. WG-Casting: Meeting with current flatmates (virtual or in-person)
4. Decision: Usually within a few days

For Private Apartments:

1. Viewing appointment (Besichtigung)
2. Submit documents:
   • Copy of passport/ID
   • Proof of income (blocked account statement)
   • Student registration certificate
   • Schufa (credit check) - get from meineschufa.de
3. Landlord decision

Important German Rental Terms

• Kaltmiete: Base rent without utilities
• Warmmiete: Rent + utilities
• Nebenkosten: Additional costs (heating, water, garbage)
• Kaution: Deposit (usually 2-3 months rent)
• Anmeldung: Registration at local office (mandatory!)

Red Flags & Scams to Avoid

🚨 Warning signs:

• Landlord asks for money before you see the apartment
• "I'm abroad, send deposit via Western Union" - SCAM!
• Price too good to be true
• No viewing possible, only photos
• Pressure to decide immediately

Never: Send money before signing a contract or seeing the place!

City-Specific Tips

Munich

Most expensive! Start searching 6 months early. Consider suburbs with good S-Bahn connections.

Berlin

Very competitive. Join multiple Facebook groups. Consider neighborhoods like Wedding, Neukölln.

Leipzig, Dresden, Jena

More affordable and easier to find. Growing student cities with great quality of life.

Your Action Plan

6 months before:

• Apply to student dormitories
• Join Facebook housing groups
• Set up accounts on WG-Gesucht, Immobilienscout24

3 months before:

• Start actively searching daily
• Prepare application documents
• Book temporary housing for first weeks

On arrival:

• Attend viewings in person (much higher success rate!)
• Be flexible with location
• Have documents ready in a folder

Pro tip: Many students find housing within the first 2-4 weeks of arrival by viewing multiple places daily. Don't panic if you don't secure something from abroad!