Dreaming of studying abroad? Here’s how to pick the perfect student home in Germany, Austria and Switzerland

Dreaming of studying in one of the best German-speaking cities? Whether you’re heading to Germany, Austria, or Switzerland, choosing the right student accommodation can shape your entire experience. In this guide, we explore the top cities for students — Berlin, Munich, Vienna, and Zurich — with real-life housing options, cost breakdowns, and insider tips for 2025. From affordable dorms in Vienna to high-end student studios in Zurich, this is your roadmap to finding a safe, social, and budget-smart home abroad.

Berlin: Germany’s creative capital

Berlin is famous for its vibrant art scene, tech innovation, and cultural diversity — but finding a student room here can be like finding a golden ticket.

Best places for students to live in Berlin:

The Fizz Berlin: Stylish, social student apartments with study lounges and gyms.
Home in Berlin: Private provider offering friendly accommodation for international students.

[Note: Private providers are generally more expensive than subsidized student dorms. However, they often offer modern, clean housing, good locations, fitness studios, easier contracts, and higher availability — making them attractive especially for students arriving from abroad.]

Berlin student housing costs:

Shared flat (WG): €350–€500/month
Private studio: €500–€700/month
Student dormitory: €250–€400/month (very high demand)

Berlin insider tip:

“Speed wins in Berlin. I lost two rooms by replying late — applied instantly and finally got one!” — Priya, India

✅ Set up alerts on WG-Gesucht.de and apply immediately!

Munich: Germany’s premium student city

Munich isn’t just Bavaria’s capital — it’s a hub of global research, Alpine beauty, and high standards of living.
But be warned: housing here is expensive.

Top student housing choices in Munich:

Youniq Apartments: Modern private studios with amenities such as gyms and study lounges.
Campus Viva: A more affordable and social option for students.
Studierendenwerk Dorms: Super competitive but cost-effective if you get in early!

Munich Student Housing Costs:

Shared flat (WG): €500–€800/month
Private studio: €700–€1200/month
Dormitory: €300–€450/month

Munich insider tip:

“I applied for my dormitory the day I received my admission letter. Don’t wait!” — Lucas, Brazil

✅ Consider suburbs like Garching if you want lower prices and still good connections to universities.

Vienna: Affordable luxury for students in Europe’s most livable city

Vienna offers the ultimate combination of world-class culture, affordable rent, excellent public transport, and a welcoming environment for students.

Vienna insider tip:

“I paid €320/month for a dorm 15 minutes from uni — and I loved the vibrant student life!” — Sara, Spain

✅ Look for accommodation close to tram or metro stations — it makes a huge difference in daily life.

Zurich: World-class universities and Swiss quality living

Zurich offers exceptional education and beautiful natural surroundings, but it’s also one of Europe’s most expensive cities.

Where students live in Zurich:

LivingScience ETH Zurich Dorms: Official ETH Zurich accommodations, focus on students.
Maximilianeum: Historic student housing or ETH and Uni Zurich students
Studentenhaus ALV: Affordable if you apply early enough

Zurich student housing costs:

Shared flat (WG): CHF 600–900/month
Private studio: CHF 800-1300/month

Zurich insider tip:

“I booked a 3-month temporary apartment first — it gave me time to find my WG without stress.” — Elias, Brazil

✅ Always budget extra for Zurich — groceries, transport, and social life cost about 2x what they cost in Germany or Austria.

Best cities for student housing in 2025 – quick comparison

City	Average WG rent (2025)	Best for:	Watch out for:
Berlin	€350–€500	Culture, tech, nightlife	Tight market
Munich	€500–€800	Elite unis, safety	High rent costs
Vienna	€250–€450	Affordability, culture	Far-out suburbs
Zurich	CHF 600–900	Prestige, lifestyle	Very expensive

How to find the best student housing without stress

✅ Apply early
First thing to remember, apply for dormitories as soon as you get admission — sometimes even before your visa!

✅ Prepare all documents in advance
Straightaway, gather your documents. Universities often need your passport, financial proof, and admission letter for housing applications.

✅ Use trusted platforms only

WG-Gesucht Germany (WGs and studios)
Studentenwerk dorm finder Germany (search studentenwerk and your specific city into your favorite search engine)
DAAD dorm finder
ETH Zurich Housing Portal

✅ Beware of scams
Last, never transfer money without a signed and verified contract!

Real student voices: Learn from those who’ve been there

Berlin: “Berlin can be crazy, but my WG friends are my second family now!” — Amina, Morocco

Vienna: “Living 10 minutes from WU for €320 felt like winning the lottery.” — Marc, France

Zurich: “It’s expensive, but the quality of life and safety are unmatched.” — Elina, Kenya

Final word: your housing = the foundation of your student life

Undeniably, your first student room isn’t just about rent or location — it’s about creating your best possible experience abroad.

Therefore, choose early. Choose wisely. And build your best student life!

Best German speaking cities for international students: where to live in Germany, Austria & Switzerland