Student Accommodation in Germany: Cost, Options & How to Choose Your New Home
Planning to study in Germany and wondering where you’ll live? From cozy flats and social WGs to student dorms and host families, your housing choice will shape your entire study experience. This isn’t just about rent — it’s about how you wake up, who you share your kitchen with, and whether you’ll be hosting a Netflix night or tiptoeing around roommates at 2AM.
Let’s explore what your life could look like, and help you find the perfect place to call home during your studies.
Types of Student Accommodation in Germany
1. Private Apartment (Eigene Wohnung)
Your space. Your rules. Your rent.
Dreaming of having your own space? No chore charts, no surprise midnight pasta chefs — just you, your books, and unlimited binge-watching rights. A private apartment offers total independence… but also total responsibility.
Average Cost:
– Small city: ~€350/month
– Big city (Munich, Hamburg): up to €600/month
Heads-up: You’ll likely need to be in Germany already, have a local bank account, and meet your landlord in person to sign that lease.
| ✅ Pros: – Ultimate privacy – Control over your space – No roommate drama |
❌ Cons: – Higher rent and setup costs – Can feel isolating – Longer contracts = less flexibility |
2. WG – Wohngemeinschaft (Shared Flat)
The classic student experience.
Over 30% of students in Germany live in a WG — think of it as the lovechild of a budget-friendly flat and a never-boring social life. You’ll have your own room, but share a kitchen, bathroom, and hopefully a few laughs over dinner.
Average Cost: ~€250–€350/month
Pro tip: The best WGs go fast. Write personalized messages when applying on WG-Gesucht.de!
| ✅ Pros: – Cheaper than a solo flat – Built-in social life – Often partially furnished |
❌ Cons: – You will share a bathroom – Noise, clashing personalities – Less privacy |
3. Student Dorm (Studentenwohnheim)
Dorm life: budget-friendly, close to campus, and full of stories.
Dorms aren’t just about low rent. They’re where you’ll meet friends at 2am, discover the magic of communal kitchens, and sometimes queue for the shower. Managed by Studentenwerk, these spots are in high demand.
Average Cost: ~€200–€300/month
Apply early — waitlists can be long (like 6–18 months long).
| ✅ Pros: – All-inclusive rent – Close to uni – Instant student community |
❌ Cons: – Shared everything – Less control over location or room type – Long application queues |
4. Host Family (Gastfamilie)
🥘 Language immersion + home-cooked meals? Yes, please.
Living with a German family is a unique way to dive into the culture, speak the language daily, and see the city through local eyes. It’s less common, but often unforgettable.
Average Cost: €250–€400/month
| ✅ Pros: – Learn German faster – Cultural immersion – Supportive “home away from home” |
❌ Cons: – Less personal freedom – You need to adapt to house rules – Finding a match can take time |
Quick Compare: Which Home Is Right for You?
| Option | Avg. Cost | Great For | Watch Out For |
| Private Apartment | €350–€600 | Independence & personal space | High costs, solo living |
| WG (Shared Flat) | €250–€350 | Social life + flexibility | Shared spaces, flatmate friction |
| Student Dormitory | €200–€300 | Budget, community, location | Waitlists, limited privacy |
| Host Family | €250–€400 | Language + cultural immersion | Less privacy, potential mismatches |
How to Get Started (Without Stress)
- Apply for dorms as soon as you receive your university admission.
- Search WGs on trusted sites like WG-Gesucht.de and filter by city, rent, and preferences.
- Reach out to your university’s international office — they want to help.
Real Student Stories
“I found my WG room two days before my flight from Istanbul — it had a bunk bed, a couch from 1994, and roommates who became family.” – Ayla, Mainz
“Dorm life was chaotic and crowded… and the best time of my life. I still talk to people from my floor.” – Victor, Freiburg
“My host family in Tübingen taught me more German in 3 months than my language class did in a year.” – Zanele, South Africa.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Is student housing in Germany expensive?
Not always! Dorms and WGs are often affordable. Private apartments are pricier.
- When should I start looking?
As early as possible — ideally 4–6 months before moving.
- Can I find housing from outside Germany?
Yes. Many students secure dorms or WGs before arriving. For private apartments, it’s usually easier to sign a contract once you’re in Germany.
Helpful Links
- 🏡 WG-Gesucht – Shared Flats
- 🧑🎓 Studentenwerk Dorms
- 🌍 DAAD Housing Info
- 🧭 Study in Germany – Accommodation
Final Thought
Your accommodation will shape not just your budget, but your friendships, your weekend plans, and even your German. It’s okay if your first setup isn’t perfect — what matters most is feeling safe, supported, and open to the experience.
No matter where you live, your student life starts with where you wake up. Let’s help you wake up in the right place.
