Where to Live as a Student in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland (Part 2): Best Cities, Real Housing Options, and Tips for 2025


(This is Part 2 of our Student Housing Series! Missed Part 1? Start with Student Accommodation in Germany: Cost, Options & How to Choose Your New Home.)

Dreaming of studying abroad? Here’s how to pick the perfect student home

Planning your big academic adventure? 🎓✈️
Before you pack your bags, you need to find your home base — your safe, inspiring, and affordable student accommodation.

This guide dives into Berlin, Munich, Vienna, and Zurich — where we cover real-life options, cost breakdowns, and smart strategies for international students.


Berlin: Explore Germany’s creative capital (and navigate the tough housing market)

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.

  • House of Nations: 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: High-Quality Education, Green Spaces, and High Rent — 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.

  • Studentenwerk 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.

Most popular student housing options in Vienna:

  • Milestone Vienna: Private provider with premium residences.

  • Home4Students Dorms: Student organization offering subsidized rooms.

  • Base 11/19/22 and Donaubase: Affordable shared housing options.

Vienna Student Housing Costs:

  • Shared flat (WG): €250–€450/month

  • Private studio: €400–€600/month

  • Student dormitory: €250–€400/month

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 (but be ready for high prices)

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 for 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 Avg. WG Rent Why Choose This City What to Watch Out For
Berlin €350–€500 Creative energy, diversity Housing goes fast!
Munich €500–€800 World-class education, nature nearby Very high living costs
Vienna €250–€450 Affordable, cultural, student-friendly Outskirts can be far from campus
Zurich CHF 600–900 Top universities, Swiss lifestyle Expensive rent + daily living

How to find the best student housing without stress

Apply Early
Apply for dormitories as soon as you get admission — sometimes even before your visa!

Prepare All Documents in Advance
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
  • ETH Zurich Housing Portal
  • WG-Gesucht Germany (WGs and studios)

Beware of Scams
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

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

Choose early. Choose wisely. And build your best student life! 🚀


Helpful housing resources for students:

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