Moving to Germany for university? Housing guide for students
Planning to study in Germany and wondering where you’ll live? Let’s explore what your life could look like, and help you find the perfect place to call home during your studies. Our student accommodation in Germany guide will break down the costs, types of housing, and help you choose the right option.
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 2a.m.
Types of student housing in Germany
1. Private apartments (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, and for the same reason, total responsibility. In any case, a popular website to consult is immoscout.
Average Cost:
– Small city: Starting €350/month
– Big city (Munich, Hamburg): Can be up to €1100/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 | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| – Ultimate privacy – Control over your space – No roommate drama | – Higher rent and setup costs – Can feel isolating – Longer contracts = less flexibility |
2. Shared apartments (Wohngemeinschaft or WG)
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 in a small city. In bigger cities with housing shortage, can be €600-900/month.
Pro tip: The best WGs go fast. Write personalized messages when applying on WG-Gesucht.de! Be proactive and try to finalize asap once you identify a good match!
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| – Cheaper than a solo flat – Built-in social life – Often partially furnished | – You will share a bathroom and kitchen – 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 | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| – All-inclusive rent – Close to uni – Instant student community – Great when starting your studies and building your friend circle | – Shared everything – Less control over location or room type – Long application queues |
4. Partially furnished private student studios
Tiny but mighty!
In bigger cities like Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg, a new trend has popped up: private studios designed for students.
These are small (~13–25m²), often pre-furnished with a bed, kitchenette, and desk. Therefore, they’re perfect if you want a private space without fully committing to expensive private apartments.
Average Cost: ~€400–€950/month depending on city, centrality and building amenities.
Watch out for: Some studios charge separate utility bills or furniture fees — check your contract carefully!
5. Homestays and host families (Gastfamilie)
Language immersion + home-cooked meals? Yes, please.
Certainly, 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. Although it’s less common, it’s often unforgettable. In some case, you can offer taking care of an elderly person or a child in return of free lodging.
Average Cost: €250–€400/month
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| – Learn German faster – Cultural immersion – Supportive “home away from home” | – Less personal freedom – You need to adapt to house rules – Finding a match can take time |
Quick comparison: Which type of accomodation is right for you as a university student?
| Option | Avg. cost in medium-sized city | 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 |
| Student studio | €400–€750 | Privacy | High rent/m² |
| Host family | €250–€400 | Language + cultural immersion | Less privacy, potential mismatches |
How to get started on your student housing search (without stress)
- Firstly, apply for dorms as soon as you receive your university admission. In case of Studentenwerk, some accept an application before the university admission. It makes sense to get on the wait list as soon as permitted. Specifically, we had many students in Aachen, Braunschweig and Karlsruhe get a place before starting studies. Therefore, we recommend looking into Studentenwerk rules as soon as you send your application to your studies.
- Secondly, search WGs on trusted sites like WG-Gesucht.de and filter by city, rent, and preferences. See our Helpful links for finding student accommodation section below for more help on starting your search.
- Finally, reach out to your university’s international office — they want to help. They often time shave lists with private providers which can help at the beginning at least.
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)
🔗Helpful links for finding student accommodation
- 🏡 ImmoScout24 – Houses, apartments, rooms
- 🛏️ WG-Gesucht – Shared Flats
- 🧑🎓 Studentenwerk Dorms
- 🌍 DAAD Housing Info
- 🧭 Study in Germany – Accommodation
Final thoughts on finding a flat
Undoubtedly, your accommodation will shape not just your budget, but your friendships, your weekend plans, and even your German. Furthermore, it’s okay if your first setup isn’t perfect — what matters most is feeling safe, supported, and open to the experience.
In other words, no matter where you live, your student life starts with where you wake up. So, let’s help you wake up in the right place.
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