Guide to Affordable Student Living in Germany

Finding student accommodation in Germany can be both exciting and challenging, especially for international students navigating a new country. Germany offers a variety of housing options, including German university accommodation, private apartments, and shared flats.

Many students also explore affordable dormitories provided by Studentenwerk Germany, a popular choice for its cost-effectiveness and community vibe. However, high demand and limited availability often make securing housing a time-sensitive task.

By planning, you’ll have a better chance of finding suitable accommodation that meets your needs. Adopting a proactive approach ensures a smoother transition to life in Germany, enabling you to focus on your studies and new experiences.

There are different types of student accommodation in Germany that you can explore based on your budget, preferences, needs, etc. It is important to pick a place carefully as it can determine a lot of things and impact your living costs in Germany.

Here is a brief overview of different options you can explore.

Here is a more detailed view of the different types of student accommodations in Germany you can explore:

Halls of Residences are student dormitories that have a shared accommodation structure where you live with other students and share amenities like the bathroom, kitchen, etc. These are affordable and a great option for students who want to socialise and make friends. In German university accommodation, the duration of the stay depends on the duration of the program.

In different regions of Germany, student residences may function differently. The room sizes, furnishing, amenities, etc. may differ which students have little to no control over. Based on location, size of the room and how many people you are sharing your room with, the rent also differs. You will have to fill out a German student dorm application by the norms of your university to avail this type of student accommodation.

Benefits of Living in Student Residences

• It is affordable as the rent in Germany for dorms is less
• Saves commute time to the university
• It is a German student housing option which is safer
• Opportunities for socialisation and expanding the network

Flatshares are also known as Wohngemeinschaft in Germany. These are some of the most popular options for students. WG in Germany is often the first preference of many domestic and international students; however, sometimes, it is also the second preference for students who fail to secure residence in student dormitories.

The rent for flatshares depends on how many individuals are sharing the flats and what kind of amenities they are using. These shared flats in Germany are often spacious and you can also choose who you want to live with. There is also an advantage where you can also choose your preferred location to live in. You get your room and only have to share common spaces with others.

Benefits of living in Flatshares

• The rent in Germany for WG is comparatively more affordable
• There is more privacy as one has one’s own space
• More options and choices that align with your preferences
• Opportunities to explore your interests without disturbance

These are the types of places where you can live for a brief period. If you are looking for student accommodation in Germany that is not overly expensive, then this might be a good option for you. This is a type of temporary accommodation in Germany which is best suited if you are only in the country for a little while.

This is also a good option for students who want to live in Germany for a while before committing to a permanent place. You can try different accommodations in student-friendly German cities this way as well. This type of accommodation includes private Bed & Breakfast stays, shared or single rooms in hostels, etc. There is also an option to explore homestays in Germany where you can live with locals.

Benefits of living in Short-Stay Accommodation

• Helps you get a feel of the city
• Cheaper than some other options
• Great for students only in the city for a brief duration
• Ideal for those in the process of finding permanent accommodation

The other types of student accommodation in Germany are private accommodations. This allows students to live in spaces that fit their tastes, needs, and preferences. Renting a private place also affords one a lot of privacy. There is also a lot more independence as you can live on your terms without anybody’s interference in your life.

However, it is one of the more expensive options that may not be viable for everyone. There are additional costs attached to this as well such as utilities, groceries, and other bills. You need to pay for everything. Your living costs in Germany may also be severely impacted as the rents are higher for private accommodations, especially in major cities like Berlin.

Benefits of living in Private Accommodation -

• Offers more privacy and independence
• Reduces the chances of conflicts with flatmates
• Ability to choose your location and type of accommodation
• Opportunity to explore different aspects of living alone in Germany

The process of finding and applying for student housing in Germany may differ based on what type of accommodation you are choosing. You can use German student housing agencies to secure student accommodation in Germany for yourself. However, here is a summary of the process that follows.

• The first step is to refer to websites and apps for German student housing agencies like WG-Gesucht, Student Councils Studentwerk, etc. For those seeking student dormitories, get in touch with the housing offices of your university.
• To apply for dormitories, you only need to submit your documents and apply for the housing. The university will assign the dorm to you based on the preferences you have filled out.
• For housing agencies, you will need to look at the cities you want to live in and look at the listings yourself to decide where you want to stay.
• After selecting the property, you can get in touch with the owner and submit your application to be their tenant.
• If you both agree on the rent and other terms, you will have to fill in the paperwork. Once everything is done, you are all set to move in!

When you try to get housing in Germany as an international student, you will need to submit certain documents. To attain student housing in Germany, you will need to have the following documents in place.

• Passport
• Proof of identity
• Proof of university enrollment
• Proof of financial stability

While there are many options for student accommodation in Germany, there are also certain challenges and legalities attached to it as well. Below, we are highlighting legal tenant rights in Germany along with the responsibilities of tenants so you are aware of what to expect.

Responsibilities of Tenants in Germany

• You need to pay the rent mentioned in the official agreement on time every month.
• For any maintenance, you should submit the request to your landlord in writing.
• You will need to pay a 3-month security deposit to your landlord.
• Make sure the handover protocol is signed and complete. This documentation is a record of the apartment's condition that you and the landlord will need to sign at the time of your moving in and moving out.
• If you want to move out, you need to give your landlord a written notice in advance.

Legal Rights of Tenants in Germany

• As per German law, you will be given a notice of three months in case of eviction.
• You have a right to privacy which means your landlord cannot enter your accommodation without prior notice.
• Your landlord is responsible for doing all the major maintenance work on the property.
• At the end of the rental period, your landlord needs to return the safety deposit within 3 to 6 months of you leaving the property.

Student Accommodation in Germany offers diverse options, but navigating them can be daunting for international students. From German university accommodation to private rentals and Studentenwerk Germany dormitories, each option has its benefits and challenges.

High demand, limited availability, and unfamiliar rental processes often complicate the search. Early planning, understanding local housing systems, and leveraging resources are crucial to securing suitable accommodation.