Finding Accommodation in Germany

TL;DR

Finding a place to live is one of the biggest challenges when moving to Germany as a student. Unlike many countries, German universities do not automatically provide housing. You need to search and secure accommodation on your own. Here is what matters most:

• Student dormitories run by the local Studierendenwerk are the cheapest option (€200 to €450 per month), but waiting lists are long. Apply as early as possible.
• Shared flats, called WG (Wohngemeinschaft), are the most popular student housing type in Germany. Expect to pay €300 to €600 per month depending on the city.
• Private apartments are the most expensive option and rarely realistic on a student budget unless you have significant savings.
• Start your housing search before you arrive in Germany. Have at least temporary accommodation secured for your first weeks.
• Be cautious of scams: never transfer money before seeing a room or signing a contract.

How Housing Works for Students in Germany

In many countries, universities assign dormitory rooms to incoming students automatically. Germany works differently. There is no centralised housing allocation, and universities generally do not provide accommodation themselves. Instead, housing is managed by the local Studierendenwerk (student services organisation), by private landlords, or by students renting rooms in shared flats.

This means you are responsible for finding your own place. It can feel overwhelming at first, especially from abroad, but the system is well established and there are clear steps you can follow.

There are two key rent terms you will encounter:

• Kaltmiete (cold rent): the base rent for the room or flat, without utilities.
• Warmmiete (warm rent): the total rent including heating, water, and building costs. This is the number that matters for your budget.

Always ask whether a listed price is Kaltmiete or Warmmiete. In student dormitories, the price usually includes everything. In WGs and private flats, it varies.

Student Dormitories

Student dormitories, called Studentenwohnheim, are managed by the Studierendenwerk in each university city. They are the most affordable housing option and designed specifically for students.

What to expect

Most dormitories offer furnished single rooms with shared kitchens and bathrooms. Some offer self-contained studio apartments with a private bathroom and kitchenette. Utilities like internet, heating, and water are usually included in the rent.

Typical monthly costs:

• Most cities: €200 to €400
• Expensive cities like Munich, [Frankfurt[/cities/frankfurt-am-main), or Stuttgart: €350 to €500

How to apply

You apply directly through the Studierendenwerk website for your university city. Each city has its own Studierendenwerk with its own application portal and waiting list. Many Studierendenwerke give priority to international students and first-semester students, so your chances as a newly arriving student may be better than you think.

• Check which Studierendenwerk is responsible for your university
• Create an account on their online portal
• Submit your application as early as possible, ideally as soon as you receive your admission letter
• Upload your certificate of enrollment (Immatrikulationsbescheinigung) each semester to keep your application active

Shared Flats

A WG (Wohngemeinschaft) is a shared apartment where each person has a private room and everyone shares the kitchen, bathroom, and sometimes a living room. This is the most common way students live in Germany and often the most social option.

What to expect

WG rooms are usually unfurnished or partially furnished. You share household responsibilities and costs with your flatmates. The social dynamic varies: some WGs are close-knit communities that cook and hang out together, others are purely practical living arrangements.

Typical monthly costs for a WG room:

City	WG room (avg. range)
Munich	€550 to €800
Berlin	€450 to €700
Hamburg	€400 to €650
Cologne	€400 to €600
Leipzig	€280 to €400
Dresden	€280 to €400

How to find a WG

The main platform for finding shared flats in Germany is [**WG-Gesucht[ **(wg-gesucht.de). It is by far the most widely used website, with over 16 million visits per month. Other useful platforms include:

• ]Immobilienscout24](immobilienscout24.de) for both WG rooms and private apartments
• Local Facebook groups for your university city (search for "WG" + city name)
• University notice boards and housing offices at your International Office
• Studierendenwerk websites sometimes list private offers alongside dormitory rooms

Tips for a successful WG application

Finding a WG room can be competitive, especially in popular cities. A single listing on WG-Gesucht can receive 30 to 70 messages within hours. Existing flatmates choose new roommates based on personal fit, not finances, so your application needs to stand out as genuine and likeable.

• Address your potential flatmates by name. Read the listing carefully and use the names mentioned in the ad. Reference something specific about the flat or the WG description. This shows you actually read their listing instead of copy-pasting the same text everywhere.
• Keep the tone casual and friendly. Remember, you are writing to future roommates, not a landlord. If they use first names in the ad, use "du" (informal) in your message, not "Sie." Think of it as introducing yourself to people you might share a kitchen with.
• Show interest in the shared living, not just the room. Something like "I enjoy cooking and would love to share meals sometimes" or "I am always up for a chat in the kitchen" signals that you are looking for a WG experience, not just a cheap room. If you prefer a purely practical arrangement, search for the tag "Zweck-WG" on WG-Gesucht.
• Skip the obvious. Do not mention that you are clean or that your rent is financially secure. These are basic expectations from every applicant. Instead, use that space to share your personality, hobbies, or what you study.
• Be authentic about your German level. If you can write a few sentences in German, do it. If not, write your message in English. Do not use AI or Google Translate to fake a German message because it will sound unnatural and flatmates will notice. For more on language expectations, see [Language Requirements] (/guides/german-language-requirements)
• Upload a good profile photo. On WG-Gesucht, flatmates often look at your profile picture to get a first impression. A friendly, clear photo makes a real difference.
• Respond fast and prepare in advance. Good rooms disappear within hours. Write a base message template in a notes app, then personalise it quickly for each listing. Check WG-Gesucht multiple times a day, especially in the morning when new listings go live.
• Offer flexible contact options. If you are abroad, mention that you are available for a video call via Zoom, Teams, or WhatsApp and include your timezone availability. Many flatmates prefer WhatsApp because it is quicker than the WG-Gesucht messaging system.
• Be patient after viewings. In Germany, it is normal for WG members to take a few days to decide. Do not follow up repeatedly or pressure them for an immediate answer. They will contact you when they have made a decision.
• Never send personal documents in your first message. Do not attach copies of your ID, salary statements, or financial documents when applying to a WG. These are only needed later for the landlord. Sharing them too early is unnecessary and could be a risk if the listing turns out to be a scam.

The Zwischenmiete strategy

A Zwischenmiete (short-term sublet) is a room rented temporarily, usually from a student who is away for an internship, exchange semester, or holiday. These are listed on WG-Gesucht under the "Zwischenmiete" filter.

This can be a smart first move for several reasons:

• You have a place to stay from day one without the pressure of finding something permanent right away.
• The rooms are usually furnished, so you avoid the cost and hassle of buying furniture.
• Competition is much lower because most students are looking for long-term rooms.
• Once you are settled and have a local phone number and in-person availability, finding a permanent WG becomes significantly easier.

A typical Zwischenmiete lasts one to six months, which gives you plenty of time to search for your long-term home at a relaxed pace.

Private Apartments

Renting a studio or one-bedroom flat on your own gives you the most privacy and independence, but it is also the most expensive option.

What to expect

Most private apartments in Germany are rented unfurnished, which means no furniture, no kitchen appliances, and sometimes not even ceiling lights. You would need to furnish everything yourself, which adds significant upfront costs.

Typical monthly costs:

• Smaller cities: €400 to €600
• Large cities: €600 to €1,200 or more
• Deposit: typically two to three months of Kaltmiete, paid upfront and returned when you move out

Private apartments are rarely realistic on a standard student budget. They make more sense if you have significant savings, family support, or plan to stay for several years. For a full breakdown of how housing fits into your monthly budget, see Cost of Living in Germany for International Students.

Where to search

• Immobilienscout24 (immobilienscout24.de) is the largest general rental platform
• Immowelt (immowelt.de) and Kleinanzeigen (kleinanzeigen.de) are also widely used
• Local newspaper classifieds in smaller cities

Other Housing Options

Homestays

Some organisations and private families offer rooms to international students. Living with a host family can be a great way to improve your German and experience daily life in Germany. Expect to pay €250 to €400 per month. The trade-off is less independence and adapting to house rules.

Purpose-built student accommodation

Private student housing companies like THE FIZZ, Microliving, or Uninest offer furnished, all-inclusive rooms aimed at students. These are more expensive than Studierendenwerk dormitories (often €500 to €900 per month), but they are easier to book from abroad and usually require no WG casting or long waiting list.

Costs at a Glance

Housing type	Avg. cost (medium city)	Best for
Student dormitory	€200 to €350	Budget, convenience, community
WG (shared flat)	€300 to €500	Social life, flexibility, value
Private apartment	€500 to €800	Independence, privacy
Private student housing	€500 to €900	Convenience, booking from abroad
Homestay	€250 to €400	Cultural immersion, language practice

Remember that housing is just one part of your monthly expenses. For a complete picture including food, transport, health insurance, and more, see Cost of Living in Germany for International Students. Also check out Semester Fees in Germany Explained and Tuition Fees in Germany to understand the full financial picture.

FAQ

How early should I start looking for accommodation?

For dormitories, apply the moment you receive your admission letter or even earlier if the Studierendenwerk allows it. For WGs and private flats, keep in mind that most landlords and flatmates will not hold a room months in advance. Listings typically appear two to six weeks before the move-in date. The best approach is to apply for a dormitory as early as possible, book temporary accommodation for your first weeks, and then search for a permanent WG once you are in Germany. If possible, arrive in June or July for a winter semester start, because searching from October onwards means much more competition and you may not find a permanent place until December or later.

Is it possible to find accommodation from abroad?

Yes, but it is harder. Dormitory applications can be done entirely online. For WGs, some flatmates are open to video calls instead of in-person viewings, but many prefer meeting you face to face. Private student housing companies often allow fully online bookings, which makes them a convenient (though more expensive) option for international students.

What is the cheapest housing option?

Student dormitories run by the Studierendenwerk are the most affordable option, typically costing €200 to €400 per month with utilities included. Shared flats (WGs) are the next best option. In smaller cities, you can find WG rooms for under €300 per month.

Do I need to speak German to find a WG?

Not necessarily, but it helps significantly. Many WG listings are written in German, and flatmates often prefer applicants who can communicate in German. Writing even a short introduction in German can make your application stand out. However, if your German is not strong enough for a natural-sounding message, write in English instead. Using AI or Google Translate to produce a German text usually backfires because it sounds unnatural and flatmates will notice. In university cities with large international communities, you will also find English-speaking WGs. For more on language expectations, see Language Requirements.

Can I do Anmeldung (address registration) at a short-term sublet?

Yes. German law requires your landlord or sublessor to provide a written confirmation (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung) so you can register your address. This applies to short-term sublets as well. If the person subletting to you refuses to provide this document, the arrangement may not be fully legal. Always confirm this before signing a sublet contract, especially if you need the Anmeldung for your residence permit or bank account.

What is a Zweck-WG?

A Zweck-WG is a shared flat where the flatmates live together for practical reasons rather than social ones. Everyone has their own room and shares the common areas, but there is no expectation to hang out, cook together, or socialise. If you prefer privacy and independence but still want the affordability of shared living, look for the "Zweck-WG" tag on WG-Gesucht.

What documents do I need to rent a room?

This depends on the landlord, but common requirements include: a copy of your passport, your university admission or enrollment letter, proof of income or financial support (such as your blocked account confirmation), and sometimes a Schufa credit report (which you can only get after registering in Germany). For dormitories, you typically only need your enrollment certificate.

Can I get scammed when searching for housing?

Yes, housing scams targeting international students are unfortunately common. Never transfer money before seeing the apartment in person or via a live video call. Be suspicious of listings with prices far below market rate, landlords who say they are abroad and cannot show the flat, and anyone who pressures you to pay quickly. Stick to well-known platforms like WG-Gesucht and Immobilienscout24.

What happens if I cannot find permanent housing before arriving?

This is normal and happens to many international students. Book a hostel, Airbnb, or short-term sublet for your first two to four weeks. Many cities also have temporary guest houses run by the Studierendenwerk. Use that time to attend WG viewings and explore neighbourhoods in person. Your university's International Office can often help with temporary arrangements.

Do I need to register my address when I move in?

Yes. German law requires everyone to register their address (Anmeldung) at the local Bürgeramt within 14 days of moving in. Your landlord must give you a written confirmation (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung). This registration is essential for your residence permit, bank account, health insurance, and many other administrative processes.