Underrated University Towns
TL;DR
- Germany is full of smaller student cities where rent is often lower and campus life feels more personal than in Berlin, Munich, or Frankfurt.
- If you want a “big city nearby” without paying big-city rent, look for towns with strong train connections (e.g., Freiberg between Leipzig and Dresden).
- Shortlist a town by checking 3 things first: housing options (Studentenwerk), public transport and walkability, and whether your course is offered (in English or with enough German support).
- Underrated can mean fewer museums or nightlife, but often also easier social life and shorter distances.
- Next step: pick 3 towns, then compare rent + semester contribution + your course options before you apply.
Why consider smaller university towns
Studying in a smaller city can feel like a “downgrade” on paper, but for many students it is the upgrade that matters day to day:
- More affordable rent and less competition for rooms.
- Shorter commutes and less time lost navigating a huge city.
- A tighter student community where it is easier to meet people (especially in small programmes).
- Good access to nature (forests, rivers, hiking) without long travel.
Smaller towns are often cheaper in the east and in smaller cities in general. DAAD suggests budgeting roughly 900–1,200 EUR/month depending on location and lifestyle.
What underrated really means for international students
“Underrated” is not the same as “perfect”. It often means you trade one thing for another.
Typical advantages
- Easier to find a room (still apply early)
- Less bureaucracy stress from long commutes
- More personal contact with lecturers and student services
Typical trade-offs
- Less international nightlife and fewer cultural venues
- Fewer direct flight connections (you may travel via a nearby hub city)
- Public transport inside town can be less frequent
Heads: If you want big-city culture every week (theatre, large museums, constant concerts), you may prefer a larger city or a smaller town with fast rail links.
Three underrated uni-towns
Below are three towns highlighted by students in a recent FAZ piece, plus practical “what to check” for each town.
Kaiserslautern
Kaiserslautern is often seen as “quiet” compared to Frankfurt or Berlin, but students report:
- Lower rent and easier housing compared to major cities
- A small-programme feel where it is easier to make friends
- Nature nearby (forest walks), and a solid bar and café scene
What to check
- Your programme options at RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau and whether the language of instruction fits you.
- Housing options through Studierendenwerk Kaiserslautern (dorms, application timing)
- Campus location vs. where you want to live, and bus connections.
Tip: If you are new in Germany, consider choosing a town where the “student bubble” is strong. It can help you settle faster.
Magdeburg
Magdeburg is a mid-sized city with a student-friendly feel and a noticeable student scene around popular areas (like Hasselbachplatz).
Why it can work
- Students describe the city as socially easy: you run into other students often and quickly feel familiar.
- Housing can be relatively affordable (especially compared to western big cities).
What to check
- Support services at the International Office of Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg.
- Dorm prices and locations at Studentenwerk Magdeburg
- If you rely on local transport, make sure your daily routes are convenient (campus, dorm, supermarkets).
Good: Many students in Germany get local transport included via a semester ticket. Always verify what your university includes and what is not included in your city.
Freiberg (Saxony)
Freiberg is small, historic, and strongly shaped by its university. A big plus is location: it sits between Leipzig and Dresden, so you can “borrow” big-city culture without living in the big city.
Why it can work
- Affordable housing and short distances.
- A campus where it is easier to meet students from other faculties.
- Familiar student meeting spots (fewer choices, but you see the same people again).
What to check
- International support and onboarding at TU Bergakademie Freiberg’s International Centre.
- Housing guidance and dorm applications.
- Public transport inside town (buses can be less frequent than in larger cities).
Heads: In very small cities, you may spend more time within a student bubble. If you want strong local integration, you may need to be more proactive (clubs, volunteering, language tandems).
How to choose your “best underrated town”
Use this as a fast decision framework.
1) Your course fit
- Is your course offered at the university you are considering?
- Is it taught in English, German, or mixed?
- Are there prep courses (German, academic writing) or buddy programmes?
2) Housing reality
- Check Studentenwerk dorms first (cheaper, easier arrival).
- Then check shared apartments (WG) and private rentals.
- Plan a buffer: housing can still be competitive in any student city.
Important: Don’t sign a rental contract you do not understand. Ask the university’s international office or student union where to get contract help.
3) Daily life and mental load
Ask yourself:
- Do I prefer a city where everything is close by foot or bike?
- Do I need “big city energy” to feel happy, or do I want calm + focus?
- Will I be okay with fewer entertainment options if I have a close student community?
CTA: Make your shortlist in 20 minutes
Pick 3 towns, then check your course options and living costs.
Browse universities and courses on kursa.
Compare rent + semester contribution + transport.
Save your shortlist so you can come back later.
FAQ
Is a smaller city always cheaper?
Not always, but often. In Germany, rent varies a lot by city size and region. Smaller cities and many eastern cities tend to be more affordable, while large hubs like Munich, Frankfurt, and Hamburg are usually more expensive. DAAD suggests planning 900–1,200 EUR/month depending on location and lifestyle.1
Will I feel isolated in a small uni-town?
It depends on your personality and the student scene. Many students find it easier to make friends in smaller programmes and smaller cities, because you see the same people more often. If you need lots of cultural events, choose a town with a fast train link to a nearby major city.
How do I check if a university supports international students?
Start with the university’s International Office pages: look for orientation weeks, buddy programmes, accommodation support, and clear guidance on enrolment. If you cannot find this information, that is a signal you may need to contact them early.
How much money should I plan per month?
A common planning range is 900–1,200 EUR/month, but your number depends mostly on rent. Your visa financial proof requirements can also be different from your real expenses. Use DAAD’s estimates as a baseline and then check your target city’s housing prices.1
