Like major European cities, Germany, which was considered to be an accessible country in terms of rent, has also changed. With the rehabilitation of cities and the popularity that has greatly increased, rents in major cities have also undergone several changes.
In 2019, Munich, one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, had €610 for a student room compared to Halle, which costs €250 per month.
4 years later, rents have increased in big cities such as Munich, Stuttgart, Frankfurt, Berlin, etc.
The first key step is to clearly define your criteria and the contours of your search for student accommodation in Germany. This will make it possible to better target your searches later and to gain in efficiency.
Start by setting your monthly rental budget. Estimate it realistically based on your available resources (student job, savings, help from your parents...). Set a maximum rent that cannot be exceeded.
Then specify the type of accommodation that would best suit you. Student residence, shared apartment, studio... What are your preferences and priorities in terms of space, services, configuration?
This will allow you to determine whether you are aiming for a studio or a room in a shared apartment, for example, or a room in a shared apartment, which is more affordable but user-friendly.
Also define your search period and the desired rental period. For how many months are you looking for? 6 months, 1 year, the time of your studies...? This will impact the options.
Finally, aim for several options, because affordable student housing in Germany is a rare commodity!
Once your budget and type of housing have been defined, the next step is to identify the German cities and neighborhoods that would best suit you.
To do this, start by comparing the cost and living standards of the country's main student cities. Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Cologne... Rents and current expenses can vary greatly.
Target two or three cities in line with your resources.
Also analyze the student dynamic and the housing offer in each city to assess your chances of finding the rare pearl there. What are the flagship student districts? Is it easier to find residences, shared flats, small studios there?
For help, consult specialized sites listing student rent prices in Germany. Some even include city comparators.
With these elements, you will be able to list the 2-3 German cities along with their key neighborhoods that best fit your budget and your criteria. You will then be able to start your research more effectively.
To start your search, you can ask for help from the Foreign Student Reception Service at your university (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst) as well as from the Center for University Works (Deutsches Studentenwerk). These organizations will be able to provide you with advice adapted to your situation.
Every German university has student hostels (Studentenwohnheim) offering various types of affordable housing, ranging from single rooms to furnished or unfurnished apartments. These accommodations are particularly suitable for couples, students with children and students with disabilities.
To apply for housing, simply contact the Studentenwerk in your university city directly, which offers around 185,000 student accommodations throughout Germany.
A shared apartment is cheaper than a private apartment. In Germany, they are called Wohngemeinschaften.
Some sites to find a roommate in Germany:
Some sites to find a private apartment in Germany:
In big cities, it is quite possible to find accommodation even after you arrive. However, some landlords require a few conditions that make the process of acquiring your room quite lengthy. In the meantime, you can find temporary accommodation on these real estate platforms: Airbnb, VRbo, HomeStay.
To maximize your chances of finding THE rare pearl remotely, use the right search tools:
Local real estate classifieds sites specializing in the rental of furnished apartments. They reference offers from individuals and agencies in your target cities.
With these tools, you will be able to view recent German ads and get in direct contact with the authors to ask questions or apply. Enough to optimize your chances of finding the rare pearl!
.svg)
.png)
