Question 1

When should I start looking for accommodation in Germany?

Accepted Answer

Start immediately after receiving your university admission letter — ideally 6-9 months before your semester begins. For Studentenwerk dorms, apply even earlier as waitlists can exceed 6 months. For private WG or studio apartments, a realistic search window is 4-8 weeks before your intended move-in date. Starting too late almost guarantees you'll either pay premium prices or not find anything at all before your start date.

Question 2

Is Studentenwerk available at every German university?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every German university city has a Studentenwerk (student services organisation) that manages affordable student housing. However, availability varies widely — some universities have enough rooms for 15% of students, others for only 8%. Apply as early as possible and to multiple dorm buildings simultaneously. The application is free, so there's no downside to getting on multiple waitlists.

Question 3

What is a WG and how do I find one?

Accepted Answer

WG stands for Wohngemeinschaft — a shared apartment where you rent one furnished or unfurnished room and share common areas (kitchen, bathroom, living room) with 2-5 other people. WGs are the most popular form of student housing in Germany. The main platform is WG-Gesucht.de. Create a detailed profile, write your introduction in German (use DeepL), and respond to listings within minutes — popular rooms receive 50+ applications within 24 hours.

Question 4

What documents do German landlords usually ask for?

Accepted Answer

Landlords typically request: your passport or ID, a Schufa credit check (international students won't have one — explain this upfront), proof of income or enrollment (university admission letter), sometimes a Mieterselbstauskunft (tenant self-declaration form), and occasionally a reference from a previous landlord. International students without German credit history should compensate with a strong, personalised cover letter and quick responses.

Question 5

What is Kaution and can I get it back?

Accepted Answer

Kaution is the security deposit, legally capped at 3 months' cold rent. You pay it before or at move-in, and the landlord holds it in a separate account. You get it back when you move out — minus any legitimate deductions for damages beyond normal wear and tear. Always pay Kaution via bank transfer and keep the receipt. The landlord must return it within 3-6 months after you move out, once all utility bills are settled.

Question 6

Can I live off-campus if my university doesn't guarantee housing?

Accepted Answer

Yes — and in fact the majority of German students live off-campus in private WGs or apartments. German law doesn't require students to live in university accommodation. Off-campus living gives you more freedom, though it typically costs more. The key administrative requirement is that wherever you live, you must be able to register for Anmeldung (city registration) — confirm this with any potential landlord before signing.

Question 7

What if I can't find accommodation before my arrival in Germany?

Accepted Answer

Don't panic — but do plan ahead. Options include: booking a short-term furnished apartment (Möblierte Zimmer) or Airbnb for your first 2-4 weeks, staying in a youth hostel or student hostel temporarily, or reaching out to your university's international student office — many maintain lists of emergency housing contacts. Once in Germany, your search will be much easier as you can attend viewings in person. German landlords strongly prefer in-person viewings.

Question 8

Is Airbnb okay for the first few weeks while I find a permanent place?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Airbnb is perfectly fine as a temporary solution for your first 1-4 weeks. However, you cannot use an Airbnb address for Anmeldung (city registration) — the host would need to explicitly allow it, which most don't. For Anmeldung, you'll need your permanent address. In some German cities, your university's international office can provide a temporary Anmeldung address while you search for permanent housing — check with them in advance.

Find your home in Germany.

Types of Student Housing

Studentenwerk Dorms

Shared Apartment (WG)

Private Studio / Flat

International Student House

How and Where to Search

Studentenwerk Official Site

WG-Gesucht.de

Studenten-WG.de

Immoscout24.de

Landlord Messaging — The Do's and Don'ts

Monthly Cost Breakdown

Munich

Berlin

Smaller Cities

Before You Sign — Checklist

Safety Checks

Document Checks

Financial Checks

Housing Mistakes That Cost You

Applying for Studentenwerk Too Late

Scam Apartments — Advance Payment Before Viewing

Not Reading the Lease in German

No Anmeldung Address

Moving In Without an Inventory List

Underestimating Cost of Living in Munich

Common Questions

Home secured. Germany is ready for you.