Finding a room in Germany
Housing is the hardest part for many students — especially in big cities. Start early, know the words, and stay safe.
Where you can live
Student dorm (Studierendenwerk)
often about €250–450/month
Cheapest option, usually furnished with bills included. Waiting lists are long — apply as early as your local Studierendenwerk allows, often before admission.
Shared flat (WG)
often about €350–700/month
The most common student choice. You'll usually have a video call or visit ('WG casting') with the flatmates.
Private student residence
often about €550–1,000+/month
Furnished and bookable from abroad, but more expensive. Read the contract length carefully.
Temporary stay (first weeks)
varies
Hostel, sublet (Zwischenmiete) or furnished rental while you look for something long-term in person.
Prices are rough estimates and vary a lot by city. Always check the listing.
Where to search
- Studierendenwerk dorm finderFind the student services for your city and apply for a dorm.
- WG-GesuchtBiggest site for shared flats and sublets.
- ImmobilienScout24Whole apartments; strong competition in big cities.
- KleinanzeigenClassifieds — be extra careful about scams here.
Scam radar
Stop if you see any of these:
- The landlord says they're abroad and will send the keys by post after you pay.
- You're asked to pay via Western Union, MoneyGram, crypto or gift cards.
- Rent is much cheaper than similar rooms in the same city.
- They want a deposit before you've seen the room (in person or live video) or signed a contract.
- They push you to decide today, or send a fake 'Airbnb' or booking link.
- They ask for copies of your passport before anything else.
Golden rule: never send money before you've seen the room and signed a contract.
Is my deposit fair?
By law a deposit (Kaution) can be at most 3 months' base rent.
Maximum allowed: €1,200. This is within the limit.
Source: German Civil Code §551Your WG message, ready to send
Fill in a few details. A short personal message gets far more replies. Nothing is saved.
Hallo zusammen, ich heiße [Name], bin [Alter] Jahre alt und komme aus [Land]. Ab [Datum] studiere ich [Studiengang] an der [Universität] und suche ein Zimmer. In meiner Freizeit [Hobbys]. Ich bin ordentlich, zuverlässig und freue mich auf ein nettes WG-Leben. Ich würde mich sehr über ein Kennenlernen freuen – gerne auch per Videocall. Viele Grüße [Name]
Housing words you'll see
- Kaltmiete
- Base rent without heating and other bills.
- Warmmiete
- Rent including heating and building costs (Nebenkosten). Electricity and internet are often extra.
- Nebenkosten
- Extra building costs like water, rubbish, cleaning and heating.
- Kaution
- Security deposit — legally at most 3 months' Kaltmiete, and you may pay it in 3 instalments.
- Wohnungsgeberbestätigung
- Form your landlord signs so you can register your address. Ask for it when you move in.
- Anmeldung
- Registering your address at the city office, normally within 2 weeks of moving in.
- Rundfunkbeitrag
- Broadcasting fee charged once per household — flatmates can share it.
- SCHUFA
- German credit report. New arrivals don't have one; explain this and offer your blocked-account proof instead.