Student dormitories (or Studentenwohnheim in German) are the cheapest accommodation option in Germany, and therefore, the one of the high-demand.
That is why if you decide to apply for a room in a Studentenwohnheim (let`s learn some new words today :)) you’ll probably be on the waiting list for 3-6 months before even getting a chance to get a room.
(Spoiler: I was lucky to get the room in the dormitory almost immediately, so I moved into a dorm immediately after coming to Germany).
Before coming to Germany, I had no idea about the existence of such websites as or , where you can find a room or an apartment for rent. Therefore, first, I was considering the dormitories offered by my university – it seemed to be the most obvious solution.
Spoiler: I was lucky to get the room in the dormitory almost immediately, so I moved into a dorm immediately after coming to Germany.
Maria Fomina
I contacted my Uni and they gave me the contact details of students who were looking for new neighbors in dormitories.
Therefore, I had to get in contact with those students on my own and discuss with them the possibility to move in. To be honest, I did not expect that I still had to go through so-called «interviews» with other students and that I had to be «approved» by them.
I had couple of Skype-interviews with several students, but unfortunately, they did not choose me. But finally, I got an approval! I was very happy that I managed to find something
Obviously, there are different types of dorms in Germany, meaning different kinds of accommodation. I used to live in a so-called WG («Wohngemeinschaft» or shared flat) where 2–4 people live together, share a kitchen and bathroom, but each have their own private room.
I had my own room, so I could have privacy anytime I wanted it. My 3 roommates (2 Germans and 1 Turkish guy) never had any issue with my friends coming over and sitting in the common area. I never really hung out with my roommates as we all really kept to ourselves but I never had any problems with them. There were also those roommates in some WGs who hung out all the time – it depends.
Some important notes about student dorms in Germany:
- The dorms are generally mixed (for example, I lived with 3 guys during my time in the dorm).
- Room sizes range from 9–18 square meters.
- Normally, student dormitories are fully furnished (bed, desk, chair, wardrobe). But you should always make sure and ask coordinator about it.
- Many of the dorms have special areas to organize parties that are usually a great place to meet new people. In my dorm, it was a bar area “Glückspils” where every Tuesday night we had a party (sometimes thematic ones: Halloween, Christmas, Karaoke, Oktoberfest, etc.)
- Washing machines are in the basement and used by everyone in the building (normally, you have to pay for each laundry, approximately 2 euros).
- When you move out, you need to leave the room in the same state you got it, otherwise they won’t return your security deposit. So firstly, when moving in, check if there are any defects, and if there are, report about them immediately! Secondly, if you decided to brighten up your room by changing the color of the walls, you need to paint them white again before moving out.
Summing up, living in a student dorm in Germany is a great experience, so if you have a chance to stay in such a dormitory, you can be sure that you will enjoy your time there!
Hey I have an doubt can we bring our friends in the dorms in case we want to meet or for a stay for a while , if anyone have any ideas then please help. In University dorms and in private dorms also as my friends are planning to study and we have the concern of meeting each other on weekends.
Hi Atharva, it is usually always possible to visit friends and fellow students in student residences, even if you are staying overnight. Unfortunately, we cannot give general information, as this can be arranged individually in each hall of residence. In any case, observe the current house rules and always show consideration for your neighbours. To be on the safe side, ask the administration or students who have been living in the dormitory for a longer time. Have a good time and best wishes Your Study in Germany Team 👋🇩🇪
Hello , I need accommodate in Berlin .
Hi, Finding accommodation as a student could prove to be very difficult. First: There are different types of accommodation for students in Germany. Student halls are most often the most popular choice, because they are much easier to find than a private accommodation and cheaper. Addresses of student halls can be found by using the dormitory search “Wohnheimfinder”. The Accommodation Finder https://www.study-in-germany.de/en/plan-your-studies/preparation/accomodation/student-hall/ on our website is a helpful tool to obtain information about various student residences in your university town. In case you do not find your university there, please contact the local student service organisation (Studentenwerk; https://www.studentenwerke.de/en/content/here-you-will-find-your-studentenwerk) or the International Office (http://www.daad.de/io) of the university you have chosen. Our website offers guidance on finding accommodation as well: https://www.study-in-germany.de/en/plan-your-studies/preparation/accomodation/. Good luck and best wishes, Your Study in Germany-Team 🇩🇪👋
Hi, thanks for your nice article. I am Allan and I'm currently looking for an apartment or dormitory for my studies at Fraunhofer UMSICHT. Any recommendation or help would mean a lot to me. Thanks in advance.
Hi Allan! Finding accommodation as a student could prove to be very difficult. First: There are different types of accommodation for students in Germany. Student halls are most often the most popular choice, because they are much easier to find than a private accommodation and cheaper. Addresses of student halls can be found by using the dormitory search “Wohnheimfinder”. The Accommodation Finder https://www.study-in-germany.de/en/plan-your-studies/preparation/accomodation/student-hall/ on our website is a helpful tool to obtain information about various student residences in your university town. In case you do not find your university there, please contact the local student service organisation (Studentenwerk; https://www.studentenwerke.de/en/content/here-you-will-find-your-studentenwerk) or the International Office (http://www.daad.de/io) of the university you have chosen. Our website offers guidance on finding accommodation as well: https://www.study-in-germany.de/en/plan-your-studies/preparation/accomodation/. Good luck and best wishes, Your SiG-Team 👋🇩🇪
Thank you for answering my answer.
Hi Ariana, unlike in some other countries you won't automatically be given accommodation when you register at your German higher education institution. As a rule, students arrange their own accommodation in Germany. First: There are different types of accommodation for students in Germany. Student halls are most often the most popular choice, because they are much easier to find than a private accommodation and cheaper. Addresses of student halls can be found by using the dormitory search “Wohnheimfinder”. The Accommodation Finder https://www.study-in-germany.de/en/plan-your-studies/preparation/accomodation/student-hall/ on our website is a helpful tool to obtain information about various student residences in your university town. In case you do not find your university there, please contact the local student service organisation (Studentenwerk; https://www.studentenwerke.de/en/content/here-you-will-find-your-studentenwerk) or the International Office (http://www.daad.de/io) of the university you have chosen. Best wishes from Germany, Your SiG-Team 👋🇩🇪
Hi there, I am a Ph.D student from Iran and I am going to visit German Research center for Geosciences (GFZ) in Potsdam for 6 months. Now I am looking for an affordable accommodation and dormitory. considering that I am not a student of Postdam's Universities, is it possibile that I stay at dormitories? Thanks in advance for your help.
Hi Mina, Finding accommodation as a student could prove to be very difficult. First: There are different types of accommodation for students in Germany. Student halls are most often the most popular choice, because they are much easier to find than a private accommodation and cheaper. Addresses of student halls can be found by using the dormitory search “Wohnheimfinder”. The Accommodation Finder https://www.study-in-germany.de/en/plan-your-studies/preparation/accomodation/student-hall/ on our website is a helpful tool to obtain information about various student residences in your university town. In case you do not find your university there, please contact the local student service organisation (Studentenwerk; https://www.studentenwerke.de/en/content/here-you-will-find-your-studentenwerk) or the International Office (http://www.daad.de/io) of the university you have chosen. Good luck and best wishes, Your SiG-Team 👋🇩🇪
Hi, I am Sevilay and doctorate student in Turkey. I will come to TUM as an intern and to carry out my doctoral dissertation in September. I plan to stay in Munich at least one year with husband. It is quite hard to find private dormitories or room in shared house for couple. I am wondering that how can I find avaible and cost effective accomadation for me and my partner. Any recommendation or help would mean a lot to me. thanks
Hi Sevilay, finding accommodation as a student could prove to be very difficult. First: There are different types of accommodation for students in Germany. Student halls are most often the most popular choice, because they are much easier to find than a private accommodation and cheaper. Addresses of student halls can be found by using the dormitory search “Wohnheimfinder”. The Accommodation Finder on our website is a helpful tool to obtain information about various student residences in your university town: https://www.study-in-germany.de/en/plan-your-studies/preparation/accomodation/. In case you do not find your university there, please contact the local student service organisation (Studentenwerk; https://www.studentenwerke.de/en/content/here-you-will-find-your-studentenwerk) or the International Office (http://www.daad.de/io) of the university you have chosen. Please feel free to contact us at any time if you have more questions! 😊 Good luck and best wishes, Your SiG-Team 🇩🇪👋
hello, my name is mısra arslan and I'm from Turkey, İstanbul. I will be coming to Bochum in the next July. I will be studying in there but firstly the german course and then I will be getting my C1 document and then I will be able to study for my bachelor in germany. but unfortunately there is a big problem about student dorms or places to stay in bochum and I try my best to find a place to stay like private dormitories but I really need some help because I don't get any progress :) and I just found this site and thought that I can write here looking for help. where can I look places to stay in Bochum ? Thanks already for your answer. :))
Hi Misra, finding accommodation as a student could prove to be very difficult. First: There are different types of accommodation for students in Germany. Student halls are most often the most popular choice, because they are much easier to find than a private accommodation and cheaper. Addresses of student halls can be found by using the dormitory search “Wohnheimfinder”. The Accommodation Finder https://www.study-in-germany.de/en/plan-your-studies/preparation/accomodation/student-hall/ on our website is a helpful tool to obtain information about various student residences in your university town. In case you do not find your university there, please contact the local student service organisation (Studentenwerk; https://www.studentenwerke.de/en/content/here-you-will-find-your-studentenwerk) or the International Office (http://www.daad.de/io) of the university you have chosen. Our website offers guidance on finding accommodation as well: https://www.study-in-germany.de/en/plan-your-studies/preparation/accomodation/. Good luck and best wishes, Your SiG-Team
Hi, I will be coming to Germany around July/August. I have applied for a student dorm but still haven't received any confirmation. Where else can I look for a student dorm in NRW that I can get in a short time?
Hi Lamiya, yes, finding accommodation could prove to be very difficult. So sorry that you have to experience that! Addresses of student halls can be found by using the dormitory search “Wohnheimfinder”. The Accommodation Finder https://www.study-in-germany.de/en/plan-your-studies/preparation/accomodation/student-hall/ on our website is a helpful tool to obtain information about various student residences in your university town. In case you do not find your university there, please contact the local student service organisation (Studentenwerk; https://www.studentenwerke.de/en/content/here-you-will-find-your-studentenwerk) or the International Office (http://www.daad.de/io) of the university you have chosen. Good luck and best wishes, Your SiG-Team
I am planning to take a prep-course (Studienkolleg) in Germany. What kinds of student dormitories are available for the students of Studienkolleg? Thank you so much for this article.
Hi Fatemeh Zahra, the first thing you should know: There are different types of accommodation for students in Germany. Student halls are most often the most popular choice, because they are much easier to find than a private accommodation and cheaper. Addresses of student halls can be found by using the dormitory search “Wohnheimfinder”: https://www2.daad.de/deutschland/nach-deutschland/bewerbung/en/22222-student-residence-hall/. In case you do not find your university there, please contact the local student service organisation (Studentenwerk; https://www.studentenwerke.de/en/content/here-you-will-find-your-studentenwerk) or the International Office (http://www.daad.de/io) of the university you have chosen. Best wishes and good luck! 👋🇩🇪 Your SiG-Team
Hello! Great article! I am also currently in urgent search of an apartment or dormitory for my studies at Weiden Business School(OTH Amberg-Weiden). Any recommendation or help would mean a lot to me. Danke!
Hi Richmond, finding accommodation as a student could prove to be very difficult, especially when you are far away from Germany. The first thing you should know: There are different types of accommodation for students in Germany. Student halls are most often the most popular choice, because they are much easier to find than a private accommodation and cheaper. Addresses of student halls can be found by using the dormitory search “Wohnheimfinder”. The Accommodation Finder on our website https://www.study-in-germany.de/en/plan-your-studies/preparation/accomodation/ is a helpful tool to obtain information about various student residences in your university town. In case you do not find your university there, please contact the local student service organisation (Studentenwerk; https://www.studentenwerke.de/en/content/here-you-will-find-your-studentenwerk) or the International Office (http://www.daad.de/io) of the university you have chosen. Best wishes and good luck, Your SiG-Team
Is there a provision in German universities to provide housing facility to married couple if husband is a student and wife, joined her husband on Family reunion visa?
Hi Aakash, unfortunately, we cannot give you any information on this detailed question, sorry. We have never heard of such a kind of commission. It would be best if you would contact the International Office (http://www.daad.de/io) of the university you have chosen. Have a great day, best wishes Your SiG-Team
Ich suche eine Studentenwohnung aber in Rheinland-Pfalz. Kann ich einen finden?
Hi Zena, the first thing you should know: There are different types of accommodation for students in Germany. Student halls are most often the most popular choice, because they are much easier to find than a private accommodation and cheaper. Addresses of student halls can be found by using the dormitory search “Wohnheimfinder": www.study-in-germany.de/accommodationfinder. In case you do not find your university there, please contact the local student service organisation (Studentenwerk; https://www.studentenwerke.de/en/content/here-you-will-find-your-studentenwerk) or the International Office (http://www.daad.de/io) of the university you have chosen. Our website offers guidance on finding accommodation as well: https://www.study-in-germany.de/en/plan-your-stay/accommodation/. Good luck and best wishes, Your SiG-Team
Are there refrigerators in the dormitory provided by the University ?
How to complain if I have a problem with my roommates?
Hi Mario, that's annoying, we're sorry about that. If talking to your roommate doesn't help, could you contact the dormitory operator? Maybe fellow students can give you helpful tips or the student council? Hopefully you can solve the problem quickly. Best wishes, Your Study in Germany Team
Thank you for your informative article.
Hi, Thanks for your nice article. My friend lives in a studentenwohnheim and she shares the flat with a girl and a boy. Unfortunately, she had a problem with the boy, because he brings his girlfriend every day and they basically live in a room together. They are so messy and making so much noise. I was wondering if there is any rule that supports my friend? Best, Mina
Hey, danke für deine Schilderung deines Studiums. Finde es immer sehr spannend andere zu sehen im Unileben. Ich suche gerade eine Immobilie in Stuttgart, kannst du mir da weiterhelfen mit einem Kontakt oder einer Seite? Liebe Grüße
Hi Sara! Please check the following website: https://www.wg-gesucht.de/
HI, Is it possible to book a dormitory considering that i am a Job seeker ? which locations do you have the dormitories? Thanks and regards, Narender.
Hi, best way to find out is to contact the dormitory directly. https://www.study-in-germany.de/en/plan-your-stay/accommodation/dormitoryfinder/ Best wishes, Your Study in Germany Team