Housing Guide
Finding accommodation is often harder than getting a visa. This guide walks you through every option — from student dorms to renting your own flat.
The Typical Rental Process in Germany
- ✕Never pay a deposit or advance rent via Western Union, Crypto, or bank transfer before viewing the flat in person
- ✕If a landlord claims to be "abroad" and wants to mail the key after payment, it's a scam
- ✕Listings priced far below market rate (e.g. €400 for a 2-room flat in Munich) are almost always scams
- ✕Never sign a contract or send money before you have the keys in your hand
- ✕Be cautious on eBay Kleinanzeigen — always meet the landlord face-to-face
Your Application Pack (Bewerbungsmappe)
Germany's largest real estate portal. Set up search alerts and respond within hours of new listings.
Open platformSecond-largest portal. Often has listings not on ImmobilienScout24 — check both.
Open platform#1 platform for shared flats (WG rooms). Also has full flats. Premium account helps your profile get seen faster.
Open platformClassifieds with direct landlord contact. Beware scams, never pay before viewing in person.
Open platformEnglish-language platform for furnished rooms and serviced apartments. Good for first 1–3 months while flat-hunting.
Open platformSpecifically targeted at students. Easy to use, English interface, mostly furnished options.
Open platformPopular with Erasmus and international students. Verified listings with in-app payment.
Open platformUse for your first few weeks in Germany while you find a permanent place. Expensive long-term but flexible.
Open platformApply AS SOON as you receive your admission letter. Waitlists in Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt are very long.
Modern private student residence halls. Furnished, internet included, no long waitlist. Available in major cities.
Modern furnished student apartments. Higher quality, higher cost. Available in Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, Düsseldorf.
Student living communities near major German universities. Social events included.
Mixed international student residences, often run by universities or private-public partnerships.
How to Apply for Studentenwerk Dorms
What is a WG (Wohngemeinschaft)?
A WG (shared flat) is the most common housing arrangement for students and young professionals in Germany. You rent a private room in a shared flat and split utilities and common area costs with flatmates. WG rooms are cheaper than full flats and a great way to build a social network.
Tips for WG Applications (WG-Gesucht)
- •Write a personal message, never just copy-paste. Mention what you liked about their ad and a bit about yourself.
- •Fill out your WG-Gesucht profile completely: add a photo, write a short bio, list your hobbies.
- •Upgrade to a paid account (€5–7/month) to get an "online now" badge and move up search results.
- •Apply within the first hour of a listing — response rates drop sharply after 24 hours.
- •Be flexible on move-in date, landlords appreciate flexibility.
- •Video call the WG first if you can't visit in person (common for international students).
- •Ask about flatmate dynamic: working professionals vs students matters a lot for quiet hours.
Understanding Rent Terminology
Typical Monthly Housing Budget
Electricity is often metered separately and billed directly to you by the utility provider (not the landlord).
| City | WG Room | 1-Bed Flat | 2-Bed Flat | Dorm | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Munich | €700–1,100 | €1,400–2,200 | €2,000–3,200 | €280–430 | Very Hard |
| Frankfurt | €650–950 | €1,200–1,800 | €1,600–2,500 | €260–420 | Hard |
| Berlin | €600–950 | €1,000–1,800 | €1,500–2,500 | €240–410 | Hard |
| Hamburg | €600–900 | €1,100–1,700 | €1,500–2,200 | €250–400 | Hard |
| Stuttgart | €550–850 | €1,000–1,600 | €1,400–2,000 | €240–380 | Hard |
| Düsseldorf | €550–800 | €950–1,500 | €1,300–1,900 | €220–360 | Moderate |
| Cologne | €500–800 | €900–1,400 | €1,200–1,800 | €210–350 | Moderate |
| Nuremberg | €450–700 | €800–1,200 | €1,000–1,500 | €200–330 | Moderate |
| Hannover | €400–650 | €700–1,100 | €900–1,400 | €190–310 | Moderate |
| Dresden | €350–600 | €600–950 | €800–1,200 | €180–290 | Easy |
| Kaiserslautern | €300–500 | €500–750 | €650–950 | €170–260 | Easy |
| Magdeburg | €280–480 | €480–720 | €620–900 | €160–250 | Easy |