Finding Student Accommodation in Germany (2026)

Housing is the part of moving to Germany that stresses students out most, and it deserves attention early. In popular cities, a room can be harder to get than a university place. Here is how the German student housing system works and how to land a room before you fly.

Student dorms vs shared flats

There are two main options. Studentenwerk (student union) dorms are the cheapest, often EUR 250 to 400 a month, but demand is high and waiting lists are long, so apply as early as possible. A WG (Wohngemeinschaft), or shared flat, is the other common route: you rent a room in a flat shared with others, usually EUR 350 to 600 depending on the city. Private studios exist but cost far more.

What it costs

Rent is your biggest monthly expense. Cheaper cities like Leipzig, Aachen, and smaller towns can be half the price of Munich or Frankfurt. Expect a deposit (Kaution) of one to three months' rent upfront, which you get back when you leave if the room is in good shape. Check whether rent is warm (includes heating and utilities) or kalt (cold, before bills), because it changes the real number a lot.

The Anmeldung: why your address matters

Within about two weeks of moving in, you must register your address at the local Buergeramt. This is the Anmeldung, and you need it for almost everything: a bank account, your residence permit, sometimes a phone contract. Your landlord signs a confirmation (Wohnungsgeberbestaetigung) for you. No fixed address means no Anmeldung, which is exactly why temporary housing that lets you register matters.

How to avoid rental scams

One hard rule: never pay a deposit for a flat you haven't seen, in person or on a verified video call, and never wire money to a landlord who is conveniently abroad and wants payment before you get keys. It is the most common scam aimed at international students. Use known platforms, be suspicious of prices that look too good, and don't send money outside the platform.

Where to look

Start with your university's Studentenwerk for dorms, then the main WG and rental sites. University international offices often keep housing lists and can warn you about scams. Ask current students in your program's group chats too, since rooms often pass by word of mouth.

Next steps

Factor rent into your full budget with the study-abroad cost calculator, and if you are still choosing a city, remember a cheaper student city can shift your whole budget, so compare universities with Smart Match. New to the process? Read what the German student visa actually checks.