Accommodation Assistance

Accommodation in Germany is usually divided into two main types:

• Student dormitories (Studentenwohnheim) — managed by Studierendenwerk, most affordable (€200–€400/month)
• Shared flats (WG — Wohngemeinschaft) — rent a room in a shared apartment, very popular among students
• Private apartments — studio or one-bedroom, more expensive but more privacy
• Temporary housing — hostels, Airbnb, or university guest houses for the first few weeks

Start looking as early as possible — places fill up fast, especially in Munich, Berlin, and Hamburg.

Yes, it is possible in smaller cities with careful budgeting. Here's a typical monthly breakdown:

In cities like Chemnitz, Leipzig, or Dresden, €1,000 is comfortable. In Munich or Frankfurt, it becomes very tight.

Costs vary significantly by city and type:

By city:

Always check whether rent is Kaltmiete (cold rent, without utilities) or Warmmiete (including utilities).

The best platforms for finding student accommodation:

• WG-Gesucht.de — most popular platform for shared flats and rooms
• Studierendenwerk — apply for university dormitories through your local student services
• Immobilienscout24.de — for private apartments
• HousingAnywhere — popular among international students
• Facebook groups — search for "[City name] WG" or "Housing [City name]"

Start your search 2–3 months before your semester begins. Be cautious of scam listings that ask for deposits before viewing.

Chemnitz is consistently the cheapest city for rent in Germany.

These cities in eastern Germany offer significantly lower rents while still providing quality university education.

Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Germany is approximately €814/month, but varies enormously by location:

For students, shared flat rooms (WG) typically cost €300–€500/month.

Important: German rent is usually quoted as Kaltmiete (cold rent, without utilities). Add €100–€200 for Nebenkosten (utilities) to get the actual cost (Warmmiete).

The German government requires a blocked account with €11,904/year (€992/month) for your student visa.

Students in eastern Germany can manage on the lower end. Munich or Frankfurt will be on the higher end.

It is strongly recommended to secure at least temporary accommodation before arriving. Here's what we suggest:

• Book a hostel, Airbnb, or temporary student housing for the first 2–4 weeks
• Search for a permanent room locally once you arrive — viewing in person is much more effective
• Check with your university's International Office — many offer temporary housing for new students
• You must register your address (Anmeldung) within 14 days of arriving

GradGermany can guide you through the entire process and help you find suitable options before you travel.