Student Accommodation in Germany (2026/27)
WG life, Studierendenwerk dorms and private options compared, plus a scam checklist, typical WG rents by city and the move-in costs to budget for.
ScholarshipUnion Editorial
2 min read
Updated Oct 6, 2026
Housing types
Four options cover almost every student in Germany. Prices are typical monthly ranges (estimates).
Pros: the most popular option; social and fun; cheaper than living alone; a chance to practise German; flexible contracts.
Cons: a WG-casting (interview) is required; can be noisy; shared bathroom and kitchen; personality clashes; hard to find in Munich and Frankfurt.
Pros: the cheapest option; bills included; near campus; easy application; furnished rooms in many halls.
Cons: long waiting lists (6–18 months); small rooms; less privacy; strict rules; basic furnishing.
Pros: full privacy; your own space; independence; no housemate drama.
Cons: expensive in big cities; landlords want a SCHUFA credit check; a deposit of up to 3 months' rent; confusion between cold rent (Kaltmiete) and warm rent (Warmmiete); Anmeldung complications.
Pros: furnished; short-term and flexible; no long commitment; good for your first months; often cheaper.
Cons: temporary (1–6 months); not always legally clear; sometimes you cannot register your address (Anmeldung); you must keep searching.
Scam spotter checklist
Tick each red flag that applies to a listing. Two or more ticked means walk away.
Average WG rent by city
Typical monthly rent for a WG room (estimates, not official figures).
Bar length is relative to €1,100, the top of the private-apartment range.
Housing search timeline
- 16+ months beforeApply to the Studierendenwerk
Waiting lists are long. Apply immediately after receiving your admission letter.
- 23 months beforeStart your WG search
WG-Gesucht.de is the main platform. Write personalised messages, in German if possible.
- 31 month beforeBook temporary housing
If you have no permanent place yet, book a Zwischenmiete or hostel for your first 2–4 weeks. Finding a room once you are on the ground is much easier.
- Week 1Register your address (Anmeldung)
Register at the Bürgeramt within 14 days of moving in. You need this for everything: bank, visa and insurance.
Move-in costs
Estimate based on an average WG room outside Munich. Munich and Frankfurt will be higher.
Your blocked account releases about €992 a month, so a deposit of this size is more than a full month's allowance — plan for it in your savings. See the Cost of Living calculator for the monthly picture.