Finding Housing Every Semester
You move 2–4 times. You search remotely in cities you've never visited. The €500 installation allowance barely covers one deposit.
Student Dorm vs Private Rental
Pros: Cheaper, furnished, near campus, easy move-in. Cons: Not all universities offer it, small rooms, may need to apply months ahead, limited availability for short-term stays.
Pros: More options, more space, can choose location. Cons: Expensive, deposits (€1,000–2,000), scam risk when searching remotely, landlords may not rent to short-term international tenants.
Scam alert: Never pay a deposit before visiting in person. Never wire money to a private account. If a deal seems too good for the city, it is. Fake landlords create convincing copies of real listings.
Housing Tips
The moment you get your acceptance, email the international office asking about housing. Some have reserved rooms for Erasmus Mundus students. First come, first served.
Other EM students in your programme are in the same situation. Share a flat together — it's cheaper and you'll have built-in friends. Join the programme's WhatsApp/Telegram group early.
Don't panic-sign a lease remotely. Book a hostel or Airbnb for 2 weeks, then search in person. You'll make better decisions when you can actually see the place.