How to Register for Student Housing in Germany

Most colleges and universities in the United States guarantee student housing, whether they're spread out throughout a city, or on a campus.  In Germany, universities do have quite a substantial amount of student housing available for reasonable rates (all year round as well), but they do not guarantee housing to all students, including international students.  As a result, you need to pay attention to housing registration dates, and make sure that you are right on it.

If you are going on a semester abroad, your college or university probably has an agreement in place to hold a place somewhere in the university's housing (typically in one of the tower blocks that the university owns throughout whichever city you are studying in).  You will still more likely than not need to register, as any other student in Germany would.  To do so, you will have to contact either the Studentenwerk (student services office), or the contact person in the university international office (depending on your program, and your home institution's relationship with the university you'll be studying at).

Many cities have a portal system that you are likely familiar with, which will allow you to choose several buildings that you could be placed in, based on your preferences.  However, it is important to note that while the housing lottery number system that most American students are familiar with doesn't as much apply in Germany, whether or not you are placed in the Studentenwohnheim (student apartment building) that you've listed as a high choice is really up to chance, as priority usually goes to longer term students, and those moving within the housing system already.

When your choices have been sent in on your university's portal or choice, or noted with their international office, you will be notified after the registration period closes of the building which you will be assigned to.  Unlike in the U.S., where you can directly go to the building on a move in day, pick up your keys, and be on your way, you will have to go the Studentenwerk to sign your housing contract, pay your deposit and set up your payment method (bank transfer from your German bank account), before you are able to move in.

Order of Operations for Student Housing in Germany:

1. Register online with the Studentenwerk or international office.
2. When you are registering as a student at the Studentenwerk, collect your housing contract.
3. Set up a recurring bank transfer at your German bank branch (the branch associates can help you do this quickly), and transfer your deposit.
4. Go to your building during your Hausmeister's (building manager's) office hours (yes, they have office hours), and obtain your keys.
5. Fill out any check in forms (particularly about the condition of the room) that you may be given, and if not, take pictures of any damage of note.

The cost per month in student housing in Germany can vary significantly from city to city, but typically ranges from 170-250 Euros per month, with the majority being in the low end of that range.  The good news is that student housing includes utilities (water, heating, electricity), as well as internet access.  Internet access may be limited to a certain amount of data per day or per month (i.e. 3 GB per day, 50 GB per month, or something of that nature), so it is worthwhile to confirm what your building's connection is.  The good news is that internet access on the university campuses isn't restricted by usage, so any internet intensive activities like video chatting can be handled there if you go through a lot of data at home.

Unlike American dorms, German student housing is always single bedrooms, with a bathroom and kitchen attached.  Typically, there will be 2-4 bedrooms attached to the common spaces, each with a set of bedroom furniture, including a bed, desk, and wardrobe, though some will also have bookshelves, dressers, and or an additional table.  Due to the German academic calendar running more equally over the year, a majority of students do not move out at the end of the term, and live in student accommodations year round, unless they move into a shared apartment.

Have any further questions?  Let me know below or stay tuned!