Accommodation in Germany- Complete Overview
Relocating to a new city is an exciting yet challenging endeavour, and one of the most significant challenges is finding suitable accommodation. When planning to study in Germany, securing the right place to live that aligns with your preferences, needs, and budget is essential. In this post, we will provide guidance on how to find the ideal accommodation in Germany.
For students, there are two primary accommodation options. The more economical choice is student union halls of residence, while the slightly pricier alternative is private accommodation. It’s worth noting that, according to the Deutsches Studentenwerk, only 10% of the student population in Germany resides in student halls of residence.
Here are some valuable tips to help you find the perfect accommodation in Germany:
1. Consider City-Specific Supply and Demand: The availability of apartments varies depending on the city. In bustling cities like Frankfurt and Berlin, finding accommodation can be challenging, time-consuming, and costly. If you plan to move to such cities, start your accommodation search at least 90 days before your arrival.
2. Understand German Rental Preferences: Germans generally prefer renting flats over buying them. Before moving to Germany, be sure to answer critical questions such as your budget, whether you prefer living alone or with others, your preferred location (on-campus or in the city for students), and other preferences. Useful rental portals include Immobilienscout24 and Immowelt.
3. Types of Apartments: In Germany, you can find furnished and unfurnished apartments. The monthly rent for a one-room flat can range from 500 to 1000 euros, depending on amenities and location. If you’re looking for temporary accommodation, consider furnished shared/private flats, and check out platforms like WG-Gesucht.
4. Temporary Accommodation: Be prepared for paperwork before settling into your permanent residence. Some temporary accommodation options include cheap hostels (average €81/night), low-cost hotels (average €27.90-€62.38/night), youth hostels (average €14.28-€42.83/night), private bed and breakfasts (average €195.64/night), and guesthouses (average €33.38-€89.19/night).
Understanding Germany’s Rental Costs: Warm Rent vs. Cold Rent
In Germany, rental costs are commonly referred to as “kaltmiete” (cold rent) and “warmmiete” (warm rent). These terms represent two distinct approaches to paying for your accommodation.
1. Kaltmiete (Cold Rent): This is the base rental payment covering the cost of the flat, room, house, or other living spaces. It excludes additional expenses.
2. Warmmiete (Warm Rent): Warm rent, while slightly more complex, includes various benefits. It covers not only your rent but also additional expenses like heating and other essential maintenance costs for your accommodation.
Understanding these rental concepts will help you navigate the German housing market effectively.
Additional Tips:
- Book transportation from the airport in advance to save on costs.
- For students, consider reaching out to the Student Union in your city for budget-friendly accommodation options.
- Visit the Local Resident Registration Office to officially register your address.
These tips will help you kickstart your accommodation search and smoothly transition into this new phase of your life in Germany. Keep in mind that prices may vary by location, so conduct thorough research, explore offline options, and seek assistance from locals for a seamless start to your new journey!
Read more on Study Abroad In Germany:
Living Costs for Students in Germany 2023