Saving electricity as a student works through two levers. One is the tariff, the other is your own behavior. For the tariff, it is worth comparing if you are still on the default supply tariff. For behavior, standby, the fridge, washing and heating count, because they use energy constantly or regularly. In a flat you also pay utility costs, which are settled afterwards in the statement. If you keep an eye on this early, you avoid back payments.
The key points in brief
- First check whether electricity and heating are included in your rent or whether you have your own contract.
- Switching out of the default supply tariff is the quickest lever if you have your own electricity contract.
- The biggest everyday factors are standby devices, the fridge, the washing machine and heating.
- In a shared flat, fixed agreements save money: who pays what, and who switches what off.
- Note the meter readings when you move in and out, so that the statement is correct.
Who is responsible for the electricity?
Before you put tips into practice, clarify who your supplier is. In a hall of residence, electricity and heating are often included in the rent. There you save energy mainly for the community, not on your own bill. In your own flat or shared flat, on the other hand, there is usually a separate electricity contract, plus utility costs for heating and water.
How these costs are set out in your tenancy agreement is shown in the information on the gross rent and the advance payments. Our article on understanding your tenancy agreement gives you an orientation. In a shared flat, it should also be clear who holds the electricity contract and how the costs are split.
Is switching electricity providers worthwhile for students?
Usually yes, if you are still on the default supply tariff. That is the tariff you fall into automatically if you do not sign another contract. It is often more expensive than tariffs you choose yourself. A comparison portal shows the prices for your postcode and annual consumption. Before you sign, check the contract term, the notice period and whether new-customer bonuses are tied to conditions.
As the main tenant or the holder of the electricity contract, you can switch. If you sublet or live in a hall of residence with electricity in the rent, you often lack the basis for that. In that case, ask your landlord or the Studierendenwerke.
- Take the annual consumption from your last statement instead of estimating it.
- Read bonuses and price guarantees carefully: a bonus in the first year does not permanently offset a higher price in later years.
- Note the notice period and contract term so that you can compare in good time.
Saving electricity as a student in everyday life
How much electricity do standby devices use?
Devices on standby keep running even when you are not using them. This applies to televisions, games consoles, chargers, Wi-Fi routers and the power supplies of laptops and monitors. A power strip with a switch turns several devices off completely at once. This is especially worthwhile at the desk and in front of the television.
How do I use the fridge economically?
The fridge runs around the clock, so every habit counts. Do not put warm food in it, close the door promptly and defrost any freezer compartment regularly. A temperature set too low wastes electricity. The right setting is in your device’s manual.
What saves electricity when washing and washing up?
Wash with a full drum and not hotter than necessary. Drying laundry on a line saves electricity compared with a dryer. A dishwasher works efficiently on an eco programme if you load it full. In a shared flat, several people share the machine, which improves how fully it is used.
How do I cook energy-efficiently?
Pots with lids need less energy. Only heat as much water in the kettle as you need. And use the residual heat of the hob and oven by switching off a little earlier.
How can you save on heating costs?
How high your heating costs turn out depends on the building, its location and your behavior. You cannot change the building or its location, but you can change your behavior.
- Shock ventilation instead of continuous ventilation: open windows wide for a short time and turn the heating off meanwhile. Tilted windows slowly cool the rooms and waste heating energy.
- Do not overheat unnecessarily: bedrooms need less warmth than the room where you sit at the desk.
- Turn the heating down when you are away, but do not switch it off completely. Cooled walls encourage mould and have to be heated up again later.
- Keep radiators clear: furniture and curtains in front of them keep the heat from reaching the room.
What can you do together in a shared flat?
In a shared flat, agreement makes the difference. Decide who holds the electricity contract, how you split the costs and who operates the thermostat. Hang a simple note with the rules for ventilating and heating in the kitchen. Discussing advance payments and back payments early avoids arguments at the end of the year.
Your overall budget also helps: if you look at fixed costs such as electricity, internet and insurance together, savings potential is easier to spot. More on this is in our article on reducing fixed costs as a student. You will find further ideas in our money-saving tips for students and under student discounts.
What happens to the money you save?
If you regularly spend a few euros less a month on energy, you can set that amount aside as a reserve for a possible back payment. Our article on building wealth as a student shows how to start with small amounts.
Frequently asked questions
How can I save electricity as a student?
Three things are most effective: switch off standby devices completely, use the fridge and washing machine sparingly, and compare tariffs if you have your own electricity contract. Heating behavior comes on top, because it is billed through the utility costs.
Can I switch electricity providers as a student?
Yes, if you have your own electricity contract, for example in your own flat or as the contract holder in a shared flat. If electricity is included in the rent, as in many halls of residence, you usually do not have a contract of your own. If in doubt, ask your landlord or the Studierendenwerke.
How can I reduce heating costs in a student flat?
Ventilate briefly and thoroughly instead of leaving windows tilted for long periods, turn the heating off while you ventilate and keep radiators clear. Do not heat rooms you rarely use to full. Turn the heating down when you are away without switching it off completely.
What is the default supply tariff for electricity?
The default supply tariff is the tariff of the local supplier that you fall into automatically if you do not sign a contract of your own. It is often more expensive than tariffs you choose yourself.
Your next steps
- Clarify whether electricity and heating are included in your rent.
- If you have your own electricity contract: read off your annual consumption and compare tariffs.
- Get a power strip with a switch and turn off standby devices.
- Agree on heating, ventilation and cost splitting in the shared flat.
- Photograph the meter readings when you move in and out.
Related articles
- Cutting household costs: the big guide for students
- Student discounts: how to really save
- Budget planning as a student: a monthly budget in three steps
- Benefits of student status: the discounts and services you can use
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice. The German version is authoritative.
