Finding a room is often the first real challenge for international students in Germany. Demand is high in many university cities, and good offers can disappear within hours. This guide explains the main accommodation options, the documents landlords usually ask for and the registration step you must complete after you move in.
In short: International students can live in a student residence (Wohnheim), a shared flat (WG) or a private rental. Residences run by the Studierendenwerk are often the most affordable option but usually have waiting lists. You must register your new address within two weeks of moving in, and registration normally requires a confirmation from your landlord.
Key points in brief
- Student residences run by the Studierendenwerk are often the most affordable option, but waiting lists are common.
- Shared flats are a popular choice for students and are advertised on dedicated portals and social media groups.
- Start your search early and apply for several options at the same time.
- Check the total monthly cost, including utilities, deposit and broadcasting contribution, not only the basic rent.
- Register your address within two weeks after moving in.
Which accommodation options are there?
Each option suits a different budget and lifestyle. A residence is often the simplest way to start, because rooms are usually furnished and the rent is lower than on the private market. A shared flat gives you quicker access and social contact, but you share the kitchen and bathroom. A private flat gives you privacy and independence, although the market is competitive and deposits and fees are higher.
| Option | Typical advantage | Typical drawback |
|---|---|---|
| Student residence (Wohnheim) | Often lower rent, usually furnished | Waiting lists and limited places |
| Shared flat (WG) | Quick to find, social contact from the start | Shared kitchen and bathroom, and house rules |
| Private studio or flat | Privacy and full independence | Higher rent and deposit, strong competition |
| Temporary housing | Flexible for your first weeks | Usually more expensive than a long-term rental |
If you want a broader view of strategy, portals and typical cost levels, our guide to affordable student housing in Germany covers the search in more detail. Many students combine a residence application with a few shared flat searches at the same time.
Which documents do landlords ask for?
Landlords and flat-share hosts want to know that you can pay the rent and that you are a reliable tenant. Prepare a standard set of documents, so you can send it quickly when you find a flat you like. Most landlords will ask for the following:
- A copy of your passport or national identity card
- Your proof of enrolment (Immatrikulationsbescheinigung) from the university
- Proof of how you will pay the rent, such as a bank statement, a scholarship letter, a student job contract or a guarantor
- A short introduction of yourself, explaining your study programme and how long you plan to stay
- A reference from a previous landlord, if you have one
Some landlords also ask for a credit report, which is often requested in German as a SCHUFA-Auskunft. Do not pay a deposit or a fee before you have viewed the flat in person and signed a written contract. Offers that ask for money early, especially from abroad, are a common warning sign of fraud.
What costs should you plan for?
Rent is only one part of your monthly budget. Most contracts also include service charges for heating, water and waste, and you may have to pay a deposit or advance rent. Plan for a broadcasting contribution (Rundfunkbeitrag) and for your liability insurance. Our guide to liability insurance in a shared flat or your own flat explains when this cover is worth considering.
Read the contract carefully before you sign. Check how the deposit is held, when service charges are settled, who is responsible for repairs and what notice period applies. If a clause is unclear, ask for a written explanation, or have a trusted adult or an advice service review the contract with you.
How does registration work after you move in?
Under section 17 of the Federal Registration Act (Bundesmeldegesetz), you must register your address with the registration office (Meldebehörde) within two weeks after you move in. Local offices are often called the Bürgeramt. You will need your passport and a confirmation from your landlord that you have moved in, which is commonly called the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung. Bring copies, because some offices keep the originals.
Registration matters for many other steps. Banks, health insurers and your residence permit process often ask for proof of address. Our guide to the student visa for Germany explains which registration steps follow after your arrival.
Frequently asked questions
Should I apply for a residence or a shared flat?
Apply for both if you can. Residence places depend on waiting lists and rules set by the Studierendenwerk, so the process can be slow. Shared flat rooms can become available quickly, but the quality varies. Compare the total costs and the conditions before you sign anything.
Can I arrive without a room?
It is possible, but it is risky. Book temporary accommodation for the first weeks, so you can view flats in person and avoid paying for a place you have not seen. Hostels and short-term rentals are common options, although they usually cost more per month.
What is a Wohnungsgeberbestätigung?
It is the confirmation from your landlord that you have moved into the flat, including the date. Registration offices usually ask for it. If your landlord is slow to provide it, ask in writing and keep a record of your request.
Do I have to sign a contract in German?
Contracts in Germany are usually written in German. If you do not understand a clause, ask for a translation or have someone you trust check the text before you sign. Understanding the terms is important, because they set your rights and obligations for the entire tenancy.
What you can do now
- Start your search early and set up alerts on the student housing portals in your city.
- Ask the Studierendenwerk about waiting lists and application deadlines for residences.
- Prepare one document pack with your passport, enrolment certificate and proof of how you pay the rent.
- Do not pay a deposit or any fee before you have seen the flat and signed a written contract.
- Plan your registration for the first two weeks after your move-in date.
Related guides
- Affordable student housing: strategy, portals and costs
- Liability insurance in a shared flat or your own flat
- Student Contents Insurance in Shared Flats and Dorms: When It Pays
- Student Housing Benefit: Who Qualifies and How to Apply
- Student visa Germany 2026: documents and timeline
Sources: Section 17 Federal Registration Act, BMG (current text) · Deutsches Studierendenwerk, information on student housing
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
