Accommodation

The main providers are the student unions, but there are also church organisations and private investors. There are currently around 238,000 publicly subsidised places to live nationwide, of which a good 195,000 are provided by the 57 student unions (Studierendenwerke).

The average gross rent in halls of residence run by the student unions is 279.92 euros per month (including internet access in many places); students have to pay an average of 50 euros more for a place in a hall of residence run by another organisation.

In many places, there are also special accommodation options for wheelchair users or students with limited mobility and for students with children. Information on how to apply, the location and the respective rents of the individual halls of residence can be obtained from the student services organisation of the respective university location.

You can find a list at www.studierendenwerke.de/deutsches-studentenwerk/studentenwerke/studierendenwerke-a-z/landkarte.

The cost of a flat on the free housing market varies depending on the university location. In the classic university cities and metropolitan areas, they are significantly higher than elsewhere. According to the 22nd Social Survey, students in Munich pay an average monthly rent of 495 euros including ancillary costs, compared to just 329 euros in Leipzig.

You can find offers on the free housing market in daily newspapers, from estate agents, on relevant internet platforms or on university notice boards. You should also ask at the housing agencies of the student unions and among your friends. You can often read and place free online adverts in city magazines and local classifieds. Housing exchanges on the internet often have special pages for students. And flat-sharing centres provide temporary accommodation, usually for subletting.

When comparing rents, pay attention to whether the rent is a net rent (Kaltmiete) or a gross rent (Endmiete). As a rule, you will also have to pay a deposit, which you will get back when you move out of the flat.

If you have a low income, it may be possible to obtain a certificate of eligibility for social housing (WBS). As a student, you may also be entitled to housing benefit if you are not entitled to BAföG. Information on this can be obtained from the social counselling centres of the student unions, housing benefit offices of the city and district administrations and housing cooperatives. As a rule, you must first apply for BAföG funding before you can apply for housing benefit.

Applicants with disabilities are usually given preferential consideration when applying for a place in a hall of residence. Nevertheless, you should submit your application for a room in a student hall of residence as early as possible. Some halls of residence offer additional support and services for students with care/assistance needs, e.g. Konrad-Biesalski-Haus in Marburg and Haus Sumperkamp in Bochum. In addition, the local housing office or the city administration's disability officer can help you find accommodation on the free housing market.

Further information for applicants and students with disabilities and chronic illnesses can be obtained from the ‘Information and Advice Centre for Studies and Disability’ of the Deutsches Studierendenwerk: (www.studierendenwerke.de/themen/studieren-mit-behinderung/studienalltag/wohnen-ohne-barrieren)