Where you live changes your budget more than your tuition does (which is usually zero). It's also the most stressful thing to sort from India. Start early, know the options, and protect yourself from the one scam that catches students every single intake.
Your options, cheapest first
| Option | Rough cost/mo | Reality |
|---|---|---|
| Student dorm (Studentenwerk) | €250 to €450 | Cheapest, but long waitlists, apply early |
| Shared flat (WG) | €350 to €700 | The student standard, social, varies by city |
| Studio / 1-room apartment | €600 to €1,200+ | Private but pricey, scarce in big cities |
| Temporary / sublet first weeks | varies | Bridge while you view places in person |
The plan
Apply for a dorm via your Studentenwerk
Every university city has a Studentenwerk (student services) that runs subsidised dorms. They're the cheapest rooms going, so apply the moment you have admission. Expect a waitlist; apply anyway and to several if eligible.
Hunt for a WG on WG-Gesucht
A WG (Wohngemeinschaft, shared flat) is how most students live. WG-Gesucht is the main site. WGs choose flatmates they like, so your message matters as much as your budget.
Can't lock a place from India? Bridge it
If nothing is confirmed before you fly, book a short-term/temporary place for your first few weeks, then view WGs in person, landlords and flatmates strongly prefer to meet you. Many students find their real room within a month of arriving.
The scam that hits students every intake
- Red flags: price too good, landlord abroad, no video viewing, pressure to pay fast, money by Western Union/gift cards/crypto.
- Safe: video or in-person viewing, a written Mietvertrag (rental contract), deposit (Kaution, usually up to 3 months' rent) paid only after signing, ideally to a German bank account.
Why housing is step one of everything
You need a registered address for your Anmeldung (city registration), and almost everything else, bank account, blocked-account activation, residence permit, depends on the Anmeldung. So a real address isn't just comfort, it unlocks the rest of your setup. See the first-weeks guide.
FAQ
How much deposit (Kaution) is normal?
Usually up to three months' cold rent, refundable when you leave if there's no damage.
What's "warm" vs "cold" rent?
Kaltmiete is rent only; Warmmiete includes some utilities. Always check which a listing means.
Is it cheaper in smaller cities?
Much. See big city vs small city.
Useful links: Studentenwerk accommodation ↗ · WG-Gesucht ↗
