There are two kinds of accommodation you can get in Germany as a student. The economical option – student unions’ halls of residence and the private accommodation tending to be more costly compared to the first option.
According to the Deutsches Studentenwerk: “German halls of residence are used by 10 percent of the student population. By way of comparison, 29 percent of all German students share flats, 17 percent live alone in a flat and 20 percent live with a partner.”
The same source mentions that places on the halls of residence are occupied by 40% of the total international students in Germany.
Where to stay during your first days in Germany as a student?
Accommodation in temporary means until finding the permanent place of stay in Germany is a very common practice amongst the international students.
Temporary accommodation options for students in Germany are:
- Cheap hotels
- Low-cost hostels
- Youth hostels – but you have to be a member of the national association of the International Youth Hostel Federation by paying a small fee
- Private B&B – private rooms of people advertising online use “Privatzimmer”(private room) + your location to find them online
- Guest house (pension)
Tip: do the reservation online early enough before your travel date.
Orientation week: Welcome Week is your opportunity to make friends, learn more about studying at the university and living in the country. You will be invited to attend a number of events throughout Welcome Week.
Travel to your institution: If you are staying near the university, there is shuttle service available. Else, you may choose to travel by trains or buses.
How can a student open a bank account in Germany?
In order to open a bank account in Germany, you’ll need the following documents:
- your passport
- proof of registration (Meldebescheinigung)
- student registration (if you want to open a student account)