Ultimate Accommodation Guide
How to find safe, affordable housing — from student dorms to shared flats (WGs).
Housing is usually the first real bottleneck future students hit — and the one most worth planning early, especially in high-demand university cities.
Dorms vs. WGs: The Real Trade-off
Student dorms (Studentenwohnheime), run by the local Studentenwerk, are typically cheaper and can often be applied for remotely, months in advance — but availability is limited and waiting lists are common in popular cities. Shared flats (WGs) offer more independence and often better locations, but usually require being in Germany to view rooms and meet potential flatmates in person.
When to Start Looking
For dorms, apply as soon as you have your university admission — ideally three to four months before your intended move-in date. For a WG, start browsing listings a few weeks before arrival, but expect to finalize things only in your first one to two weeks on the ground.
What a Typical Application Requires
- Proof of university enrollment or admission.
- A short self-introduction (for WGs — flatmates often decide based on this and a brief video call or in-person visit).
- Proof of income or a guarantor, in some cases, especially for private rentals outside student housing.
- A Schufa credit report, for private apartments — usually not required for WGs or Studentenwerk dorms.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Landlords asking for a deposit before any viewing or video call.
- Listings priced significantly below market rate for the area — a common scam pattern.
- Pressure to decide or pay within hours, without time to review a contract.
GSA Bridge™ covers housing as part of the first-100-days sequence, including how to prioritize between dorm applications and WG searches based on your specific arrival timeline.