Finding Temporary Accommodation in Germany for Students

Created time

Apr 17, 2023 07:15 AM

Focus Keyword

Temporary Accommodation in Germany

Owner

Shivani

Reviewer

Pavitthira

Other Keywords

Student halls, youth hostels, Studentenwerk, hotel, private accommodation

Assigned date

Jul 3, 2024

Review Status

Completed

Type

Review and Edit

Blog Status

Published

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Do not index

Pavitthira - Remarks

Introduction

Hey there! Just landed in Germany and feeling a mix of excitement and stress about finding a place to stay? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Settling into a new country can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to finding temporary accommodation. But fear not, we’ve got you covered. Here’s your friendly guide to finding a place to stay for those crucial initial days or a short period while you figure out your long-term home.

Student halls are the most affordable accommodation for students in Germany, but due to very high demand, not all students will be able to get a place in student halls. Students who are searching for private WG or apartment should find temporary accommodation in Germany for the first few days until they sign the contract. In this article, we will describe several temporary accommodation options for students in Germany.

What to Look for in Your Temporary Accommodation?

Before diving into the sea of listings, take a moment to think about what you really need. Here’s a checklist to get you started:

Budget: What’s your financial limit? Keep in mind that temporary accommodations might be a bit pricier.

Privacy vs. Social Life: Do you prefer living alone or sharing space with others?

Location: Do you want to be close to campus or in the heart of the city?

Type of Living: On-campus housing, city flat, or something in between?

2. Popular Flat Portals in Germany

Looking for a temporary place? These platforms are your best bet:

Immobilienscout24, Immowelt, and Immonet: Great for finding both furnished and unfurnished options. Use filters to narrow down to furnished flats if that’s what you need.

Airbnb and Booking.com: Ideal for short-term stays. They offer flexibility and a range of options.

Fintiba: Check out their site for discounts and easy booking options. They provide student residences, furnished flats, and even pet-friendly options.

Temporary Accommodation at Studentenwerk

At some universities, the Studentenwerk and religious university organisations offer international students temporary housing for their first nights in Germany. However, not all Studentenwerk provide this service, so it is important to contact Studentenwerk or visit their website to know whether this service is provided or not. For long-term accommodation, student halls are economical options.

Here are some details regarding temporary accommodation at Studentenwerk:

Some universities offer temporary housing for international students for their first few nights in Germany.

The temporary housing is provided by Studentenwerk and religious university organisations.

Not all Studentenwerk provide this service, so it is important to check beforehand.

Contact Studentenwerk or visit their website to know whether this service is provided or not.

Youth Hostels

Youth hostels are a good option for temporary accommodation in Germany, especially for students who are on a budget. Here are some details about youth hostels:

To stay at a youth hostel, you need to become a member of the German Youth Hostel Association or any other national Youth Hostel Association.

If you are not already a member, you can become a member for a small fee at any youth hostel in Germany.

Youth hostels are typically located in central locations, making them convenient for exploring the city.

They provide basic amenities, such as a bed, a shared bathroom, and a common area for socialising.

They are a great way to meet other travellers and students, which can be helpful when looking for permanent accommodation.

Youth hostels are a non-profit organisation that provides accommodation at an affordable cost and best service.

They are a good option for short-term stays, but may not be ideal for longer stays due to their basic amenities.

Overall, youth hostels are a good option for students who are looking for temporary accommodation in Germany and are on a budget. They provide basic amenities and are a great way to meet other travellers and students.

Apart from finding accommodation for your initial days, there are some important things students need to take care of, after you land in Germany

Hotel/Private Accommodation

If you're unable to secure temporary accommodation through Studentenwerk or youth hostels, you can look for hotels or private flats to rent.

Advantages

Comfortable

Convenient

Wide range of options available

Disadvantages

More expensive than other options

May not be suitable for long-term stays

Booking Websites

Booking.com

Airbnb.com

It's important to note that private accommodations may not be as affordable or offer the same level of service as other options. When choosing a hotel or private flat, make sure to read reviews and check for hidden fees before making a reservation.

Students who were not able to secure a place in student halls by submitting an online application to Studentenwerke can use social media to find accommodation in student halls. Many students sublet their student hall rooms for a limited period when they go abroad for an exchange program or to complete a placement or internship elsewhere.

How to Find Accommodation

Students can join Facebook groups that are specifically created to help connect students searching for accommodation with those offering their rooms. For example, to find accommodation in Magdeburg, there is a Facebook group called “Student Accommodation Magdeburg”. Likewise, there will be a Facebook group according to the region and university. Students can join these groups and find a room for the short term.

Tips for Finding Accommodation

Before signing a contract, students should have a look at the room and know how much they are paying. This option has the advantage of being around the university, and students can interact with other students about finding permanent accommodation.

Advantages

Flexible

Affordable

Good opportunity to network with other students

Disadvantages

Risk of scams

Limited availability

Quality of accommodation may vary

Comparison between Temporary Accommodation Options in Germany

The following table compares the temporary accommodation options available to students in Germany:

Accommodation Option	Cost	Advantages	Disadvantages
Studentenwerk	Low	Affordable	High demand
Youth Hostels	Low	Affordable	Membership required
Hotels/Private Accommodation	Medium/High	Comfort	Expensive
Social Media	Low/Medium	Flexible	Risk of scams

After sorting out the essential aspects of your stay and studies in Germany, you can focus on balancing your academics and social life.

Conclusion

In Germany, student halls provide affordable accommodation in all the cities. Therefore, always try to opt for student services than private accommodation. If you’re not able to find temporary accommodation in Germany in Studentenwerk, then choose youth hostels because they are a non-profit organisation that provides accommodation at an affordable cost and best service.

FAQs:

1. What types of accommodation are available for short-term stays in Germany?

A: You can find a variety of short-term accommodations, including hotels, hostels, guesthouses (Pensionen), short-term rentals through platforms like Airbnb, and student dormitories (if available).

2. How far in advance should I book my accommodation?

A: It's recommended to book your accommodation at least 2-3 months in advance, especially if you're moving during the peak season (September and October). This ensures availability and better rates.

3. What are the average costs for short-term accommodation in Germany?

A: The cost varies depending on the city and type of accommodation. On average, hostels can range from €20-€40 per night, budget hotels from €50-€100 per night, and Airbnb rentals from €30-€100 per night.

4. Are there any student-specific accommodations for short stays?

A: Yes, some universities offer temporary housing for international students. You can also check with student housing organizations (Studentenwerk) for short-term options.

5. How can I find affordable short-term accommodation?

A: Look for deals on websites like Booking.com, Hostelworld, and Airbnb. Additionally, consider staying in smaller towns or suburbs, which are usually cheaper than city centers.

6. What should I look for when choosing accommodation for my initial days in Germany?

A: Consider the location (proximity to public transport and your university), amenities (Wi-Fi, kitchen facilities), safety, and reviews from previous guests.

7. Is it necessary to know German to book accommodation?

A: While many hosts and platforms offer services in English, knowing basic German can be helpful. However, major booking websites and international hotels usually provide English support.

8. Can I book accommodation without a credit card?

A: Most online booking platforms require a credit card. However, some hostels and guesthouses may accept cash payments upon arrival. Always check the payment policy beforehand.

9. What are the cancellation policies for short-term accommodations?

A: Cancellation policies vary by accommodation. Some offer free cancellation up to a certain date, while others may charge a fee. Always read the terms and conditions before booking.

10. Are there any apps or websites specifically for finding short-term accommodation in Germany?

A: Yes, popular websites and apps include Airbnb, Booking.com, Hostelworld, and local platforms like WG-Gesucht for shared accommodations.

11. Is it safe to stay in shared accommodations like hostels or Airbnb?

A: Generally, yes. Always check reviews and ratings from previous guests. Look for accommodations with high cleanliness standards and good security measures.

12. What documents do I need to provide when checking into my accommodation?

A: Typically, you'll need a valid ID or passport. Some places might also require proof of booking or a credit card for incidentals.

13. Are there any student discounts available for accommodation?

A: Some hostels and hotels offer student discounts. Always inquire when booking. Having an International Student Identity Card (ISIC) can also help you get discounts.

14. Can I extend my stay if needed?

A: It's usually possible to extend your stay, but it depends on the availability. Inform your host as early as possible if you need to extend your booking.

15. What should I do if I encounter issues with my accommodation?

A: Contact the host or the platform's customer service immediately to report any issues. Keep a record of all communications for reference.