Student Dormitories in Germany: How to Get a Spot in a Wohnheim

A student dormitory in Germany, or Studentenwohnheim, is usually the most straightforward option for an international student’s first place to live: the room is already furnished, the rent is often considered a “Warmmiete” (rent including utilities), and applications are submitted through the local Studierendenwerk or Studentenwerk. The main drawback is that there are few spots available, so you need to start looking for housing immediately after choosing a university—and sometimes even before final enrollment, if the rules of a particular city allow it.

Types of dormitories

Germany does not have a unified nationwide housing allocation system. Each university town has its own rules, deadlines, and application forms, so your first step should always be to visit the website of the local Studierendenwerk.

Studierendenwerk Dormitories

This is the most popular type of student housing. These Wohnheims are usually managed not by the university itself, but by the regional Studierendenwerk, which serves one or more universities.

What’s usually important:

Applications are submitted online through the Studierendenwerk website for your city;
Housing is not guaranteed even upon admission to the university;
In popular cities, there are often long waiting lists, especially before the winter semester;
Some dormitories are available only to students from certain universities;
When moving in, you usually need to confirm your student status.

According to the Deutsches Studierendenwerk, the Studierendenwerke offer approximately 196,000 spots in more than 1,700 student residences. The average rent in these dorms is about 306 euros per month, including additional expenses, but the exact price depends on the city, room type, and building.

Private dormitories

Private Wohnheime operate like regular rental properties: they have their own websites, leases, security deposits, and selection criteria. They may be more modern, offer more amenities, and be located closer to campus, but they are often more expensive than Studierendenwerk dorms.

You can search for them through:

the Studierendenwerk website, if it lists private partners;
the university’s website under the “Wohnen” or “Accommodation” section;
search terms such as “private Wohnheime” plus the city name;
major rental platforms and student housing services.

How much does a spot in a dorm cost?

A general guideline for Germany in 2026: Studierendenwerk dorms are often cheaper than the private market, but prices do not always fall within the old ranges of 200–450 euros. In large, overheated cities, costs may be higher, while in small university towns, they may be significantly lower.

Before comparing options, consider not only the price but also what’s included in the rent:

Format	What’s typically included	What to look out for
Room in a Studierendenwerk dormitory	Furniture, utilities, sometimes internet	Waiting list, contract term, renewal rules
Studio or Einzelapartment	Private kitchen or kitchenette, private bathroom	Higher price, fewer available units
Private dormitory	Furniture, internet, sometimes common areas and services	Security deposit, minimum lease term, additional fees
Shared room	Private room with shared common areas	Requires interviews with roommates; not all expenses are always included

Look for the term “Warmmiete” in listings: this refers to rent that includes Nebenkosten, or utility costs. Electricity, internet, radio license fees, and other charges may not always be included.

Who is eligible for a spot

Most often, spots in student dormitories are reserved for enrolled students at universities served by a specific Studierendenwerk. In many cities, applications are also accepted from:

exchange students;
first-year students;
graduate students and doctoral candidates, if permitted by the residence regulations;
students at a Studienkolleg;
participants in preparatory language courses offered by the university, if this is explicitly stated in the terms and conditions.

The right to apply does not guarantee a room. Some Studierendenwerke allow you to join the waiting list before receiving your final Zulassungsbescheid, while others require you to upload proof of admission when you submit your application.

How to Apply Through the Studierendenwerk

It’s best to start with the official Studierendenwerk website rather than general classifieds. The process usually goes like this:

Find the Studierendenwerk for your university. If the university is located in a small town, it may be served by the Studierendenwerk of a neighboring region.
Open the “Wohnen,” “Wohnheime,” or “Accommodation” section.
Check which universities have dormitories available and whether you can apply before enrollment.
Select several dormitories if the system allows you to specify preferences.
Have your passport information, email address, future university, program, start semester, and proof of admission ready, if required.
After submitting your application, regularly confirm your interest if required by the waiting list rules.
At the same time, look for a shared apartment (WG) and temporary housing so you aren’t dependent on a single waiting list.

It’s important not to wait until the start of the semester. In Germany, the winter semester sees the highest demand for housing, and it’s more difficult for international students to quickly view apartments after they’ve already arrived.

What living conditions can you expect?

Dormitories in Germany don’t necessarily look like classic corridor-style dorms. The layouts can vary even within a single building:

a private furnished room with a shared kitchen and bathroom;
A shared apartment (WG) for several people;
a small studio apartment with its own kitchen area and shower;
apartments for couples or students with children;
Rooms adapted for people with disabilities.

Basic furniture usually includes a bed, a desk, a chair, a wardrobe, and shelves. You’ll often have to buy your own bedding, dishes, kitchen utensils, and small appliances unless the room description states otherwise.

Dormitory or Shared Apartment (WG): Which to Choose

A WG, or Wohngemeinschaft, is a shared apartment where each resident has their own room, while the kitchen, bathroom, and sometimes the living room are shared. For students, this is the second most common type of housing after dorms.

A dorm is a better option if you:

You’re moving to Germany for the first time;
You want a clear lease agreement and fixed costs;
aren’t willing to go on many WG viewings;
looking for a furnished room near campus;
You want to quickly get to know other students.

A WG might be a better option if you:

did not get a spot in a Wohnheim;
You want to choose your neighborhood and neighbors;
looking for a short-term room or a Zwischenmiete;
are willing to communicate with landlords and neighbors in German or English;
You’re already in the city and can go on viewings.

In practice, it’s best to apply for a dorm while simultaneously looking for a WG. This way, you reduce the risk of arriving at the start of the semester without a place to live.

Where Else to Look for Student Housing

In addition to the Studierendenwerk, check:

the university’s page for international students;
bulletin boards at the faculty and student union;
WG-Gesucht and other platforms for shared rooms;
city and university groups on social media;
temporary housing options (Zwischenmiete) for the first few weeks;
Service packages for exchange students, if offered by your Studierendenwerk.

Be wary of listings that require you to transfer a deposit before a viewing, refuse to show you the lease agreement, or send copies of documents instead of communicating directly with you. These are typical red flags in Germany.

Common Mistakes When Searching for a Wohnheim

Apply to only one dormitory and do not look for a backup option.
Wait for the Zulassungsbescheid, even though the specific Studierendenwerk allows early applications.
Do not confirm your place in the queue if the system requires you to update your application regularly.
Comparing prices without checking whether Nebenkosten, internet, and electricity are included.
Ignoring the contract term: some accommodations are only available for a limited number of semesters.
Start looking for housing two weeks before the start of the winter semester.

FAQ

Is it possible to secure a spot in a dorm before arriving in Germany?

Yes, many applications are submitted online. However, the rules depend on the Studierendenwerk: in some cases, a planned enrollment is sufficient, while in others, you’ll need a Zulassungsbescheid or Immatrikulationsbescheinigung.

Is dorm housing free in Germany?

No. These are rental accommodations, but Studierendenwerk dorms are usually cheaper than the private market and often include utilities in the “Warmmiete.”

Do you have to be a student at that specific university?

Usually yes: dormitories are affiliated with the universities served by a specific Studierendenwerk. If there are several universities in the city, you should check the list of eligible universities on the residence’s website.

What should you do if there are no spots available in the dorm?

Keep your application in the queue, but at the same time look for a WG, Zwischenmiete, a temporary room, and offers through the university. Your first place can be temporary: in Germany, it’s often easier to find a long-term room after you’ve arrived and registered in the city.