So, you've just moved to a new city in a new country. And you're going to be studying. And you might need to get a job. And then there's the simple matter of finding somewhere to live. It can all seem quite overwhelming.
What's more, you may have heard it can be quite hard to find student accommodation in Berlin. But don't worry, many organisations and resources exist to help you - including this article.
In this guide, we'll show you how to find student residences in Berlin, whether you need temporary accommodation or the right long-term housing option. We'll outline what documents you'll need, how to avoid rental scams, provide tips from current students, and offer loads of useful resources to get you settled in nicely.
Make sure you've got everything in order to study in Germany before looking for accommodation.
What documents do you need to apply for housing?
Once you start applying for housing in Berlin, you’ll notice landlords and housing providers ask for a lot of paperwork. It’s best to prepare a “rental application” folder in advance with digital copies of all necessary documents, so you can send them at a moment’s notice. Here’s a checklist of documents typically required:
1. Passport/ID and Residence Permit
Include a copy of your passport photo page. Non-EU students should also provide their study visa or residence permit to prove legal status.
2. Proof of Student Status
Provide your admission letter or enrolment certificate. Required for dorms and helpful for explaining limited income to landlords.
3. Proof of Income or Funds
If employed, include pay slips or a job contract. Otherwise, show a blocked account, bank statement, or guarantor letter (with their ID and income proof) to ensure that you can pay rent.
4. SCHUFA Credit Report
Landlords require this document quite often. If you don’t have one yet, offer a bank statement or a guarantor. Some student accommodation doesn’t require SCHUFA.
5. Rental Reference (if available)
A letter from a former landlord can help, but it’s usually optional for international students.
6. Security Deposit (Kaution)
Expect to pay 2–3 months’ rent after signing a contract. Never send money before the lease is finalised.
7. Co-signer ID (if applicable)
If someone is guaranteeing your rent, include their ID and a letter of guarantee.
In summary, try to anticipate what will be asked. A complete application might include a cover message, passport, student enrollment proof, income/financial proof, SCHUFA or alternative, and possibly a reference. Scan these into a PDF so you can quickly email them, because being organised and prompt with all your documents can set you apart in a competitive housing market. And if you can speak German, your chances are much better already!
We've also got a directory of useful forms and documents you may need.
What if you need temporary housing first?
Things don't always align or go to plan exactly as we would like them to, and finding student housing for the right time frame is no different. On the flip side, if you're not already studying in Berlin, it's not a good idea to sign a long-term lease online. Instead, start with a short-term rental:
Budget hostels can bridge the gap for a few weeks or months. Some well-known student-friendly hostels in Berlin include The Circus Hostel, A&O Hostels, Meininger Hostels, and Generator Hostel. These offer nightly or monthly rates (for example, from around €18–€25 per night in dorms).
Platforms like Wunderflats, Uniplaces, HousingAnywhere, or Airbnb specialise in furnished apartments for 1–6 months. These can be studios or rooms with flexible leases, a good option if you want a private space immediately.
Berlin has modern co-living residences like The Fizz Berlin and BaseCamp Potsdam, offering furnished rooms or studios with shared amenities and common spaces. These “student hotels” are pricier than dorms (around €770–€1,000+ per month) but include utilities, a social atmosphere, and often allow official registration.
Why start short-term?
Staying in temporary housing improves your chances of finding a long-term place. Being in Berlin lets you respond to apartment ads and attend viewings quickly, meet landlords or flatmates/ roommates in person, and get to know the neighbourhoods before committing. Living in the city gives you easy access to the housing market.
What is an Anmeldung (registration)?
The Anmeldung is the process of officially registering your address with the local Bürgeramt. In Germany, it’s mandatory within 14 days of moving into your new housing or student apartment.
Why it’s important:
Required for residence permit applications (non-EU students).
Needed to open a bank account, sign a mobile phone contract, and access student discounts on public transport.
Going for temporary housing or short-term rental gives you time to physically visit apartments, meet potential flatmates, and make better-informed decisions. It’s also easier to get picked if the future flatmates see you in person and not in a virtual call.
Top tip: When looking for housing, always confirm that the landlord or sublet provider offers Anmeldung, as many temporary rooms (especially sublets) do not.
What are your options as a student?
Next up, we should tackle just what sort of options you have as a student in Berlin, as there are three main choices: student dormitories, shared apartments, and private apartments. And we'll break down the pros and cons, price ranges, and where to find them for you.
Housing Option | Pros | Cons | Typical Cost (per month) |
|---|---|---|---|
Student Dormitories | Affordable, fully furnished, all-inclusive, near campus, student community | Limited availability, shared facilities, long waitlists, some restrictions | Avg: €300–€700 |
Shared Apartments (WG) | Lower cost, social life, flexible, very common | Less privacy, competitive viewings, personality fit matters | €400–€800 (avg. €600–€650) |
Private Apartments | Full privacy, long-term stability, own space | Most expensive, requires SCHUFA/income proof, intense competition | City centre: €1,200–€1,800 |
Read on for a more detailed breakdown of each option.
1. Student dormitories (Studierendenwerk and private providers)
Dormitories (Studentenwohnheime) are popular for first-year and international students. These are either run by the public student service (Studierendenwerk Berlin) or private companies focused on student housing. Dorms usually have furnished single rooms and a ready-made student community.
Top dorm providers and how to apply:
Studierendenwerk Berlin
The main student housing authority with dozens of dorms citywide. Rents are subsidised (cheap), but demand is extremely high. Waiting lists can exceed one year for popular locations, so apply early.
Studentendorf Berlin
Student village communities in Schlachtensee (southwest Berlin) and Adlershof. These are nonprofit-run “student villages” offering single rooms with furniture in shared houses/flats with a communal feel. Prices are moderate (~€400–€600). The villages are slightly farther out but offer more green spaces and a social environment. Waiting time varies, but some single rooms are immediately available in these villages
Private student residences:
Neon Wood
(locations in Friedrichshain, Mitte-Wedding, Adlershof) provides stylish studios with amenities (gym, lounges, events) – rent is higher (roughly €800–€1,000/month). But, no SCHUFA or German guarantor is required to book (helpful for new internationals).
The Fizz Berlin
(in Kreuzberg) offers 212 modern studios (~19–22 m²) with all-inclusive rent and community areas; monthly rent is around €1,100 for a 6-month stay (discounted for longer stays).
NGB-Living, House of Nations, Student Hotel (TSH Berlin)
and others also operate fully furnished student buildings. Application is usually via their websites, and they often require proof of student status (e.g., an admission or enrollment letter) and a deposit.
Keep in mind waiting times. Many students apply 6+ months before the semester. Studierendenwerk typically allocates half of their openings to first-semester students (so newcomers have a chance) and half to those already on the waitlist. Private dorms might have immediate availability if you can afford them. Alternatively, you can always defer your intake season.
2. Shared apartments (Wohngemeinschaft or WG)
Many students in Berlin live in shared flats (WGs), which offer a built-in social life and split the rent among roommates. Living in a WG is one of the most quintessential Berlin student experiences. In a WG, each person typically has a single room in a shared flat, and everyone shares the kitchen, bathroom, and sometimes a living room.
How to find a WG in Berlin
Finding out how to find a WG in Berlin can be a bit of a learning curve, but it's very common and can be both fun and affordable.
WG-Gesucht
The go-to platform is WG-Gesucht.de, Germany’s most popular flatshare site. New ads are posted daily (or hourly!) and competition is fierce.
Studenten-WG and WG-Suche
Other websites include Studenten-WG.de and WG-Suche.de, which also list room offers. Don’t overlook social media: Facebook groups like “WG Zimmer Berlin” or “Berlin Housing, Apartments, Rooms, Sublets” have many postings.
WhatsApp and Telegram Groups
There are also WhatsApp and Telegram groups for student apartments and housing in Berlin – ask around university communities to get an invite link. In addition, some universities maintain their own housing boards or forums for students.
WG life and tips
Write a friendly, personal message when replying to WG ads, personality matters as much as finances.
Viewings can be group interviews (“castings”) with questions about your habits and lifestyle.
Be honest and relaxed, as flatmates are looking for someone they’ll get along with.
Prefer independence? Look for “Zweck-WG” listings; these are practical flatshares with little social interaction.
“Keine Zweck-WG” means the flatmates want a more social, communal vibe, so decide which suits you best.
Use your network. Student groups, expat forums, or personal contacts can help you find rooms and skip the competition, but always check if Anmeldung is possible.
3. Private apartments
If you value privacy and space (or perhaps have a family with you), you might rent a private apartment on the open market. Students do rent private flats in Berlin, but it’s often the priciest and most challenging route.
What is cold rent and warm rent?
Always check if it is cold rent (Kaltmiete) or warm rent (Warmmiete). Cold rent means you pay extras (utilities like heating, water, and electricity) on top. Whereas warm rent (Warmmiete) includes heating and certain service charges in the price. Warm rent is often about €150–€300 higher than cold for an average one-bed flat, but you’ll still usually pay electricity and internet separately.
Where to search?
Start with major portals and most popular websites like Immobilienscout24, Immonet, or Immowelt. eBay Kleinanzeigen and WG-Gesucht also list apartments, while Facebook groups and university housing boards can offer extra leads.
Finding rooms isn’t easy
Websites like WG-Gesucht are popular and effective, but highly competitive. Check listings frequently and respond quickly. Being among the first to contact a landlord or flatshare increases your chances significantly, as ads often receive dozens of responses within minutes.
How to tell the difference between different options?
A lot of the time, the lines between dormitories, shared apartments, and private apartments are blurred in Berlin. So, we've put together a handy table to help you tell them apart:
Term | Student-only? | Shared Kitchen/Bath? | Whole Flat? | Typical Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Public Dormitory | Yes | Usually shared | No | €250–€400 |
Private Dormitory | Yes | Sometimes shared, sometimes studio | No | €600–€1,200 |
Shared Flat (WG) | No | Yes | No | €400–€800 |
Private Apartment | No | No | Yes | €800–€1,800 |
Co-living Space | Sometimes | Usually shared or optional | No | €700–€1,300 |
Tips for finding accommodation in Berlin (from students)
Current students who have been through the Berlin housing hunt have a lot of wisdom. Here are some top tips to improve your chances of finding a good place: Be proactive and persistent. Many international students in Berlin secure housing by starting early, casting a wide net on multiple platforms, and staying organised with paperwork – all while keeping a positive, flexible attitude.
Start Early - ideally, you should search 3–6 months in advance, especially for dorms with long wait times. Housing in Berlin goes fast, so begin as soon as you get your university acceptance.
Use Multiple Platforms & Check Daily - keep visiting best websites like WG-Gesucht, Facebook groups, and Studierendenwerk, and check them daily. Posting your own “housing wanted” apartment ad can also attract offers.
Act Fast and Be Responsive - send a message within the first hour if possible and set up notifications so you can respond quickly, and stay persistent even if you don’t hear back right away.
Consider All Locations - finding an apartment in the central areas is not always easy. Outer districts like Wedding, Moabit, or Lichtenberg often have cheaper, more available housing and are still well connected by public transport. This way, your search can reveal hidden gems in these locations and save money.
Keep Digital Copies of Everything - keep your documents (ID, financial proof, etc.) ready as PDFs so you can send them quickly when requested. Being organised and responsive leaves a good impression.
Be Flexible with Move-in Dates - taking a room slightly earlier than planned can give you an edge. Arriving before the semester starts also helps you avoid the peak rush and improves your chances.
Make the most of University Resources - housing offices, bulletin boards, or buddy programmes can offer leads and advice. Connecting with other students through groups or events may also help you find a room.
Finally, keep your chin up! Finding accommodation in Berlin can take time, a lot of patience, and even more emails, but virtually every student eventually finds a place. Berlin is a big city with many housing possibilities, so with persistence, you’ll secure something. And every challenge in finding a room will make moving into your new home that much sweeter.
If you've still got any other burning questions for our current students about accommodation or anything else, chat to one of our students.
How to Avoid Rental Scams in Berlin
While Berlin is full of friendly and genuinely helpful people, unfortunately, you may sometimes encounter some who don't have your true interests at heart. The housing shortage is especially attractive to rental scammers who try to take advantage of desperate housing-seekers and students from abroad.
Fortunately, help is on hand to give you the tools and knowledge to stay one step ahead of the game and avoid scams:
Never send money before signing a proper contract and seeing the place - in Germany, payment only comes after a signed lease, so requests for upfront transfers or overseas payments are likely scams.
If it’s too good to be true, don’t go through - unrealistically low rents often signal scams, so always compare with typical prices and definitely question deals that seem suspiciously cheap.
Always verify the landlord’s identity - ask for ID or proof they own the property, as legit landlords provide full contracts and registration forms. Be wary of excuses like being abroad or avoiding details; these are common scam tactics.
Avoid certain payment methods - payment methods like Western Union, crypto, or gift cards are major red flags. Only pay rent by bank transfer to a German account after signing. And never pay a viewing fee as it's completely illegal.
Read the contract carefully - make sure rent, deposit, utilities, dates, and notice period are clear, and don’t sign anything you don’t fully understand or that’s incomplete. If it’s in German, get help translating or reviewing it.
Trust your instincts and take your time - scammers commonly create urgency to pressure you. A genuine landlord won’t demand instant payment. So if something feels off, pause and get advice.
Seek guidance and advice - Berlin’s consumer protection agencies (Verbraucherzentrale) can advise potential renters on scams, and many universities have international offices familiar with common fraud tactics ready for you to reach out if you’re unsure.
Use reputable platforms and resources - tried and trusted platforms with verified listings like WG-Gesucht or Wunderflats are best, and avoid random ads or off-platform deals. If using Airbnb, always keep communication and payment within the site to avoid scams.
In summary, stay vigilant. Most students do find housing without issues, but a healthy dose of skepticism will help you avoid the few bad apples. So, when in doubt, talk to fellow students or authorities, and as the saying goes, if a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is. By following the above rules and sticking to verified listings, you can stay safe while you find housing in Berlin.
Useful External Resources for Student Housing
To further aid your accommodation search, here’s a list of useful external resources and websites:
Studierendenwerk Berlin – Housing Service:
The official student housing organisation in Berlin. Their website (stw.berlin) has information on dormitories, the application portal, FAQs, and also lists other housing providers and forums. They even offer an InfoCenter where you can get advice as a student looking for accommodation.
WG-Gesucht.de:
The most popular site for flatshare (WG) and rental listings across Germany, including Berlin. Updated constantly with new offers. Use search filters to narrow by price, area, etc. Also read their tips on avoiding fake ads – very insightful for first-timers.
Make it in Germany – Housing Guide:
“Make it in Germany” is an official government portal for newcomers. Their housing guide explains German rental processes, lease terms, and tenant rights in English. It’s a great primer on what to expect when renting in Germany (e.g., notice periods, deposit rules, and definitions of Warmmiete/Kaltmiete).
Berlin Student Facebook Groups:
Join Facebook groups like “WG Zimmer Berlin (Student Housing)”, “Housing in Berlin for Students/Internationals”, and university-specific groups. These can have listings or at least community advice. (Always exercise caution on social platforms; verify any offer as mentioned earlier.)
Immobilienscout24:
The largest property portal for Germany – you can find not just apartments but also some WG rooms here. It’s in German, but you can use Google Translate or the English version of the site. Immowelt and Immonet are similar alternatives.
Other Niche Platforms:
For completeness, other sites include Studenten-WG.de (student-focused housing ads), Airbnb (for short-term sublets, some allow longer stays with Anmeldung – check descriptions), HousingAnywhere (especially for sublets from exchange students), and Campusboards that some universities run. Berlin’s rental market is very diverse, so using a combination of these resources will yield the best results.
Lastly, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone in this process. Thousands of international students move to Berlin each year and successfully find housing. With the information and resources in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to securing a place to call home in Berlin.
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