Top Co-living Options for Students
German universities are a popular choice for both German and international students thanks to the quality of the education and vibrant student life. However, starting out as a new student and moving to another city or even to a new country can be quite overwhelming.
To find suitable accommodation is perhaps the most essential thing you will have to take care of as a student. Depending on where you’re planning on moving to and how much money you have available, it’s not always easy to find a place to live.
Here, we introduce you to some of the main co-housing options for students in Germany.
Student Halls/Student dormitories
Student halls are great options if you have a limited budget and don’t mind living with other students. Dormitories are usually located directly on the campus or in a very short commute. Yet, the quality and type of accommodation differ between universities. The options may be single rooms, shared apartments, single apartments, and in many cases, shared amenities such as the bathrooms and kitchens.
Unfortunately, one major con is that not all students are equally eligible to apply, and there are also deadlines to meet. Our advice is to apply as soon as you receive the acceptance letter if you consider this option, as the available spots run off quickly.
To obtain a room in a dormitory, you have to apply to your college or university’s student union (‘Studentenwerk’). You can find most student dormitories advertised online, through the local Studentenwerk or on student notice boards.
Flatshare
Shared flats, or “WG” (short for Wohngemeinschaft”), are perhaps one of the most popular options amongst students. They are a fantastic way to meet new people while still having your privacy. Usually (in the best case scenario), each flatmate will have their room and only share the living room, bathroom, and kitchen.
WG prices differ based on the area and the number of flatmates. Although, it’s important to know that there are two types of rent in Germany: Kaltmiete and Warmiete. Kaltmiete is also known as ‘basic rent’, which you pay for the apartment with no additional costs included. Warmiete is the basic rent that already consists of the utilities such as gas, electricity, water, waste disposal, etc.
The most popular sites to search for a flatshare are Immobilienscout24 and WG-gesucht, but you can also give it a go on social media or university notice boards.
Intergenerational co-living
Intergenerational co-living might be something that you never heard before or is not usually on university accommodation lists, but it’s an upcoming trend in the co-living world.
In this scenario, a senior person sublets a room to a young student or a young working professional with a lower rent to improve their monthly income and gain household support.
Here, you not only get an opportunity to interact with people from different backgrounds, but you can also acquire new skills from each other, allowing the both of you to learn and grow together in co-living.
For young people, it’s also an opportunity to get a cheaper room in a house with a family atmosphere and emotional support from a senior flatmate. Seniors offer sublets all around Germany, providing affordable accommodation, a good location, fully furnished spaces and amenities.
Sounds good, but where do you start? Großjungig is one of the first online platforms in Germany, where seniors can post an ad of their spare rooms. After a quick registration, you can search for your flatmate and see the information about each room and each older person. After contacting us, we will introduce you to each other and help you arrange a meeting and rental terms.
To learn more or to talk to us go to: Großjungig: WG Zimmer & Mitbewohner Suche, Mehrgenerationen-WG
