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The Ultimate Guide to Student Accommodation in Berlin (2025)

911 2025-03-12

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Did you get accepted to a university in Berlin and need to find accommodation? Or are you researching housing options before deciding if Berlin is the right choice for you? Whatever the reason, finding a place to live in this vibrant but competitive city can be tricky. But don’t worry—we’ve got you covered!

This guide will explain the different accommodation options in Berlin, offer tips for finding housing quickly, and discuss legal considerations for students in Germany.

 

Types of Student Accommodation in Berlin

1. Student Dormitories (Studierendenwerk & Private Dorms)

Student dormitories should be your top choice when looking for accommodation in Berlin or anywhere in Germany. Designed specifically for students, student dormitories are affordable student housing. They provide a smooth transition into student life without the hassle of unexpected costs, as utilities and other expenses are usually included in the total rent.

In Berlin, student housing is mostly provided by Studierendenwerk Berlin and private providers. The accommodation provided by Studierendenwerk Berlin is likely more affordable than the privately provided student accommodation. Below is a list of some of the best student residences in Berlin for students:

Studierendenwerk Berlin Dormitories

Studentendorf Schlachtensee
  • Location: Located in the Zehlendorf district of southwest Berlin, this student village sits near Schlachtensee Lake and the Grunewald nature preserve, offering a peaceful, green environment. 

  • Room types and rent: 

    • Category A: Shared flats with 6 roommates, €520.20/month (11 months) or €569.01/month (6 months)

    • Category B: Shared flats with 4–8 roommates, €471.22/month (11 months) or €515.13/month (6 months)

    • Category C: Single rooms in shared flats with 16 roommates, €553.50/month

    • Flat with Friends: Fully furnished flat for six students or three couples, €2,829/month

StudentHouse Plänterwald
  • Location: Located in Plänterwald, Berlin, at Eichbuschallee 51, 53, and 55, this student accommodation is just a short distance from Treptower Park. 

  • Room types and rent:

    • 280 fully furnished one-room apartments

    • 26 m² apartments

    • Warm rent: €530/month (standard apartment)

    • Warm rent: €550/month (apartment with balcony)

    • Rent includes furniture, utilities, electricity, and internet

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Siegmunds Hof
  • Location: Located at Siegmunds Hof 2, 10555 Berlin, this student residence sits between Tiergarten and the River Spree, offering a peaceful yet central living environment.

  • Room types and rent:
    • Single rooms: 9-17 m², €322-432/month

    • Single rooms with private bathroom: 15-20 m², €442-689/month

    • Double rooms: 42 m², €552/month for two adults

    • Single apartments with terrace: 21-27 m², €457-527/month

    • Rent includes electricity and other operating costs

Alle Der Kosmonauten
  • Location: Located at Allee der Kosmonauten 20, 10315 Berlin, in the Lichtenberg district, this student residence offers a quiet, green environment away from busy main roads. 

  • Room types and rent:
    • Single rooms in shared flats (part of two-, two-and-a-half-, or three-room apartments).

    • Room sizes: 12–27 m².

    • Rent: €302–367/month (includes electricity and operating costs).

    • Total capacity: 298 places.

    • Tenancy agreements are made for individual rooms; bathrooms and kitchens are shared.

Studentendorf Adlershof
  • Location: Located at Abram-Joffe-Straße 8, 12489 Berlin, in the հٴǷ-öԾ district, this student residence is just a short distance from the Humboldt University Campus Adlershof and the WISTA Science and Technology Park

  • Room type and rent:
    • Single Rooms in Shared Flats (WG): 15 m² + 12 m² shared space, €542.67/month. Private bathroom, shared kitchen/lounge (up to 13 residents). Deposit: €1,200, Min. stay: 11 months. 

    • 2-Person WG Rooms: 38 m², €563.49/month. Furnished, shared bathroom & kitchenette. Deposit: €1,200, Min. stay: 11 months. 

    • 1-Room Apartments: 21 m², €598.97/month. Fully furnished, private bathroom & kitchenette. Deposit: €1,200, Min. stay: 11 months. Wheelchair-accessible options available. 


How to Apply for Student Dorms in Berlin

You can usually apply on the official website for these dorms and the Studierendenwerk Berlin website. 

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Private Student Dormitories

Private student accommodations in Berlin offer a modern and convenient alternative to university dormitories. These residences are typically fully furnished and come with amenities like high-speed internet, study lounges, fitness centers, and communal areas. Rents in private student accommodations are generally higher than those in public accommodations but private student dorms are a great option if there is no availability in public student accommodations. 

The Student Hotel
  • Location:  Situated near Alexanderplatz, close to major public transport hubs like S-Bahn and U-Bahn stations.

  • Room types and rent:

    • Standard Room: €844/DzԳٳ.

    • Standard Plus Room: €971/DzԳٳ.

Neon Wood
  • Location: This student residence is located at Warschauer Str. 6, 10243 Berlin, in the Friedrichshain district, and offers easy access to public transport hubs.

  • Room type and rent:
    • Single Apartments: 18 m², fully furnished with private kitchenette and bathroom.

    • Classic Balcony: €995/month (6 months) or €895/month (12 months).

    • Classic + Better View: €905/month (12 months).

    • Classic Balcony + Better View: €1,005/month (6 months).

BaseCamp Potsdam
  • Location: BaseCamp Potsdam, located at Kossätenweg 25, 14476 Potsdam-Golm, is approximately 40-50 minutes from central Berlin by public transport. Although not located in Berlin but in the nearby city of Potsdam, BaseCamp can be a good option if you cannot find anything in Berlin. 

  • Rent type and rooms:
    • Single room with shared kitchen: €770/month

    • Double room with shared kitchen: €970/month

Home in Berlin
  • Location: Home in Berlin operates in various districts, including Mitte, Lichtenberg, and Tempelhof-Schöneberg, ensuring proximity to universities, public transport, and city attractions.

  • Room types and rent:
    • The rent can range between €490/month and €740/month depending on the location.


Pros and Cons of Student Dormitories (Studierendenwerk & Private Dorms)

Pros Cons
Affordable rent compared to private apartments
Limited availability with long waiting lists
Includes utilities such as internet and heating
Strict eligibility criteria for some dorms
Community atmosphere, great for socializing
Less privacy than a private apartment
Often located near universities
Some dorms have small room sizes and shared facilities

 


 

2. Shared Apartments (WG – Wohngemeinschaften)

berlin-accomodation-4

Another popular option among students and young professionals is apartment sharing or living in a WG (Wohnhemeinschaft) during their studies. In this arrangement, you rent one room in an apartment and share common spaces like the kitchen and bathroom with other roommates. 

WG Listings

There are websites dedicated to apartment ads, exclusively for WGs and some other spaces where people share WG ads. Here are some of the best websites for flatshares in Berlin:

  • WG-Gesucht.de – The most popular website for shared housing in Germany.

  • WG-Suche.de – Another great alternative for students looking for flatshares.

  • Studenten-WG.de – Focuses specifically on student-friendly shared apartments.

  • Facebook Groups – Examples include WG Zimmer Berlin and Berlin Housing, Apartments, Rooms, Flats, and Sublets.

  • University Networks – Some universities have their own housing portals or WhatsApp groups for finding roommates.

Costs of living in a WG

Living in a WG is a great way to save money while sharing expenses like utilities and groceries, making it a popular choice among students in Berlin. Typically, a WG can range between €400–€800 depending on the location, size of the room, and amenities nearby.

Pros and Cons of Shared Apartments (WG – Wohngemeinschaften) 

Pros Cons
Lower rent than renting a private apartment
Compatibility with roommates can be an issue
Social environment, opportunity to meet new people
Often requires a deposit and proof of income
Shared costs for utilities and common expenses
Less privacy compared to a private apartment
More independence compared to dormitories
Finding a WG can be competitive, especially in central areas

 

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3. Private Apartments

If you value privacy, renting a private apartment is an option. However, this is typically a last resort for students due to higher rental costs and additional utility expenses. Moreover, finding private accommodation in Berlin can be highly competitive, so starting your search early is important. However, here's how to rent a private apartment in Berlin as a student:

 

Where to Find Private Apartments

  • Immobilienscout24 – One of the most popular real estate platforms in Germany.

  • Immonet – Another major real estate website with many listings.

  • eBay Kleinanzeigen – A classified site where individuals list apartments directly.

  • WG-Gesucht – While primarily for shared apartments, it also has private apartment listings.

  • Facebook Groups – Examples include Berlin Apartments, Rooms & Sublets and Berlin Housing, Apartments, Rooms, Flats, and Sublets.

  • Uni Housing Portals – Some universities have dedicated platforms where landlords list available student apartments.

Costs of Private Apartments

The cost of renting a private apartment in Berlin varies significantly depending on the location, size, and amenities:

  • City Center (Mitte, Charlottenburg, Prenzlauer Berg, Kreuzberg, Friedrichshain):

    • One-bedroom apartment: €1,200 - €1,800 per month.

    • Two-bedroom apartment: €1,800 - €2,500 per month.

  • Affordable Districts of Berlin (Neukölln, Wedding, Lichtenberg, Treptow, Moabit):

    • One-bedroom apartment: €900 - €1,300 per month.

    • Two-bedroom apartment: €1,400 - €2,000 per month.

  • Outskirts & Suburbs (Spandau, Marzahn, Reinickendorf, Köpenick):

    • One-bedroom apartment: €700 - €1,100 per month.

    • Two-bedroom apartment: €1,200 - €1,800 per month.

  • Utility Costs: Rent prices may be cold rent (Kaltmiete) or warm rent (Warmmiete). Warm rent includes heating and sometimes water, while cold rent requires tenants to pay additional costs for utilities (electricity, water, internet, and heating), typically €150 - €300 per month.


Common Requirements for Renting a Private Apartment in Berlin for International Students

  • SCHUFA (Credit Report) – Some landlords require a credit report, which international students may not have initially.

  • Proof of Income – Pay slips or bank statements showing financial stability.

  • Deposit (Kaution) – Usually two to three months' rent, refundable upon lease termination.

  • Rental Application – Personal information, employment/student status, and references may be needed.

Pros and Cons of Private Apartments

Pros Cons
Full privacy and control over the living space
Higher rent compared to dorms and shared apartments
No need to share common areas with roommates
Requires a SCHUFA credit check and proof of income
Ability to choose location and apartment type
Additional utility costs (heating, electricity, internet)
Long-term stability without the need to move often
Finding an apartment can be highly competitive

 

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Temporary Accommodation Options

If you haven’t secured long-term housing, temporary accommodation can be a practical short-term solution while you search for a place in Berlin. Though it may be costly, it allows you to attend viewings in person and connect with potential landlords, giving you a better chance of finding suitable housing. Some temporary accommodation options are:

  • Hostels

    • The Circus Hostel (central, social atmosphere, starts at €20 per night)

    • Meininger Hostels (multiple locations, good for students, from €25 per night)

    • A&O Hostels (budget-friendly, widespread, from €18 per night)

    • Generator Hostel (trendy, well-located, from €22 per night)

  • Short-term Rentals

    • Airbnb – Private rooms or full apartments for flexible stays.

    • Wunderflats – Specializes in mid-term rentals (1-6 months).

    • Uniplaces – Focuses on student-friendly, furnished apartments.

    • HousingAnywhere – Sublets from students going abroad.

  • University Guest Houses: Some universities offer short-term stays for new international students. Check university websites for availability.

 

Tips for Finding Housing in Berlin for Students

berlin-accomodation-1

Finding a place in Berlin can be tough, so here’s how to improve your chances:

  • Start early: Begin your search 3–6 months in advance. Housing fills up fast!

  • Use multiple platforms: Check Studentenwerk, WG-Gesucht, ImmobilienScout24, and Facebook groups for listings.

  • Prepare documents: Have a rental application folder ready with ID, proof of income, SCHUFA (if applicable), and admission letter.

  • Explore different areas: Consider Wedding, Neukölln, Moabit, or Lichtenberg for affordable options.

  • Avoid scams: Never pay before viewing in person, and be wary of deals that seem too good to be true. Some agents and companies also offer online viewings, but if you can't ask a friend or someone you trust to go the viewing on your behalf, opt for that option over online or no viewing.

  • Use short-term stays: If needed, book hostels, Airbnb, or student hotels while searching for a long-term place.

  • Know your rights: Deposits can’t exceed three months’ rent, and check if utilities are included in the contract.

A little preparation goes a long way in securing a good spot!


How to Avoid Rental Scams in Berlin 

berlin-accomodation-3

Berlin’s housing market is competitive, and scams are common. Stay safe with these tips:

  • Never pay upfront – Avoid sending deposits or rent before seeing the place in person or signing a legitimate contract.

  • Verify the landlord – Ask for ID, proof of ownership, or check if they are registered with a housing agency.

  • Beware of “too good to be true” deals – If the rent is unusually low, it’s likely a scam.

  • Avoid Western Union & crypto payments – Scammers often request untraceable payment methods.

  • Check the contract – Ensure it includes rent, deposit, notice period, and additional costs.

  • Don’t fall for urgency tactics – Scammers pressure renters to pay quickly before "losing" the deal.

  • Look for verified listings – Use trusted platforms like Studentenwerk, WG-Gesucht, and ImmobilienScout24 rather than shady classifieds.

When in doubt, ask local students or university housing offices for guidance!

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