Looking for accommodation, as a foreign student or German learner

In some cities, it is not easy to find your accommodation at an affordable rental price.

Ads for apartments or rooms can be found on websites such as www.my-next-home.de or www.immobilienscout24.de. Always check with friends as well, such as the other participants in your German course or other students in Germany. A corresponding ad on Facebook could be also helpful.

Information about rental price for foreign students and German learners

The rent of the apartment is initially only the cold rent in the ad. But be careful: The complete monthly price is calculated based on this amount and the additional costs. This results in the warm rent. The cost includes:

  • Water
  • Waste disposal
  • Maintenance of the building
  • Electricity costs
  • Superintendent

Be sure to clarify what additional costs are included in the rent! Individual items such as electricity or gas are sometimes charged additionally by an electricity or gas provider. This means you have to register yourself with this or another provider and add the amount to the warm rent.

Completing a rental contract – Tips for foreign students and German learners

Before you sign the lease, you should read it through carefully. Pay attention to the notice period, the duration of the contract and which additional rooms such as a garage are included! Special attention should be paid to the listed rental items that are for your use in the premises. When taking over the apartment, a so-called transfer protocol will be signed. Existing damage, such as cracks in the bathroom tiles or a worn carpet should be listed. Otherwise it may happen that you have to pay for the repair after the termination. The termination must be in writing.

Extra info for foreign students and German learners in Germany

In addition to the rent, there is another cost when foreign students and German learners are looking for their own accommodation in Germany: Every household in Germany has to pay a Broadcasting fee of € 18,36 per month. Regardless of whether you have Internet, radio or a TV!

Further information on life in Germany with important tips for everyday life can be found on our page German Courses – Information about Germany. Foreign students or German learners look for accommodation

German courses with accommodation