Arrive in Germany with a confirmed place to stay

No. Unlike universities in the US or UK, German universities generally do not automatically assign dorm rooms or campus housing to incoming students. Finding accommodation is the student's responsibility, and you should begin searching as soon as you receive your admission offer.

International students typically choose from three main housing types:

• Studentenwerk Dormitories: University-affiliated student halls (most affordable, €250–€400/month).

• Shared Flats (WG – Wohngemeinschaft): Private apartments shared with other students/roommates (€350–€600/month).

• Private Apartments / Studios: Single-occupancy rentals (€600–€1,000+/month).

You should start looking 3 to 4 months before your intended start date (ideally as soon as you secure your university offer or APS certificate). University towns in Germany experience severe housing shortages right before the Winter intake (August–October).

EduOptions Germany helps by submitting early applications for public dorms (Studentenwerk), connecting you with verified private student housing partners (WGs and apartments), arranging temporary hostel or long-term stay bookings for your first few weeks, and reviewing your rental agreements before signing.

Anmeldung is the mandatory registration of your residential address at the local town hall (Bürgeramt) within 14 days of moving in. You must verify that your landlord will provide an official landlord confirmation letter (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung). Without Anmeldung, you cannot open a local German bank account, activate health insurance, or receive your final residence permit.

A Kaution is a security deposit paid to the landlord before moving into a flat or room. By German legal standards, it cannot exceed 3 months' cold rent (Kaltmiete). The deposit is held securely and refunded when you move out, provided there is no damage to the property.

Kaltmiete (Cold Rent): The base price for renting the room/space alone, excluding utilities.

Warmmiete (Warm Rent): The total monthly cost including base rent plus utility overheads (Nebenkosten) such as heating, water, and trash collection. Electricity and internet may still be billed separately depending on the contract.

Common warning signs of rental scams include:

• Landlords asking for rent or deposit money via wire transfer before you sign a contract or see the flat.

• Landlords claiming they are "currently abroad" and cannot show the apartment.

• Refusing to issue a Wohnungsgeberbestätigung for address registration (Anmeldung).

If you haven't secured permanent housing before landing, book temporary accommodation (such as a hostel, serviced apartment, or Airbnb) for your first 2 to 4 weeks. This gives you a safe place to stay while attending in-person viewings for shared flats (WGs) and long-term rentals once you arrive in Germany.

The most widely used platforms include:

• WG-Gesucht.de: The primary portal for finding shared flat rooms (WGs).

• ImmobilienScout24 & Immonet: Major platforms for private studio and apartment rentals.

• Studenten-WG.de: Focused on student accommodations.

• Local Studentenwerk Portals: The official portal for state student housing.

Yes. The monthly €992 payout from your €11,904 Blocked Account is meant to cover your monthly living expenses, with rent being the largest expense.