For Students
Housing & Daily Life in Germany: what to expect after arrival
Getting an admission or training contract is only the first step. The real stress for many students starts when they land in Germany: finding a room, registering at the city office, understanding health insurance, opening a bank account and learning how everyday life works in a new country and language.
This page gives you an honest overview of housing options and the most important steps in your first weeks in Germany. With a good plan you can avoid chaos, extra costs and unpleasant surprises.
Housing
Main student housing options in Germany
There is no single “student dorm” system that automatically gives you a room when you get admission. Instead, you combine different options and apply early:
- Student dormitories (Studentenwohnheim) – usually managed by the local student services organisation (Studentenwerk). Often the cheapest and most structured option, but places are limited and waiting lists can be long.
- Shared flats (WG – Wohngemeinschaft) – you rent a room in a shared apartment, often with other students. This can be more flexible and social, but you usually sign your own contract and deal directly with landlords or flatmates.
- Private rooms or studios – rented through agencies, online platforms or directly from owners. Often more expensive but sometimes easier to get for late applicants or short stays.
- Temporary accommodation – hostels, short term sublets or friends/family for the first weeks until you find something permanent.
First weeks
The essential steps after you arrive in Germany
Every city is slightly different, but most students have to complete the same key steps in their first weeks:
- Register your address (Anmeldung) at the local citizens’ office. You usually need your rental contract and a confirmation from your landlord (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung).
- Open a bank account if you do not already have one from your blocked account provider. This is needed for rent payments, salary and many everyday things.
- Activate long term health insurance – switch from initial travel insurance to student or public insurance, depending on your situation.
- Enroll at your university, Studienkolleg or vocational school and get your student ID, login details and semester ticket if available.
- Residence permit – if you stay longer than your visa sticker allows, you must apply for a residence permit at the foreigners’ office in your city.
In StuWoLi Coach packages we go through these steps with you in the correct order so that you always know what comes next and which documents to bring.
Daily life
Everyday life, culture and public transport
Life in Germany can feel very organised but also very rule-focused. A few examples that many new students notice:
- Shops close early in the evening and on Sundays, so you need to plan your grocery shopping ahead.
- Noise rules in residential buildings are taken seriously, especially at night and on Sundays.
- Public transport is usually reliable but may be confusing at first – tickets, zones and monthly passes differ by city.
- Appointments at offices and doctors often need to be booked in advance, not on the same day.
The good news: once you understand the basic rules, everyday life becomes very predictable and you can focus on your studies or training instead of constant surprises.
Frequently Asked Questions
How early should I start looking for housing
In big cities and popular student towns, rooms get booked quickly. As soon as you have a realistic arrival date and at least a conditional admission, you should start checking options. For dormitories there are often fixed application periods; private offers come and go all the time.
During a StuWoLi Plan we look at your target city and tell you honestly how early you should start and what a realistic budget is.
Is it safe to transfer money or sign a contract from abroad
Unfortunately there are scams in the housing market, especially in big cities. Be careful with offers that look too good, demand full payment before you have seen the room, or refuse video calls and proper documents.
Whenever possible, use trusted platforms, official dormitories or recommendations from your university or Studienkolleg. If you are unsure about an offer, we can look at it together in a StuWoLi session.
What is a realistic monthly budget for students
It depends strongly on the city and your housing situation. Many students manage with a budget similar to the yearly reference amount used for blocked accounts, but big cities or private studios can be significantly more expensive. On the other hand, living in a shared flat or smaller city can reduce costs.
In the Visa & Finance guide we show the financial side in detail. Here we focus on how to turn that plan into everyday decisions about rent, food and transport.
Can I work part time during my studies
Many student and Ausbildung visas allow limited part time work. The exact number of hours per year is written on your residence permit. Part time work can help with your budget and is a good way to practise German and build a network.
However, work should not completely replace a solid financial plan. Embassies expect that you can cover most of your costs without relying on uncertain future income.
How long does it take to feel at home in Germany
There is no fixed answer, but many students say the first months are the hardest: new language, new food, new rules. After one semester most people feel more confident; after one or two years they often say they have two homes – their origin country and Germany.
Having a clear plan for housing and bureaucracy reduces stress so you can focus on building friendships, improving your German and enjoying your new environment.
If you want your first months in Germany to be organised instead of chaotic, we can plan your housing and arrival steps together.