Accommodation in Berlin

While studying in Berlin, you have a lot of accommodation options to choose from. Most students opt to rent a studio or flat, or to share a flat or house with other students or young professionals.

Finding a flat or flat-share

Finding a place to stay in Berlin is a task that typically must be done online. Most flats for rent are not sign-posted, and very few agents have physical offices, so if you don’t see any places advertised in the areas you visit, don’t be discouraged. There are many places listed online and you can easily organise viewings to find your new home.

As you search for your new place, please take caution. Never send any documents or money to any unknown people until you have either a contract and/or have evidence that you are dealing with a trustworthy company or person. Look for reviews and references from third parties to ensure the accommodation is legitimate.

Please note that landlords usually require a security deposit before you can move in, and this can amount to up to three months basic rent.

Types of accommodation for students in Berlin

Here are some of the most popular types of accommodation for students living, studying and working in Berlin.

Shared room (furnished) in a shared apartment or ‘Mehrbettzimmer’

Not always the most popular option, as you will sleep in a shared dormitory-style room with anything up to five other people. However this is certainly the least expensive option. Accommodation of this type in Berlin starts at around €350 per month.

Single room (furnished) in a shared apartment (WG) or ‘Wohngemeinschaft’

WGs are very popular among students and young professionals. Living in a WG means sharing a kitchen and a bathroom, but each person has their own bedroom. The average rent for this type of accommodation varies greatly depending on the size of the room or the location of the apartment, but prices start at around €400 per month and can go up to €600 for a large room in a good location.

Single studio apartment (furnished and with equipment) or ‘Ein-Raum-Wohnung’

This is also a very popular way to live as a student. A studio apartment refers to a single large room that features a kitchen and a bathroom. As these apartments are very popular in the housing market, they are not cheap. Prices vary depending on location and size, but start from around €600 per month.

Accommodation Support

We look forward to welcoming you to Berlin and we are happy to help you in your search for accommodation.
We can currently offer our students information of two providers in Berlin. If you have further questions, we can offer some support with our student experience department looking at offers you might have found on your search.
You can contact the following two links for housing options:

1. www.thesocialhub.co/book-student-room 
and you can use the following code for a 2.5% discount (StudentStay_Berlin_AU2425)

2. zossen.edgestudenthub.com

We will be available to you, future landlords or German authorities (including embassies and consulates in your home country) as a point of contact.

Cost of Living in Berlin

Here we’ve estimated the cost of living as a student attending classes at our Berlin campus.

Please note that these are average estimates only and your personal expenses may vary:

_{*This table was created in 2022 for your reference based on an official daad scholarship report found here - https://daadscholarship.com/students-cost-of-living-in-germany-analysis-2022-report/}

Applying for a Residence Permit

Students applying for a Residence Permit are requested to report to the German Foreigners' Office* in person with the following required documents:

• Valid passport with biometric passport photo
• Application for Issuance of a Residence Permit (for first-time applicants only)
• Proof of secure livelihood, or;
• proof of financial stability that can be done by:

1. blocked bank account at a German Bank with 10,236 euros, or;
2. submission of a declaration of commitment by a 3rd party on an official form, or;
3. scholarship documentation, or;
4. notarised declaration from parents securing the livelihood of the student for the duration of their studies with proof of the income of the parents in the last six months.

• Proof of health insurance. Those with statutory health insurance are sufficiently insured. Those with private health insurance must consider the type and extent of their health insurance.
• Certificate of enrolment or conditional approval for study in Germany (provided by Arden University) 
• Proof of main residence in Berlin Certificate of registration at the main residence.

 _{*The German Foreigners' Office (Auslanderbehörde Berlin) is located at: Keplerstraße 2, 10589 Berlin. Public transport links: U-Bahn U 7 (Mierendorffplatz) or Bus M27 (Keplerstraße).}

Living in Berlin!

Similar to other major cities in Europe, living in Berlin is not cheap. The German Government estimates that a student will need € 934 per month (this is the amount that is used for calculating the blocked bank account). However, be advised that costs in Berlin are likely to be higher than that. How much money you will need per month
obviously depends on your personal preferences and lifestyle.

Finding accommodation in Berlin is challenging, so it is better to be prepared to pay a high rent (we estimate at least
€ 500 per month for basic accommodation, and the more you are willing to pay, the wider the range of options). You should also start with your search of accommodation as early as possible, ideally 2-3 months in advance.

Also, please note that it is common in Germany to pay up to three months rent as a deposit that the landlord will hold until you move out.

If you have further questions on living expenses, please contact berlinstudentsupport@arden.ac.uk.