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.

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 2019 for your reference based on experience and student feedback. We recommend conducting your own research based on your circumstances and preferences to assess the affordability of studying in Berlin for you.

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: 

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)

Enjoy your time living in Berlin!

Whether you enjoy history and museums, global cuisine, art, music, or cultural events, we’re sure you’ll find Berlin an exciting and rewarding place to live, study, and work. The welcoming and international outlook of the city and of German people makes it a great place to meet like-minded individuals and build a fulfilling social life. You may well meet people from your home country during your lectures, or form close friendships with people from a completely different part of the world.

Once you’ve found your accommodation and settled in, you’ll find Berlin quickly becomes your second home!