Student halls of residence in Berlin

If you’re looking for accommodation for your exchange or studies, you are surely considering the student residences in Berlin. So that you’re clearer about everything about this accommodation, in this article we tell you the most important things: its advantages and disadvantages, information on private and university residences, how to find cheap residences and we answer frequently asked questions.

The first thing you have to keep in mind is that the German capital welcomes thousands of students every year, from different parts of the world. This will make your experience much more fun, being able to meet people from different cultures. However, this also means the accommodation search is quite competitive. Don't wait until the last minute and book when you find the ideal residence for you!

Pros and cons of living in a residence in Berlin

We tell you what are some of the most outstanding characteristics of this type of accommodation:

Pros of living in student dorms in Berlin

Many international students choose the German capital for their studies, and it is normal for young people from different parts of the world to stay in the residences. This will allow you to live in a multicultural environment, which will greatly enrich your experience.
Most residences in Berlin are well equipped for winter. That is, they have heating, and its expense is usually included in the rental cost.
In fact, the cost of all services (water, electricity, gas, etc.) is usually included in the monthly price.
Residences normally have facilities to use on a daily basis, which may include play areas, study areas, a gym and outdoor terraces.
Many residences allow you to register your stay there, which is necessary for international students who will spend more than three months in Germany. This is called Anmeldung.

Cons of living in student dorms in Berlin

They often have stricter rules regarding coexistence, such as not making noises after 10 p.m.
Some residences may have limitations regarding moving days. For example, in some, they can be done only during weekdays.
Sometimes a single payment of an administrative reserve is requested, which can amount up to €250 and is not refundable nor is it part of the deposit.
University residences usually have quite a long waiting list, which can last up to 18 months!
Some rooms or flats might be unfurnished, so you will incur extra expenses when you arrive in Berlin.

Private student residences in Berlin

In Berlin, you will find private residences in different parts of the city, since they are frequently located near the different university campuses or the leisure areas most frequented by students. In addition, they all have good public transport connections, both by train (S-Bahn) like in subway (U-bahn), buses, tram and bicycle.

Normally the type of accommodation they offer is that of a single room or a studio apartment. However, you will also find rooms that are part of a flat within the residence, in which areas such as the dining room or living room are shared with those who live on the same floor.

Private residences usually have several relaxing areas for those who live there. They can be outdoor terraces, gyms, game and party rooms, study areas and lounges with televisions to watch movies.

Regarding washing clothes, there may be several options. The apartment or residence may have washing machines to use, which are normally paid for each use. It may also be that there are no washing machines, but that the laundry service has a separate cost.

University student halls of residence in Berlin

University residences in Berlin, as in the rest of Germany, are usually run by organisations such as studierenWERK BERLIN. These residences welcome students from different Universities, which allows you to expand your circle of friends even further.

In the university residences, there are different types of accommodation. You can find flats with several rooms to share (from two to thirteen people), apartments with one room or studio type, and single rooms.

Some issues to keep in mind are that contracts may have rental period minimums, which can be two or up to eleven months, or maximums, which can be six months. Furthermore, in some cases, they have clauses indicating certain requirements, such as leaving the room clean when leaving, so that a person can enter immediately.

Take a good look at the conditions in which the accommodation is offered, since in some cases they may not be furnished. That is, you have to take care of looking for all the necessary furniture when you arrive to live there.

There are usually some students in charge of organising events and activities so that young people can share. Such as workshops, useful for classes, or campus or city tours, you're sure to find something fun to do!

University Residences of the Humboldt University of Berlin

This institution offers students the possibility of staying in residences, via the office Studentendorf Adlershof. The average cost of a room in them is €480 per month.

If you want to know about accommodation near Humboldt University Berlin, read this article.

University Residence Halls of the Free University of Berlin

This institution has some residence halls, although none of them are on campus. Keep in mind that you have to apply for your place as soon as possible since there is usually a lot of demand and places fill up quickly.

If you want to know about accommodation near the Free University of Berlin, read this article.

Rent cheap student residences in Berlin

If what you want is to rent an affordable student residence in the German capital, in addition to doing your search well in advance, do it at Erasmus Play! In our search engine, you can compare all verified residences available for your stay. Plus, you can filter by the features most important to you, and view locations on a map. Once you have made the reservation, which you can do totally online and securely, start preparing your trip! For example, find out which museums you want to visit and see if they have free admission on the first Sunday of each month.

Frequently Asked Questions about student dorms in Berlin

What are the requirements to apply for a place in a student residence in Berlin?
A valid passport or ID and University registration are usually required. In addition, they may require receipt of payment of the semester fee from the institution, in case you are not going with an Erasmus scholarship, and also a guarantor or proof of income.
How much does a student residence in Berlin cost?
The cost of private residences usually ranges from €780 onwards with expenses included. The price of university residences tends to be cheaper, although it can vary quite a bit, starting from €300 per month.
Are there scholarships for student residences in Berlin?
The Erasmus scholarship is used to pay for studies in the destination assigned to you, so you can use it to pay the rent in the residence.
What’s cheaper, an apartment or a student residence in Berlin?
The minimum cost of both types of accommodation is often the same, around €300 per month. However, there are usually more economical options in private apartments, since the residences offer services that make the price more expensive.
When to apply for a student residence in Berlin?
Do it as soon as you can! The German capital welcomes thousands of students every year, so finding accommodation with good features, a convenient location and an affordable price is often quite difficult. For this reason, we recommend that you do your search well in advance to be able to choose the ideal one for you.