0 Student halls of residence in Dortmund

If you’re planning your stay in Germany and you’re considering living in a student residence in Dortmund, keep reading! In this article we tell you everything you need to know about this accommodation in the German city, so you can decide which is your ideal accommodation and book it as soon as possible. Here are its advantages and disadvantages, differential information between private and university residences, the best way to find cheap residences and the answers to frequently asked questions by students. Willkommen!

Pros and cons of living in a residence in Dortmund

In this section we tell you the pros and cons of this type of accommodation in the German city:

Pros of living in student dorms in Dortmund

It’s a very simple way to be able to meet people when you arrive in the German city, so you don't feel alone.
They are well conditioned to spend the winter. That is to say, they have heating in all their spaces and its use is included in the rental cost. This is not a minor fact, remember that Dortmund is very cold in winter! Minimum temperatures are usually around 0ºC during the day.
They can count with common facilities for residents to use, fostering a sense of community. Among them you can find: a gym, study areas, leisure and games areas (with ping pong, table football, etc.), cinema, bar, outdoor terrace, and much more.
They’re usually located near universities or have good connections with public transportation, making it easier to access classes and activities on campus.
They offer all-inclusive rental options, which facilitates budget management by avoiding unexpected additional expenses, especially related to utility bills (water, gas, electricity, etc.)
The rental contracts in the residence halls are designed to adapt to the academic cycles, which provides flexibility to the students.

Cons of living in student dorms in Dortmund

The university residences, those offered by the Studierendenwerk Dortmund, don’t have facilities for common use by students. That’s to say, the only spaces you can use are your room and the spaces in the apartment you are in. This can cause you to have very small spaces, especially in winter!
Living with so many people can make concentrating on studies and work a difficult task. You have to know how to establish a good balance between study and leisure.
Living in a student residence can limit interactions with local residents and reduce immersion in the German community.
Although many residences offer shared kitchens, it’s not the same as having your own kitchen in terms of availability and storage space.
Space in residence hall rooms can be limited, especially compared to an apartment or house.
They often have strict rules regarding visits, noise, and other behaviours to maintain order, which may be restrictive for some students.

Private student residences in Dortmund

Private residences in Dortmund are usually located near universities or in the city centre, providing easy access to educational institutions and other urban amenities. For example, some residences are just a few minutes walk away from Dortmund Central Station and other key areas, including popular student neighbourhoods such as Unionviertel, Klinikviertel and Kreuzviertel.

Accommodation options at these residences vary widely to suit different preferences and budgets. Typically, students can choose between single rooms that are part of shared apartments (the bathroom can be private or shared) or studio apartments, which give greater privacy with its own bathroom and kitchen.

Most of these residences are fully furnished and many include all-inclusive services, where basic services such as electricity, water, heating and internet are covered in the rent. This greatly simplifies expense management for students.

Residences usually offer a variety of facilities to improve the lives of students. These may include gyms, study areas, movie theatres, community kitchens, and laundry areas. Additionally, some offer rooftop terraces, game rooms, and social event spaces that foster an active and connected student community.

University student halls of residence in Dortmund

In Dortmund, as well as in the rest of Germany, higher level institutions don’t have their own university residences. However, there is an association that offers this type of accommodation: the Studierendenwerk Dortmund. To be able to access these residences, the university you go to must have an agreement with that organisation. Don't worry! The most recognised institutions in this city have it.

When it comes to the type of accommodation you can find in these university residences in Dortmund, there are several options. The most economical is usually a single room in a shared apartment (which can be two, three, four and even five rooms). In them, the bathrooms and kitchen are normally shared by everyone who lives there. There are also studio or one-bedroom apartments, with a kitchen and a private bathroom, for one person. These usually have a fairly small kitchen, which may not even have an oven.

An important fact to keep in mind is that kitchens aren’t usually equipped with household items and utensils, while rooms don’t usually have bed linen, towels, etc. You have to think if you want to buy all that when you arrive in Dortmund or if you prefer to take it from home.

The university residences offered by the Studierendenwerk Dortmund don't usually have common spaces to share among residents. However, some do have a garden and outdoor space that can be enjoyed.

University Residences of the Technical University of Dortmund

TU-Dortmund students can access the residences of the Studierendenwerk Dortmund. Normally, the assigned places are in residences close to the institution's campuses. Most of these buildings are close to the Nord Campus, but it has a very good connection by public transport and bicycle with the Süd Campus.

Here’s an article in case you want to know information about housing close to TU-Dortmund.

University Residence Halls of the Dortmund University of Applied Sciences

This prestigious institution also has agreements with the Studierendenwerk Dortmund, so you’ll be able to apply for a place in their residences. They usually assign a place in a residence that’s located near your faculty, on any of the institution's three campuses. These campuses are: Sonnenstraße Campus, Emil-Figge-Straße Campus and Max-Ophüls-Platz Campus.

To find out about accommodation close to this university, check out this article.

Rent cheap student residences in Dortmund

One of the ways you can find affordable student residences in the German city is through our search engine, Erasmus Play. On our platform you can check and compare prices, locations and features of verified residences available in Dortmund for your stay. It’ll surely be very easy for you to find your ideal accommodation and make the reservation! In fact, you can book completely online and securely.

Frequently Asked Questions about student dorms in Dortmund

What are the requirements to live in a student residence in Dortmund?
Generally, it’s required to be a student at a local university or some recognised educational institution. In fact, applicants must present proof of enrollment when applying. Additionally, it’s common for a security deposit to be requested at the time of booking or when signing the contract. International students may need to provide additional information, such as a student visa or residence permit.
Are there scholarships for student residences in Dortmund?
Yes, there are some scholarships available for accommodation in the city. For example, if you are going to go on Erasmus to Dortmund, you can use the scholarship you are awarded to cover the expenses of your stay in the German city, including accommodation.
What’s cheaper, an apartment or a student residence in Dortmund?
In general, a room in a shared apartment is usually cheaper than staying in a student residence in Dortmund. This is because residences offer more services and facilities to their residents. Rooms in shared apartments can be found from approximately €200 onwards, while residences usually range from €300 per month onwards.
When to apply for a student residence in Dortmund?
To apply for a student residence in Dortmund, it’s advisable to start the process as early as possible, ideally several months before the start of the semester, as places can fill up quickly. Remember that applications typically open at specific times during the year, often before the start of each semester.
Are there male and female university residences in Dortmund?
The current trend in many German universities is towards gender-inclusive housing, which allows students of any gender identity to live together in a safe and welcoming environment. For this reason, the most common thing is that the residences are mixed. However, within the residences there can be apartments where everyone who lives there is of the same gender.