Flatshare in Essen Shared apartments, spare rooms and roommates in Essen

Essen is a relatively quiet city compared to other larger German cities. For this reason, many young people who move to study at the University of Duisburg-Essen choose to live in shared apartments with other students.

If what you want is to live in this type of accommodation, you have two options to choose from: rent a spare room in an already inhabited flat or choose an apartment with several rooms and find roommates yourself. This is convenient if you are going to go with classmates from your city, although we recommend that you take advantage of the experience to meet different people, both German and international.

Advantages and disadvantages of sharing a flat in Essen

These are some of the pros and cons of living in a shared flat in the German city:

Advantages of sharing a flat in Essen

• You use your savings on rent to explore to the fullest the city and the surrounding area, such as travelling to Cologne, Düsseldorf and Bonn, for example.

• Many of the shared flats are in convenient locations for students, both in the city centre and near university campuses. Some of the neighborhoods are Stadtkern, Südviertel, Nordviertel, and Westviertel.

Disadvantages of sharing a flat in Essen

• Some rooms do not include furniture. If so, you will have to incur extra expenses when moving in there.

• If you choose to rent an entire apartment, you have to know that the cost of utility bills is usually not included in the price. However, the positive thing is that this cost is divided among all those who live there.

Erasmus App for your exchange programme in Essen

You have the option to download apps for Erasmus+ that will allow you to have a smooth exchange, such as the European Community app. In them, you will find useful and interesting information about the procedures you have to do and about life in the city. For example, many students advise that you take advantage of public transport to be able to move freely around Essen and its surroundings, enjoying the cities and nature of the area.

How to meet people in Essen

One of the ways you have to meet people in this German city is to share a flat and enjoy the experience with your flatmates. In addition, you can consider some of the following options:

Student associations in Essen

You can join the ESN Germany, the Erasmus Student Network that encourages interaction between international students and organizes plans, affordable excursions and parties in different parts of the country. You can join some of the plans in the cities near Essen.

Facebook groups for Erasmus in Essen

Among the Facebook groups that you can find, one of the most outstanding is the one called “TSC International & Erasmus Exchange Facebook”. In this group, created by the Tutoren Service Center, you will be able to connect with other young people who are going to Essen, Duisburg or Mulheim in the same season as you, meeting other students before you arrive in the city.

Whatsapp groups for Erasmus in Essen

In general, from Facebook groups and associations, WhatsApp or Telegram groups are usually created in which you can directly connect with other young people, allowing you to join the organized plans there.

Tips for living in a shared apartment in Essen

Keep these tips in mind for living in a shared flat in the German city:

• Transport in Essen is free with the student card! So you will not have to add any extra expenses if you choose to live in a neighbourhood a little far from the city centre or the university.

• Every year the Essen Light Festival is held in the city, a festival in which light designs are installed throughout the streets of the city, which gives it a unique and fantastic atmosphere. Take the opportunity to visit it if you are there during the time it takes place.

Frequently asked questions about sharing a flat in Essen

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