Student accommodation in Gelsenkirchen

Gelsenkirchen, located in the heart of the Ruhr region in Germany, is a city known for its passion for football, its industrial tradition and its welcoming atmosphere. Every year, it welcomes students from different parts of the world who are attracted by its universities, its proximity to other major cities such as Essen and Dortmund, and its more affordable living costs compared to other areas of Germany.

Student apartments for rent in Gelsenkirchen

Do you want to rent an apartment in this German city? In Gelsenkirchen, student rental apartments are usually studios or have several shared rooms —the latter being the most common and economical option. Sharing an apartment is the most chosen option because it helps reduce expenses and facilitates socialising.

One detail to keep in mind is that many apartments don’t come furnished, although it’s possible to find some already equipped, especially designed for students. They usually include a kitchen, bathroom, shared lounge, and, in some cases, access to a storage room or laundry room in the building. They don’t usually offer common areas such as a gym or study room, but prices are more affordable than in other German cities.

Student rooms for rent in Gelsenkirchen

If you prefer to look for student rooms, in Gelsenkirchen they’re usually individual, both in shared apartments (known as “WG”) as in university residences. Shared rooms aren’t common because, generally, priority is given to offering private spaces.

In most cases the rooms are furnished, including a bed, wardrobe, desk, and chair. Additionally, common areas such as the kitchen and living room, are usually equipped and ready for use. University residence halls also offer laundry facilities, game/leisure rooms, and other spaces such as study rooms.

As for the contract duration, in residences they’re usually six-monthly or annual, while in private shared apartments the offer is more flexible, allowing stays of a few months. It's important to note that some landlords may require a security deposit or basic credit history, especially for private rentals.

Student accommodation in Gelsenkirchen

In this section, you’ll find some of the areas with the most available student accommodation in this German city:

Apartments for rent in Altstadt (the centre)

Altstadt is one of the most practical areas to live as a student in Gelsenkirchen. It’s well connected, close to the central station and surrounded by shops, bars and cafes where there's always something going on. It's ideal if you want to have everything at hand and move around the city easily. It also has beautiful parks like the Stadtgarten, ideal for studying outdoors or relaxing. Rental prices in Altstadt are usually surprisingly affordable for the city centre.

Apartments in Buer

Located in the north of the city, Buer offers an ideal environment for students searching for calm, security, green areas, and proximity to the Westphalian University of Applied Sciences. It boasts a good range of shops, restaurants, and supermarkets, as well as tram and bus lines which connect directly to the universities and the main train station (Hauptbahnhof). Rents tend to be a bit cheaper than in the Altstadt, especially in shared apartments.

Rooms for rent in Ückendorf

Ückendorf is a neighbourhood with a young and artistic vibe, ideal for students looking for a more alternative atmosphere. It has a ton of cultural initiatives, cafes, bars, and spaces for coworking or just hanging out. It's also well connected to public transportation. Rents here are usually among the cheapest in the city, especially in shared apartments between students.

Erasmus accommodation near the Westphalian University of Applied Sciences

Called “Westfälische Hochschule” in German, the Gelsenkirchen campus of this institution is located in Buer, north of the centre. Their students usually choose that area to live close to the campus, although other neighbourhoods in proximity are Erle and Beckhausen.

Student residences in Gelsenkirchen

Are you thinking about living in a residence in this German city? You’ll find both private and public.

The private residences, although less common compared to other large cities, offer more modern rooms, sometimes with private bathrooms, and often have common areas such as gyms, study rooms, or laundry facilities. They generally have higher prices than public accommodations but more services are included.

On the other hand, the university residences are usually managed by the Studierendenwerk or by the university itself. These residences are quite affordable, offer furnished single rooms, and usually include a shared kitchen and bathroom. They're well located, close to campus, and offer flexible contracts for Erasmus students.

FAQs about Gelsenkirchen