0 Student halls of residence in Cologne

Are you looking for a student residence in Cologne? In this article we tell you everything about them in this German city: their advantages and disadvantages, information on private and university residences, how to find cheap alternatives and we answer frequently asked questions about them.

The first thing you have to keep in mind is that Cologne welcomes a large number of students every year, both German and international. For this very reason, we recommend that you start searching for accommodation as soon as you can, since finding the ideal one for you can be somewhat complicated. But don't worry! At Erasmus Play we make it easy for you, giving you both information and a platform on which to search for your ideal residence.

Pros and cons of living in a residence in Cologne

Here are some of the most outstanding details of this type of accommodation in the German city:

Pros of living in student dorms in Cologne

• Living with other students makes it easier to make new friends, share experiences and learn from different cultures. Plus, you'll be able to meet people as soon as you arrive in Cologne!
• Many residences are located near universities or have good public transport connections.
• Basic services such as Wi-Fi, electricity, water, and heating are usually included in the rent.
• Some residences offer facilities such as gyms, study rooms, common kitchens, and laundry rooms for the common use of residents.
• They usually have flexible cancellation policies in cases of visa denial or not getting a place at the desired university.
• Many residences are located near universities or have good public transport links. That is, they have a good location for students.

Cons of living in student dorms in Cologne

• Although they usually offer an all-inclusive package, in some cases the cost may be higher compared to other forms of accommodation, such as rooms in private shared flats.
• The high demand for student accommodation in Cologne can result in long waiting lists, which makes it difficult to get a place in the preferred residences.
• They have rules that everyone must follow, such as visiting hours, pet bans, or restrictions on partying, which may limit personal freedom.
• With so many young people living together, noise can be a constant problem, which makes it difficult to study or rest when you need it.
• Living in a dorm often means sharing common spaces such as bathrooms, kitchens, and living rooms, which can limit your privacy.
• The rooms can be quite small, especially when compared to an apartment or a house. This can make getting comfortable and storing all your belongings a challenge.

Private student residences in Cologne

Although it’s a student city, there really aren't a lot of private student residences available in Cologne. For this reason, it’s important that you start your search and make the reservation as soon as possible if this is the type of accommodation you want for your stay in the German city.

In terms of location, there are various options depending on your needs. For example, the neighbourhood of Deutz, near the Technical University of Cologne, and Zollstock, which although is a little further away, offers cheaper rooms and good public transport connection to the city centre. Neighbourhoods like Belgisches Viertel, the Latin neighbourhood or Sülz are recommended if you’re looking to live near the University of Cologne.

In private student residences in this German city you can most commonly choose between single rooms and studio apartments. Please note that individual rooms can be part of the residence itself (like halls) or an apartment shared between several people. Most accommodations are fully furnished, although they may not have amenities such as the mattress for hygiene reasons. Take a good look at what each room and residence includes or doesn’t include, so you don't have any surprises when you arrive.

The student residences in Cologne not only offer a place to sleep, but many of them offer additional services and facilities which can include internet access, common areas such as kitchens and study rooms, and sometimes even gyms and movie theatres. Likewise, they usually organise events and social activities that facilitate integration and entertainment, offering a way to relax and enjoy student life beyond studies.

An important fact to know is that, in some cases, private residences require minimum rental periods. It can be, for example, six months, so you have to see if you can apply if you’re going to be there for less time.

University student halls of residence in Cologne

As in the rest of the cities in Germany, in Cologne the universities don’t have their own residences. Alternatively, you can apply for a place at residences run by the association called “Kölner Studierendenwerk”. The first thing you have to do to know if you can consider this type of residence is check if the university you’re going to go to has agreements with that association. But don't worry, most higher level institutions in Cologne have it. We’re sure yours too!

When it comes to the type of accommodation you can find there, you can usually choose between single rooms, rooms that are part of shared flats or studio apartments, perfect for one person. Normally the latter are the most expensive, taking into account that they provide more privacy and avoid having to share the kitchen and bathroom.

The residences offered by the "Kölner Studierendenwerk" usually have basic facilities. That is, they only have rooms, a kitchen, bathrooms, and laundry area. Additionally, they may have spaces to exercise or play music, as well as parking for bicycles, but it’s not the most common thing.

An important fact to keep in mind is that in these university residences in Cologne you can't choose which one you're going to go to, but the association assigns places according to the location regarding the University where you’re going to study.

University Residences of the University of Cologne

As we mentioned before, universities can’t have residences, so the UoC doesn’t offer this type of accommodation. However, it does have agreements with the "Kölner Studierendenwerk", so you’ll be able to request places through that association.

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

Rent cheap student residences in Cologne

In the Erasmus Play search engine you have the possibility to filter by price and other important characteristics, such as location. This way you’ll be able to easily view verified and available residences for your stay in Cologne. Additionally, through our platform you can make the reservation 100% online and totally securely, and you can do it simply and quickly! This way you can move on to other aspects of your exchange, such as checking if you'll be there when the incredible Cologne Carnival takes place!

Frequently Asked Questions about student dorms in Cologne