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Housing During Studienkolleg in Germany – Dorm (Wohnheim) or Shared Flat (WG)?
When you start Studienkolleg in Germany, choosing where to live is one of the most important decisions. It affects your comfort, daily stability, and your ability to focus on studying. Most students choose between two main options:
1) Official student dormitory (Wohnheim)
Advantages
Feature – Explanation
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Cost – relatively low (about €200–€350 per month)
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Close to Studienkolleg – often nearby or on campus
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Student atmosphere – a great chance to meet students from many countries
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Services – usually basic furniture + internet + shared kitchen
Disadvantages
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long waiting lists (apply early!)
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kitchens and bathrooms are often shared
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some strict rules may apply (quiet hours, entry times, visitor rules, etc.)
How to book?
Via the Studierendenwerk or through the Studienkolleg’s website if they provide rooms.
2) Shared accommodation (WG – Wohngemeinschaft)
Advantages
Feature – Explanation
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Better chance to improve German – daily interaction with German or international flatmates
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More freedom and independence – usually less strict than a dorm
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More variety – you may find a larger room, sometimes even a private bathroom
Disadvantages
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usually more expensive: about €300–€500
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more paperwork: contract + documents (e.g., Schufa, proof of income, etc.)
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it may take weeks to find a suitable room
Where to search?
Trusted platforms:
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wg-gesucht.de
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immobilienscout24.de
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ebay-kleinanzeigen.de
Quick comparison
Criterion – Wohnheim – WG
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Price – cheaper – often more expensive
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Comfort – lower (basic furniture, shared facilities) – often higher depending on the room
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Distance to Studienkolleg – often close – depends on the city and location
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Bureaucracy – relatively simple – usually more paperwork and negotiation
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Social life – international students – often a chance to live with Germans
My advice
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If you want to save money and have peace of mind at the beginning → Wohnheim
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If you want to improve your German fast and integrate more → WG
In both cases: start early — ideally 2–3 months before the course starts.
The website’s team of writers and editors strives to provide accurate information through extensive research and consulting multiple sources. However, errors may occur or some information may remain unconfirmed. Please consider the information as a preliminary reference and always consult the relevant official authorities for confirmed details.
