Housing manual
Unfortunately, enrollment does not automatically come with an accommodation in Germany. Instead, it’s each student’s responsibility to secure suitable housing in time for their studies. Since the rental market in Bonn is precarious, it is important to look into housing options early on, perhaps even before eventually being admitted to a degree program. You may reach out to Marvin Dopieralski (housing@uni-bonn.de) at the International Office, he might have a few more tips than what is mentioned on this website.
Please note that we at AEI / the International Affairs Unit of AEI cannot provide you with an accommodation!
Student dorms
The most convenient way to receive an accommodation, particularly for international students, is via the Studierendenwerk Bonn:
They operate a total of 29 dormitories with more than 3700 places in and around Bonn. Their offers include apartments, double apartments, and single rooms in shared flats.
One particularly convenient aspect of Studierendenwerk dorms is that their rents are all-inclusive: additional costs, e.g., for electricity, gas, water, waste, Internet, etc., are already included in the rent. There are no additional charges at the end of the year.
Another upside is that, due to public subsidies, the rents are usually far below the market level, which generally makes the Studierendenwerk the cheapest option too. There is a large number of rooms for less than 400€. You can find all dorms and their respective rents in the overview.
Even though most rooms are furnished, i.e., they provide you with what you need to live, the facilities are simple. They are specifically designed for students. Therefore, please don’t expect your room/apartment to be luxurious.
If you do not feel comfortable sharing the kitchen and sanitary facilities with someone of another gender, e.g., for religious reasons, we recommend that you apply for an apartment since there is no gender segregation in the shared flats or corridors in the dormitories.
Please note that the wait lists are very long. It is basically impossible to apply and immediately receive a room offer for the following month. This is why an early application is particularly important here, even if your admission/enrollment has not been confirmed yet. If you change your mind or something doesn’t work out, you can always withdraw your Studierendenwerk application at a later point!
Applications can be submitted using a special form. Remember to click on the link in the automated confirmation e-mail each month to keep your application active!
If you do receive an offer by the Studierendenwerk, we strongly advise you to take it because you would have to reapply after declining an offer, which means that you would land at the end of the wait list again.
You might have to arrange short-term housing until your official move-in date, e.g., if you receive an offer for a month other than the month of your arrival.
Private housing
Please also consider private accommodation options. Even though searching for a private accommodation can be frustrating and time-consuming, it is definitely worth trying. In our experience, finding a place on the private market is much easier once you are here, so it might be a good idea to book an Airbnb/hostel/hotel for the beginning and then keep on searching. These are some of the most popular platforms for finding a room in a shared flat or an apartment:
WG gesucht (shared appartments)
Facebook groups: Try searching with terms “Uni Bonn WG Börse” and “WG & Wohnung in Bonn gesucht”
If you still have not found any accommodation by the time of your arrival, please try the following short-term options:
Hotel Regina: info@hotel-regina-sa.de – explain your situation and ask whether a discount is available!
Tips for a successful search
It is important to note that the rental market is highly competitive in Bonn. This does not only mean that prices tend to be quite high, but it also means that those rooms with affordable rents are gone very quickly. Unfortunately, landlords as well as flatmates can be picky.
How to increase your chances for a successful search on the private market:
Activate search alerts so you receive a message immediately once an offer meeting your search criteria is posted.
Prepare a message template beforehand so that you only need to adapt small details depending on the respective offer.
Read the announcement completely so that you can reference some details in your message.
Send your application message while the announcement is still online. Be quick!
Do not ask if the room is still available. This message will not be answered.
Be friendly and detailed. In most cases, you are not communicating directly with your landlord but with potential flatmates. They are less concerned with your financial status but would like to get to know you. Therefore, write about yourself: where you are from, what you are doing in Bonn, what you like to do in your free time, and how you would contribute to a nice atmosphere in a shared apartment.
If you do not receive an answer, don’t get frustrated. It is unfortunate, but many receive so many requests that they cannot take the time to reply to everyone.
The location
It is important to stay open-minded about the location. Focusing on only one district of Bonn, e.g., Poppelsdorf, will unfortunately not get you far, even though it is understandable that you would like to live close to the campus. However, please keep in mind that you have a semester ticket and can easily use public transport to travel. Many districts of Bonn that are further from the center, as well as towns around Bonn, might offer more affordable accommodations, for example:
Bad Godesberg
Bonn-Mehlem
Buschdorf
Sankt Augustin
Siegburg
Königswinter
Bad Honnef
Alfter
Scammers
Unfortunately, sometimes people looking for a room on online platforms encounter scams. To avoid this situation, please be extra careful if:
The landlord refuses to draw up a contract or rushes you to send money.
Someone randomly contacts you to offer you a room.
The landlord or alleged flatmate has a suspicious-looking profile (e.g., on Facebook: new account / no friends).
The offer seems too good to be true (e.g., if it is too cheap for what it is, or too luxurious for the mentioned price.)
The landlord / flatmate denies you a(n) (online) viewing.
There are no pictures.
Never send anyone money before obtaining a rental agreement signed by both parties!
Some students stay in temporary sublets for the beginning if they are in an emergency situation. However, it should always be your goal to secure a stable place that allows you to complete the official city registration at City Hall!
Finding a room in Bonn takes a lot of time and patience. We truly hope you will find something!
Dr. Sarah Nischalke - Advisor 'International'
Katzenburgweg 9
53115 Bonn