Tips for students in Berlin
Here you will find student residences, platforms and tips for your flat search as a student.
Where you can search
Tips
Apply to the Studierendenwerk as soon as you have your admission.
To apply, you need your admission letter or certificate of enrolment and the receipt for your semester fee. In most of its halls you wait over 18 months for a place (as of 2026).
If you come as an exchange student, ask your university first.
For exchange and programme students, Berlin's universities give out places from their own quotas in the halls of the Studierendenwerk.
Find out early who will be your guarantor.
Without an income of your own, many landlords ask for a guarantor, often your parents. Some ask that the guarantor lives and works in Germany.
Think of Wohnen für Hilfe as well.
With Wohnen für Hilfe you live with people whom you help in everyday life, and in the Generationen-WG with people aged 60 and over (as of 2026). Both arrange this free of charge.
Get advice from the Studierendenwerk.
If you have trouble with your landlord, defects in your flat or questions about the deposit or notice, the Studierendenwerk gives you a first assessment, in German or English.
Use the moving checklist.
The moving checklist shows you all the important tasks for your move. You can tick them off step by step, from the flat search to moving in.