After moving in, you must register with the registration office in your city within 14 days. To do this, you will need a rental confirmation letter from your landlord/landlady.

If you receive BAföG, a part of it may be a rent allowance. Check your eligibility and whether a student housing benefit is already included in the amount you receive.

Apartments close to the city centre are often more expensive. If you live further out, make sure there are good public transport connections to the university.

In many shared flats, residents share a kitchen and sometimes a bathroom. Respect and cleanliness are important.

There are rules for living together. Observe quiet hours, refuse separation etc. – these are often part of the rental agreement.

Not always included! Check whether you need to sign up for a contract yourself.

Here you can see whether you paid too much or too little for utlities (e.g. water, heating, bin collection). You will either receive a refund or get charged the outstanding amount.

Security deposit for the landlord – usually in the amount of 2–3 months’ rent. This is refunded when you move out, provided you have not caused any damage.

Central locations are expensive but convenient. Make sure to check out neighbourhoods, local transportation and safety.

Carefully read the agreement! Pay attention to notice periods, utilities, rental period etc. If in doubt, have the German document translated.

Utilities in addition to the rent: electricity, water, heating, bin collection etc. Sometimes but not always included in the “warm rent.”

Cleanliness is important, especially in shared flats and common areas.

In shared flats, it is common to share household tasks (cleaning the kitchen and the bathroom, taking out the rubbish etc.).

Compare rents. The price per square metre helps you assessing whether the rent is appropriate.

Mandatory radio/TV license fee. Approximately €18 per month per flat, regardless of whether you use the devices or not.

Popular and often cheaper than private flats. Apply early – waiting lists tend to be long!

You rent a room from someone who has rented it themselves. Important: the landlord’s/landlady’s consent is required!

The person or company that lets the flat. Keep in touch in writing and be polite.

A popular type of accommodation among students. You share a flat with others. It is cheaper, but make sure you obey the social rules.

Certain student halls or housing complexes in the city are subsidised by the state. You need a special certificate of eligibility to live there. For degree-seeking international students it is possible to apply for the subsidies at the Bielefeld social security office (Sozialamt).

Pay attention to size, layout and amenities of the room – especially in older buildings, dimensions can vary greatly.

Short-term rental option, e.g. when other students study abroad. Flexible, but check the contract carefully!