Accomodation
In Germany, you can expect university and research housing (typically dorms arranged through the host's international office or local Studentenwerk) or shared apartments (many students and young adults live in shared flats, known as Wohngemeinschaften, or WGs). To find housing, ask your host if there are any available sublets through the company or group members and browse online postings.
Preferred resources: Immobilienscout24, Biete-WG (in German), Airbnb, Wohnpool (in German), Housing Anywhere, Immowelt (in German), WGcast (in German) and Quoka (in German).
Students can spend anywhere from €250-€600 for rent. Check out a student budget for Germany to look at costs for housing, food, transportation and additional items.
Germany has an extensive youth hostel network. These are true youth hostels and are safe and inexpensive. It's a great option if you want to find a WG in person when you arrive.
Universities have a tradition called the “Schwarzes Brett” – i.e. online bulletin boards. If you arrive in Germany without an apartment, you can visit the University cafeteria (Mensa) and explore the postings; this is the original “Schwarzes Brett.”
Germany-wide resources
Accommodation Finder for Student Residence Halls
Just Landed: expat site with listings
Nespick: Furnished apartments in Europe
The Fizz: furnished apartments for students and young professionals
Erasmusu: listings for international student exchange
Browse by location
BERLIN
EasyLiving: furnished apartments for students, all inclusive
StudierenWERK: student housing, both single and shared
HEIDELBERG
Gästezimmer-Zentrale (in German)
MUNICH
TUM Housing Service
If interested, ask MISTI for a list of recommended rental agencies in Munich. Be prepared to pay a fee of approximately 1.5 months rent.
STUTTGART
Blumhardt Haus (only for female students)
Homerooms
Gästehaus Weilimdorf und Feuerbach
ERLANGEN/NUREMBURG