Student Dorm vs. Shared Flat: Cost Comparison
Choosing housing is one of the most important financial decisions during your studies. Student dormitories and shared flats (WGs) are the two most popular options. Both have their advantages, but the cost differences can be significant. This comparison helps you make the right decision.
Costs in a Student Dormitory
Student dormitories are operated by student services organizations or private providers. Rents in public dormitories range from 200 to 350 euros including utilities, depending on the city and room type. Single rooms in corridor communities are the cheapest (200-280 euros), while single apartments with their own bathroom and kitchenette are the most expensive (280-400 euros).
Typically included in the rent: heating, water, electricity (often as a flat rate), internet, and the use of common areas such as kitchens, laundry rooms, and study rooms. Furnishing is standard: bed, desk, chair, shelf, and wardrobe are provided.
The biggest advantage: no deposit, no agent fees, no furniture costs. You move in with your suitcase and can start studying right away. Cancellation is possible with short notice (usually 3 months).
Costs in a Shared Flat
Shared flat rooms cost between 280 and 650 euros including utilities, depending on the city. In Munich, 500-650 euros is realistic, in Berlin 400-550 euros, in smaller university towns 280-400 euros. Additional costs often include utility bill adjustments and internet (approximately 10-15 euros per share).
When moving in, you face deposit costs (2-3 months' rent), possible furniture takeover fees (200-1,000 euros), and initial room setup. Some WGs expect a contribution to the kitchen or living room. These one-time costs can total 1,000-3,000 euros.
The advantages of a shared flat: more freedom in room size and furnishing, free choice of roommates, often more central location, and no application process with long waiting times at the student services office.
Total Cost Comparison Over a Degree
Over a bachelor's degree (6 semesters, 36 months): A dormitory place at 280 euros costs 10,080 euros in total. A shared flat room at 400 euros plus 2,000 euros in one-time costs comes to 16,400 euros. That is a 6,320 euro difference, or over 2,000 euros per year.
However, many shared flats offer more living space, a better location, and more privacy. The question is therefore not just what is cheaper but also what matters to you. Those who need to watch every euro are better off in a dormitory. Those seeking more comfort and independence will prefer a shared flat.
Application Process and Availability
Dormitory places are scarce: only 9 percent of students in Germany live in a student dormitory. Waiting times range from 1 to 6 semesters depending on the city. Some student services allocate places based on social need, others on waiting time. International students and first-year students are often given priority.
Shared flat rooms can be found on platforms like WG-Gesucht.de, Immobilienscout24, or through university bulletin boards. In popular cities, you should expect 10-30 viewings before finding a room. Starting your search early (2-3 months before the semester begins) is strongly recommended.
Our Recommendation
For first-year students and those with tight budgets, we recommend applying for a dormitory room immediately. Even if the waiting list is long, the financial savings make it worthwhile. In parallel, you can live in a temporary shared flat or sublet until the dormitory place becomes available.