Hello everyone!
As many incoming Master's students and interns struggle to find housing in Munich, we thought supporting them in this process would be helpful. If you know of any leads, opportunities, or arrangements that could benefit the new students, we would appreciate you sharing that information. Facilitating a smooth transition for these students will go a long way in making their stay in Munich a positive experience. Thank you!
Surya and Johannes
USM Student Representatives
Please provide any links or resources related to housing opportunities in Munich. Mention anything that you find relevant or helpful.
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Options for Students
Truth be told, living in Munich certainly comes with its price! In 2021, the average cost of living was roughly €21 per square meter, compared to the ‘paltry’ €12 per square meter in Berlin. So, be aware that securing student housing in Munich demands careful planning due to the city's competitive rental market.
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The Studierendenwerk München (Student Services Munich) administers several student dormitories, offering some of the most budget-friendly accommodations. Immediate application is advisable due to high demand. Wait times can stretch anywhere from a year to two.
~ €300 - €400
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Renting a private apartment or a room within a shared flat (WG/Wohngemeinschaft) offers more privacy and freedom to choose location and flatmates. However, it also entails a higher cost, and the competition for affordable places can be fierce.
~ €600 - €900+
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Subletting a room or finding temporary lodging through platforms like Airbnb or other temporary housing websites can be an effective stop-gap solution. However, expect less housing security than conventional leases.
Understanding Munich's Housing Market
- Get to know the average rent prices in various neighborhoods. Munich is divided into districts (Stadtbezirke), each with its own character and price range. Schwabing, Maxvorstadt, and Ludwigsvorstadt-Isarvorstadt are popular among students but can be pricier. Living in smaller towns on the outskirts of Munich could also be an option. The transit time to the city center and university can be as little as 20-30 minutes from these locations, making them feasible places to live as a student while having lower housing costs compared to central Munich.
- Always check Google Maps to see if the commute to the University Observatory (Scheinerstraße 1) would work for you. Key factors to research are the frequency of trains, how long the journey takes, and the walkability between the station and campus.
- Typically, a security deposit and the first month's rent are expected upfront.
- When searching for apartments, most listings will advertise the warm rent (Warmmiete), which represents the total monthly rent, including utility costs such as heating, water, electricity, and internet. The cold rent (Kaltmiete) solely represents the base rent without any additional expenses. It is advisable to estimate an extra €100 - €150 per month on top of the cold rent to cover the overhead.
- Understanding your rental contract (Mietvertrag) is crucial. Pay attention to key provisions such as the rent amount, deposit details, notice periods, and policy on subletting. It's advisable to have a German-speaking friend review the contract before committing.
The Search Process
- Begin your search early, even months in advance. Competition is extremely intense.
- Persistence is key - it may take contacting dozens of listings before securing a place.
- Have your ID, proof of enrollment (Immatrikulationsbescheinigung), and financial statements ready.