Accommodation

It’s not easy

We want to be honest: As in most university cities it is not easy to find accommodation in Erlangen, especially not a convenient one.

Due to legal regulations, universities in Germany are not allowed to operate their own dormitories. There are several dormitories in Erlangen: some are private and commercial dormitories, some are run by non-profit organisations, and others are public dormitories managed by the so-called “Studentenwerk”. The university has no influence over who is allocated a room there, but the operators are solely in charge of that.

MAOT can support you with a list of recommendations on where and how to search for housing. MAOT staff is also happy to provide feedback on specific accommodations based on our local expertise.

Regarding dormitory applications, students can apply early, but they will likely not hear back before July or August regarding a potential offer.

As for the private market, it generally does not make sense to start searching before about June as private apartments for September / October are usually not listed before then.

Based on our experience, rooms in shared flats on the private market (including private dormitories) typically start at around €450 per month, while small apartments usually start at around €550 per month.
Rooms in non-profit dormitories are generally available for between €250 and €450 per month.

Strategy advice

  • We recommend searching not only in Erlangen, but also in the entire region. Nürnberg and Fürth offer many opportunities and are easily accessible by public transport. Smaller towns to the north or west of Erlangen (Forchheim, Baiersdorf, Dechsendorf, Langensendelbach, etc.) are also alternatives.
  • Use every contact you have in the region or in Germany, even if it is a friend of a friend of a friend. Let everyone know that you are looking for accommodation. This method is a common and often successful way to find a place.

Dormitories

Studentenwerk

Non-profit dormitories

Private dormitories

Private dormitories often have a higher standard but are also in the higher price segment:

Non-dormitory accommodation

Further tools

How to Write a Successful Inquiry

Inquiry for a Single Apartment

Due to the high demand for housing, landlords and real estate agents often receive many applications. Providing complete and clear information in your first message can significantly improve your chances.

Essential information to include:

  • Full name
  • Age
  • Field of study
  • Expected duration of stay If possible, avoid emphasizing a very short rental period, as many landlords prefer long-term tenants.
  • Contact details
  • Financial situation Explain how you will finance your stay (e.g. scholarship, personal funds). Be prepared to provide documents upon request.

Inquiry for a Shared Flat (WG)

On platforms like WG-Gesucht, current tenants often receive hundreds of applications and may reject candidates based solely on their written inquiry. A well-written, personalized message can greatly increase your chances.

Start with the basic information (see the list above) and then also:

  • Introduce yourself: make yourself memorable by sharing a bit about your personality and interests (hobbies, what you enjoy doing in your free time)
  • Show what you can contribute: Mention anything you could bring to the shared flat, e.g. household items or board games and definitely a positive attitude and reliability

Many WGs prefer applicants who already have experience living with others, if this is true for you, absolutely mention previously shared flats and your ability to follow cleaning schedules and state your respectful and communicative behavior.

Read the advertisement carefully:

  • Do the current tenants like to spend time together?
  • Do you share common interests? Mention any overlap or ideas for shared activities.

Note: do not send the same generic message to every WG. Always adapt your inquiry to the specific advertisement and refer to what the current tenants have written.

Advice against rental fraud

Unfortunately, with the tense situation on the housing market also the number of fraudulent housing advertisements has increased. We would like to provide some information that might help to identify fake advertisements.

If you have any doubts, you can contact the MAOT office and ask for an assessment.

Indications of fake real estate advertisements:

  • lack of basic information on the property and personal contact information
  • poor German grammar and spelling (ask a native speaker if possible)
  • contact person sending messages/e-mails from outside of Germany
  • mail addresses with suspicious domain names such as long senseless letter and number combinations or topic unrelated (kontakt@ein-Fussballspiel-dauert-90-minten.de)
  • conspicuously cheap offers that are “too good to be true”
  • contact person suggests to send you keys for an upfront payment

Do not pay any money

  • for viewing an apartment (illegal in Germany) or if a contact person offers to send the keys beforehand (a very common scam method)
  • before the rental contract is signed by you and the landlord
  • to a non-German money transfer institution (common scam method)

Further notes

  • It is standard practice to pay a security deposit before moving in. Landlords are legally allowed to request a deposit of two- or three-months’ basic rent.
  • If you rent a subleased accommodation, make sure that the person subletting the accommodation has the permission of their landlord to do so. If the permission is not granted, you will not get a rental confirmation and will not be able to register your address at the town hall. For third country nationals this will have negative effects on the residence permit.