Living in Bonn
Welcome to Bonn and congratulations on getting a place to study, a job or a doctoral position at the University of Bonn! As in every university town, finding somewhere suitable to live is a challenge in Bonn too. Rising prices on the housing market and rising demand for accommodation coupled with a sluggish increase in the available housing stock make life difficult, whether you are a student, teacher or researcher. We would therefore advise you to start actively looking for a room, an apartment, shared accommodation or a temporary solution at an early stage. Unlike in other countries, you are not allocated accommodation when you enroll at a German university. We have put together the most important information below to aid you in your search.
Finding accommodation
The following section provides an overview of where you might start looking for accommodation, including online portals. Our folders “Studentisches Wohnen” (in German) and “Information about Accommodation Search—Tips for International Students” also contain relevant information and links.
Where to stay when you arrive in Bonn
You will sometimes be able to obtain cheap temporary accommodation for your first few nights from a Church or charitable organization, which will cost less than a hotel or bed and breakfast. We have deliberately not included any links, because the availability of services like these changes all the time and we would not want you to be misled.
Living in shared accommodation
Looking for accommodation is always best done in person. Given how important first impressions are, viewing accommodation in person, familiarizing yourself with the layout and meeting potential roommates is a good opportunity to make a good impression and obtain one yourself. It is worth browsing the “searching for” category in listings in order to find shared accommodation.
Accommodation advertisements in local printed media
The printed editions and websites of the “General-Anzeiger Bonn” newspaper, the city magazine “Schnüss” and the “Annonce” classified ads website also advertise accommodation. Search engines will also help you to identify various portals to find accommodation in.
AStA: Wohnen für Hilfe
The “Renting for Help” project enables students to offset all or part of their rent by supporting others. The General Students’ Committee (AStA) at the University of Bonn brings senior citizens, families, people with a disability or single parents who have accommodation available together with students looking for somewhere to live.
Subsidized accommodation for low earners
People who do not earn enough to afford suitable accommodation can obtain accommodation benefit or a certificate of eligibility for housing (Wohnberechtigungsschein) if they meet certain requirements. The WBS is required for certain social housing, for example, and can be applied for by both German and international students.
People on low incomes can use the WBS calculator and contact the City of Bonn to find out whether they are eligible to apply for a WBS.
You can find more information on the relevant City of Bonn web page.
Private dormitories and Church organizations
Bonn is home to several private dormitories and Church organizations that rent accommodation to students.
The Studierendenwerk has also launched the “Rent to Students” initiative — a platform to connect private landlords and students searching a room or flat.
Additional information
You’re welcome to get in touch with the Legal Advice team at the General Students’ Committee (AStA) if you have any questions about your rent contract or problems with your landlord.
If you will be staying in Bonn for longer than three months, you will need to register with the city authorities within two weeks of moving into your accommodation.
You can use the online form from the Citizen’s Service Office (Service Center Bonn) to book an appointment. Alternatively, you can register at the Citizen’s Service Office in Bad Godesberg, Bonn-Beuel or Bonn-Hardtberg.
For registration, you will need:
- Your completed registration form
- Your completed lessor’s certificate (PDF)
- Valid ID (identity card or passport)
Please retain the copies of your registration certificate, which you will need in order to obtain a library card, open a bank account and do other things.
If you have an apartment or room that you would like to let out to students in either the short or long term, we would be delighted to have your support. You are welcome to contact the Studierendenwerk Bonn or the General Students’ Committee (AStA) in this regard. If you would like to accommodate international students too, you can also get in touch with the International Office at the University of Bonn. You can find the relevant contact details further down this page under “Contact.”
Many students only come to Bonn for a short time so a subletting arrangement can be useful. You are welcome to contact the Studierendenwerk Bonn or the General Students’ Committee (AStA) in this regard.
If you would like to accommodate international students too, you can also get in touch with the International Office at the University of Bonn. You will find the relevant contact details further down this page under “Contact.” However, please note that a dormitory room provided by the Studierendenwerk Bonn cannot be sublet. Further information can be found on the website of the Studierendenwerk Bonn under “Frequently asked questions”.
If you have not secured somewhere to live by the time you arrive in Bonn, we recommend looking for a hotel or (youth) hostel in the short term. You will not find any rooms in Bonn kept spare for emergencies. Look under “Contacts” to see who to get in touch with about finding accommodation.
Living in a dormitory
The Studierendenwerk Bonn offers around 3,700 dormitory rooms for students in 29 buildings. Its website provides an overview of the location, facilities and costs of a place in one of these dormitories. You can only submit one application as a basic principle so should select as many dormitories as possible. People with disabilities can apply for preferential treatment.
International students seeking housing
Moving to a new country is an exciting experience, but looking for somewhere to live can be tricky, especially if you are doing everything from abroad. With the right planning and research, however, you will be able to find suitable accommodation in Bonn. You can find some helpful tips on preparing for your stay on our page devoted to organizational matters. Between May and October, we also support you with a monthly series of online fact-finding events all about living in Bonn. Below you will also find a few tips for finding accommodation in Bonn.
01.
No guarantee of accommodation
Unlike in other countries, you are not automatically allocated accommodation when you enroll at the University of Bonn.
02.
Be flexible
Even if you might prefer to have an apartment all to yourself, you should not dismiss other options, such as shared accommodation, out of hand.
03.
Maximize your options
Rather than pinning all your hopes on one solution, widen your options for finding accommodation by sending off multiple applications at the same time.
04.
Start early
We recommend that you start looking for accommodation as early as possible, especially before the winter semester, which starts in October. Many new students start in Bonn in the winter semester and the housing market is tight. So start your search as early as possible!
You can register with the Studierendenwerk Bonn up to one year in advance.
05.
Don’t give up
Even if your first few applications are unsuccessful, do not let that discourage you. Stick at it, and your patience will be rewarded.
06.
Be prepared
You will need a valid official address before you can register with the city authorities, apply for a residence permit, open a bank account and perform a whole range of other official tasks.
Watch out for housing scams!
High demand for affordable accommodation means that, unfortunately, housing scams can happen in Bonn—as they can in many university towns and cities. Look out for dubious operators when hunting for somewhere to live.
Dubious operators—the warning signs
- The landlord is supposedly abroad and will not be able to show you their apartment.
- They promise to send you the keys once you have paid an amount in advance.
- The accommodation is unusually cheap given its size and location.
- Emails are poorly written.
How to avoid rent fraud
- Find out what realistic rent levels are.
- Do not pay anything in advance.
- Agree an in-person viewing or video call.
- Insist on a written rental contract.
- Do not mail any copies of your ID documents.
- Do not share any sensitive personal data.
If you suspect a scam
- Don’t close your account or delete your correspondence.
- Tell the police and the accommodation portal provider immediately.
- Look online for similar cases of fraud.
Contact
Studierendenwerk Bonn AöR
Student Accommodation section
General Students’ Committee (AStA)
The “Renting for Help” project
Amt für Soziales und Wohnen of the City of Bonn (Amt 50)
The social security and accommodation office, responsible for matters including Wohngeld (accommodation benefit) and the certificate of eligibility for housing
International Office at the University of Bonn
Housing support for international students and doctoral candidates