As soon as you have made your arrangements for your university studies, your visa and your finances, it is advisable to look for a room or an apartment from your home country via the internet! It can be difficult to find a room on short notice just before the term begins.

There are basically two  types of accommodations for students in Germany: student residence halls and private rooms/apartments.

Residence halls run by the Studentenwerk

The Studentenwerk  Osnabrück (Office of Student Services)  manages residence halls in several different parts of town. They are all in proximity to the university. These accommodations are very sought after among foreign as well as domestic students, since they are much less expensive than privately rented rooms or apartments.  The rooms can be rented for rates beginning at 145 € , and there is the option to rent them fully furnished. Living in a student residence hall makes it easier to get to know other German and foreign students.

Each residence hall run by the Studentenwerk Osnabrück is looked after by a tutor for foreign students who will assist you if problems should occur.

Since it can be quite difficult to find an affordable room or apartment in Osnabrück, particularly at the beginning of the winter semester,  you should begin your search as early as possible. For exchange students and recipients of fellowships, the International Office (Akademisches Auslandsamt) can arrange for a room in one of the residence halls of the Studentenwerk,  provided that they apply early enough.

Other international students should contact the Studentenwerk  directly, and early on.  

There is a shortage of accommodations,  so once again, please make sure to apply as early as possible. Please keep in mind, however, that even with a timely application we cannot guarantee a place in a dormitory right at the beginning of your semester!

On our homepage under Student Accommodation, you will find detailed information about the dormitories and residences managed by the Studentenwerk,  as well as a download of the application form.

Private Accommodations

If you are looking for an apartment of your own or a shared flat (WG, short for “Wohngemeinschaft”) you can begin the search in your home country via the internet.
Our Department of Student Housing (Studentisches Wohnen) is a good place to start.
Here you can find out about rooms and apartments  available in and around Osnabrück. The university of Osnabrück has created a free online housing forum that lists apartment offers in the Osnabrück region, and where you can also post a search ad.  There are additional useful links for your apartment search in the section “Rooms and Apartments” under Tips for the Search.
 
Shared flats, in German "Wohngemeinschaften" or just "WG", are a common living arrangment for students in Germany. Two or more students rent a flat together and share the rent and the utility costs (electricity etc.). Each inhabitant has a room of his or her own, whereas kitchen and bathroom are shared. Wohngemeinschaften are often more than just arrangements of convenience – a WG can also easily grow into a valuable place of social interaction.

The Deutscher Mieterbund ( > Recht > Mietvertrag) will supply you with necessary information (in German) about what is important when acquiring a lease.

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