You can view the recording of the event "Tenancy Law in Germany: Info Event for Students (in German)" in this video. You can also find the info sheets below in the download area.
Whether a room in a dorm, sharing an apartment, or your very own place – if you are going to study in Aachen or come here for a research stay, you will need to start looking for accommodation early on, because RWTH does not own any student dorms, only has very limited places at its guesthouses and therefore cannot provide you with housing.
Contact
Name
Housing Advice Service
Contact for housing providers and international students (bachelor, master, exchange) looking for accommodation
Phone
- work
- +49 241 80 90681
- Send Email
Contact
Name
Welcome Center for International Researchers
Contact for international researchers (doctoral students, postdocs, guest researchers, researchers with family) looking for accommodation
Phone
- work
- +49 241 80 90679
- Send Email
Typically, RWTH welcomes more than 9,000 new students every winter semester, with hundreds of new employees and guests researchers too. The number of people looking for a place to live is equally high at this time. At the start of the semester it is particularly hard to find a place that is available, especially at a reasonable price. Thus, we recommend you start looking for a room at least two to three months before coming to Aachen.
Unfortunately, it is not possible for doctoral candidates and guest researchers to live in the student dorms run by Studierendenwerk. RWTH has three guesthouses with various accommodation options very near the university campus. As a rule, it is necessary to book very early (several months in advance), as this option is in high demand and the guesthouses are often fully booked. Since only your host institute can make a reservation on your behalf, please contact them early on to check availability.
If you are looking for furnished accommodation for a limited period of time, you will find offers for temporary and furnished apartments in Aachen on the website Wohnen auf Zeit.
Scam alert!
- Some international students have reported fake housing offers. This document and this video tutorial by AV offer some tips to recognize and avoid possible housing scams.
Downloads
Housing Guide for International Degree and Non-Degree Students (pdf:18526kb)- Housing Guide for International Researchers (pdf:14305kb)
Search for Accommodation
At RWTH, several student advising services are specialized in providing information on housing, for example, AStA Students' Committee, the AusländerInnenVertretung (AV), the International Office Housing Advice Service, the international student organization INCAS, and the Association of Indian Students in Aachen, or AISA.
These organizations have all teamed up and created a brochure offering a great amount of information as well as addresses that are helpful for both German and international students and researchers. Please take a close look at the brochure, which is only available in English, to find out about all the different options for finding a room or an apartment here in Aachen.
For international students in need of further guidance, the International Office Housing Advice Service offers individual advising as well as an international housing newsletter informing regularly about incoming private offers from owners and RWTH students, specific availabilities in student dorms, partnerships with private dorms, anti-scams tips, upcoming webinars and events related to housing. We highly recommend all housing-seeking students to subscribe to this newsletter.
International doctoral students and researchers can contact the Welcome Center for International Researchers for housing advice as well as for support in the general organization of their research stay. Please send an email to welcome@rwth-aachen.de to contact the Welcome Center staff. If necessary, you can make a personal appointment for a private advising session with the Welcome Center.
Ways to find accommodation - FAQ
Does RWTH own any student dormitories?
No, RWTH does not own, nor rent or manage any dorms or accommodation in general. The Studierendenwerk Aachen, along with further private dorms, offers low-priced housing options for students in and around Aachen.
Where can I find an overview of Aachen’s housing options?
Consult our Housing Guide, which contains an overview of short-, medium- and long-term housing options in and around Aachen, including the link to their website, approximate prices and application / booking procedures.
Am I eligible to apply for the so-called “quota rooms” reserved by the International Office in cooperation with Studierendenwerk Aachen?
Degree students are usually not eligible for quota rooms.
If you are an exchange, program or visiting student staying at RWTH for one semester or two only, you may be able to apply for one of the so-called quota rooms. For that, you first need to have applied at the Incoming Student Services in due times. Our Housing Advice Service will contact you accordingly to provide you the access to the application portal as well as your applicant number.
Please note that the International Office is in charge of the application process, whereas the Studierendenwerk – as owner of the dorms – is responsible for the offers, the allocation of the rooms and all further procedures (lease contract, rent payment, deposit refund, et cetera).
I would like to get a room offer from a student dormitory faster. Can I ask RWTH or the International Office for help?
The Studierendenwerk Aachen and all further private dorms are independent from the university. RWTH Aachen and the International Office have no influence whatsoever on the allocation process or waiting lists.
I would like to live in the Netherlands / in Belgium. Is that possible?
Students with German or EU citizenship may live in the Netherlands or Belgium. Non-EU students must apply for a German residence title to study in Germany and thus have a registered residence in Germany. It is therefore not possible for non-EU students to live in the Netherlands or Belgium.
What is a housing entitlement certificate, so-called Wohnberechtigungsschein, and am I eligible for it?
Some publicly funded and therefore lower-priced apartments have specific tenancy requirements. For instance, you need to present a housing entitlement certificate, or Wohnberechtigungsschein, which both German and international students can apply for. Those with little income can check their eligibility for the Wohnberechtigungsschein at WBS Rechner and at the City of Aachen housing office. Please note that both websites are only available in German.
Renting a room or apartment - FAQ
I have questions regarding my rental agreement. Whom can I contact?
If you have any questions regarding your rental agreement or if you are having problems with your landlord or landlady, you are welcome to contact the legal advice team at the Student Union AStA. There you can get advice from lawyers and find out what exactly your rights and obligations are as a tenant. AStA also organizes seminars on the topic of tenancy law. Information on upcoming events can be found here. Under downloads you can also find an AStA brochure on this specific topic. Please note that it is currently available in German only. Furthermore, you can find an information sheet with important information about tenancy law in the download area below.
Can I pay the rent late?
The first month rent and deposit are usually requested from the dorm administration, landlord or landlady to pay before moving in, after the lease contract has been signed by both parties. There is usually a clause included in your contract mentioning the latest possible date of payment (e.g. third of the month). In case you are late in payment, talk to your dorm administration or landlord or landlady. You may have to pay an additionnal fee for the delay.
How do I do the city registration (Wohnsitzanmeldung)?
Once you have moved into your new home, have the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung (the confirmation from your landlord, landlady or dorm administration) signed. Make an appointment at the Citizens’ Office in Aachenvia the appointment tool at the latest two weeks after your move in date and bring the signed document as well as your personal ID or passport with you.Further information about the registration process is available in German at the Serviceportal der Stadt Aachen.
What should I do if my bank account is frozen and I cannot transfer the rent and deposit?
If possible, have a relative or a friend do the first transfer for you. Once you will have registered your address in Aachen, you will be able to unblock or create your bank account with the confirmation of address registration.
I would like to rent out or sublet an apartment. Whom can I contact?
If you would like to rent out your property or sublet your apartment or room, please first consult our website with related tips. If you have further questions or you would like to submit an offer, please reach out to our Housing Advice Service team via email.
I am living in a Studierendenwerk residence hall. What do I need to consider when moving out?
Even though your rental agreement with the Studierendenwerk runs until the last day of a given month, it is only possible to move out by the last working days (Monday to Friday) of the month and you need to arrange an appointment with the Hausmeister early on, as an official inspection of your room is necessary when handing over your key.
There will also be a "pre-inspection" of your room, approximately 6 to 8 weeks prior to the end of your rental contract in case any larger repairs must be scheduled in advance.
If you fail to follow the correct procedure when moving out or refuse to allow the "pre-inspection", a fee will be deducted from your deposit. For more information, please refer to the Studierendenwerk Questions and Answers page.
When can I get my deposit back?
If you are living in one of Studierendenwerk’s residence halls, it usually takes 12 to 14 weeks for the deposit to be transferred back. Should it take longer, please reach out to the Studierendenwerk directly. On the private market, it can take up to six months to take your deposit back. Make sure in both cases to keep your move out protocol until you get the reimbursement.
Beware of scams - FAQ
How can I know, if an online offer is a scam?
There are several tricks which are used typically by scammers targeting international students in particular. Some of them are summed up well on iamexpat.de. In general, use common sense and never send any sensible documents or transfer any money without having absolute proof that the person you are being in contact with and the accommodation offer actually exist.
Where can I be targeted by scammers?
Scammers are particularly active on social media like Facebook and the most popular housing research portals such as WG-Gesucht or Ebay Kleinanzeigen. They may contact you proactively, which only happens rarely in serious cases.
Some scammers are also using temporary housing portal such as Booking.com or Airbnb to insert fake offers. The latter can be easily spotted if the payment for your booking should be made by extra transfer and not via the secured payment portal.
The person offering the room or apartment says she is not in Germany and wants me to transfer a security deposit. Is it safe?
This is a typical scam situation: the alleged owner contacts the apartment hunter and informs them that he is abroad and cannot come to the viewing. He/she offers to send the key for the viewing of the apartment by mail or to hand it over through an intermediary. As a deposit for this, you should transfer money in advance to “secure” the apartment. As soon as the transfer has been made, however, you receive neither a suitable apartment key nor an answer from the alleged landlord. Sometimes, the scammer will go as far as trying to get you to transfer more money, saying the money never arrived on his or her account.
Should I book and pay the accommodation without seeing it?
Sometimes, you may not have the chance to physically visit the place before booking it. This is the case for example if you are applying for a student dorm from abroad. In those cases, you can usually easily check if the offer is legitimate, since those must have at least a website to refer to and have a company stamp or similar.
On the private market, you should be more careful. If you have been in contact with a potential owner or lessor but you were not able to visit the apartment or room beforehand, make sure to proof-check the legitimacy of the offer before transferring any money or providing any sensible documents. Do not rely simply on some pictures and an email / WhatsApp conversation.
What should I do if I suspect a scam or if I have been scammed?
- Ignore: Do not respond to the scammer's demands. Do not transfer money under any circumstances. Do not cash checks or forward letters and packages - do not keep them either. If you have already transferred money and if possible, immediately reverse any payments made.
- Back up: save all mails and chat texts as evidence on a storage medium. Keep bank transfer receipts, etc. If you are still unsure, contact your nearest police station. They will tell you what you need to do to secure all the evidence.
- Get help: File a report with the police and inform our Housing Advice Service. Prosecuting such perpetrators is difficult because they operate from abroad. Nevertheless, you should definitely report the incident to maybe help others students no getting scammed by the same person or alias.
Play Video
Downloads
- Information Sheet Tenancy Law in Germany (pdf: 142 kb)
- Housing Poster (pdf: 3343 kb)
FAQs
Does RWTH Aachen have dorms? ›
No, RWTH does not own, nor rent or manage any dorms or accommodation in general. The Studierendenwerk Aachen, along with further private dorms, offers low-priced housing options for students in and around Aachen.
How much is living expenses in Aachen for students? ›You should expect to pay between 1,000 and 1,200 euros per month. If you feel overwhelmed by all of this, you can contact the student advisory service in Aachen. They can help you with all your questions about financial aid, housing subsidies, BAföG and student loans.
Is Aachen cheap to live? ›The average cost of living in Aachen is $1291, which is close to the world's average cost of living, ranked 3926th out of 9294 in our global list, 587th out of 662 in Germany, and 178th out of 201 in North Rhine-Westphalia. The median after-tax salary is $2966, which is enough to cover living expenses for 2.3 months.
Is Aachen an expensive city? ›Summary of cost of living in Aachen, Germany: A family of four estimated monthly costs are 3,105.3$ (2,893.7€) without rent. A single person estimated monthly costs are 929.3$ (866.0€) without rent.
Is Aachen cheaper than Berlin? ›You would need around 3,626.3€ in Aachen to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with 4,700.0€ in Berlin (assuming you rent in both cities). This calculation uses our Cost of Living Plus Rent Index to compare the cost of living and assume net earnings (after income tax).
Is RWTH Aachen University hard to get into? ›The admissions at RWTH Aachen University are highly competitive with only 10% students making it to the final admission round. The total student body at the university is recorded as 47,078 as of winter semesters 2023.
Is it expensive to live in Germany as an international student? ›Thus, the annual living expenses can be calculated as 10,368 euros per year or 10,334 USD per year. This is far lower than other European countries, including the UK, Switzerland, Denmark, etc. Hence, it is safe to say that Germany is a moderately affordable study destination for international students.
What is the average salary of RWTH? ›Average annual salary in RWTH Aachen University is INR 11.5 lakhs .
What is the monthly living cost for international students in Germany? ›Students in Germany usually spend roughly 850 Euros every month on average as living costs. You will require approximately 10, 300+ Euros annually in living costs and close to 40% of global students will want to find student residences owing to lower costs hovering around 300 EUR per month.
Is English spoken in Aachen? ›Life in Aachen is greatly influenced by the city's geographic location. Everywhere you turn, you can hear fragments of conversations in Dutch, French, Flemish and English.
Which university is best in Aachen? ›
Rankings & ratings
RWTH Aachen University is one of the top public universities in Aachen, Germany.
Job Hunting in Aachen
Aachen is a student city, so there are always plenty of applicants applying for jobs. Local advertisements are a good way of finding smaller jobs while employment agencies will have a comprehensive list.
- Number 1 – Munich.
- Number 2 – Frankfurt am Main.
- Number 3 – Hamburg.
- Number 4 – Düsseldorf.
- Number 5 – Stuttgart.
- Berlin: €15.69 per m2.
- Stuttgart: €15.31 per m2.
- Freiburg: €14.88 per m2.
- Dusseldorf: €14.20 per m2.
- Mainz: €14.17 per m2.
- Heidelberg: €14.14 per m2.
- Hamburg: €14.04 per m2.
- Darmstadt: €13.84 per m2.
Aachen is well known for being home to the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in Germany - Aachen Cathedral - and the large number of young people, whom you see wherever you go. Be inspired by a city full of history and vibrant life!
How much does it cost to move to Germany from USA? ›The average cost of a move from the United States to Germany is $4,450. Generally speaking, Americans living on the East Coast will see lower fees than those on the West Coast, as they're simply closer to Germany.
How much does it cost to live in Germany in US dollars? ›Summary of cost of living in Germany: A family of four estimated monthly costs are 3,194.3$ (2,976.6€) without rent. A single person estimated monthly costs are 940.9$ (876.8€) without rent. Cost of living in Germany is, on average, 14.1% lower than in United States.
How much is rent in Germany? ›In general, the average monthly expenses in Germany can add up to €1,698 for a single person or €3,561 for a family of 4. However, these averages can vary depending on where you live, as rental prices are higher in cities popular among expats. For instance, the average rent in Germany is €800 per month.
What GPA do you need for RWTH Aachen? ›RWTH Aachen: min. CGPA of 2.5.
What is the minimum GPA for RWTH? ›No German language skills are required for admission and enrollment. However, you will have the chance to take German language courses as part of your curriculum at RWTH Aachen University Language Center. What is the minimum GPA to get admission? There is no minimum GPA to get admission.
Does RWTH Aachen require German language? ›
The language of instruction in all Bachelor's and Master's courses of study at RWTH is German, with only a few exceptions. You must prove you have the required language skills for your chosen course of study – usually with a recognized language certificate.
How much is rent in Germany in US dollars? ›Housing Costs in Germany
A one-bedroom apartment in the city center of the Bavarian capital ranges from USD$1,227-$1,500, while a three-bedroom rents for USD$2,201-$2,690.
Living costs
Germany is generally cheaper than the USA. However, living in big cities, such as Munich and Hamburg, can be expensive. In general, you'll need around €850 per month to cover your expenses in Germany. This amount includes groceries, health insurance, rent, and other related costs.
Students in Germany can pay anywhere from €250 to €750 per month for student accommodation. It all depends on what type of accommodation you decide to rent.
What is the acceptance rate of RWTH? ›The acceptance rate of RWTH is approximately 6 % - 10%.
What is the fees of RWTH Aachen University? ›For our DDS program, our MME TIME program as well as our full-time MBA program the total tuition fee is 30,000 € (thirty thousand euros). For our Executive MBA program the total tuition fee is 39,000 € (thirty-nine thousand euros).
Is RWTH a good university? ›QS Ranking by Subjects 2022
In the academic area "Business & Management Studies" the School of Business and Economics at RWTH Aachen University was ranked in 2022 among the ranking group 151-200. This means that RWTH holds 6th place across Germany.
There is no restriction on foreigners buying property in Germany, no matter whether they live in Germany or elsewhere. You can, therefore, buy property as a non-resident with the expressed purpose of renting it out, or you can choose to rent out your own home if you move away from Germany.
How much is food in Germany for international students? ›- rent 332,- euros.
- food 154,- euros.
- clothing 48,- euros.
- transport costs (car/public transport) 116,- euros.
- health 96,- euros.
- telephone/internet/TV-radio license fees/postage 32,- euros.
- study materials or equipment (books etc) 24,- euros.
- leisure, culture and sport 65,- euros.
| Item/Expense | Rate |
|---|---|
| Rent | EUR 300 - EUR 700 Depending on the choice of accommodation such as student halls, shared rooms or rooms in a flat to one-bed flats in the city |
| Food and Drinks | EUR 150 - EUR 250 Depending on the city and the type of food and drinks ordered |
Is Aachen a good place to live? ›
Like many of Germany's other smaller cities, Aachen has a vibrant international community, bags of cultural and leisure activities, a lively nightlife, good day trip opportunities and - best of all - a much lower cost of living.
Which city in Germany speaks the most English? ›These are the German cities with best English skills. If you're an international looking to move to Germany, you'll want to find a city where English is spoken a lot. Which cities are these in Germany? A study shows: The German cities with best English are Karlsruhe, Munich, Dresden, Bremen and Düsseldorf.
What is the reputation of RWTH Aachen? ›RWTH Aachen University is ranked #199 in Best Global Universities.
How many international students are in RWTH Aachen? ›The University educates over 47,000 students enrolled in 170 courses. This includes more than 14,150 international students from 138 countries.
What is the difference between RWTH Aachen and RWTH International? ›RWTH Aachen University is the main public university, and the RWTH International Academy gGmbH (known as IntAc) is a subsidiary of it. It basically is a private institution owned by RWTH Aachen University.
What is the nearest airport to Aachen university? ›What airports are near Aachen? The closest airport is Maastricht/Aachen (MST) (16.54 mi). Other nearby airports are Liège Bierset (LGG) (29.6 mi), Duesseldorf Intl (DUS) (45.74 mi), Cologne Köln/Bonn (CGN) (46.57 mi) or Eindhoven (EIN) (55.74 mi).
Is Aachen a big city? ›Aachen (/ˈɑːxən/ AH-khən; German: [ˈaːxn̩] ( listen); Aachen dialect: Oche [ˈɔːxə]; French and traditional English: Aix-la-Chapelle) is, with around 249,000 inhabitants, the 13th-largest city in North Rhine-Westphalia, and the 28th-largest city of Germany.
Where do most millionaires live in Germany? ›As one of the top financial hubs in the world and the wealthiest city in main Europe, Frankfurt is home to more than 117,000 millionaires, including 14 billionaires. Frankfurt stands out from other big German cities (Berlin, Hamburg) in terms of wealthy populations despite contributing less to the country's GDP.
What city in Germany has the nicest people? ›Bochum, Bremen and Hanover among friendliest cities
From Schnauze to smiles, on the other end of the spectrum Bochum, Bremen and Hanover were deemed the top three most charming German cities.
Unlike in other countries, such as Denmark and Switzerland, there are no restrictions to foreigners to purchase real estate in Germany. Currently, many foreign purchasers acquire properties in large German cities such as Berlin, Frankfurt and Munich.
Where do rich people stay in Germany? ›
Frankfurt
There is only one location to live for wealthy people who want to be in the center of Germany's financial industry, and that is Frankfurt.
What is the average cost of rent in Germany? Average rent costs in Germany range from €300 to €800 per calendar month for a room in shared accommodation and from €500 to €1,346 for a one-bedroom flat.
How much is a house in Germany? ›The average sales price of single-family and duplex homes in the biggest cities in Germany varied between approximately 5,000 euros and 11,000 euros per square meter in the third quarter of 2022.
How long to stay in Aachen? ›With a population of 265,208, Aachen is a must-see destination in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. It is one of the most popular cities to visit in the country. We recommend you stay at least 4 days in order to fully appreciate everything Aachen has to offer.
Is Aachen expensive for students? ›How much it costs to study in Aachen depends on many different factors. These include, above all, rent and daily living expenses. You should expect to pay between 1,000 and 1,200 euros per month. If you feel overwhelmed by all of this, you can contact the student advisory service in Aachen.
Is it expensive to live in Aachen? ›...
Cost of Living in Aachen.
| Restaurants | Edit |
|---|---|
| Rent Per Month | Edit |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre | 539.22€ |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre | 447.75€ |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre | 1,206.25€ |
RWTH Aachen University is one of the largest and most prestigious universities in Europe. The acceptance rate of RWTH is approximately 6 % - 10%.
What is the minimum GPA for RWTH Aachen University? ›RWTH Aachen: min. CGPA of 2.5.
Is RWTH free for international students? ›RWTH does not charge international students tuition fees.
Is Aachen a good city for students? ›Aachen is one of the most important centres for students who are interested in science and technology.
Which university in Germany has highest acceptance rate? ›
Schiller International University is one of the most prestigious universities with a high acceptance rate in Germany. The employment rate of graduates after completing their course from the university is 68% and the acceptance rate of the university is 100%.
What language is required for university of Aachen? ›The language of instruction in all Bachelor's and Master's courses of study at RWTH is German, with only a few exceptions. You must prove you have the required language skills for your chosen course of study – usually with a recognized language certificate.
Does RWTH Aachen teach in English? ›In addition to German-language courses of study RWTH Aachen also offers Master's programs in English.
Who pays for international students? ›However, international students cannot apply for the federal financial aid program. As a result, international students typically rely on private loans to pay for college. Banks, financial organizations, and schools all offer private student loans. Each lender sets different terms for taking out a loan.