Finding accommodation in the short term
Hostels and youth hostels offer affordable accommodation for a short period of time. We can't list all the options, but we have put together a small selection here:
Dortmund
There are many hotels in Dortmund and at the FH Südwestfalen campuses where you can stay overnight at short notice - unfortunately we cannot list them all here. Please use the online booking portals (e.g. Booking.com) and their various search criteria to find a suitable offer.
Finding long-term living space
There are more and more private halls of residence for students. Unlike the Studierendenwerk, these providers aim to make a profit. Rents are therefore often significantly more expensive than those charged by the Studierendenwerk. In return, the room size and facilities (e.g. fitness room) are above the standard. Important: Be sure to ask whether there are any additional costs on top of the rent!
Dortmund
Soest
Meschede
Most private flats are published on the Internet. We list a selection of the best-known online portals here.
The following daily newspapers regularly publish adverts in the property market in Dortmund and the region:
- Stadtanzeiger (free newspaper)
- Westdeutsche Allgemeine Zeitung (WAZ)
- Ruhr Nachrichten (RN)
- Westfälische Rundschau (WR)
- Soester Anzeiger
- Iserlohner Kreisanzeiger
Housing cooperatives have the overriding aim of offering affordable housing. There are different requirements for renting. For example, you may have to become a member of a co-operative. Some co-operatives offer special deals for students.
Dortmund
- DOGEWO21
- GWS Wohnen Dortmund-Süd eG
- Spar- und Bauverein eG Dortmund
- Gemeinnützige Wohnungsgenossenschaft Dortmund eG
- GWG Hombruch-Barop eG
- LEG Wohnen NRW GmbH
Soest
Iserlohn
Hagen
Meschede
Search for flats in the region
Take advantage of the excellent transport links in the Ruhr region
If you cannot find a suitable flat directly at your place of study, it is worth looking in the surrounding towns and cities. Thanks to the excellent transport links in the Ruhr area, you can commute easily from many places.
With the Germany semester ticket, which you will automatically receive from your university, you can use public transport throughout Germany – flexibly, easily and at no additional cost.
Accommodation offers on the notice board
In addition to online portals and accommodation providers, you will find further offers on the notice boards at universities and in the foyer of the canteen building. It is definitely worth checking these regularly, especially for rooms that become available at short notice.
Finding accommodation from abroad
Unlike in many other countries, in Germany a place in a hall of residence is not reserved when you are accepted onto a degree programme. You must organise your own accommodation. You can choose between the Studierendenwerk's halls of residence or the accommodation providers listed here. Further advice on finding accommodation from abroad can be found here:
- Information from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD):
Find a flat | Study in Germany - Federal Ministry of Education and Research:
study-in-germany.de
Due to the risk of fraud, we ask you never to transfer the deposit or rent in advance! Dubious providers lure you in with favourable offers and then demand payment in advance. If the money is also to be transferred to a foreign account, you should exercise extreme caution!