Accommodation (Where you will live)

For EU/EEA students.

The process of finding student housing in Austria requires careful planning in advance, as Austrian universities do not automatically offer on-campus accommodation.
Here are essential details, updated prices and concrete steps for each option mentioned:

1. Student Dormitories (Studentenheime)
Dorms are the most recommended option for international students. The rent is All-Inclusive, covering internet, heating, electricity and access to shared facilities (fitness rooms, laundry, saunas).

- ÖJAB: Manages 23 dormitories in Vienna, Graz, Salzburg, Eisenstadt, Krems, etc. Twin rooms start at ~380 EUR/month, and single rooms start at ~570 EUR/month. You can apply directly on the [official ÖJAB platform](https://www.oejab.at/en/students).
- WIST: Known for its excellent prices in cities like Innsbruck, Linz, Graz and Vienna. Prices start from ~150 - 300 EUR/month for a double/single room (depending on the city). Check offers directly on the [WIST OÖ website](https://wistooe.at/en/) or WIST Innsbruck.
- OeAD student housing: It is the official accommodation agency of Austria. It offers places in ultra-modern, fully furnished, eco-friendly dormitories. Prices start from ~410 - 440 EUR/month. Registrations and priorities are managed on the [OeAD student housing portal](https://www.oeadstudenthousing.at/en/).
- Other reliable options: It is also worth checking out the associations [STUWO](https://www.stuwo.at/), [Home4Students](https://www.home4students.at/) or [Viennabase](https://www.viennabase.at/) (exclusively for Vienna).

2. Private Shared Rentals (WG - Wohngemeinschaft) 
A room in a shared apartment with other students offers more freedom and is an ideal way to meet locals. In large cities (Vienna, Salzburg), the price of a room in a WG generally ranges between 300 EUR and 600 EUR/month, depending on the area and size.

- WG-Gesucht: This is the most popular platform. Each listing includes detailed descriptions of the personality of the roommates, house rules and total costs (including utilities/Warmmiete). You can browse the ads directly on [WG-Gesucht](https://www.wg-gesucht.de/).
- Willhaben: Austria's largest classifieds portal. Use the dedicated search filter by entering the term "WG-tauglich" (apartment suitable for roommates) to find properties on [Willhaben Immobilien](https://www.willhaben.at/iad/immobilien).

3. How to protect yourself from Scams
The real estate market in Austria is very competitive, and scammers often take advantage of the urgency of foreign students.

1. Golden Rule: Never send money (deposit or first rent) via Western Union, MoneyGram or Revolut before signing a digital/physical contract on both sides and checking the reality of the room.
2. Video viewing: If you are still in Romania, ask for a live video call (WhatsApp/Teams) in which the owner or WG colleagues show you the room and the rest of the house in real time. Reject offers that only use pictures sent by email.
3. Suspiciously low price: If a gorgeous apartment in the center of Vienna is listed for only 300 EUR all by itself, it is definitely a trap.
4. The story of the "away owner": Avoid people who claim to be in another country (e.g. "I am a doctor and work in the UK, I will send you the key by courier after you pay").

Recommended next steps

1. Apply immediately: Large dormitories (ÖJAB, OeAD) open their lists 3-6 months before the start of the semester. Many of them are already fully booked for the autumn semester as early as May/June.
2. Prepare the documents: You will need your acceptance letter from the university (Zulassungsbescheid), a copy of your passport/bulletin and proof of financial resources.
3. Prepare a temporary solution: If you arrive in Austria without a long-term contract, book a hostel or a short-term room (Zwischenmiete) on WG-Gesucht in advance for the first 2-3 weeks.

For Non-EU students.

For students from outside the European Union, securing accommodation in advance is an even more critical step, as the accommodation contract is mandatory for obtaining a visa and residence permit.
Here are the most important specific aspects for Non-EU students:
1. Required Visa Document (Proof of Accommodation)
To obtain a Student Residence Permit (Aufenthaltsbewilligung – Student), the Austrian authorities (MA35 in Vienna or equivalents in other regions) will ask you for legal proof of accommodation in Austria for at least 6 months.
• From the Dormitories (ÖJAB, OeAD, STUWO): You will receive an official confirmation called Heimplatzbestätigung. This is accepted instantly and without reservations by embassies and immigration authorities, making it the safest route for a visa.
• From Private Rentals (WG): If you choose a WG, you need the rental contract (Mietvertrag) signed by the owner and a certificate of occupancy (Wohnrechtsvereinbarung). The procedure is more bureaucratic and checked more strictly in the case of Non-EU citizens.
2. Particularities when registering in dormitories (OeAD and ÖJAB)
• OeAD student housing: This is the agency most common with international and Non-EU students. Many students from outside Europe turn to them precisely because they quickly issue the necessary documents for the visa file.
• Guarantee (Deposit): For Non-EU students, some dormitories or private owners may sometimes request payment of the guarantee deposit (which varies between 1 and 3 months of rent) by international bank transfer before issuing the visa document. This is normal, but make sure you use official platforms (such as the official ÖJAB or OeAD websites) to avoid sending money to fake accounts.
3. Registration on Arrival (Meldezettel)
Regardless of whether you are an EU or Non-EU student, within the first 3 working days of entering Austria and moving into your new room, you are legally required to register at the town hall (Meldeamt).
• You will receive a document called a Meldezettel.
• If you are staying in a dormitory, the administration will sign your form on the spot.
• If you are staying in a WG, you need the signature of the main owner of the apartment (Hauptmieter) or the owner of the building.
Strategic Recommendation for Non-EU Students
Since the processing of your student visa can take between 2 and 4 months, apply to the dormitories (ÖJAB, OeAD, etc.) well in advance. Obtain your accommodation confirmation (Heimplatzbestätigung), submit your visa application to the Austrian embassy in your home country, and make sure that the start date of your accommodation contract coincides with the period in which you plan to arrive in Austria.