Logistical Preparation for Germany

Logistical Preparation

After establishing your administrative base, the next priority is managing your daily logistics to ensure a stress-free transition. Focus on these key areas to streamline your routine:

- Housing & Neighborhood Integration: Since housing is highly competitive, prioritize finalizing your rental contract and confirming your Wohnungsgeberbestätigung (landlord's confirmation) immediately.

Housing & Neighborhood Integration

1 Studierendenwerk (Official Student Housing)
German universities do not automatically provide accommodation. The administrative service called Studierendenwerk (or Studentenwerk) manages the dormitories in each city.

- How it works: It is the cheapest option (200 - 450 EUR/month, with all utilities included). The rooms are furnished, and the contract guarantees the issuance of a Wohnungsgeberbestätigung.
- Where to apply: The student must search on Google (Name of the City where they will study) Studierendenwerk housing (e.g. Studierendenwerk München or Studierendenwerk Berlin).
- Useful tool: The DAAD Accommodation Finder(https://www.daad.de/en/studying-in-germany/living-in-germany/accommodation-finder/) offers a huge database where students can directly search for available dormitories in their city.
- Problem: The waiting lists are huge. The student must apply online as soon as they receive their acceptance letter (or even before, if the university allows it).

2. Private Student Dormitories (National Networks)
If there are no places available in the state, private companies offer residential complexes exclusively for students. They are more expensive (500 - 900 EUR/month), but modern, fully furnished, include utilities, internet, gyms and international communities. The process is simple: upload your acceptance letter from the university and your passport.

- The Fizz – Present in Aachen, Berlin, Bremen, Darmstadt, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Hanover, Munich, Prague.
- Youniq – Modern dormitories in large university cities.
- Uninest / Neon Wood – Network heavily focused on international students.

3. “Expat & Student Friendly” Digital Platforms
On classic German sites (ImmoScout24), a foreign student will not receive a response because the owners ask for German pay slips. Therefore, international students must use platforms that accept the acceptance letter from the university or the blocked account (Sperrkonto) as financial proof.

- HousingAnywhere: Official partner with dozens of European universities. Allows full online booking from abroad. Rent money is kept safe by the platform for up to 48 hours after the move to avoid goats. Has explicit filter for “Registration possible” (Anmeldung).
- Wunderflats(https://wunderflats.com/en): Very useful for furnished apartments or studios in the first months, with minimal bureaucracy.

4. Student Social Network: WG-Gesucht

- [WG-Gesucht](https://www.wg-gesucht.de/en/): Remains number 1 for rooms in shared apartments (Wohngemeinschaft).
- Strategy for internationals: The student should fill out their profile in English, add a friendly photo and look for ads that clearly state that video calls are accepted (for Skype/Zoom/WhatsApp interviews).
- Many WGs offer Zwischenmiete (subletting for 1-3 months while a German student is away on Erasmus). It is an ideal launching pad to have somewhere to sleep when they arrive.

Golden Rules (Prevention of Scams)
International students are the favorite targets of real estate scammers. They must know these rules with all their heart:

1. NEVER send money in advance (deposit/rent) via Western Union, Revolut or bank transfer before seeing the room physically or via live video call inside it.
2. If the owner says: "I'm abroad, I'll send you the key by post after you pay" It's 100% a scam.
3. First point of contact: Every university has an International Office (Akademisches Auslandsamt). Students should write to them directly immediately after admission; they have lists of reliable local private owners and can arrange places in dormitories.

Studierendenwerk (Official Student Housing)

In Germany, the Studierendenwerk (called Studentenwerk in some regions) is a public state organization that takes care of the well-being of students, and managing student dormitories is their most important role.
It is by far the most sought-after accommodation option for international students, due to its unbeatable price-quality ratio.
Here is everything an international student needs to know about how it works, costs and the application process:

1. Types of accommodation offered
Studierendenwerk dormitories do not look like the classic ones in Eastern Europe. They are modern, clean buildings and offer several configuration options:

- Einzelzimmer in einer WG: The most common variant. The student has his own private room (with a key), but shares the kitchen and bathroom with 2-4 other students.
- Einzelapartment: A small, completely private studio apartment. The student has his own small kitchen (kitchenette) and his own bathroom in the room.
- Doublette / Couple apartment: Two separate rooms that share a bathroom and a kitchen (ideal for friends or couples). [1]

2. What is included in the price (Warmmiete)
The rent at Studierendenwerk is always Warmmiete (rent with all expenses included). Prices range from 200 EUR to 450 EUR per month (depending on the city and the type of room). This price includes absolutely everything:

- Electricity, hot/cold water and heating.
- High-speed internet (often directly connected to the university network).
- Access to a shared laundry room (washing machines and dryers with tokens or cards).
- Parking for bicycles (and sometimes cars).
- Basic furniture included: Bed, mattress, desk, chair, wardrobe and shelves. The student only needs to buy their own bedding, pillow and crockery. [2]

3. Golden Rule: First Come, First Served
Places are NOT automatically guaranteed upon admission to the university. The demand is huge and waiting lists can be from several months to a year (especially in cities like Munich, Berlin, Frankfurt, Cologne, Heidelberg).

- The secret: Most Studierendenwerks do not require the final admission letter (Zulassungsbescheid) to submit the initial application. The student can apply online as soon as they have submitted their application to the university or when they have a preliminary confirmation. The official acceptance letter will have to be uploaded to the system later, when they are assigned a room.

4. Step-by-step application process

1. Finding the portal: The student searches on Google for Studierendenwerk + [Name of the city where they will study].

2. Choosing the dormitories: There is a list of all the residential complexes in the city on their website. The student can choose 2-3 preferred options (depending on the proximity to his/her faculty). [3]
3. Filling out the online form: Fill in your personal details and choose the type of room (shared room or single apartment).
4. Monthly confirmation (Very Important!): Many organizations send an automatic email every month asking: "Are you still interested in a place?". If the student forgets to click on the confirmation link within 3-5 days, he/she is automatically removed from the waiting list.
5. Contract offer: When a place becomes available, the student receives an offer by email. He/she has only a few days to accept it, digitally sign the contract and pay the deposit (Kaution - usually the equivalent of 1-2 months' rent).

5. Huge advantages for the Anmeldung (Address)
Unlike private landlords who can be difficult, the Studierendenwerk sends the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung automatically, correctly and legally completed, as soon as the contract is signed. The student can go to the town hall (Bürgeramt) to register the address without any emotion or stress.

Private Student Dormitories (National Networks)

Private Student Dormitories are the number one safety net for international students who cannot get a place in the state dormitories (Studierendenwerk).
They are managed by national private companies and their concept is "All-Inclusive & Ready to Move In". They are designed specifically for foreigners, completely eliminating the classic German bureaucracy.
Here is everything an international student needs to know about these networks:

1. How to solve the bureaucracy problem (No SCHUFA)
Private owners usually ask for a German credit history (SCHUFA) and pay slips from a job in Germany. International students do not have this.

- Private solution: Private networks accept as financial proof the acceptance letter from the university (Zulassungsbescheid) together with proof of a blocked account (Sperrkonto) or a financial guarantee from the parents.
- 100% Digital process: Everything is done online, from your home country. The student creates an account, uploads their passport and visa/admission, chooses the room based on 3D tours or photos and signs the digital contract.

2. What is included in the price and what are the costs
The price is higher than in the country, ranging from 550 EUR to 950 EUR per month (depending on the city and the size of the room). However, it is a "Total Flat Rate" type of rent.
The displayed price includes:

- All utilities: Water, electricity, heating (no annual fees/hidden costs).
- Premium quality high-speed Wi-Fi internet (included in the price).
- Complete and modern furniture: Bed, ergonomic desk, chair, spacious wardrobes, mirror and often designer curtains/pillows.
- Private kitchenette: Most rooms have their own small integrated kitchen, equipped with a hob, fridge and microwave.
- Private bathroom: Each student has their own modern bathroom in their room (not shared).

3. Community facilities (Co-living concept)
These buildings are not just blocks of flats, but close-knit communities. International students make friends from day one thanks to the common spaces included in the price:

- Fully equipped gyms (free for residents).

- Quiet study lounges with printers and project screens.
- Relaxation areas: Games rooms (PlayStation, billiards, foosball) and cinema room.
- Rooftop terraces or inner courtyards for barbecues and socializing.
- Building manager (Community Manager) who organizes events, welcome parties and activities for students.
- 24/7 security, video surveillance and reception for receiving parcels (Amazon/DHL).

4. Top 4 National Networks in Germany
Students can search directly on the websites of these huge operators, which have buildings in almost all major university cities:

1. The Fizz: One of the largest networks. Very popular in cities like Aachen, Berlin, Bremen, Darmstadt, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Hanover, Munich. They have a huge international community.
2. Youniq: Known for their minimalist and modern design. They have excellent locations, very close to university campuses in cities like Berlin, Greifswald, Karlsruhe, Leipzig, Munich.
3. Neon Wood / Uninest: They focus heavily on the community experience. Their buildings in Berlin, Frankfurt or Hamburg look like boutique student hotels.
4. BaseCamp: Present in cities like Aachen, Dortmund, Leipzig, Potsdam. They offer premium services, including free bike rental in some locations.

5. Anmeldung (Address) Document
Just like the Studierendenwerk, these companies operate completely legally and professionally. The second the student signs the contract and pays the deposit (usually the equivalent of 1-3 months rent), the platform automatically generates the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung document. The student can print it out and make an appointment directly at the local town hall (Bürgeramt) to register their address as soon as they arrive in Germany.

THE FIZZ

THE FIZZ is one of the largest and most premium national networks of private student residences in Germany. It is owned by the company [International Campus GmbH](https://www.the-fizz.com/en/about-us/) and is the ideal “lifeline” for international students as it completely eliminates the stress of German bureaucracy.
Here's everything your students need to know about them, structured in clear points:

1. Cities in Germany where they have buildings
[THE FIZZ](https://www.the-fizz.com/) is present in the largest university hubs in the country:

- Berlin

- Munich

- Aachen

- Bremen

- Darmstadt

- Freiburg

- Hannover

- Ludwigshafen-Mannheim

2. Apartment Concept: 100% Privacy
Unlike state dormitories where the kitchen or bathroom is often shared, at THE FIZZ the studios are individual:

- Single Apartment: Completely private studio (between 18 and 28 m²). The student has his own private bathroom and kitchenette (stove, fridge, microwave).
- Double Apartment: Larger spaces (over 30 m²) intended for couples or friends who want to share the costs.
- Fully furnished: Includes bed, mattress, extendable desk, ergonomic chair, massive wardrobes and shelves. The student only comes with their clothes and laptop.

3. What does their "All-In" price (Flat-rate) mean?
The monthly rent is fixed and includes absolutely everything. There is no risk that the student will receive additional bills at the end of the year because they used too much heat.

- Utilities included: Hot/cold water, electricity, central heating.
- Internet: High-speed Wi-Fi included in the price.
- Building facilities: Free access to the fitness room (Gym), silent study rooms, games room (PlayStation, billiards), coin laundry and large roof terraces or interior courtyards.

4. Huge advantages for a foreign student

- NO SCHUFA: They do not require a German credit history. Instead, they accept the admission letter from the university and proof of the blocked account (Sperrkonto).
- 100% online booking: Everything is done from home, from your home country, through their portal.
- Instant Wohnungsgeberbestätigung: Being a large and legal company, they send the signed contract and the rental certificate immediately. The student can make an appointment at the city hall (Bürgeramt) for Anmeldung before setting foot in Germany.
- Security: They have a reception that takes packages (Amazon, DHL) and a building manager (House Manager) available daily for repairs or problems.

5. Disadvantages (How much does it really cost?)

- High price: Rents start from 550 - 650 EUR/month in smaller cities (Darmstadt, Hannover) and can reach 900 - 1200 EUR/month in Munich, Frankfurt or Berlin.
- Initial fees: In addition to the rent, upon signing they require an administrative registration fee (Admission fee - around 200-250 EUR, non-refundable) and a guarantee (Kaution - which can be the equivalent of 2-3 months' rent or a fixed amount of up to 2000 EUR, refundable upon departure).

Youniq

YOUNIQ (largely managed by global student accommodation brand Yugo) is another huge player in the private student accommodation market in Germany.
Where The Fizz focuses on a vibrant lifestyle and large communities, YOUNIQ focuses on a premium, minimalist concept and strategic location – their buildings are often just a 5-minute walk from faculties or research institutes.
Here are the essential features that students need to know:

1. City network in Germany
YOUNIQ / Yugo is present in major university hubs:

- Munich (Schleißheimer Str. – very sought-after area)
- Cologne (in the famous student district Ehrenfeld)
- Frankfurt am Main (Riedberg – ideally located next to the Natural Sciences faculties of Goethe University)
- Leipzig (with two top central complexes: Central East and Opera)
- Greifswald, Karlsruhe, Münster

2. Room classification (System sizes)
Unlike other hostels, YOUNIQ uses a clothing-size system to categorize its private studios (Single Apartments):

- S-Apartment (approx. 15-16 m²): Compact space, perfect for tighter budgets.
- M-Apartment (approx. 17-18 m²): The most sought-after standard.
- L / XL Apartment (over 22-35 m²): Spacious studios or double apartments.
- Each variant includes a private bathroom, a fully equipped kitchenette (induction hob, fridge) and complete furniture (bed, desk, smart storage spaces).

3. Simplified All-Inclusive Concept

- Predictable Costs: The rent is fixed and includes absolutely everything (water, electricity, heating, high-speed Wi-Fi internet). The international student will never find himself with a payment adjustment at the end of the year (Nebenkostenabrechnung).
- Amenities included: Access to the building's own fitness room (Gym), shared lounge for socializing, coin laundry and security via digital card access.

4. How bureaucracy works at YOUNIQ

- Complete digitalization: The rental process is done online on their platform. They accept the Sperrkonto document (blocked account) or the acceptance letter from the university as a financial guarantee, eliminating the blockage of the lack of SCHUFA.
- Guaranteed Anmeldung: As soon as the initial payment is processed and the contract is signed, their system issues the famous Wohnungsgeberbestätigung. It is the official document with which the student presents himself at the town hall in the first week after arrival.

5. Estimated costs and contract rules

- Prices: Prices vary greatly depending on the city. In Leipzig or Cologne, prices start at around 600 - 700 EUR/month for a small studio. In Munich or Frankfurt, prices can easily go up to 800 - 950 EUR/month.
- Minimum duration: In most locations in Germany, YOUNIQ requires a minimum rental contract of 12 months. This is critical information for Erasmus students who are only staying for one semester (5-6 months) and who should look for other alternatives.

Neon Wood / Uninest

Neon Wood represents the pinnacle of the modern concept of “Co-Living” for international students in Germany. Note that Uninest was historically a separate brand, but globally, these modern, premium spaces are strongly integrated into large student networks.

If The Fizz focuses on the classic student atmosphere and Youniq focuses on minimalist proximity to campus, Neon Wood targets students who want high-quality urban design, vibrant communities and exceptional social spaces.

Here’s everything you need to know about Neon Wood :

1. Where are they located?

Neon Wood has strategically focused its properties on the main, high-demand university centers in Germany:

- Berlin: They have a massive presence here, with three great locations: Mitte-Wedding (close to Humboldt University), Frankfurter Tor (in the trendy, student-friendly district of Friedrichshain), and Adlershof (perfect for science and technology students).
- Frankfurt am Main: Located in Riedberg, right next to the science campuses of Goethe University.
- Cologne (Köln): Expanded under the K115 branch by Neon Wood in the vibrant Ehrenfeld/Melatengürtel district.

2. Community elements (their biggest selling point)
Neon Wood looks less like a dorm and more like a luxury boutique hotel or a Silicon Valley tech campus. The public spaces included in the rent are second to none:

- Massive lobbies and community lounges: Truly designed for socializing.
- Entertainment: Dedicated games rooms (with pool tables, table tennis and PlayStation consoles) and an in-house cinema/multimedia room.
- Study lounges: Large, quiet, beautifully designed spaces for group projects or deep concentration.
- In-house gym: Fully equipped and free for residents.
- Community events: Regularly organises icebreakers, workshops and holiday parties so international students can instantly network with friends globally.

3. Apartment types and personalisation
Offers single apartments (complete privacy) and double apartments (for couples or close friends). Everything is fully furnished, with a high-quality urban design.

- “Neon Gold/Silver” add-on: A fantastic feature for students arriving by plane with just one suitcase. For an additional fee, they can order a package containing pots, pans, pillows, blankets or even a TV. Everything is prepared in their room from the first day.

4. Zero German bureaucracy and instant registration

- No SCHUFA exam required: It is explicitly stated that no credit history is required to book online. International students simply upload their university acceptance letter and passport/visa.
- Wohnungsgeberbestätigung: Digitally generated when the contract is finalized. Students can use it to book an appointment at the Bürgeramt before leaving their home country.
- University partnerships: For example, Freie Universität Berlin has a pre-allocated room block with Neon Wood to offer new students discounted rates.

5. Contract duration and fees

- Rental periods: Usually fixed-term contracts for 6 or 12 months (usually starting on September 1 or October 1 for the winter semester). Early termination is generally not permitted without a good reason.
- Service fee: A one-time, non-refundable administration fee (approximately EUR 235) is charged upon booking.
- Deposit (Kaution): Usually amounts to 1.5 to 2 months of the "All-In" rent, which is returned safely upon move-out.

BaseCamp

Basecamp is another leading international network of private student dormitories, operated in partnership with real estate giant Xior Student Housing.
If The Fizz is about functionality and Neon Wood is about urban design, Basecamp is known for its integrated hotel-campus services, superlative security and massive buildings built as small autonomous urban ecosystems.

Here’s everything your students need to know about them:
1. Cities in Germany where they are present
Unlike other operators, Basecamp has expanded strongly into university cities that are very dense in terms of research and technology:

- Basecamp Dortmund
Ultra-centrally located (on Kampstraße), just 5 minutes from the Central Station and perfectly connected to the local universities. Part of the building even functions as [Basecamp Dortmund Hotel]

- Basecamp Leipzig
A huge building with 385 rooms, extremely close to the University of Leipzig.

- Basecamp Potsdam
Located directly inside the Science Park Golm campus, just a few steps from the famous Max-Planck and Fraunhofer research institutes.

- Basecamp Göttingen
Located in the heart of student life, within walking distance of the universities.

2. All-Inclusive “Plus” Amenities
In addition to the standard utilities included in the fixed rent (Warmmiete — water, electricity, heating, internet) and fully furnished rooms with private bathrooms, Basecamp goes all out on shared amenities:

- Private indoor cinema: Special projection rooms where students can screen movies or hold gaming tournaments.
- In-house café and pub: Their large buildings (like the one in Leipzig) include a café or pub inside the campus, plus a large sun-deck.
- Bikes included: In many of their locations, students can rent free or very cheap bikes directly from reception to navigate the city.
- Gigantic shared kitchens: While most rooms have private kitchenettes, there are also huge community kitchens (14 kitchens in Leipzig, for example) where students can cook together at parties or international culinary events.

3. “Basebuddies” Support System and Security
A huge advantage for international students who are scared of their first move on their own is the dedicated staff.

- BaseManagers & BaseBuddies: In addition to classic building managers, Basecamp employs older students (existing tenants) called Basebuddies. Their role is to help new residents integrate, show them where the shops are, how the transport works, and organize weekly events.

- 24/7 Security: It is one of the most secure networks, offering permanent physical security, secure access with electronic cards, and video monitoring.

4. Zero SCHUFA and Simplified Bureaucracy

- The booking process is 100% digital. The student chooses their room on the [Basecamp Portal](https://www.basecampstudent.com/student/) before leaving the country.
- No German tax history (SCHUFA) is required. As proof of payment, the university admission letter and proof of the blocked account (Sperrkonto) are uploaded.
- Wohnungsgeberbestätigung: It is issued automatically and digitally upon completion of the contract, guaranteeing a stress-free Anmeldung process at the local town hall.

5. Prices and contract details

- Costs: Basecamp positions itself in the premium area. Prices start at 550 - 650 EUR/month for standard studios in Göttingen or Dortmund and can reach 800 - 900+ EUR/month for larger studios or apartments for young professionals in Leipzig or Potsdam.
- Deposit (Kaution): A (refundable) deposit and a small registration fee are paid at the beginning, similar to other private operators.

Expat & Student Friendly

“Expat & Student Friendly” digital platforms are the third big option for international students. They work like real estate search engines (similar to Airbnb, but for long/medium term rentals) and connect students directly with private landlords or local agencies.
They are called “friendly” because they completely eliminate the language barrier and classic bureaucracy (they do not require SCHUFA or a German employment contract), and the entire rental process is carried out online, in English, before the student leaves their home country.

Here’s how the three most important platforms of this type work:
1. HousingAnywhere
It is the largest platform of its kind in Europe and is an official partner with over 300 universities.

- How it works: Private landlords or companies list their rooms or apartments. The student uses special filters (e.g. “Student housing” or “Registration possible” - essential for Anmeldung).
- Security System: The student pays the first month's rent directly on the platform. HousingAnywhere(https://housinganywhere.com/) keeps the money in a secure account and transfers it to the owner only 48 hours after the student has actually moved into the room. If the reality does not match the pictures in the ad, the student gets the money back.
- Bureaucracy: Does not require SCHUFA. The university admission letter is accepted as proof of income.

2. Wunderflats
A premium German platform, heavily focused on fully furnished apartments and studios.

- How it works: It is ideal for students who have a slightly higher budget and want to live alone, without roommates (WG). All apartments are pre-verified by the platform team, have professional photos and virtual tours.
- Address Filter: On Wunderflats(https://wunderflats.com/en), each ad has a clear checkmark: "Certificate of residency (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung) possible". The student knows from the first second whether he will be able to do the Anmeldung or not.
Process: The owners on this platform are used exclusively to expats and foreign students, so the approval process often only takes 24-48 hours.

3. Spotahome
It works on a similar principle, but brings a huge plus in the physical verification part.

How it works: The Spotahome team (called "Homecheckers") physically goes to each listed apartment. They take real photos, shoot a complete presentation video (showing how the door opens, what the shower is like, what the view is like out the window) and create accurate sketches of the apartment.
Advantage: The student does not have to worry about the photos being old or altered in Photoshop. Everything is booked online, and the platform also offers an anti-fraud guarantee (money is protected until the move).

HousingAnywhere

HousingAnywhere is Europe’s largest medium-term rental platform, specifically designed for international students, expats and young professionals.

What makes it a great offer for your target group is that HousingAnywhere is the official housing partner of over 300 European universities. They have redesigned the rental process to eliminate the stress, language barriers and bureaucratic hurdles that international students usually face in Germany.

Here’s a detailed description of how it works and why it’s so valuable:
1. Main concept: Secure online booking from abroad
On the German market, you can’t rent or rent an apartment without physically visiting it. HousingAnywhere solves this completely:

- 100% remotely: Students can find, communicate, book and sign a contract for a room in Munich, Berlin or Frankfurt while still in their home country.
- No German required: The entire interface, customer support and communication with the owners is conducted in English (or several other foreign languages).

2. 48-hour fraud protection (Anti-scam system)
International students are the main targets of rental scams in Germany (e.g. fake owners requesting Western Union transfers). HousingAnywhere completely neutralizes this threat:

- When a student books a place, they pay the first month's rent directly to HousingAnywhere.
- Guarantee: HousingAwhere keeps this money safe in an escrow account.
- The money is only released to the owner 48 hours after the student moves in.
- If the student arrives and the room does not exist or is significantly different from the one advertised, HousingAnywhere cancels the transfer, helps to find alternative accommodation or issues a full refund.

3. Bypassing German bureaucracy (no SCHUFA)

- No credit history required: Private landlords who list properties on this platform already know that their target audience is international. They will not ask for a German SCHUFA (credit report) or German pay slips.

- Student identification: Instead, students simply need to upload their university acceptance letter (Zulassungsbescheid) and proof of funds (such as a confirmation of a blocked account/Sperrkonto) to pass the verification process.

4. Secure address registration (Anmeldung)

As mentioned in your checklist, obtaining a housing permit (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung) is priority number 1.

- Filter: HousingAnywhere has an explicit search filter called “Registration possible”.

- Students must activate this filter. It filters out short-term vacation rentals and only displays properties where the owners are legally obligated and prepared to provide the housing permit (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung) immediately after moving in.

5. Costs, fees, and the “Student VIP” trick

- Reservation fee: HousingAnywhere charges the student a one-time reservation fee (usually around 25% to 40% of one month’s rent, capped at a certain amount) to cover infrastructure and secure payment assistance.
- University partner trick: If the student’s home university or host German university is a HousingAnywhere partner, the student receives an upgrade to a VIP profile. This provides priority access to listed properties and a discount (or total waiver) on the reservation fee. Students should always check with their university’s International Office for a partnership referral link.

Student Social Network: WG-Gesucht

WG-Gesucht is Germany's largest platform for finding shared accommodation (coliving) and apartments, and is heavily used by the student community. Although it does not function like a traditional social network (like Instagram), the platform has a strong social component. The success of getting a room directly depends on your profile and how you interact with others.
What is a WG and how does it work?

-Wohngemeinschaft (WG): It is an apartment shared by several people. Everyone has their own room, and the kitchen and bathroom are shared.
- WG culture: In Germany, a WG is not just a way to save money, but a social lifestyle. Tenants cook together, go out or organize parties.
-Types of WG: There are Zweck-WG (where people only stay to share costs and do not socialize) and Keine-Zweck-WG (where social interaction and friendship are actively sought).

Platform Features
The accommodation guides explain in detail how [WG-Gesucht works in Germany](https://domily.app/blog/wg-gesucht-english-flatshare-germany-guide), providing the necessary tools to find a room:

- Free Ads: You can search for available rooms or publish your own search profile for free.
- Advanced Filters: You can select the city, budget, room size, period (long-term or Zwischenmiete - temporary sublet).
- Integrated Messaging: Communication is done directly in the app. It is recommended to send personalized messages, not copied texts, to receive a response.

Why is it considered a "Social Network"?

- WG-Casting (Interview): If the people in the flat like your message, they will invite you to a "casting". This is a social interview (physical or online) where they check if you have the same energy as the group.
- Personal Profile: Your account works like a social business card. You need to provide details about your hobbies, what you like to cook and how you spend your free time.
- Social Media Integration: The platform constantly offers tips on how to maximize your chances through Facebook or Instagram groups to find compatible colleagues.

If you are going to study in Germany, you can download the official app from the Google Play Store for Android or the App Store for iOS to start your search early.