Private Room Search
If you do not wish to live in a hall of residence or have not received a room there, the private housing market is the most important alternative.
Please note: Unfortunately, the International Office cannot assist students in their search for a private room.
Important information on the private market
- Early search: At the beginning of the semester, the number of students seeking rooms far exceeds the number of rooms available. Start your search for accommodation as early as possible!
- Furnishings: Private rooms are usually offered unfurnished, unlike in halls of residence/student dormitories.
- Security deposit: You are also required to make a security deposit for private rooms. When moving out, the deposit can only be refunded in full if the room is handed over in its initial condition. This might mean, for example, that the room’s walls must be painted when moving out.
Living in a shared apartment (WG)
A shared apartment (Wohngemeinschaft/WG) is the most common form of housing for students in Germany. Residents share the kitchen and bathroom but have their own separate room.
- Social life: Most WGs are not just a "Zweck-WG" (flatshare just to share costs). Flatmates often spend time together or cook together.
- The "WG casting": To get a room, a meeting (either in person or online) usually takes place so everyone can get to know each other. Briefly introduce yourself (studies, hobbies, expectations) and be patient – the market is highly competitive.
Useful links for the search
Here you will find a selection of portals. Note: This list is not a recommendation but is for information purposes only.
Online Portals & WGs
- WG-Gesucht.de (The most important platform for WGs)
- WG-Suche.de
- Studenten-Wohnung.de
Property Portals & Newspapers
- ImmobilienScout24, Immonet, Immowelt
- Kleinanzeigen.de (Immobilien)
- inFranken.de, Wobla Bamberg (Immobilien)
Special Projects & Social Media
- Project "Wohnen für Hilfe" (‘Housing for Help for Students, Apprentices and Refugees’): Cheaper housing provided by elderly people, families, or handicapped persons for free or a small rental fee in exchange for assistance in everyday life. (Infos via Stadt Bamberg → Bürgerservice → Ämter → Menschen mit Behinderung → Wohnberatungsstelle → Wohnen für Hilfe)
- Social Media: e.g. Facebook or WhatsApp groups
Temporary Accommodation
If you do not have a room upon your arrival, you can find accommodation options for the first few days here:
Important: Identifying scams (Fraud protection)
Unfortunately, fake apartment advertisements targeting your money appear quite often. For your own safety, please follow these rules:
- No advance payment without a viewing: Never transfer rent or a security deposit before you have seen the room in person (or via video call with a trustworthy current tenant) and have signed the rental contract.
- Beware of "keys by mail": If a landlord claims to be abroad and offers to send you the key by mail only after an advance payment, it is almost always a scam.
- Avoid anonymous payment services: Never pay the deposit via services like Western Union, MoneyGram, or cryptocurrency. Only use standard bank transfers to a German or European bank account.
- Too good to be true: If a luxurious apartment in a prime location is offered at an extremely low price, consider this a warning signal. Compare the price with other offers in Bamberg.
- Protect copies of your ID: Do not send copies of your passport or ID card by e-mail before you are absolutely sure that the provider is reputable. Scammers frequently use these documents for identity theft.