Best Student Housing in Berlin: Top Options, Cost of Living, Transportation

Berlin Student Accommodation (AI Generated)

Are you heading to Germany’s capital to fulfil your study abroad dream? Berlin is a popular choice for education as it houses some of the top universities in Germany. While you have decided on where and what do you want to study, have you decided on where you want to live? If not, then fret not! In this article, we will help you findthe  best student accommodation in Berlin. This search would include types of housing, best areas as well as top student accommodations.

Why choose Berlin As Your Study Abroad Destination?

One of the popular cities amongst international students as a study abroad option is the capital of Germany, Berlin. And while the city tops the charts with the most number of universities in the country, the cost of living in Berlin is also the highest among other cities in Germany.

It houses 67 universities providing a total of 465 programs and easily ranks amongst the top 10 cities in Germany for studying abroad. Moreover, since Berlin is an educational hub, English is a popular choice of language here, meaning that students not good with the German language need not worry. Further, organisations like the German Academic Exchange Service facilitate scholarship opportunities in Germany for students with potential but not enough funding.

Also check a list of German Language Courses

Housing Options in Berlin for International Students

While Berlin might have a slightly higher cost of living than other German cities, it's a good investment. Berlin is way cheaper than a lot of other popular European cities, but still offers a high quality of life through cheaper education, a rich culture, free travel facilities, etc.

Here are some long-term housing options in Berlin for international students:

Cost of Off-Campus Housing in Berlin for International Students

The estimated cost of living in Berlin, excluding rent, amounts to an average of EUR 1,006.9 (INR 1,00,060). Those looking for student accommodation in Berlin beyond university campuses can refer to the estimates below of the expected rental expenses:

1 EUR = INR 99.38 (Rounded off INR values used)

In the case the student wants to buy a solo apartment, the approximate prices are as follows:

• Apartment Price per sq. meter CITY CENTRE - EUR 7,571 (INR 7,52,400)
• Apartment Price per sq. meter OUTSIDE OF CENTRE - EUR 5,578 (INR 5,54,300)

Thus, it can be observed that aspirants looking to study abroad having tighter budgets can find cheaper or affordable student accommodation options in Berlin in the outskirts of the city.

Modes and Cost of Transportation in Berlin

So, you found a place to stay, great! But how do you travel from place to place? Let's break it down from scratch. Berlin has three zones to evaluate travelling fares, namely Zones A, B, and C. Zone A refers to the city's central area within the S-Bahn ring, Zone B is the rest of Berlin outside Zone A up to the city limits, and Zone C covers areas like Potsdam that fall outside Berlin. The ticket costs vary depending on the route of commute between said zones. The major modes of transportation are:

• Intercity trains: Deutsche Bahn Website, ticket machines, etc.
• Local public transit: To travel shorter distances in Berlin and parts of Brandenburg through S-Bahn, U-Bahn, tram, bus, ferry, etc.

1 EUR = INR 99.38 (Rounded off INR values used)

Semester Ticket

In most cases, students are likely to receive a transportation pass as part of the semester fees, which allows them to make unlimited trips within the city limits and, in some cases, outside. Students can consult their university's student services or the AStA (Allgemeiner Studierendenausschuss) to get more information on the same.

Also check: Study in Germany for Indian Students.

Crime rate in Berlin

The crime index of Berlin is around 44.66. While one is unlikely to be a victim of discriminatory crime, car thievery, or break-ins, the likelihood of getting mugged, attacked, verbally abused, vandalized, or petty theft is slightly higher.

Nevertheless, most people reported finding it safe to walk alone in broad daylight, while there were mixed reviews about a sense of safety while walking alone at night.

Below are some of the neighbourhoods generally considered safe:

• Mitte: Mitte is the central borough of Berlin. It is a heavily policed area due to the major attractions this area harbors, and usually stays busy and well-lit.
• Charlottenburg: Located within the borough of Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf. It is generally considered a quiet, family-friendly place with a low crime rate.
• Prenzlaur Berg: A popular locality of Berlin for families, housing high-end cafes and sophisticated places to eat and drink. It is considered a safe area offering a more authentic life in Berlin.

Also read about the Top 10 Safest Countries for Women to Study Abroad.

Conclusion

Berlin offers a range of housing options for students seeking affordable accommodations, as well as those with more upscale preferences. Being the heart of Germany, it comes with benefits such as reduced fees, transportation passes, and lower living costs. Overall, it is a wonderful choice for students looking to study abroad.