Best Student Accommodation in Aachen: Types & Costs

When you come to Aachen to study at RWTH Aachen University, you might not have a room right away. If you come early, you need a temporary housing place to stay. A lot of students like to find their long-term accommodation after they arrive in Aachen. This is good because you can see the room or apartment yourself before you sign a contract.

Finding a good and cheap student accommodation in Aachen is difficult. There are a lot of students and not enough student housing in Aachen. It gets really hard at the start of the winter semester in Germany. But if you plan good and start looking 2–3 months before you come to study in Germany, you can find better student Accommodation in Aachen. There are different options like student dorms, shared flats, or even private rooms.

The main student accommodation in Aachen includes residence halls offered by Studierendenwerk Aachen, shared flats (WG), private apartments, and temporary furnished housing. The rents in Aachen are usually more affordable compared to bigger cities like Munich, with student housing costs starting from around €500–€600 per month. It will vary by location, size, and facilities.

University-supported housing is in high demand, especially for exchange students or researchers coming to RWTH Aachen. Since the number of rooms is limited, many students look for alternatives such as shared flats or private rooms listed online. To avoid last-minute stress, international students should always check the housing guides and related student organisations before arrival, as this helps in arranging the right accommodation in Aachen.

Is it Hard to Find Accommodation in Aachen?

Some of the common challenges faced by students planning to live in Aachen are listed below:

• High Demand: Every winter, more than 9,000 new students come to RWTH Aachen. This makes it hard to find cheap student housing in Aachen.
• Limited Dorms: The university doesn't have its own dorms. The number of rooms from Studierendenwerk Aachen is not enough for everyone.
• Early Applications Needed: You must start looking for a room at least 2–3 months before you get here. Finding something at the last minute is very, very hard.

It is very hard to find student accommodation in popular university cities in Germany due to the high number of students. 

Must-Check: Top Student Checklist Before Moving to Germany

Types of Student Accommodation in Aachen

Aachen offers different accommodation options for students studying in Germany, including affordable dorms, shared flats (WG), and private apartments. With proper research and early planning, students can manage to find housing that suits their budget and preferences.

University Dorms (Studierendenwerk Aachen)

The Studierendenwerk Aachen has many student dorms in the city. These dorms include single rooms, shared flats, and apartments for families or students with special needs.

• Average monthly rent: €280–€400
• Around 5,000 rooms are available in different residence halls
• Waiting times vary depending on demand, often stretching to several months
• Exchange students may apply for quota rooms reserved by RWTH Aachen in cooperation with Studierendenwerk, but degree-seeking students are usually not eligible

Shared Apartments (WG)

A shared flat (WG) means that you have to live with other students. This is the most popular choice. It's cheaper and you can make friends.

• Average rent: €350–€600/month 
• WGs close to the city centre or RWTH campus are usually more expensive, while options farther out are more affordable
• About one-third of students in Germany live in shared flats, making it a widely accepted choice

Private Apartments & Studios

For students who prefer privacy, renting a private apartment or studio is an option in Aachen. However, these are more expensive than dorms or WGs, and availability is limited due to high demand.

• Typical rent: €500–€900/month
• Costs vary depending on size, furnishing, and whether utilities are included
• Advance payment of deposit and first month’s rent is usually required before moving in

Temporary & Furnished Housing

Students arriving in Aachen without confirmed housing can choose temporary accommodation such as short-term furnished apartments or guesthouses. These are especially useful for international researchers or doctoral candidates.

• Options available on portals like “Wohnen auf Zeit” or through private listings
• Rent varies widely: €400–€1,000/month depending on duration and facilities
• Guesthouses on RWTH campus are mainly for doctoral candidates and visiting researchers, but they must be booked well in advance

Also Check: Study in Germany Guide for International Students

Best Accommodation in Aachen for Students

Aachen offers a range of student housing options for international students planning to study at RWTH Aachen University or other institutions in the city. Students can choose between dormitories, shared flats (WG), private studios, and temporary furnished apartments located across Aachen.

Most student accommodations come furnished or semi-furnished. Facilities may include a private or shared bathroom, internet, bed, study desk, kitchen access, laundry facilities, and bike storage.

What should I look out for in the Accommodation Contract in Aachen?

It is very important to read the rental contract carefully as many students in Aachen have faced issues because of unclear clauses or hidden conditions. The contract will usually be written in German, and it is always advisable to sign it in person rather than doing it online. If the landlord or agent claims to be abroad and insists everything should be handled digitally, it is safer to avoid that apartment. Below are the main points you should always check before signing an accommodation contract in Aachen:

• Rental price
• Deposit (Kaution)
• Rental period
• Service charges (Nebenkosten)
• Address of the rental property
• Living space (Wohnfläche)
• Haustiere (Check if pets are allowed and under which conditions)
• Renovierung (Confirm if you are permitted to make changes or modifications in the apartment)
• Condition of the apartment (furniture, utilities, damages, etc.)
• Notice periods (Usually three months before moving out)
• Contract penalties (Late rent payment or early termination clauses)

Best Areas for Students to Live in Aachen

When you pick an area, think about how close it is to RWTH Aachen University, buses, and supermarkets. Aachen is not a huge city, so you can get around with a bike or bus easily. Your semester ticket lets you use buses for free.

• Near University (Pontviertel, Westpark, Innenstadt): These places are very close to the university. It is easy to get to class. But the rent is higher here.
• Cheaper Places (Haaren, Rothe Erde, Preuswald): These areas have cheaper student rooms. You can still get to the university with a bus or bike.
• Farther Away (Laurensberg, Brand, Vaals – Netherlands): If you don't mind traveling more, you can live on the edge of Aachen or even in Vaals (Netherlands). The rent is cheaper and rooms are bigger. Vaals is very close to Aachen, just 6 km away.

Top Neighbourhoods for Students Studying in Aachen

If you don't get a room in a dorm, you can look for a WG (shared flat) or a private room in these neighborhoods:

• Mitte (City Centre): The center of Aachen. A lot of students live here because it's close to everything. Rent is about €350 – €600.
• Hörn: Close to the main university campus. Good for engineering students. Cheaper WGs here, from around €300.
• Burtscheid: A quieter area with parks. Good if you like peace. Still easy to get to the city. Rent is around €350 – €550.
• Laurensberg: A calm area but with good bus connections. Many students live here for the cheaper rent, from €280.
• Pontviertel: A very lively student area with lots of bars and cafes. It is right next to the university, so it's a top choice. Rent is between €350-€600.

Monthly Cost of Living for Students in Aachen

The cost of living in Aachen for an international student is more affordable compared to bigger cities like Munich or Frankfurt. The estimated monthly costs in Aachen for a single person are around INR 1,01,300 (EUR 990), excluding rent. Rent remains the largest portion of the expenses, but students can save a lot by opting for student dormitories (Wohnheime) or shared flats (WG) instead of renting private apartments.

Based on factors like rent, utilities, groceries, internet, transport, and leisure activities, here is the estimated monthly cost breakdown for international students in Aachen:

The total monthly cost of living in Germany will depend on various factors like housing choice and location. Candidates living in a shared flat will have to pay less, if compared with those who are renting a private apartment.