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 is €280 to €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 is €350 to €600 a 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

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

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.

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), in the center of Aachen. Rent is about €350 – €600.
• Hörn is closer to the main university campus. Good for engineering students. Cheaper WGs here, from around €300.
• Burtscheid is a quieter area with parks. Good if you like peace. Still easy to get to the city. Rent is around €350 – €550.
• Laurensberg is a calmer area but with good bus connections. Many students live here for the cheaper rent, from €280.

Monthly Cost of Living for Students in Aachen

The estimated monthly cost breakdown for international students in Aachen:

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