Affordable Student Accommodation in Frankfurt Near Universities

Moving to Frankfurt for the first time can feel exciting and a little overwhelming. You will be living alone, managing rent, utilities, and a new routine without your family, your loved ones. Frankfurt is well-connected, diverse, and offers multiple housing options if you start your search early. This guide will help you choose the right student accommodation in Frankfurt, understand the costs, shortlist areas, and rent with confidence.

Finding student accommodation in Frankfurt can be challenging and requires early planning. For international students, getting the right housing in Frankfurt is one of the most important steps after receiving admission from their dream university before starting their studies in Germany. 

You will need an official residence to complete your city registration, which is mandatory in Germany. The student housing in Frankfurt has various options, which include university-managed dorms, private student residences, shared apartments (WGs), or single apartments. It is important to understand the options available for student accommodation in Frankfurt, with the costs and locations, before you move. 

Here, we will explain the main housing options in Frankfurt, their costs, suitable locations, and the process to rent without getting caught in scams or unclear contract terms. We hope you have received your admission letter from the university. If you are still deciding on Germany intake and timelines, this guide will help you prepare in advance.

Types of Student Accommodation in Frankfurt

You have four main options for student housing in Frankfurt. Each one is different in price and what you get. Here are the main choices for student accommodation Frankfurt, what they are like, and who they are good for:

Also Read: What are college orientations?

What are the rental prices in Frankfurt?

Frankfurt is one of the most expensive cities in Germany, so it is important to plan your budget before starting your search for student accommodation. Rental prices vary depending on the district, but you can expect to pay between €500 and €1,000 per month for a one-bedroom apartment. The current average rent in Frankfurt is around €18.49 per m².

There are special student dormitories in Frankfurt, but availability is limited. In addition to the state-run residences managed by Studierendenwerk Frankfurt, there are many private student residences and shared apartments (WGs). It is advisable to start your search early, as student dormitories often have long waiting lists. To get a place in Studierendenwerk housing, which is the most affordable option, you may need to wait between 6 months and 1 year.

Private accommodation is easier to find, but prices usually start from €500 per month or more. You also need to factor in additional costs such as utilities, internet, and food.

Estimated Monthly Cost

(€1 = INR 100)

Best Accommodation in Frankfurt for Students

Frankfurt offers a variety of housing options for international students who plan to study or move to the city. Student residences, shared flats, and private apartments are available in different districts, including Nordend, Bockenheim, Sachsenhausen, Ostend, and Griesheim.

Properties can be furnished or semi-furnished. Accommodation may include a private or shared bathroom, internet, bed, desk, kitchen facilities, laundry access, and bike storage.

Also Check: Student Accommodation in Hamburg

Best Areas for Students to Live in Frankfurt

When selecting an area to live in Frankfurt as a student, you should consider factors such as what is nearest to your university, transport connections, rent costs, and access to supermarkets or other daily needs. The universities in Frankfurt are located in the “Norden” area of the city. You can choose to live close to campus in the city centre or in more affordable areas further away. With your student transport ticket, you can travel across the entire state, so commuting is not a problem.

Near Campus (City Centre – Nordend, Westend, Bockenheim)

These areas offer short commutes to class, easy access to cafes, libraries, and public transport. Best for students who prefer to be close to the university and willing to pay higher rent for convenience.

Budget-Friendly Options (Griesheim, Nied, Ostend, Preungesheim)

These districts are generally cheaper and still have good public transport links to the university. Best for students looking to balance affordability and accessibility.

Surrounding Districts & Suburbs (Offenbach, Eschersheim, Rödelheim)

Rents are usually lower outside the city centre, and train or tram links make commuting easy. Best for students willing to travel a bit longer in exchange for larger rooms or cheaper rent.

Also Read: Best student cities in Germany

How Should I Apply Student Accommodation in Frankfurt?

When looking for an apartment in Frankfurt, you should avoid rushing your decision. Even if your course start date is near, it is better to take the time to choose the right place rather than settling for the wrong option.

Here are some steps and tips to consider when applying for a room:

1. Write a short, professional email or cover letter introducing yourself. Mention your age, course of study, personality, and how you will pay the rent (blocked account, parental support, part-time work, or student loan). A clear introduction can make a good impression on the landlord.
2. Prepare the necessary documents, which may include:

• Self-disclosure form
• Certificate of enrollment
• Copy of your ID or passport
• Certificate of rent debt-free status

1. Visit the apartment in person if possible. Take a friend along, inspect the space carefully, and ask questions about rent, utilities, and building rules.

Also Check: Study in Germany Guide for International Students

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

It is very important to read the rental contract carefully as many people have faced problems due to unclear terms or scams. The contract should be written in German. It is always best to sign it in person and not digitally. If the landlord or agent says they are abroad and that everything must be done digitally, it is safer not to proceed with that apartment. Here are some important points that every rental contract should include and that you should check before signing for accommodation in Germany.

• Rental price
• Deposit
• Rental period
• Service charges
• Address of rental property
• Living space
• Haustiere (If you have pets or plan to get one, confirm if they are allowed and under what conditions)
• Renovierung (Check if you are allowed to make any changes to the apartment)
• Condition
• Notice periods (The contract should clearly mention the notice period, which is usually three months before moving out)
• Contract penalties

Monthly Cost of Living for Students in Frankfurt

The cost of living in Frankfurt is relatively high compared to many other German cities. The estimated monthly cost for a single person is around INR 1,10,545 (EUR 1,085), excluding rent.

As in most German cities, rent will take up the largest share of your expenses. You can reduce costs by living in student dormitories or shared flats (WGs) instead of renting a private apartment.

Based on common expenses such as rent, utilities, internet, groceries, transport, and entertainment, here is an estimated monthly cost for an international student in Frankfurt:

If you include rent, the total monthly cost of living in Germany will vary widely depending on your housing choice and location. Students living in shared flats or dormitories will generally spend less compared to those renting private apartments in the city centre.

Website to Find Student Housing in Frankfurt

If you are looking for on which websites can you find housing? We have listed the popular websites to look for Student Accommodation in Frankfurt. 

State and non-profit student residences

• Studierendenwerk Frankfurt
• Bauverein katholischer Studentenheime e.V
• Evangelische Kirche in Hessen und Nassau
• Wohnrauminitiative Frankfurt e.V.
• Gemeinnützige Wohnungsgesellschaft mbH Hessen (GWH)
• Martin Luther King Haus Studentenwohnheim GmbH

Private dormitories and flats

• Frankfurt School of Finance and Management GmbH
• The Fizz Frankfurt
• YOU5
• UNINEST
• Nassauische Heimstätte – Geschäftsstelle Offenbach
• SMARTments
• wg-gesucht.de
• wohnraum-gesucht.de/wohnraumangebote

You can find more dormitories and links on the official university housing page.