Student Accommodation in Potsdam

Finding accommodation in Potsdam is one of the first big steps when you plan to move there. If you are coming as a student, a researcher, or moving with family, knowing the average rent and housing options in Potsdam can help you prepare better. The city is very popular because of its universities and is located near Berlin, which makes the housing market competitive.

Potsdam is a popular study abroad destination, located very close to Berlin, and the demand for student housing is very high. Affordable and furnished rooms in Potsdam are limited, and competition for student dormitories is strong. You should start looking for a room as early as possible, ideally 2 to 3 months before you come to study in Germany. Planning for accommodation in Potsdam will give you better options and reduce last-minute stress.

The main options for student accommodation in Potsdam include residence halls managed by Studierendenwerk West Brandenburg, private dormitories, shared flats (Wohngemeinschaften or WGs), and private apartments. On average, the rent for student accommodation in Potsdam ranges between €300 and €650 per month. A room in a Studierendenwerk dorm is the cheapest option (around €300 to €400), while private dorms and furnished apartments in Potsdam or Berlin can be more expensive.

Rent varies depending on the type of accommodation in Germany and location, and the cost of living in Potsdam in 2025 is something you should plan for early. Good options are available if you start your search on time and know where to look.

Must-Check: Top Student Checklist Before Moving to Germany

Types of Student Accommodation in Potsdam

Students who come to Potsdam, Germany, can choose from different housing options. There are residence halls managed by Studierendenwerk, private student dorms, shared flats, and private apartments. The right choice depends on your budget, lifestyle, and how close you want to live to the campus. Since Potsdam is very close to Berlin, many students also live there or in nearby towns and travel to Potsdam by train.

Studierendenwerk Residences

The cheapest option for students in Potsdam is the student dorms managed by Studierendenwerk West Brandenburg. Rooms are usually furnished and can be single rooms in shared flats or small apartments. Demand is very high, so it is important to apply early, even before you get your admission letter.

• Rent: €300 to €400 per month
• What you get: Furnished room, internet, shared kitchen and bathroom

Private Dormitories

There are also private dorms in Potsdam and Berlin. These are modern buildings with furnished student rooms and good facilities, but they are more expensive than the Studierendenwerk residences.

Some examples are The Twenty, BaseCamp Potsdam-Golm, How8, DIE ZIMMEREI, Campus Wohnen, SKAJ Möblierte Apartments, and Studentendorf Schlachtensee (Berlin).

• Rent: €500 to €650 per month
• What you get: Furnished rooms, internet, laundry, and community spaces

Shared Flats (WG)

A very popular option is living in a WG (Wohngemeinschaft), which means a shared flat. Students rent an apartment together and share costs for rent, electricity, and internet. This is also a social way of living.

Websites to search include WG-Gesucht, Studenten-WG, WG-Suche, Ebay Kleinanzeigen, Meinestadt, and Facebook housing groups.

• Rent: €400 to €550 per month
• What you get: Usually unfurnished, utilities extra

Private Apartments

Some students prefer to rent their own apartment. This gives you more privacy but is the most expensive option. Most private apartments in Potsdam are unfurnished, and landlords may ask for extra documents such as proof of funds or a German credit report (Schufa).

• Rent: €550 to €700 per month
• What you get: Rent only, utilities and internet extra

Living for Help (Wohnen für Hilfe)

In this program, students can live with a host at a very low rent in exchange for helping them with daily tasks. The idea is that for each square meter of room space, you help one hour per month. For example, if your room is 15 m², you help about 15 hours per month.

• Rent: Very low or free
• What you get: Furnished room, shared living with a host

Short-Term Housing

If you arrive in Potsdam before finding permanent housing, you may need a temporary place. Options include hostels, guesthouses, or Airbnb. These are useful for a short stay while you continue your housing search.

• Rent: €30 to €60 per night
• What you get: Furnished, utilities included, short stay only

Also Check: Study in Germany Guide for International Students

Cost of Student Accommodation in Potsdam 2025

The cheapest student accommodation in Potsdam is the Studierendenwerk dorms at about €300 per month. But because there are limited places, many students choose private dorms, WGs, or even live in Berlin and commute to Potsdam.

Documents Required for Rent in Potsdam

When you want to rent student accommodation in Potsdam, you will need to show some documents. International students should have these papers ready. If you have your documents ready, it is easier to get a room. Some of the common documents required of accommodation in Potsdam are:

• A copy of your passport, ID, and visa.
• Proof of funds: Bank statements or a certificate for your blocked account.
• Tenant self-disclosure (Selbstauskunft): A form with your personal details and income information.
• Schufa report: A credit report. If you don't have a German bank account yet, you can explain and offer other documents.
• Certificate of enrollment (Immatrikulationsbescheinigung): Proof that you are a student.

NOTE: Not every landlord will ask for all of these documents, but the more you prepare, the easier it will be to secure housing in Potsdam.

Also Check: Universities & Colleges in Potsdam

Monthly Cost of Living for Students in Potsdam

The cost of living in Potsdam is a little higher than in many other German student cities. But it is still cheaper than living in Berlin. The estimated monthly cost for one person is about €1,176 (INR 1,20,359), not including rent. Rent will be your biggest cost. Choosing a shared flat (WG) or a student dormitory helps you save money.

Potsdam is about 226.5% more expensive than Delhi (excluding rent), and rent in Potsdam is on average 321.3% higher than in Delhi.

Based on categories like rent, groceries, utilities, public transport, and leisure, here is the estimated monthly cost breakdown for international students in Potsdam:

The actual monthly cost of living in Germany will depend on the type of housing, lifestyle, and personal spending habits. Students who live in shared flats or university dorms usually spend less, while those renting private apartments may need a higher budget.

Best Neighbourhoods for Students to Live in Potsdam

If you can't live in a university dorm, there are a few good neighborhoods to check out. They are all well-connected and offer different vibes.

• Babelsberg: Good for students at the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam. You can find affordable shared flats and lots of student-friendly cafes here.
• Innenstadt (City Center): This area is close to the University of Potsdam and has lots of shops and restaurants. It is super convenient but can be more expensive.
• Golm: The best area if you study at the main University of Potsdam campus. It is quieter and great for focusing on your studies.
• Bornstedt: This area has affordable student apartments and shared flats. It's easy to get around with trams and buses.
• Berlin: A lot of students choose to live in Berlin and commute to Potsdam. This gives you more housing options and the chance to enjoy the big city life, but your travel time will be longer.