Accommodation and studies
The biggest share of students’ monthly budgets is spent on rent, which is why low-priced accommodation such as halls of residence run by Studierendenwerke is very popular.
Students spend around 410 euros (22st Social Survey, 2021) per month on rent. The average monthly rent in halls of residence is about 280 euros including all additional costs.
Dormitories are used by about 18 per cent of students nationwide according to the 22st Social Survey.
Difficult accommodation situation
The student accommodation situation varies from region to region. The most difficult place to find living space is in big cities in western Germany and in traditional university towns.
First-year students, students with low incomes and international students face the biggest difficulties finding appropriate accommodation. These groups depend on places in halls of residence.
The Deutsches Studierendenwerk therefore calls on the federal and state governments to create a subsidy program with subsidies for the creation of low-cost, student-friendly dormitories based on the BAföG housing allowance. The Studierendenwerke need more state support for the new construction and renovation. In total, the Deutsches Studierendenwerk estimates a state subsidy of 2.75 billion euros for the construction and renovation of student dormitories.
Social mandate
Unlike investors, the Studierendenwerke, with their more than 1,700 halls of residence and around 195,000 student places, do not pursue profit motives. Due to their social mandate, they aim for low-priced rents and allocate housing according to social need, not according to the creditworthiness of the tenant.
