General information
Looking for accommodation at the start of your studies can be overwhelming and stressful; that is why we have put together some concise and practical tips to help you get started. In Germany, you have to organise your own accommodation; a place at university does not guarantee you a flat, and Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences does not provide its own accommodation.
Generally speaking, you have the choice between a room in a student hall of residence and a private flat or a room in a shared flat; many flats and rooms in shared flats are unfurnished, whilst furnished options are available but tend to be slightly more expensive. The university’s relevant webpage contains detailed information on the various types of accommodation, as well as practical advice on how to find a place to live.
Some landlords send their listings directly to the Welcome Centre, where you can also find guidance for landlords and an up-to-date list of accommodation offers. When comparing adverts, you should always check whether the stated costs include service charges and heating costs, as adverts distinguish between ‘cold rent’ (basic rent excluding service charges) and ‘warm rent’ (including heating and service charges).
It is common to pay a deposit equivalent to one to three months’ rent as security against any damage; if everything is in order when you move out, the deposit will be refunded in full. It is advisable to draw up a handover report and take photos of the property’s condition when taking possession, to prevent any disputes later on. If required, suggested wording for enquiries to landlords and checklists for assessing offers are available — the Welcome Centre can help with further information and practical templates.
When should I start looking for a flat?
It is best to start looking for a room or flat as early as possible, ideally before the start of the term, because the closer the start date gets, the fewer options there are and the harder it becomes to find somewhere. If you are staying abroad, it is best to sort out your accommodation before you arrive; it can sometimes take a while to find a suitable place to live.
Do not limit your search to just the immediate vicinity of Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences, include surrounding villages and towns as well to significantly increase your chances. Make sure you check for good bus and train connections! In particular, check the times of the first and last train or bus of the day, and focus your search as far as possible on flats near railway stations or central bus stops. You can also easily check how long the journey to the university takes by public transport using Deutsche Bahn’s travel information service.
Do not let yourself get discouraged: start early, keep at it, and if you are unsure, it is better to ask one more time. If you have any questions or need support, the Welcome Centre will be happy to help and can provide further information to help you find your way around.
Further important information from a student’s perspective
Maria Alejandra is a student at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences and, in this video, she tells you what you need to bear in mind when looking for accommodation in and around Kleve and Kamp-Lintfort:
Rents in Kleve and Kamp-Lintfort can vary considerably. The local council’s rent index provides an overview of typical prices per square metre in Kleve. This guide is also a useful reference for Kamp-Lintfort and the neighbouring towns.
If you have not found a place to live by the time you start your studies, you should definitely sort out where you will spend your first few nights before you arrive. You could, for example, stay in a holiday apartment, a youth hostel or a hotel. That way, you will have somewhere to stay for the time being and can continue your search for permanent accommodation once you are there.
You can find private accommodation listings online on a wide variety of websites. Examples include WG-gesucht and Kleinanzeigen. It’s also worth having a look at the classifieds section of local newspapers. New accommodation listings are usually published on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
If you use social media such as Facebook, you can get in touch with other students at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences there. Accommodation listings, vacant rooms in shared flats, short-term tenancies and similar offers are regularly posted on social media platforms.
The Studierendenwerk Düsseldorf runs student halls of residence in Kleve and Kamp-Lintfort. Each hall of residence offers different types of accommodation. You can rent a single room or a two-room flat there, or a room in a two- or three-person shared flat.
Places in the halls of residence are allocated centrally by the Studierendenwerk Düsseldorf. You can apply online.
The Studierendenwerk recommends that you apply for a room several months before your planned move-in date. If necessary, ask to be put on a waiting list.