General information
Finding accommodation can be challenging, especially at the start of your degree. The following tips will give you an initial overview and make it easier for you to find suitable accommodation.
In Germany, you are responsible for arranging your own accommodation. A place at university does not guarantee you a flat. Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences does not provide its own accommodation either.
Generally speaking, you can choose between a room in a student hall of residence, a private flat or a room in a shared flat. Many flats and rooms in shared flats are let unfurnished. Furnished accommodation is also available, but it is often slightly more expensive. You’ll find further information below.
When comparing property adverts, make sure you check which costs are included in the rent. The ‘kaltmiete’ (basic rent) refers to the basic rent excluding service charges and heating costs. The ‘warmmiete’ (total rent) usually includes the basic rent as well as service charges and heating costs.
In many cases, you’ll pay a deposit equivalent to one to three months’ rent. This serves as security against any potential damage. If everything is in order when you move out, you’ll get your deposit back. Record the condition of the flat in a handover report and take photos as well; this will help you avoid any disputes later on.
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.
Accommodation offers and information for landlords
Are you looking for accommodation?
In our overview, you’ll find the latest flats and shared flats on offer from landlords. Check back regularly, as new listings are added and existing offers may no longer be available.
Are you renting out accommodation?
You can share your flat or shared flat listing with students via the Welcome Centre. Send your offer, including key details about the accommodation, the start date of the tenancy, the rent and your contact details, by email to the Welcome Centre: welcome-centre(at)
Important note:
Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences is not involved in the rental process. We do not check the property listings individually, but simply publish the offers submitted by landlords as a service. Please clarify any questions regarding the property, the tenancy agreement and the letting process directly with the respective landlord.
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.
Consultancy
Please don’t hesitate to make use of our advisory services. The Welcome Centre at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences offers students free advice on finding accommodation. The student tutors at the Welcome Centre understand the challenges involved in finding a place to live and will be happy to help you. However, we cannot guarantee that you will find accommodation.