Private Room Search

For international students: Unfortunately, the International Office cannot assist students in their search for a private room.

Students who do not wish to live in a hall of residence should begin their search for accommodation as early as possible. At the beginning of the semester, the number of students seeking rooms far exceeds the number of rooms available.

Private rooms are usually offered unfurnished.

In addition to the monthly rent, each tenant is required to make a security deposit once at the beginning of the rental contract. When moving out, the deposit can only be refunded in full if the room is handed over in its initial condition. This might mean, for example, that you have to paint the room’s walls when moving out.


Useful links for the private room or flat search

  • Facebook groups (e.g. ‘Biete & Suche Wohnung in Bamberg‘, ‘Wohnungen frei in Bamberg‘, ‘Wohnung-/Immobilienmarkt - Raum Bamberg‘, 'Immobilien Bamberg und Umgebung', 'Bamberg-Wohnungen')

Please note that this list is not a recommendation, but is for information purposes only.

The following list is a compilation of the most commonly used abbreviations with respect to private room rentals:

  • 2-ZW = 2-roomed apartment = 1 living room, 1 bedroom (die 2-Zimmerwohnung)    
  • 2 ZKB = 2 rooms, kitchen & bathroom (2 Zimmer, Küche, Bad)
  • 2 ZKBB = 2 rooms, kitchen, bathroom & balcony (2 Zimmer, Küche, Bad, Balkon)
  • 2. OG = 2nd upper floor (das 2. Obergeschoss)
  • AB = old building (der Altbau)    
  • Abl. = furniture take over fee (die Abl?se)
  • App. = apartment (das Apartment)    
  • BaWa (BW) = bathtub (die Badewanne)    
  • Bj. = year of construction (das Baujahr)
  • Blk. = balcony (der Balkon)    
  • bzb. = earliest date available (beziehbar)    
  • CT = realtor’s commission (die Courtage)    
  • DG = attic, top floor (das Dachgeschoss)    
  • DT = rooftop terrace/garden (die Dachterrasse)    
  • EBK = built-in kitchen (die Einbauküche)    
  • EG = ground floor (das Erdgeschoss)    
  • Etg. = floor/level/storey (die Etage)    
  • EZW = 1-roomed apartment (die Einzimmerwohnung)    
  • ETW = condominium/owner-occupied apartment (die Eigentumswohnung)    
  • FeWo = holiday flat/vacation apartment (die Ferienwohnung)    
  • Gge. = garage (die Garage)    
  • HH = multi-storey building (das Hochhaus)    
  • HK = heating costs (die Heizkosten)    
  • HZ = heating system (die Heizung)    
  • KM = basic rent, excluding utilities and common charges (die Kaltmiete)
  • KoNi = kitchenette (die Kochnische)    
  • Kt. = rental deposit (die Kaution)
  • MM = monthly rent (die Monatsmiete)    
  • m?bl. = furnished (m?bliert)    
  • mtl. = monthly (monatlich)
  • MwSt. = value-added tax (VAT) (die Mehrwertsteuer)
  • NK = utilities and common charges (die Nebenkosten)
  • NR = non-smoker (Nichtraucher)
  • OT = district (der Ortsteil)
  • Prov. = realtor’s commission (die Provision)
  • prov.-fr. = without realtor’s commission (provisionsfrei)
  • Sout. = basement apartment (das Souterrain)
  • Stellp. = parking space (der Stellplatz)
  • Terr. = terrace/patio (die Terrasse)
  • TG = underground parking (die Tiefgarage)
  • UG = basement (das Untergeschoss)
  • VB/VHB = rental price is negotiable (die Verhandlungsbasis)
  • VS/VHS = price is open to negotiation (die Verhandlungssache)
  • Wfl./Nfl. = living space/floor area (die Wohnfl?che/die Nutzfl?che)
  • Whg. = flat, apartment (die Wohnung)
  • WaMa = washing machine (die Waschmaschine)
  • WM = rent including utilities and common charges (die Warmmiete)
  • WoKü = kitchen/living room combined (die Wohnküche)
  • ZH = central heating (die Zentralheizung)
  • Zi. = room (das Zimmer)
  • Z?V = central oil heating (die zentrale ?lversorgung)

  • Shared flats or apartments (Wohngemeinschaft --> "WG") are the most common living arrangement for students in Germany. Typically, WG residents share kitchen and bathroom but each have their own private room. The goal of a WG is to reduce living expenses by sharing rent and utility costs.
  • Most WGs are not just functional living arrangements; residents spend time together and plan joint activities.
  • Your Application: Applicants for a WG room often need to participate in a casting where it is decided if they fit with the existing WG. WG castings usually involve in-person visits but since the pandemic, they can also take place online. An application for a WG room should include information about yourself (studies, hobbies, expectations of roommates) and match the room offer.
  • It is normal for applicants not to receive many responses immediately as the housing market is often highly competitive.

Temporary Accommodation

Useful links for accommodation for the first few days:

Please note that this list is not a recommendation, but is for information purposes only.