About Berlin
Berlin is rich in history, full of creativity, and offers a student-friendly atmosphere. Known for its vibrant social marketplace, Berlin is an open-armed city to students all over the world. In each neighbourhood, you explore whether cycling past kebab shops in Kreuzberg or shopping at vintage markets in Friedrichshain, there are new discoveries and vibrant spaces waiting for you.
Home to outstanding colleges like Humboldt University, Freie Universität Berlin, and Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin attracts thousands of students every year. Affordable student housing in Berlin, limitless food options around Berlin, and easy weekend trips to Leipzig or Hamburg make life in this city dynamic!
Best Student Accommodation in Berlin
At Alphaway, you can find the best student accommodation in Berlin for international students, whether it's luxury student accommodation, a private student studio in Berlin, or a shared student apartment in Berlin. Every listing is verified for safety and comfort and comes with 24/7 support so you can enjoy your life as a student, stress-free! Check out our student residences in Berlin below, no matter your fit:
Why Choose Berlin for Higher Education
Berlin combines world-class education with a platform for your global career. Students gain real-world exposure and internship opportunities with access to premier research institutes, innovative startups, and major international companies. With the added benefit of a vibrant cultural scene, multilingual surroundings, and an affordable lifestyle, it's not hard to see why Berlin student accommodation is in demand.
Best Areas for Student Accommodation in Berlin
When it comes to student housing in Berlin, these neighborhoods top the list:
- Kreuzberg: A vibrant, multicultural area abundant with street food, music venues, and vintage shops. Great for any juniors or seniors spending a semester or year at Humboldt or TU Berlin.
- Friedrichshain: Known for its nightlife and artsy feel. This area has a well-established connection to universities in Berlin, and it is well known for its affordable student housing in Berlin.
- Charlottenburg: Healthy, leafy and well-healed, located near TU Berlin and not far from hotspots in the city, while providing a calm area to study.
- Neukölln: Affordable and creative with artsy cafés and near student housing, while providing a wide range of student rents in Berlin.
- Mitte: Centrally located with good access to transport and near Humboldt University. It is a spectacular area for student accommodation in Berlin that offers luxury living.
Different Types of Student Accommodation in Berlin
- Private student accommodation (PBSA): Berlin's PBSAs are modern buildings that offer housing solely for students. You can choose from communal shared student apartments (communal living), ensuite student rooms in Berlin (private bedroom and bathroom, shared kitchen), or private student studios in Berlin (self-contained units). The rooms are fully furnished, and the rent is all-inclusive (Wi-Fi, utilities, gyms, and 24/7 support). For secure student living and socializing with fellow students, PBSAs are the best option.
- University Halls: These are provided by universities (i.e., not free-standing, and they are usually on campus). Each hall is different in style, and some may offer different living experiences than others.
- Shared apartments: You rent a flat with other students. You will have more independence, but will have the responsibility of individually managing the rent, bills, and cleaning.
Cost of Living in Berlin for International Students
Berlin is one of the most affordable student cities in Western Europe. Here’s a breakdown of the average cost of living in Berlin for students:
- Rent: €400-€850/month depending on location and room type. PBSA options often include bills and amenities.
- Groceries: €150-€250/month. Aldi, Lidl, and Rewe are popular choices.
- Transport: €50-€80/month with student travel cards covering buses, trams, and U-Bahn.
- Dining Out: €8-€20 per meal, depending on location. Try cheap food in Kreuzberg or vegan cafés in Neukölln.
- Entertainment & Shopping: €60-€100/month. From open-air cinemas to flea markets, Berlin is full of budget-friendly fun.
Transportation in Berlin
Berlin has an efficient and student-friendly transport network:
- U-Bahn & S-Bahn: Quick metro and train systems connecting all parts of the city.
- Buses & Trams: Regular services with 24-hour options on key routes.
- Regional Trains: Great for short trips to nearby cities like Potsdam or Leipzig.
- Airports: BER Airport is well-connected via public transport and the airport express.
- Student Travel Passes: Most universities provide discounted or included transport passes in the semester fee.
Student Life in Berlin
Berlin blends learning and lifestyle like no other city:
- Restaurants & Cafés: Eat some falafel in Neukölln or study at a café in Prenzlauer Berg.
- Student Clubs & Events: Join university clubs or go to a social night for international students.
- Markets & Malls: Check out the Mauerpark flea market or shop at Alexa Mall.
- Weekend Getaways: You can catch a quick train to Hamburg, Leipzig, or even Prague.
- Libraries & Study Spots: There are silent study areas in public libraries, or you can study at a co-working café.
- Live Music & Art: From Berghain to indie gigs, Berlin's cultural scene cannot be matched.
Universities in Berlin
- Humboldt University of Berlin: Humboldt is one of Germany’s oldest and most prestigious universities, located at the center of Mitte. It has an excellent reputation in the humanities, philosophy, and social sciences, producing Nobel laureates, and is a world leader in academic research.
- Freie Universität Berlin: Located in the green and quiet neighborhood of Dahlem, FU Berlin is recognized for its academic freedoms and modern method of teaching. It has a strong focus on social sciences, law, humanities, and natural sciences, and is part of the prestigious German Universities Excellence Initiative.
- Technische Universität Berlin (TU Berlin): Based in the Charlottenburg district, TU Berlin is one of Germany’s top technical universities. It is highly regarded for its programs in engineering, computer science, architecture, and urban planning.
- Berlin University of the Arts: It offers a wide range of programs, including music, performing arts, fine arts, design, and media. It attracts creative students from around the world who are looking to explore their talents in a vibrant and experimental environment.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
- University Scholarships: Humboldt, FU Berlin, and TU Berlin offer academic merit scholarships and fee reductions.
- DAAD Scholarships: Germany’s most popular funding for international students, including master's and PhD programs.
- GCC Scholarships: Students from Saudi Arabia, UAE, and other Gulf nations can apply through their Ministry of Education.
- Private & External Grants: Options like Erasmus+ and Heinrich Böll Foundation scholarships are also open.
Tips for International Students
- Open a German Bank Account: Choose from N26, Deutsche Bank, or Sparkasse for easy setup.
- Get a Local SIM: Affordable options include Vodafone, O2, and Lebara.
- Learn Basic German: Phrases like "Danke" and "Entschuldigung" help with daily interactions.
- Budget Wisely: Track spending and use student discounts via apps like ISIC and Student Beans.
- Alphaway Support: We offer airport pickups, essentials kits, and help with local registration so you settle in smoothly.
Health & Safety Tips & Student Well-Being Resources
- Register with a GP: Access healthcare by signing up with a doctor under Germany’s public system.
- Know Emergency Numbers: Dial 112 for emergencies and save your university’s helpline.
- Use Safe Transport: Public transport is reliable-avoid unlicensed taxis.
- Mental Health Support: Universities offer counselling services, helplines, and student wellness programs.
