About Munich
Munich is a cosmopolitan, safe, cultural, and educationally excellent city. This city seamlessly blends tradition and modernity, making it a great place for international students. The architecture is beautiful, there are many parks like the English Garden, and the city has many museums, music venues, and beer gardens. It is also home to outstanding universities, like LMU Munich and TUM, which attract students from around the world.
Munich also has big companies in the technology, engineering, and business sectors, giving students excellent internship and job prospects. Whether you are cycling through the old town, enjoying an outdoor concert, or having an inexpensive student lunch in Maxvorstadt, life in Munich is always exciting for students.
Best Student Accommodation in Munich
Alphaway offers the best Munich student accommodation- from budget-friendly shared apartments to luxury private studios. All our listings are verified, secure, and close to major universities. With round-the-clock support and flexible booking options, finding your ideal student room in Munich has never been easier.
Why Choose Munich for Higher Education
Munich stands out as one of Germany’s top cities for higher education, combining academic prestige with a high standard of living. The city is home to several globally ranked institutions and research centers, making it a magnet for ambitious students. Munich’s universities offer English-taught programmes, international student services, and research-driven learning environments. The city’s strong job market and quality of life make it an excellent destination for higher studies.
Best Areas for Student Accommodation in Munich
Munich has various safe and student-friendly areas near major campuses, like:
- Maxvorstadt: The place for students, right next to LMU and TUM! With tons of cafes, bookstores, libraries, and art museums, Maxvorstadt is a student's paradise.
- Schwabing: Known for its leafy streets, impressive historic buildings, and buzzing nightlife, Schwabing is a hip area to live in.
- Giesing: Giesing is slowly gentrifying, meaning it is very affordable, full of transport options, and generally a relaxed place to live.
- Neuhausen-Nymphenburg: A well-liked neighborhood for students looking to live in a calm place with parks and history.
- Sendling: A convenient place to live that is not far from campus, lots of great food options, and diverse as well, a great neighborhood for students enrolled at the Munich University of Applied Sciences.
Different Types of Student Accommodation in Munich
- Private student bedroom (PBSA): A purpose-built student accommodation in Munich with a strong focus on comfort, convenience, and community features. Options available are ensuite student bedrooms, shared student apartments, or private student studios, etc. Rates tend to include Wi-Fi, utilities, and on-site amenities such as gyms, study rooms, or common kitchens.
- University halls: Owned and operated by universities. They are inexpensive but can have long waits and are limited in supply.
- Shared student apartments: shared student apartments in Munich are common among local and international students who prefer flatmates to share their living space. The rent may or may not include bills, and you will be responsible for cleaning, dealing with utilities, and contracts.
Cost of Living in Munich for International Students
The cost of living in Munich for students is comparatively affordable. Here's a look at the average monthly expenses:
- Rent: €450-€850/month, depending on location and type of housing.
- Food & Groceries: €150-€250/month. Supermarkets like Aldi, Lidl, and Edeka are popular among students.
- Transport: €29-€59/month for student MVV travel card.
- Dining Out: Meals can be €8-€20. Lunch at university canteens is usually cheap.
- Leisure: €60-€120/month for clubs, events, and museums.
Transportation in Munich
Getting around in Munich is easy and affordable thanks to its public transport options:
- U-Bahn (Subway) & S-Bahn (Commuter Trains): Fast and efficient transport system that connects every corner of the city and suburbs. Ideal for daily commutes.
- Trams & Buses: Extensive and reliable network, especially useful in areas where train lines don’t reach.
- MVV Student Pass: Most universities offer discounted MVV passes, which allow unlimited travel on public transport within certain zones.
- Cycling: Munich is bike-friendly with dedicated lanes and rental bikes like MVG Rad.
- Regional Trains: Well-connected to nearby cities like Augsburg, Nuremberg, and Salzburg-perfect for weekend trips.
- Airport Access: Munich Airport is easily accessible via the S-Bahn (lines S1 and S8), making international travel convenient for students.
Student Life in Munich
As a student, you’ll have a lot to do and explore in Munich- from lip-smacking food to quiet spaces in cafes to study and exciting festivals on the weekend. Here’s everything you need to know as a student in Munich:
- Cafés & Bistros: You can find affordable bites in Maxvorstadt, or try an international food experience in Glockenbachviertel.
- Student Clubs & Events: Most university campuses have active student unions that host events, parties, and networking opportunities.
- Libraries & Study Spaces: LMU and TUM have libraries with good study facilities, and you'll also find calm cafés, which are good for studying.
- Weekend Escapes: Hike the Alps, tour Neuschwanstein castle, or have a picnic in the English Garden.
- Festivals & Culture: Experience Oktoberfest, view art in the Pinakothek museums, and see a movie in an open-air cinema.
Universities in Munich
- Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU Munich): One of the top research universities in Europe, LMU provides high levels of academic excellence across a range of disciplines, most notably: humanities, medicine, and social sciences. LMU is an excellent choice for students looking for both academic depth and an overseas cultural experience.
- Technical University of Munich (TUM): Ranked among the best technical universities in Europe, TUM excels in engineering, computer science, and the natural sciences, and is often recognized as an innovative institution. TUM is a great choice for students looking to combine high levels of academic education with real-world applications.
- Munich University of Applied Sciences (HM): One of the largest universities of applied sciences in Germany, HM provides practice-oriented degrees in engineering, business, design, and social work. With such a strong focus on practice, HM's connection with local businesses is impressive, and its hands-on focus makes it a great choice for students wanting careers straight out of university.
- Academy of Fine Arts, Munich: A small but highly regarded institution, the Academy of Fine Arts is perfect for students wanting an experience in fine arts, sculpture, and painting. It is highly regarded for helping inspire creative thinking and providing a sense of community for other practitioners of art. The program is based in the city, making exhibitions and artists’ studios highly accessible for students.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
- DAAD Scholarships: Consistently, Germany's largest contributor to international students. Usage can cover tuition and living costs.
- LMU & TUM Scholarships: Universities that have merit- and need-based scholarships.
- Erasmus+ Grants: Grants for exchange students at European partner universities.
- Country Specific Funds: Eligible students from GCC countries may apply for funding from local embassies or cultural missions.
- Private Foundations: Look into possible funding from the Heinrich Böll Foundation and Konrad Adenauer Stiftung.
Tips for International Students
- Open a German Bank Account: Required for rent payments and visa compliance.
- Health Insurance: Mandatory for all students. Public or private options are available.
- Learn Basic German: Even though many speak English, basic German will help in everyday life.
- Student Discounts: Use your student ID to get discounts on travel, museums, restaurants, and more.
- Stay Connected: Join expat Facebook groups or university forums for tips, events, and friends.
Health & Safety Tips
- Emergency Numbers: 112 (ambulance/fire), 110 (police).
- GP Registration: Sign up with a general doctor for access to healthcare services.
- Mental Health: Universities provide free counselling and mental wellness services.
- Safe Travel: Use public transport or ride-sharing apps like Free Now.
