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Housing in Potsdam and Berlin

  • The University of Potsdam does not offer its own apartments! It is important to reserve accommodation before you arrive in Potsdam. Start looking as soon as you have decided to study at the University of Potsdam!
  • The housing situation in Potsdam and Berlin is very tight. Affordable, furnished apartments are rare and rents are high. The search for affordable accommodation is time-consuming, and places in student residences are limited and in high demand. Use this page to search and get in touch with landlords and other students.
  • If you have not found permanent accommodation by the time you arrive, you can expect to pay high costs for temporary accommodation. In addition, a local search will take some time. Make sure that you have access to sufficient financial resources at the beginning of your stay to bridge the gap in your search for accommodation. In addition to money, patience, perseverance and the willingness to only find short-term rentals for the initial period are important.

Caution: The current housing market attracts many scammers. Never transfer money if you have not yet signed a contract and/or have not yet seen the apartment. This applies in particular to transfers abroad. Also be careful about sending sensitive data or copies of your ID/passport. If in doubt, please contact the International Office of the University of Potsdam.

Student Dormitories

Studierendenwerk:West Brandenburg (approx. 300-400€ rent per month, furnished)

  •     The Studierendenwerk:West Brandenburg is the best and most affordable housing option for students in Potsdam. Unfortunately, only a small part of the demand can be met by the Studierendenwerk:West Brandenburg, and there are significantly more applications than places available each semester.
  •     The application phase for a place in a hall of residence always starts at the beginning of the previous semester! Apply as soon as possible, even without a letter of admission. Online application You can apply for the winter semester 2025/2026 from end of April 2025 (exact date to be determined).
  •     Check in advance whether you are eligible to apply. Procurement guidelines  Example: Students aged 30 and over and students aiming for a second Bachelor's or Master's degree cannot be admitted.
  •     Even if you missed out on an early application, you should definitely apply! Having an applicant number will qualify you for a sublet in the halls of residence.

Tip: Don't specify a particular location/campus to increase your chances of getting a room. A longer commute is better than no room. Do not rely solely on the Studierendenwerk:West Brandenburg, but look for alternatives early on.

Studentendorf Schlachtensee (from 500€ rent per month, furnished)

All students of the University of Potsdam are accepted here. The Studentendorf Schlachtensee can be reached by bus and S-Bahn - station: “Studentendorf Schlachtensee”. Students from the Griebnitzsee campus are particularly well connected.

 

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Private housing market (furnished rooms from 550€ per month)

Documents and papers required:

  • Copy of ID/passport and visa
  • Proof of sufficient funds (ideally for the last three months): Proof of salary, bank statements or certificate of blocked account
  • Tenant self-disclosure with personal details, information about your job and incoming payments
  • “Schufa” self-disclosure confirming that you meet your financial obligations (credit score). You will need a German bank account for this information. If you do not yet have a German bank account, inform your landlord and ask for alternatives, such as proof of a blocked account
  • If applicable, a rent-free certificate from your previous landlord in Germany confirming that you have no outstanding housing debt
  • Certificate of enrollment for public and private student dorms

Consider not only Potsdam and Berlin as places of residence, but also the surrounding area – we recommend to start with places that have a connection to the campuses of the University of Potsdam: public transportation plan

Searching for furnished rooms

Shared apartments ("WG")

Subleasing

„Homesharing“

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Renting an own apartment

Renting your own apartment

Here you will find links for finding accommodation. Due to the large number of platforms, we have made a small selection. Ask the various providers and also consider offers outside Potsdam or larger apartments for shared use with other students. Please note that short-term acceptance of international tenants is not always guaranteed and the apartments are unfurnished.

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"Wohnberechtigungsschein" (WBS)

There is publicly subsidized housing for people with low incomes. To be able to rent this, you need a certificate of eligibility for housing. In order to obtain one as an international student, you must provide the following:

  • Proof of income
  • A copy of your residence permit

The WBS is applied for at the housing office of the city of Potsdam. It is only valid for Brandenburg and not for Berlin. It is valid for one year and must be extended regularly.

https://vv.potsdam.de/vv/produkte/173010100000007866.php

Advice: If you want to apply for a WBS, get counseling here.

"Wohngeld" (housing subsidy)

International students may be entitled to housing benefit. Housing benefit is a subsidy towards rent and is not considered a social benefit.

Requirements for entitlement to housing benefit:

  • no entitlement to BAföG (application for BAföG must be submitted to Studierendenwerk:West Brandenburg)
  • Existing income to sustain yourself (2025: each month 992€)

Caution: The receipt of housing benefit may prevent the extension of your residence permit. Therefore, please seek our advice before applying for the first time.

  • A preliminary calculator is available here
  • Apply for Wohngeld here
  • The city of Potsdam has a website with information/FAQs and offers counseling here

Aiko Vredenborg

Housing Coordinator for international students

International Office
Campus Am Neuen Palais
Building 8, Room 0.41

consulting hours
Please contact us in to make an appointment