Accommodation in Aachen

No, RWTH does not own, rent, or manage any student residence halls or other campus housing. However, Studierendenwerk Aachen and other private dorms offer affordable housing options for students in and around Aachen.

You can refer to our Housing Guide, which provides a comprehensive overview of short-, medium-, and long-term housing options in Aachen and its surrounding areas. The guide includes links to websites, approximate pricing, and details on application or booking procedures.

Generally, degree-seeking students are not eligible for quota rooms.

However, exchange, or program students staying at RWTH for one or two semesters may qualify. To apply for a quota room, you must first submit an application with Incoming Student Services within the appropriate deadlines. If eligible, the Housing Advice Service will contact you with access to the application portal and your applicant number.

Please note that the International Office oversees the application process. However, Studierendenwerk, as the dormitory owner, is responsible for room offers, allocation, and all related procedures, including lease contracts, rent payments, and deposit refunds.

Unfortunately, no. The Studierendenwerk Aachen and other private dormitories operate independently of RWTH Aachen University. The University and the International Office have no influence over the allocation process or waiting lists.

Students with German or EU citizenship are eligible to reside in the Netherlands or in Belgium. Non-EU students must apply for a residence permit to study in Germany, which requires having a registered address within the country. As a result, non-EU students cannot reside in the Netherlands or in Belgium.

Some publicly funded, lower-priced apartments have specific tenancy requirements, including the need for a housing entitlement certificate (Wohnberechtigungsschein). Both German and international students can apply for this certificate. Students with limited income may be eligible for the Wohnberechtigungsschein. To check your eligibility, consult the WBS Rechner or the City of Aachen housing office webpages. Please note that both websites are available only in German.

If you have questions about your rental agreement or are experiencing issues with your landlord or landlady, you can reach out to the legal advice team at the AStA Students’ Committee. This team offers professional legal advice, helping you understand your rights and obligations as a tenant.

The first month’s rent and deposit are typically required before you move in, after both parties sign the lease agreement. Most contracts include a clause specifying the latest possible payment date (e.g., the third of the month). If you anticipate a delay in payment, it’s important to notify your dorm administration, landlord, or landlady as soon as possible. Be aware that late payments may incur additional fees.

After moving into your new residence, make sure to get the form called Wohnungsgeberbestätigung signed by your landlord, landlady, or dorm administration. Then, schedule an appointment at the Citizens’ Office in Aachen using the city’s online appointment tool. This must be done within two weeks of your move-in date. Bring the signed Wohnungsgeberbestätigung form and your passport or ID to the appointment. You can find additional information about the registration process in German at Serviceportal der Stadt Aachen.

If your bank account is temporarily frozen, you may ask a relative or friend to assist with the initial payment. Once you’ve registered your address in Aachen, you’ll be able to unblock or open a local bank account using your address registration confirmation.

If you’re looking to rent out or sublet your apartment or house, please visit our dedicated web pages for landladies and landlords. These pages provide detailed guidance on the process.

If you’re living in an Studierendenwerk residence hall, note the following guidelines:

• Even though your rental agreement runs until the last day of the month, move-outs are only allowed on working days (Monday to Friday).
• You must schedule an official room inspection with the janitor in advance for key handover.
• Approximately 6 to 8 weeks before your contract ends, a “pre-inspection” will be conducted to identify any larger repairs that may need to be addressed.

Failing to follow the proper move-out procedures or refusing the “pre-inspection” can result in a fee being deducted from your deposit. For more details, refer to the Studierendenwerk Questions and Answers page.

For residents in Studierendenwerk residence halls, deposit refunds typically take 12 to 14 weeks after move-out. If the process takes longer, contact Studierendenwerk directly.

If you rented on the private market, it may take up to six months to receive your deposit. In either case, be sure to keep a copy of your move-out protocol until your deposit is fully reimbursed.

Scammers often target international students using specific tricks. Many of these methods are summarized on resources like iamexpat.de. In general, use common sense and avoid sharing sensitive documents or transferring money without absolute proof that the accommodation offer and the person you are corresponding with are legitimate.

Scammers frequently operate on social media platforms like Facebook and popular housing portals such as WG-Gesucht and Ebay Kleinanzeigen. While it’s uncommon, they may contact you directly through these platforms.
Additionally, some scammers use temporary housing websites like Booking.com and Airbnb to post fake listings. Be cautious of listings that require payments through external transfers rather than the platform’s secure payment system, as this is often a sign of fraud.

This scenario is a common scam tactic. The alleged owner might claim they are abroad and unable to conduct an in-person viewing. They may offer to send the apartment key by mail or provide it through an intermediary but request an advance deposit to “secure” the property. Once you make the payment, the scammer will disappear, leaving you without a key or further communication. In some cases, they might even demand additional money, claiming the initial transfer didn’t go through.

If you are unable to visit a property in person before renting – such as when applying for student housing from abroad – it is critical to verify the legitimacy of the listing. For institutional accommodations, look for official websites or verified credentials, such as recognizable logos or company stamps.

For private market rentals, exercise extra caution. If you’ve communicated with a landlord or lessor but haven’t had the opportunity to view the property firsthand, ensure you thoroughly verify the authenticity of the listing before making any payments or sharing sensitive information. Avoid relying solely on photographs or online correspondence via email or messaging apps like WhatsApp. Whenever possible, request a video tour or seek assistance from trusted advisors or local housing support services.

1. Ignore the scammer: Do not respond to their demands. Do not transfer money under any circumstances. Avoid cashing checks or forwarding letters/packages. If you have already transferred money, attempt to reverse the payment immediately if possible.
2. Document everything: Save all correspondence, including emails, chat messages, and transaction receipts, as evidence. Keep copies of bank transfer confirmations or any other related documents.
3. Seek support: Report the incident to your local police station. They will guide you on how to secure evidence and file a formal report. Please also inform RWTH’s Housing Advice Service about the incident. While prosecuting scammers can be challenging, especially if they operate from abroad, reporting these cases can help prevent others from falling victim to the same schemes.