Accommodation in Berlin

The BSEL does not have its own on-campus accommodation and therefore is not in a position to guarantee rooms to exchange students. However, there are several possibilities for exchange students to find accommodation during their stay in Berlin.

1. Housing application through the International Office

1.1 Studentendorf Schlachtensee

Studentendorf (“student village”) Schlachtensee is a student dormitory which offers several options concerning accommodation, such as in shared flats or little apartments (e.g. for couples/ friends). Honoured as National Heritage, Studentendorf Schlachtensee offers multiple forms of living in 24 houses from different dates of origin located on an international, multicultural campus in the southwest of the city, characterised by grand scaled common areas and green spaces.

 

Rooms in the following categories are available:

  • SB-Basic rooms are furnished 10m² single rooms with a desk and chair, wardrobe, bed and wireless internet access. Kitchen, bathroom and toilet are on the floor and must be shared with other residents on the same corridor. Cleaning Service once a week in the common areas (kitchen, bathroom, toilet and corridors) is included; monthly rent:  € 175 (if rented for at least 11 months)
  • SB-Basic+ rooms are furnished 10m² single rooms with a sun blind, a desk, a chair, wardrobe, a bed with linen and wireless internet access. A living room with TV, an equipped kitchen, bathroom a toilet are on the floor and must be shared with other residents on the same corridor; monthly rent: €195 – €230. Cleaning Service three times a week in the common areas (kitchen, bathroom, toilet and corridor) is included.
  • WG-Basic rooms are furnished 13m² single rooms are located in joint residence apartments. Rooms are equipped with a desk, a chair, wardrobe and bed. Living room, American Style kitchen, bathroom and toilet must be shared by six other flat mates in the same apartment. Monthly rent:  € 195 (if rented for at least 11 months)
  • WG-Basic+ rooms are equipped with a sun blind, a desk and chair, wardrobe and bed with linen. A living room with TV, equipped American Style kitchen and bathroom with toilet are on the floor and  must be shared with other residents on the same corridor. All apartment residents are responsible for cleaning their own rooms and cleaning of the shared areas. Monthly rent: €230 – €260

You can find further information on their (English) website:

For all rooms a deposit of €300 or €400 (depending on the room category) has to be paid when moving in. This is refunded after moving out if the room is left in sound condition.

If you as a future exchange student wish to apply for a room at Studentendorf Schlachtensee you have to do that through the BSEL’s International Office by filling in the application.

1.2 Studentenwerk Berlin

Another provider of student housing is Studentenwerk (Student Services) Berlin, a public organisation that provides social, economic and cultural support services to students and lets rooms and flats in its dorms. The monthly rent for a bedsit runs approx. from €180 to €260. A deposit of 1,5 monthly rental rates must also be paid when signing the rental contract, which is refunded when moving out, provided that the flat is left in an orderly condition and without damages. Information on the student dorms run by Studentenwerk Berlin can be found on their website.

 

As a general rule, accommodation is in fully furnished single rooms. The room size varies from residence to residence. Kitchen and bathroom facilities are usually shared with other students. Blanket, pillow and bed sheets, as well as dishes and cutlery, are not included, but can be bought as packages at the housing administration office (or in regular department stores). The rental period always covers full calendar months and runs from the first to the last day of the month (e.g. from October 1 to October 31), and the minimum rental period is three months. If you do not use your student residence accommodation or have not cancelled in writing with the International Office at least 4 weeks in advance, you are liable to pay one month's rent to the Studentenwerk Berlin. The contract is subject to the Studentenwerk Berlin’s letting conditions.

 

If you as a future exchange student wish to apply for a room at the Studentenwerk Berlin you have to do that through the BSEL’s International Office by filling in the housing application form. Please note that we act as an intermediary between you and the Studentenwerk Berlin and have no influence on the placements since the Studentenwerk allocates accommodation solely on the basis of available places. Due to the growing demand many of the rooms they can offer us are located in the outer Eastern parts of the city. The Berlin School of Economics and Law, however, is situated in the Western parts which means that commuting times can be up to over one hour (one way). It is not possible to apply for a specific student residence or for a room of particular size.

 

Please note: Since there are more applications than rooms available there is no guarantee that you will receive a room in one of the dormitories. If there are more applicants than rooms, the rooms will be allocated randomly by Studentenwerk.

 

The application for a student residence place at Studentenwerk is only binding after payment of a security deposit against possible unpaid rent of € 250; the deposit is to be paid directly to the Berlin School of Economics and Law before the end of the respective registration period (usually June 20 for the following winter semester, and November 20 for the following summer semester). Without that payment we are unable to process your application. Please bear these facts in mind when applying for a room at Studentenwerk via us.

 

Once we have received your deposit transfer, we forward your application to the Studentenwerk which makes your application binding. This deposit will be refunded after you have signed your rental contract with the Studentenwerk in case of a successful application. Please also read the details on the form careful.

Bank details of the Hochschule für Wirtschaft und Recht Berlin

Name of Bank: Deutsche Bank Berlin

Swift code: DEUTDEBB

IBAN-No.: DE50100700000068599000

Account Number: 06 85 99 000

Bank Branch Number: 100 700 00

 

Payment purpose: Last name, first name, Exchange, Rental deposit

2. Finding accommondation yourself

You are of course also free to find accommodation on your own. If you want to ensure a more central location, we suggest that you also check the other options for international students.

2.1 Bürgermeister-Reuter-Stiftung (Mayor Reuter Foundation)

This non-profit foundation provides housing services for international young people who are in Berlin temporarily. They have several houses all over Berlin, the one in Keithstraße is the closest one to our school.

 

For more information and to make an online reservation request please check here:

2.2 Private housing market

The housing market in Berlin offers flats and rooms in all price categories. Here you find a list of housing agencies as well as a list of relevant websites.

2.3 Youth Hostels

If you have not found a flat upon your arrival in Berlin, you can find inexpensive accommodation in hostels. Here you find a selection.

2.4 Shared Flats

Websites with room offers ("WG" means "Wohngemeinschaft" - shared apartment):