If you are a student, the International Student Services will be able to help you locate accommodation. Many students will have opted to avail themselves of student accomodation administered by the Studentenwerk (Student Services). An overview of all housing offered by the Studentenwerk Göttingen can be found on their website. If you are a visiting scientist, your academic host or the Research Servives Department can assist you in finding a place to live. Below you will find additional hints to help you in your search for accommodation.

General remarks

• Signing rental contracts: Contractual obligations are taken seriously in Germany. Once you have signed a contract, your landlord will expect you to fulfil what you have signed. Be sure you understand the contract and have someone help you translate the contract, if necessary.


• Deposits: Almost all apartments will require a security deposit of between two and three months rent (excluding bills and utilities / Kaltmiete), which is refunded at the end of the leasing period, minus any costs necessary for cleaning or damages.


• Furniture: Be aware that most apartments available for rent will be unfurnished. This also means that the kitchen will often not be equipped with appliances (sink, oven, fridge, ect.), unless specifically marked as such (e.g. 'mit Küchenecke' or 'mit Kochnische'). Furnished apartments are marked 'möbliert'.


• Sheets and Towels: If you stay in one of the university guesthouses or hotels, you can assume that sheets and towels will be provided for your use. In all other cases, it pays to ask in advance. Sometimes a linen service is offered for an additional surcharge; sometimes this type of service is not available. Both sheets and towels can be bought quite cheaply in Germany.


• Moving In: When you move into your new apartment or room, you should make careful written note of any damages or breakages you see. The list should be taken to your landlord and signed by both of you. It is added as an annex to your rental contract so that you will not be made responsible for the damages when you move out. Your landlord can deduct money from your security deposit if the apartment is damaged at the time of your departure.

A wide range of accommodation options are at your disposal when you come to Göttingen: