You can live in Ulm, Neu-Ulm, or in the surrounding area. Ulm and Neu-Ulm are on opposite banks of the River Danube. Although they form a twin city, Ulm is in the Federal State of Baden-Württemberg and Neu-Ulm is in the Federal State of Bavaria. This means different authorities are responsible (e.g. for registering your place of residence or extending your visa), depending on whether you live in Ulm or Neu-Ulm.
The International Office organizes accommodation for exchange students. As a degree-seeking student, you must organize your accommodation yourself. At the beginning of the (winter) semester, rooms in Neu-Ulm and Ulm are very scarce. It is worth starting your search for accommodation from your home country early, ideally as soon as you receive your confirmation of admission.
Studierendenwerk Ulm student residences
Studierendenwerk Ulm (Ulm Students' Union) manages several student halls of residence (overview of halls of residence).
You must apply early for a place in a hall of residence. Demand is particularly high for the winter semester and there may be a wait of several months.
Click here to apply online.
General information:
- There are offers for single parents and students with disabilities.
- Couples with children must look for accommodation on the private housing market.
- Bathrooms, toilets, living rooms and kitchens are shared.
- Some rooms have their own bathroom and/or fitted kitchen.
- There are good bus connections to the universities and the city center.
- Internet access is via Wi-Fi (university account/Eduroam (only in German)) or Ethernet cable.
Moving in:
- Check the room/apartment for defects or missing furnishings (e.g. bed linen).
- It is best to take a photo of your room when you move in and when you move out to record the condition of the room.
- Inform your janitor of any defects immediately.
Moving out:
- Make an appointment with the janitor at least 3 weeks before you move out.
- Make sure that your room, bathroom, hallway, and kitchen are thoroughly cleaned.
- Your deposit will be refunded by the Studierendenwerk if there are no new defects or damage.
Private student residences
There are private halls of residence with modern individual apartments at higher rents, but they have more specific requirements for signing a tenancy agreement.
- Campus Village: requires personal liability insurance and a tenant self-disclosure form.
- Uni Apart: requires proof of liability insurance, plus someone with joint liability insurance who is resident in Germany. Uni Apart is therefore rarely an option for international students, unless you have relatives or acquaintances in Germany who can vouch for you.
Finding a private apartment
Most rooms are unfurnished. Most landlords/roommates want to meet applicants in person and talk to them before signing a contract. To avoid becoming a victim of fraud, never pay the deposit before a viewing or without signing a contract. Unlike many other countries, rent is paid monthly and is either “cold rent" (Kaltmiete: basic rent, without bills) or “warm rent" (Warmmiete: including heating, water, and other utilities such as a janitor service or garbage collection. These extra costs are known as Nebenkosten.)
Accommodation notices at THU can be found in the foyer and on the 1st floor of the B building (notice board).
Search online:
Newspapers advertising apartments:
- Südwest Presse Ulm
- Ulmer Wochenblatt
- Schwäbische Zeitung
Temporary offers
If you need short-term accommodation, you can temporarily rent a room in a youth hostel (Jugendherberge), guesthouse, vacation apartment, hotel, or Airbnb while you look for an apartment/room in a shared apartment. It is advisable to reserve a room in advance. Please note that the Residents' Registration Office does not recognize these accommodation options as a permanent place of residence.
