Many students in Baden-Württemberg share apartments during their studies. It’s economical and a great way to immerse yourself in the language and culture.
Once you have been accepted by the university of your choice in Baden-Württemberg, you face another important question: “Where will I live during my studies?”
There are several options. The most popular among German students is sharing an apartment and living in a so-called Wohngemeinschaft (WG) – a living community. More than a third of students in Germany choose this arrangement. When you look for a place to live, you’ll come across the abbreviation WG again and again.
Advantages of sharing an apartment
Living with roommates has clear advantages and some drawbacks. Sharing an apartment with others is often quite economical compared to renting an apartment by yourself.
If you live with German roommates, you are completely immersed in the language and culture and will learn a lot besides your studies. You German and cultural fluency will improve dramatically.
However, living very closely with people from another culture can be stressful at times since cultural misunderstanding will happen, but overall, it’s a great learning experience.
Living with roommates makes it easier to find friends. You will have people to talk to right from the start and if they’ve lived in the city for a while, they can show you around and give you tips where to go shopping, where to hang out and where to party. Cooking delicious meals and eating together is often a fun part of WG-life. Sharing an apartment can lead to friendships for life.
Some drawbacks
Of course, WG life can also be difficult. There is less privacy and conflicts can arise if people have different expectations regarding cleanliness and quiet times. It can be unnerving if you need to study for an exam and your roommates party in the kitchen until 4 am.
Each WG handles conflicts differently, but it helps to have clear agreements about finances, cleaning duties and acceptable noise levels, visitors and quiet times. Mutual respect and tolerance are also needed.
Most WGs that are looking for a new roommate do casting-like interviews to ensure the new roommates personality and style is a good fit for the living arrangement. This way, there won’t be too many surprises.
If you need a lot of privacy and quiet time after your studies, a WG may not be the right kind of accommodation for you.
How to find a WG?
WGs are usually advertised on internet portals, university bulletin boards, on social media and other media used by students in a university town such as wg-gesucht.de and wg-suche.de. Also check the Studierendenwerk affiliated with your university in Baden-Württemberg. They often have the most current and comprehensive search portals and bulletin boards for WG rooms.
