Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid While Choosing Student Accommodation Berlin 

Berlin, the capital city of Germany, has been hosting international students for several years. Some agencies marked it the number two student city in the world in 2023. Freie Universitaet Berlin has been ranked #98 out of 1500 universities in QS World University Rankings 2024, so students who enroll in this university get an opportunity to study in one of the top 100 universities in the world. Two other universities here are ranked among the top 200 universities in the world: Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin with rank #120 and Technische Universität Berlin (TU Berlin) with rank #154. 

When international students enrol in Berlin, their first need happens to be accommodation, and Berlin offers some astonishing accommodations for students. However, some students make some mistakes while choosing student accommodation Berlin. Here, you will read about the top 5 mistakes that should be avoided while choosing student accommodation in Berlin. If you are also going to study in Berlin, these points can help you to avoid these mistakes. 

1. Late Search and Booking 

Gone are the days when students had to visit their host cities to find accommodations. Students can do this from their home countries through the online sources. So, students search for and book accommodation a few months before starting their journey to their host cities. You can also start searching for accommodation from your trip to Berlin some months ago. 

One of the mistakes some students make is late searching and booking, which has some significant disadvantages. If you search for accommodation late, you may not find accommodation that fits your preferences. Today, accommodations are available with numerous amenities such as gyms, games areas, study rooms, etc. However, you may not find each amenity in each housing property, and the accommodations with the amenities you desire may be complete if you start your search process late. Similarly, you may need help finding accommodation in your desired location, a significant disadvantage of a late search. 

Besides, the prices of accommodations increase as the time of university sessions comes closer. You may find it cheaply if you search for and book accommodation late. 

It is advised to search for accommodation at least three months before starting your journey to Berlin. 

2. Search Without Making a Budget 

Searching for accommodation without making a budget is very time-consuming. If you don’t make a budget before starting your search, you will read the details of every property that comes to your attention. But, if you make a budget before starting your searches, you can filter the accommodations lists, saving a lot of your time. On the other hand, you may face disappointment when you choose an accommodation, but after that, you know that it is not within your budget. 

3. Choosing Accommodation So Far from University or College 

Choosing accommodation far from university or college is also a big mistake some students make. Many student housing properties are established close to universities and colleges. You can even find some of them within the walking distance. If you don’t find accommodation within walking distance, you can find accommodation within easy driving distance. 

If you choose accommodation so far from your university or college, you will have to spend a lot of time and money commuting, which may not suit you. It will make your daily life hectic, and you will need help to pay attention to self-study and other essential tasks properly. Besides, it also makes money management arduous. 

4. Choosing Without Researching 

When you choose accommodation without researching, you may find high-priced accommodation with fewer amenities. It would help if you researched properties properly while selecting to find amenities according to your preferences. Besides, you may see different accommodation options, which you should know about, as well as their pros and cons. 

University dorms, off-campus student housing properties, private rental apartments, and home stays can be found. Both of them have some advantages and disadvantages which you should know about. 

5. Ignoring Housing Regulations 

When looking for student accommodation in Berlin, it should be remembered that some accommodation types, like university dorms and off-campus student housing properties, come with rules about what you can and can’t do in the house. Many students make the significant mistake of ignoring these regulations and only focusing on price, location, and other preferences. 

It can cause some problems in the long term. Sometimes, it can be a reason behind the disputes between students and accommodation authorities. There may be some rules with which you may feel uncomfortable. 

Therefore, you are highly advised to read the regulations carefully before selecting accommodation for your stay in Berlin.