Applying for student accommodation in Hamburg

Applications are made directly to Studierendenwerk Hamburg. The Wohnanlagen-Wiki does not accept applications or decide who receives accommodation; it explains the official process and directs you to the right services.

Open Studierendenwerk's official online application

In principle, the following are eligible:

• enrolled students at the Hamburg universities and partner institutions named by Studierendenwerk,
• students at a Studienkolleg or Zentralkolleg in Hamburg and at the Hamburg Conservatory,
• trainees who meet Studierendenwerk’s separate requirements.

Additional requirements apply to individual residences, for example for particular target groups. There is no legal entitlement to accommodation.

Studierendenwerk currently operates 25 residences with around 4,390 places. The former Neuwiedenthal residence was only leased and has been returned, so it is no longer part of the current portfolio. The official residence overview, checked on 14 August 2026, is authoritative.

The admission and extension policy describes the accommodation as part of public support. When demand is high, factors including social criteria, a person’s ability to find accommodation on the private market and a socially balanced mix should be considered. Particular houses may also have target-group or funding conditions. Exceptional hardship can receive priority but must be explained with evidence. ¹⁾

This does not mean that the wiki can calculate your place on the list or waiting time. The published policy names several criteria and excludes a legal entitlement. If you have particular social, family, financial or health circumstances, use the current official application and advice route and submit only the evidence requested there.

According to Studierendenwerk, an application can be submitted no more than three months in advance. At the time you apply, your requested moving-in date or start of studies may therefore be no more than three months in the future.

Studierendenwerk does not give a precise waiting time. Because demand is high, it is sensible to apply as early as possible within this window. Studierendenwerk specifically warns of long waiting times for self-contained one-room flats.

In the online application, you can:

• select up to three specific residences, or
• apply for all 25 current residences.

According to Studierendenwerk, applying for all residences increases your likelihood of receiving an offer sooner. If a room in a shared flat or a private room is also suitable, do not restrict your application to a self-contained one-room flat.

1. Choose your requested moving-in date and suitable residence selection.
2. Complete the official online application in full.
3. Submit only the evidence requested in the process.
4. Keep your email address current and check your spam folder.
5. Confirm application-list enquiries within the deadline stated in the message.

According to the published information, applications sent by email to residence management are not considered.

Studierendenwerk sends recurring application-list enquiries by email. If you do not confirm your continued interest in time, you will be removed from the list. When accommodation becomes available and it is your turn, you receive a written offer. Under the current application information, declining the offer ends your registration on the list.

Trainees also use the online application, but must meet additional requirements and provide evidence about their training, income and assets.

University-specific routes may apply to programme, exchange and visiting students. At Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH), exchange students use the Accommodation Office and Mobility Online. At Hamburg University of Applied Sciences (HAW Hamburg), the International Office forwards visiting students‘ accommodation requests. Check the current information from both your university and Studierendenwerk.

• Studierendenwerk Hamburg – accommodation FAQ
• Studierendenwerk Hamburg – application information
• Studierendenwerk Hamburg – online application
• Application information for trainees
• Admission and extension policy, in force since 22 September 2025 (German)
• TU Hamburg – Accommodation Office
• HAW Hamburg – accommodation and services for exchange students