A Guide to Finding Student Accommodation in Aachen

To find student accommodation in Aachen, you should apply for a room through the Studierendenwerk Aachen at least six months before your semester starts and simultaneously search for private shared flats (WGs) on platforms like WG-Gesucht. Competition is intense, so it is vital to have a local data connection ready upon arrival to respond to listings and navigate the city immediately. Most students spend their first few weeks in temporary housing while attending 'WG-castings' to secure a permanent spot.

The Aachen Housing Market: An Overview

Aachen is a quintessential student city, home to the prestigious RWTH Aachen University and the FH Aachen. With over 60,000 students in a city of roughly 250,000 residents, the demand for affordable housing consistently outstrips supply. The market is divided into three main categories: public dormitories, private dormitories, and the Wohngemeinschaft (WG), or shared flat.

For international students, the challenge is twofold. First, you are competing with locals who can visit apartments at a moment's notice. Second, many German landlords and providers require a German bank account and a Schufa (credit score) report, neither of which you will have on day one. This is where having a reliable data plan from StudyRoam becomes essential. Before you can open that bank account or sign a phone contract, you need to see plans that provide immediate connectivity for maps, translation, and housing apps.

Types of Student Housing in Aachen

Studierendenwerk Dormitories

The Studierendenwerk Aachen manages the majority of affordable housing. These rooms are highly coveted because utilities (heating, water, internet) are usually included in the rent.

• The Waitlist: It is not uncommon to wait two or three semesters for a room. Apply the moment you receive your admission letter—or even before, if the portal allows.
• Room Types: They offer everything from single rooms with shared kitchens to self-contained apartments.
• Location: Most are located near the Hörn, Melaten, or the city center.

Private Shared Flats (WGs)

The WG is the heart of German student life. You rent a room in an apartment shared with other students. This is often the fastest way to make friends.

• WG-Gesucht: This is the primary website for finding rooms. Create a detailed profile in both German and English.
• The Casting: If a WG likes your application, they will invite you for a 'casting'—a casual interview to see if you fit the house culture.
• The Cost: Prices vary depending on the district, but they are generally higher than public dorms.

Private Dormitories and Apartments

If your budget allows, private providers like Quartiermacher or Milestone offer modern, fully furnished apartments. These are easier to book from abroad but come at a premium. They are excellent options for the first semester while you look for something more permanent, similar to the strategies mentioned in our Student Life in Lille: The Gateway to Europe Guide.

Navigating Connectivity in Germany

When you land in Germany, your first priority is getting online. Whether you arrive at Frankfurt (FRA), Düsseldorf (DUS), or Cologne-Bonn (CGN), you will need data to navigate the Deutsche Bahn train system to Aachen.

In Germany, the major network operators are Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone, and O2. StudyRoam utilizes the O2 and Vodafone 5G networks to ensure high-speed coverage across Aachen and the surrounding North Rhine-Westphalia region. While the city center has excellent 5G penetration, having access to multiple networks ensures you stay connected even if you are exploring the rural Eifel region or crossing the border into Belgium or the Netherlands.

Why an eSIM Beats a Local Physical SIM Initially

Germany has strict telecommunications laws. To activate a local physical prepaid SIM, you must undergo a 'VideoIdent' or 'PostIdent' process, which requires a valid passport and, often, a registered German address (Anmeldung). This process can take days to verify.

By contrast, a StudyRoam eSIM can be installed before you even leave your home country. These are data-only plans, meaning they do not come with a local phone number, but they work perfectly with WhatsApp, Telegram, and FaceTime for calls. This allows you to message landlords on WG-Gesucht or call your family the moment you touch down. You can see plans that range from small weekly buckets to large 50GB allowances designed to last your entire first month.

Comparison: Connectivity Options for Students

Feature	Home Country Roaming	Local German Contract	StudyRoam eSIM
Setup Time	Instant	1-2 Weeks (Requires Address)	5 Minutes
Cost	Very High	Low (Long-term)	Moderate (Bulk Data)
Verification	None	Passport & German Bank Account	None
Data Limits	Often capped at 500MB/day	High	Up to 50GB or Daily Passes
Network	Variable	Single Network	O2 / Vodafone 5G

How Much Data Do You Actually Need?

As a student looking for housing, your data usage will be higher than usual. You will be using Google Maps to find apartment viewings, translating contracts with Google Lens, and likely tethering your laptop to your phone to join Zoom lectures before your home Wi-Fi is installed.

• Google Maps: 5MB per hour of active navigation.
• Housing App Browsing: 100MB per hour (image-heavy).
• Video Calls (WhatsApp/Zoom): 500MB to 1.5GB per hour.
• Standard Web Research: 200MB per day.

For most students, the 20GB or 50GB 30-day plans are the safest bet to avoid running out of data during a crucial housing search. If you are a light user, 5GB or 10GB might suffice for the first two weeks.

Where to Live: Aachen Neighborhoods

Choosing the right neighborhood is as important as the room itself. Aachen is compact, but each area has a distinct vibe.

1. Pontviertel: The student heart of the city. It is packed with bars, cheap eats, and is walking distance to the RWTH Main Building. It is loud, vibrant, and highly competitive.
2. Frankenberger Viertel: Known for its beautiful Altbau (old style) architecture and trendy cafes. It is popular with older students and young professionals. Rent is slightly higher here.
3. Laurensberg: A quieter, greener residential area. It is perfect if you prefer a peaceful environment and don't mind a short bus or bike ride to campus.
4. Burtscheid: Located near the Hauptbahnhof (main station), this area has a village feel with its own pedestrian zone and thermal springs.
5. Westpark: A favorite for summer BBQs. The surrounding streets offer many WGs and are close to the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering.

If you are considering other European cities for a future exchange, you might find our Student Life in Nantes: Housing and Budgeting Tips helpful for comparison.

Step-by-Step: Setting Up Your Connectivity

Before you head to Aachen, ensure your phone is on our list of compatible devices. Once confirmed, follow these steps to get connected:

For iPhone Users

1. Go to Settings > Cellular.
2. Tap Add eSIM and select Use QR Code.
3. Scan the QR code provided in your StudyRoam email.
4. Label the new plan as 'Travel' or 'Germany'.
5. Set the StudyRoam eSIM as the primary line for Cellular Data.
6. Ensure Data Roaming is turned ON for the eSIM profile.

For Android Users

1. Go to Settings > Connections > SIM manager.
2. Tap Add eSIM and scan the QR code.
3. Once downloaded, select the eSIM for Mobile Data.
4. Navigate to Mobile Networks and ensure Data Roaming is enabled for the eSIM.

For a more detailed walkthrough, check our installation guide.

Tips for a Successful Housing Search

• The First Message Matters: When messaging on WG-Gesucht, don't just say 'Is the room available?'. Write a paragraph about yourself, your hobbies, and why you would be a great roommate. Mention if you speak a bit of German!
• Beware of Scams: Never transfer money (Kaution) before seeing the room and signing a contract. If a deal looks too good to be true (e.g., a luxury penthouse for 300 Euro), it is likely a scam.
• Be Persistent: Students often send 50+ messages before getting a single viewing. Stay online and respond instantly when a new listing appears.
• Check the 'Zwischenmiete': Many students go on Erasmus themselves and rent out their rooms for 6 months. This is an excellent way to get a foot in the door.

The bottom line

Finding a home in Aachen requires patience, a proactive attitude, and constant digital access. By securing a high-capacity eSIM before you arrive, you bypass the bureaucratic hurdles of German physical SIM cards and give yourself the tools to navigate the competitive 'WG-casting' culture. Start your search early, stay connected, and you will soon find your place in this historic university city.