Germany is a popular study destination for international students, and for good reason. It has a world-class education system, affordable tuition fees, and a vibrant student life. However, it’s important to factor in the cost of living when deciding whether or not to study in Germany.
In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the cost of living in Germany for students. We will cover the main expenses, such as accommodation, food, transportation, and health insurance. We will also provide tips on how to save money while studying in Germany.
Accommodation
Accommodation is generally the biggest expense for students in Germany. The cost of accommodation varies depending on the city you live in and the type of accommodation you choose.
The most affordable option for student accommodation is to live in a student dorm. Student dorms are typically located on campus or close to campus. They offer basic but comfortable accommodation, and they often have shared amenities such as kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry facilities. The rent for a student dorm room ranges from €220 to €400 per month.
Another popular option for student accommodation is to live in a shared apartment, also known as a Wohngemeinschaft (WG). A WG is a flat that is shared by two or more people. Each person has their own private room, but they share the kitchen, bathroom, and other common areas. The rent for a room in a WG ranges from €300 to €500 per month.
If you want to have your own private apartment, you can expect to pay more. The rent for a one-bedroom apartment in a major city such as Munich or Berlin ranges from €800 to €1,200 per month. The rent for a one-bedroom apartment in a Student city such as Aachen ranges from €400 to €600 per month.
Food
The cost of food in Germany is relatively affordable. You can expect to spend around €100 to €200 per month on groceries. However, if you eat out often, your food costs will be higher.
There are a number of ways to save money on food in Germany. For example, you can cook at home instead of eating out, and you can shop at discount grocery stores such as Aldi and Lidl. Netto is also a cheap and affordable option. Do lookout for offers on pamphlets and leaflets. You can also take advantage of student discounts at restaurants and cafes.
Transportation
Public transportation in Germany is very good, and it is relatively affordable. You can purchase a monthly or semester pass for public transportation, which will give you unlimited travel on buses, trains, and trams. The cost of a monthly pass is €49 which is called as a Deutschland Ticket valid for all around Germany. Public university gives their Student’s Semester Ticket since the Semester fees covers the Pass Fee as well.
You will be able to upgarde your Semester Ticket’s validity to all over Germany, if you pay approximately €10-€15 depending on the exisiting validity. (For Aachen University Students, they only have to pay an additional €15.39 to travel all over Germany)
The public Transportation system in Germany is generally very dependable. Although there are some rare unfortunate delays and cancellations, there is a wide range of connectivity.
Health insurance
All students in Germany are required to have health insurance. The cost of health insurance varies depending on the provider you choose, but it is typically around €120 per month for public health insurance. It is €120 for TK.
Private health insurances are cheaper but the customers have to wait for reimbursements for around 1-2 months.
On the other hand Public Insurances issues the customers a card with a chip which they can use to just swipe and use the medical services.
Other expenses
In addition to accommodation, food, transportation, and health insurance, there are a number of other expenses that students need to budget for. These expenses include:
- Textbooks and other course materials. You also borrow books from the University Library.
- Personal expenses such as clothing and toiletries
- Entertainment expenses such as going out to movies and concerts
- Travel expenses for visiting other parts of Germany or Europe
Total cost of living
The total cost of living in Germany for students varies depending on your lifestyle and the city you live in. However, you can expect to spend around €800 to €1,200 per month on all of your expenses.
But if you live in a Studentenwohnheim in a city with moderate expenditure and cook by yourself, you can live with around €600.
Tips for saving money
Here are a few tips for saving money while studying in Germany:
- Live in a student dorm or WG
- Cook at home instead of eating out
- Shop at discount grocery stores
- Take advantage of student discounts
- Bike instead of taking public transportation
- Buy used textbooks and course materials
- Limit your entertainment expenses
- Travel during the off-season
Conclusion
Studying in Germany can be an affordable experience, but it is important to factor in the cost of living when making your decision. By following the tips above, you can save money on your expenses and enjoy your time studying in Germany.
Here are some additional tips for saving money as a student in Germany:
- Get a part-time job. International students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during the semester and full-time during the holidays.
- Apply for scholarships. There are a number of scholarships available for international students studying