Find Housing in Bonn

We recommend attending one of the university’s housing info sessions, during which the International Office provides guidance on applying for a room in a Studierendenwerk Bonn dormitory, searching for accommodation on the private housing market, and completing the city registration process once you have secured housing.

Approximate Time to Genscherallee 3:

Anmeldung (or the "city registration") is the process of registering your new address with the local city authorities after moving into accommodation in Germany. It is one of the first administrative steps you are legally required complete after arrival in Bonn, as it is often required for opening a bank account, obtaining a tax identification number, and applying for a residence permit (if needed).

In most cases, you are required to register your address within 14 days of moving into your accommodation. Due to high demand for appointments, it is advisable to book an appointment with the local registration office (Bürgeramt) as soon as your housing and arrival date is ensured.

You must bring the following documents with you to your city registration appointment:

• Valid ID or Passport
  Your national identity card or passport for every person registering. 

• Landlord's Confirmation (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung)
  A mandatory form signed by your landlord or housing provider confirming you have moved into the property (make sure this is possible at your residence before signing a lease!). 

• Registration Form (Anmeldeformular)
  You can download and fill out the registration form directly from the City of Bonn Registration Portal. Families only need one form.

At your appointment, you will receive a Meldebescheinigung (certificate of registration). Keep this document in a safe place, as you will need it for a variety of administrative procedures throughout your stay in Germany.

Don’t panic. Many international students arrive in Bonn without permanent accommodation already secured. While it’s definitely preferable to arrange housing in advance, it’s still possible to find a room after arriving, and searching in person can sometimes make the process easier.

Some common temporary solutions include:

• Staying at the Jugendherberge (youth hostel)
  The Jugendherberge Bonn is a common short-term option for students arriving before securing housing. It’s relatively affordable and gives you a base while attending apartment viewings and meeting potential roommates.

• Taking a Zwischenmiete (temporary sublet)
  Many students leave Bonn temporarily for internships, exchange semesters, or holidays and sublet their rooms for a few weeks or months. These arrangements can give you time to continue searching after arrival and are often easier to secure than permanent contracts.

• Using an Airbnb or temporary furnished rental
  Some students book short-term furnished accommodation while continuing their housing search. If possible, look for places that allow Anmeldung (city registration), since registering your address is important for many administrative processes in Germany.

• Searching in neighboring cities
  Housing in Bonn can be competitive, so some students initially live in nearby places with strong transit connections, such as Cologne, Sankt Augustin, or Siegburg before moving closer later on.

Most importantly: Avoid signing suspicious contracts or sending large deposits out of desperation. Temporary housing is far better than falling for a scam. Many students’ first housing situation in Bonn is not permanent; it’s very normal to move again after settling into the city and building local connections.

Bonn has several discount and secondhand stores where students can find affordable kitchen supplies, bedding, and household items, while "big box" stores are good for new items, larger furniture, or electronics. You can also check online platforms such as Kleinanzeigen and Facebook groups, where students often sell used furniture and household goods before moving out.