How to find Housing for Exchange Students in Frankfurt, Germany

Frankfurt am Main is an excellent destination for an exchange, home to a respected institution like the Goethe University Frankfurt or the Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences. However, finding housing as an exchange student in Frankfurt can be tricky. Frankfurt is Germany's financial hub, making its property market highly competitive and relatively expensive compared to other German university cities. Landlords frequently prefer long-term tenants, which disadvantage exchange students seeking single-semester leases. Furthermore, remote searches increase vulnerability to online rental scams, particularly on open social media forums.

Strategies for securing exchange accommodation in Frankfurt

Consult official academic channels: (Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences) Review the international office and housing portals of your host institution. University support offices often maintain lists of vetted short-term rentals and private dormitories catering specifically to international students. Even if you’re not officially their student, yet, you can reach out and ask about accommodation options.

Check municipal resources of your host city Frankfurt.Check the official city portal (frankfurt.de) for guidance on local housing regulations, tenant protection services, and municipal housing resources.

Fraud prevention: Exercise extreme caution when using public social media groups. Never transfer security deposits or advance rent payments prior to verifying the listing's authenticity or signing a valid lease agreement. Prioritize verified platforms to minimize risk.

Use exchange student-focused housing platforms: Specialized platforms built exclusively for university students, such as Exchange Rooms, focus on short-term sublets posted directly by verified fellow students. This eliminates long-term lease restrictions and connects incoming students with reliable accommodation.

Estimated cost of living and housing expenses in Frankfurt

• Student Housing / WG (Shared Apartment): Expect to pay between €450 and €750 per month for a room in a shared apartment (Wohngemeinschaft or WG), depending on the district and inclusion of utilities (Warmmiete).
• Student Dormitories (Studierendenwerk): Rooms in official student residences typically cost between €300 and €500 per month, though demand far exceeds supply and waiting lists are common.
• General Living Expenses: Beyond rent, students should budget approximately €400 to €500 per month for groceries, health insurance, public transport, and personal expenses. Overall, living in Frankfurt requires roughly €950 to €1,200 per month.

Key Student Neighborhoods

• Bockenheim: A classic student district located near the original university campus. It offers lively cafes, affordable eateries, and excellent transit connections.
• Westend: Situated close to the main Goethe University Westend Campus. It is a quiet, upscale area, though private rentals here tend to be higher than average.
• Bornheim & Nordend: Popular among young professionals and students for their vibrant cultural scene, outdoor markets, and traditional cider pubs (Apfelweinlokale).
• Riedberg: Home to Goethe University's science faculties, featuring modern residential complexes and direct subway links to the city center.

Transportation & Connectivity Frankfurt boasts an efficient public transportation network operated by the RMV, comprising the U-Bahn (subway), S-Bahn (commuter trains), trams, and buses. Full-time students enrolled at institutions like Goethe University Frankfurt or Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences typically receive a Semesterticket included in their administrative fees, granting unlimited travel across the local transit network and regional transport throughout Germany.

A strategic subletting approach

A useful method to increase available housing stock involves peer-to-peer subletting. If you leave an empty room behind at your home institution, listing it on Exchange Rooms and sharing the details with the international office in Frankfurt creates a reciprocal pathway. Student exchange advisors can inform outgoing Frankfurt students about your listing, creating a direct swap opportunity.

Even without a room to offer, sharing student-focused housing platforms expands the overall network density, increasing available listings for all participating exchange cohorts.

Exchange Rooms

Exchange Rooms can help you secure housing in Frankfurt. Search for rooms in the area or learn more and make an account!

Good luck finding housing, we’re rooting for you!