Finding accommodation in Cologne is tough and demanding for students due to high demand, especially at the beginning of the semester. Because many students arrive at the same time, university of cologne student accommodation options fill up quickly.
The probability of being assigned a room in student dormitories is low due to high demand and scarcity. This makes it important to explore alternatives like student apartments in Cologne or shared shared apartment early.
Students should begin their search for accommodation as early as possible from their home country. Early planning gives you a better chance of finding suitable accommodation in Cologne for students before everything gets booked.
In Germany, you only pay the rent once you have signed the rental agreement, and you should not pay any rent or agency fee from abroad. This rule protects students from fraud and ensures safe renting.
Students should be vigilant for apartment fraud, especially if a landlord is allegedly abroad or if an apartment is offered at a particularly cheap price. It is essential to check whether the apartment address actually exists when looking for accommodation.
Students need several documents to secure student housing, including an ID or passport and proof of enrollment at a German university. Some landlords may also request financial proof or a SCHUFA report.
Students can choose between private studios, shared flats, furnished rooms, and modern student apartments in Cologne. Amber also offers verified listings across the city, making the search easier.
Cologne is moderately priced. While not as expensive as Munich, housing demand keeps prices competitive. Students often choose shared rooms or smaller spaces to keep costs manageable.
Most student accommodation Cologne options are located in areas like Deutz, Ehrenfeld, Lindenthal, and Südstadt, which offer quick transport links to top universities such as the University of Cologne and TH Cologne.
Yes. Many student apartments in Cologne come fully furnished with essentials like a bed, desk, wardrobe, and Wi-Fi, making them ideal for international students arriving from abroad.
Finding cologne student housing can be challenging, especially with more international students arriving each year. On-campus options at the University of Cologne, German Sport University Cologne, and Cologne University of Applied Sciences fill up quickly, so many students look for student apartments in Cologne that offer flexibility and comfort.
The city provides a wide range of student accommodation Cologne options, from private rooms and studios to shared apartments and fully furnished flats. Whether you prefer a quiet study space or a lively student-friendly neighborhood like Cologne Deutz or Ehrenfeld, you’ll find something that fits your lifestyle. Amber simplifies your housing search by offering verified student homes across Cologne, with filters for price, location, room type, and amenities. Many apartments come with furnished rooms, fast Wi-Fi, study areas, and social spaces, making it easier to settle into student life. With flexible leases and dedicated support, booking student apartments in Cologne through amber is simple and secure. Start your journey in one of Germany’s most student-friendly cities with reliable and comfortable accommodation options.
Cologne is a major city in western Germany, located along the River Rhine. It is Germany’s fourth-largest city, with around 1,079,301 residents living in an area of about 405 km². Cologne has a long history, originally settled in Roman times, but today it blends that heritage with a modern, multicultural atmosphere.
For students and internationals, the city offers welcoming green spaces and easy access to nature, along with urban convenience. Parks like Rheinpark, Volksgarten, and the Grüngürtel greenbelt, along with river-banks and open areas, make it easy to relax or study outdoors. Residents also enjoy a lively cultural calendar, with major events and festivals such as the Cologne Carnival, Gamescom, and the Cologne Lights drawing crowds throughout the year. On the safety front, according to recent data the city has a Safety Index of about 55.45 and a Crime Index of ~44.55 on a 0–100 scale (lower is better for Crime Index; higher is better for Safety Index). Walking around during the day is generally considered highly safe, while usual precautions are advised at night or in crowded areas or near major transport hubs.
Cologne’s population is diverse, many residents come from abroad, which creates a dynamic and inclusive urban community. The city also offers excellent public transport, well-lit streets, and reasonably priced living compared to some other Western European cities, making it student-friendly and practical for everyday living. All in all, for local and international students, Cologne combines moderate cost of living, cultural variety, decent safety, and a lively urban lifestyle, a good mix for both studies and everyday life.
Finding the right cologne student apartments can make settling into the city much easier. Moving to a new place comes with challenges like commuting, shopping, and managing studies, so choosing comfortable and well-located student apartments Cologne is important. Good student accommodation in Cologne Germany should offer affordability, safety, and convenient access to universities, supermarkets, and public transport. Many student apartments in the city come fully furnished and include Wi-Fi, study areas, gyms, bike storage, and social spaces. Amber helps you find the best options by listing verified and budget-friendly homes across Cologne, allowing you to filter by price, distance, and amenities. Whether you prefer a private studio, a shared flat, or a simple room, amber features reliable and popular cologne student apartments in safe, student-friendly neighborhoods, making your new life in Cologne comfortable and stress-free.
1. Neue Weyer Straße 5 - Starting from €835
2. Neusser Platz 4 - Starting from €865
3. Ipartment Cologne Mulheim - Starting from €1258
4. Greesbergstraße 6 - Starting from €905
5. Salzgasse 11 - Starting from €900
Cologne has many student-friendly areas that offer safe, comfortable, and easy places to live. Whether you want quiet streets, good cafes, or fast transport, these neighborhoods have great options for Cologne student housing, shared flats, and student apartment Cologne choices. Here are some of the best areas for student accommodation Cologne.
1. Cologne Deutz
Cologne Deutz is calm, convenient, and close to the city center. Popular places like Rheinpark, Lanxess Arena, and the Deutz Bridge make the area lively but still peaceful for students. With quick tram and train connections from Bahnhof Cologne-Deutz, getting around is simple. The area has many affordable Cologne student apartments and residences.
2. Ehrenfeld
Ehrenfeld is known for its relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Students enjoy spots like Venloer Straße, Club Bahnhof Ehrenfeld, Neptunbad, and small cafés across the neighborhood. It’s easy to travel from Ehrenfeld Station, and there are many shared flats and Cologne student housing available here.
3. Lindenthal
Lindenthal is quiet and green, perfect for students who like peaceful surroundings. Places like Stadtwald Park and Aachener Straße are great for walks, study breaks, or meeting friends. The area has good grocery stores, cafés, and clean, simple student housing in Cologne.
4. Südstadt (Cologne South City)
Südstadt is a warm and welcoming area with many restaurants, small shops, and student spots. Well-known places include Chlodwigplatz, Bonner Straße, and Rheinauhafen. With easy tram access and plenty of cafés, it offers both older apartments and modern Cologne student housing.
5. Neustadt-Nord
Neustadt-Nord is close to many useful places like Mediapark, Hansaplatz, and Ebertplatz. Students like this area because everything is nearby, shops, parks, and buses. It’s also easy to find shared flats, simple rooms, and student dorms in Cologne at reasonable prices.
Cologne offers a wide range of room types that suit different student needs, making it easy to find comfortable and affordable options across the city. Whether you want privacy, shared living, or a balance of both, student residence Cologne options cover all lifestyles and budgets. From quiet studios to shared flats, students can easily find the right fit among the many Cologne student apartments available today. Here are the most common room types in student housing Cologne Germany.
1. 1-Bedroom Apartments in Cologne
1-bedroom apartments provide a private space with a separate bedroom, bathroom, and a kitchen or shared lounge. These units give students more room and independence while still being budget-friendly compared to larger apartments.
2. 2-Bed and 3-Bed Apartments in Cologne
These apartments offer private bedrooms with shared kitchens, bathrooms, and living areas. They are ideal for students who want their own space but still enjoy living with one or two roommates. This setup creates a comfortable balance between privacy and social living.
3. Studio Apartments in Cologne
Studio units are fully self-contained and include a single room that serves as the bedroom, kitchen, and study area, plus a private bathroom. They’re perfect for students who prefer total independence and a quiet space to focus on their studies.
4. Shared Apartments in Cologne
Shared apartments are popular among students looking for affordable student accommodation Cologne. Each student gets a private bedroom while sharing the kitchen, bathroom, and living room with others. This type of housing is great for building friendships and enjoying a sense of community.
5. Private Rooms in Shared Flats
Private rooms in shared flats allow students to have their own bedroom while sharing other facilities like the kitchen and bathroom. This is one of the most cost-effective options in Cologne and is perfect for students who want a mix of privacy and shared living. Private rooms in shared apartments in Cologne typically cost between €350 and €600 per month.
Living in Cologne student housing is generally more affordable than cities like Munich or Frankfurt, but it’s still important for students to plan their monthly budget. With the right approach, life in Cologne can be comfortable without being too expensive. Students staying in student apartments in Cologne can expect to spend between €800 and €1,200 per month, including rent, food, and transportation.. This covers daily essentials such as food, transport, utilities, and personal expenses. Here’s a simple breakdown of typical monthly costs for students in Cologne:
1. Accommodation: €400–€700/month (varies by location and room type)
2. Groceries: €200–€300/month
3. Transportation: €40–€60/month (KVB student pass or semester ticket)
4. Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water): €40–€80/month
5. Internet: €25–€40/month
6. Leisure & Social Activities: €80–€150/month
Cologne is one of the easiest cities for students to get around, thanks to a reliable and well-connected public transport system. Whether you’re staying in student accommodation Cologne, shared flats, or modern Cologne student apartments, getting to classes, cafés, libraries, and weekend hangout spots is simple and affordable. Students living in student accommodation Cologne benefit from quick access to trams, buses, and regional trains that link major universities and popular student neighborhoods. A monthly student pass for public transport costs approximately €50 and allows unlimited travel within the city's transport network. For students who prefer biking or walking, Cologne has safe cycling lanes and easy routes across areas like Deutz, Ehrenfeld, Lindenthal, and Südstadt. Here are the main commute options for students in Cologne:
1. Trams (KVB Stadtbahn)
Trams run through all major student areas and operate frequently throughout the day. Popular student districts like Ehrenfeld and Lindenthal have direct tram access to campuses. Weekly travel costs are around £12–£18/week.
2. Buses (KVB Bus Network)
Buses connect smaller neighborhoods and offer reliable late-night service. They’re helpful for short trips or reaching areas not covered by tram routes. Weekly bus costs range from £10–£15/week.
3. Regional Trains (S-Bahn & Deutsche Bahn)
Students use regional trains for fast trips across Cologne and nearby cities like Bonn and Düsseldorf. Without a semester pass, weekly train travel costs around £18–£25/week.
4. Cycling
Cycling is one of the cheapest and most flexible ways to travel. Many student accommodation Cologne buildings include secure bike storage. Bike rentals usually cost £10–£20/week.
5. E-Scooters
E-scooters from Lime, Tier, and Voi are easy to find near student districts and university buildings. Students typically spend £8–£15/week depending on usage.
Student Transit Tips
1. Most full-time students receive a semester ticket with unlimited travel across Cologne and NRW.
2. Many student apartments Cologne are located near tram or bus stops, reducing commute time.
Cologne offers students a lively, friendly, and easygoing lifestyle, making it a great place to balance studies and everyday fun. Whether you’re living in a student residence Cologne or modern student accommodation in Cologne Germany, you’ll find plenty of places to eat, relax, explore, and enjoy the city. With its mix of riverside views, parks, cafés, music events, and historic sites, Cologne gives students countless ways to spend their free time.
1. Dining & Nightlife
Cologne has a wide variety of cafés, restaurants, and bars loved by students. Popular spots include Café Rico, The Coffee Gang, and Balthasar for coffee and study time. For food, places like Brauhaus Sion, Papa Joe’s Biersalon, and Zimmermann’s are student favorites. When it comes to nightlife, areas like Zülpicher Straße and Ehrenfeld offer bars, clubs, and live music venues such as Club Bahnhof Ehrenfeld and Bootshaus, perfect for both relaxed evenings and fun nights out.
2. Cultural Events & Festivals
Cologne is known for its rich culture and year-round events. Cologne is famous for its spectacular cathedral and the well-known Cologne Carnival. Students love the famous the colorful Christopher Street Day Parade, and gaming lovers enjoy Gamescom, one of the biggest gaming events in the world. Museums like the Museum Ludwig, Chocolate Museum, and Romano-Germanic Museum offer great weekend activities. The city’s theaters, such as Schauspiel Cologne, host concerts, plays, and performances throughout the year.
3. Adventure & Green Spaces
For nature lovers, Cologne has many peaceful places to relax or exercise. Rheinpark, Stadtwald, and the Inner Green Belt offer jogging tracks, picnic spots, and quiet study areas. Students can also walk or cycle along the Rhine River, enjoy sunset views, or explore lakes in Lindenthal. These green spaces are perfect for weekend breaks or outdoor study sessions.
4. Shopping
Cologne has a mix of big shopping streets and local stores. Schildergasse and Hohe Straße are two of the busiest areas, with shops for clothing, tech, books, and essentials. Students who love unique finds enjoy browsing Belgian Quarter boutiques and vintage shops in Ehrenfeld. Many stores offer student discounts, making it easy to shop on a budget.
Cologne is home to several top universities that attract students from within Germany and around the world. These institutions offer diverse courses and lively student communities. Many students living in Cologne student housing or renting student accommodation in Cologne Germany enjoy short commutes and easy access to campus life. Here are three of the best known universities in Cologne, along with their student population:
1. University of Cologne
The University of Cologne is one of Germany’s oldest and largest universities, with around 45,000 students enrolled. It offers a wide variety of degree programmes in fields like economics, natural sciences, law, humanities, medicine, and social sciences. Its large student population and broad academic options make it a major draw for local and international students.
2. TH Cologne (Cologne University of Applied Sciences)
TH Cologne hosts about 21,000 students, making it one of the largest applied sciences universities in Germany. The university offers practical and career-oriented courses in engineering, media, business, design, and social sciences, a good fit for students who prefer hands-on learning and industry-linked studies.
3. German Sport University Cologne (DSHS Cologne)
This specialized university focuses exclusively on sport, exercise, and health sciences. It has around 6,000 students enrolled. With its campus in Müngersdorf and extensive sports facilities, it is ideal for students interested in sports science, physical education, coaching, or health-related fields. Together, these universities contribute to Cologne’s dynamic academic environment and create a high demand for reliable Cologne student apartments and other student housing.