Austrian College Dorm Life: What To Expect

Austrian colleges do not have a tradition of on-campus accommodation, and students are not automatically allocated a room when they register for a course. Instead, students in Austria live in halls of residence or private accommodation, which they must source themselves. Halls of residence in Austria are often called 'dormitories' and are usually situated in a living community, with private bathrooms and communal kitchens.

Halls of residence vs private accommodation

Austrian colleges do not have a tradition of on-campus accommodation. Students in Austria can either live in a hall of residence or private accommodation.

Halls of Residence

Austrian halls of residence, or dormitories, offer different types of apartments, from single apartments to living communities for up to four students. In a living community, each student has a private bedroom and bathroom, but shares a communal kitchen. Halls of residence are situated close to universities and colleges, saving students long commutes. They are also an excellent way to meet people and make friends, as well as being a more convenient option for those new to the country or city.

Private Accommodation

Private shared flats (called Wohngemeinschaften in German, or WG) are the most popular form of accommodation for students in Austria. Several students share a flat, each with their own room, and they share the rent, as well as kitchen and bathroom facilities. This option offers more independence and flexibility, and is a good choice for those who prefer to have their own space.

Other Options

There are other options available, such as hostels, which can be a cheap short-term solution, or purpose-built student accommodation, which offers a range of living arrangements, from classic single apartments to shared apartments for couples.

Things to Consider

When deciding between halls of residence and private accommodation, it is important to consider your budget, as well as your personal preferences for community living or independence. It is also essential to start your search for accommodation as early as possible and to check what bills are included in the rent, as this can have a large impact on your budget.

How to find Austrian student housing

Unlike many other countries, Austrian colleges do not have a tradition of providing on-campus accommodation. Students in Austria are responsible for finding their own housing, either in a hall of residence or private accommodation.

• Start your search early: Student housing in Austria can be competitive, so it's important to begin your search as early as possible.
• Check with your university: While they don't provide automatic allocations, your university may be able to help you find suitable accommodation. It's worth checking with their housing office or accommodation coordinator.
• Consider OeAD student housing: OeAD is a non-profit organisation that provides fully furnished accommodation to around 12,000 students annually in Vienna, Graz, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Linz, Klagenfurt, and Leoben. You can find more information and application details on their website: www.oeadstudenthousing.at.
• Look into private shared flats ("WG"): This is the most popular form of student accommodation in Austria. In a "WG", several students share a flat, each with their own room, while the kitchen and bathroom are communal. The rent is also shared, typically costing between 250 and 450 euros per month.
• Explore dormitory options: Dormitories in Austria offer various apartment types, including single apartments and living communities for two to four students. Each living community has private bathroom and toilet facilities, with a shared kitchen. You can find an overview of student accommodations on the website of the Austrian Student Union.
• Utilise online resources: Websites like www.home4students.at and www.dorms.com offer listings for student housing options in Austria.
• Read the rental contract carefully: Before signing a contract, ensure you understand the terms and conditions. Check what is included in the rent, such as utilities, and what you are allowed to do with your room.

Types of student accommodation

Unlike many other countries, Austrian colleges do not have a tradition of providing on-campus accommodation. Students in Austria are responsible for finding their own accommodation, which can be either in a hall of residence or private accommodation.

Halls of Residence

Halls of residence, or dormitories, are available in Austria and offer different types of apartments, including single apartments and living communities for two to four students. These usually have private bathrooms and toilets, with a communal kitchen for tenants of one flat.

Private Accommodation

Private shared flats (called Wohngemeinschaften in German, or WG) are the most popular form of student accommodation in Austria. Several students share a flat, each with their own room, and they share the rent, as well as kitchen and bathroom facilities. The cost of rent for this type of accommodation is around 250 to 450 euros per month.

Student Housing Services

There are also dedicated student housing services in Austria, such as OeAD student housing, which offers fully furnished accommodation to around 12,000 students annually in various cities, including Vienna, Graz, Salzburg, and Innsbruck. Another example is STUWO, which provides student accommodation in Vienna with various living arrangements, such as single apartments, small apartments for couples, and shared apartments.

Hostels

For shorter stays or more temporary options, hostels can be an affordable choice. Websites like dorms.com offer listings for hostels and cheap dorms in Austria, often located close to educational institutions.

University Websites

It is recommended to check the websites of the universities or colleges you are interested in, as they may provide information on accommodation options or have resources to help you find suitable housing.

Cost of student accommodation

Austrian universities do not have a tradition of providing on-campus accommodation. Students are responsible for finding their own housing, with options including private accommodation or halls of residence.

Private Accommodation

Private shared flats ("Wohngemeinschaften" or "WG") are the most popular form of student accommodation in Austria. Students rent a room in a shared flat, with their own bedroom and shared kitchen and bathroom facilities. The cost of this type of accommodation varies depending on location, but students can expect to pay between €250 and €450 per month for rent.

Halls of Residence

Halls of residence, or dormitories, offer different types of apartments, including single apartments and living communities for two to four students. These usually have private bathrooms and toilets, with a communal kitchen for tenants of one flat. The Austrian Student Union provides an overview of student accommodations across the country.

The cost of a room in a dormitory varies depending on the provider and location. For example, STUWO, a student accommodation provider in Vienna, offers rooms starting from €366 per month in a double room, with single rooms in two-person apartments from €419 per month. The rent includes operating costs such as heating, hot water, electricity, and internet, as well as regular cleaning services and access to leisure facilities.

Another student accommodation provider in Vienna, home4students, offers modern dormitories in 11 locations across the city, with convenient access to universities and colleges. While the exact prices are not listed, the website emphasizes affordable and comfortable living.

When considering the cost of student accommodation in Austria, it is important to factor in additional expenses such as bills. Some accommodations include utilities, TV, and internet in the rent, while others require tenants to pay these costs separately. It is also advisable to read the rental contract carefully and understand what is and is not allowed in terms of modifying the room.

Student life in Vienna

Vienna is a great city for students, offering a high quality of life and a diverse range of educational opportunities. With almost 200,000 students across almost 20 universities and technical colleges, it is the largest student city in the German-speaking area.

Accommodation

Austrian universities do not typically provide on-campus accommodation or automatically allocate rooms when you register for a course. Students are responsible for finding their own accommodation, which can be in a hall of residence or private accommodation.

Halls of Residence

Halls of residence, or dormitories, are a popular option for students in Vienna. These offer different types of apartments, from single apartments to living communities for up to four students. The apartments usually have private bathrooms and toilets, with a communal kitchen for tenants of each flat. Some examples of student accommodation providers in Vienna include:

• OeAD Student Housing: Offers accommodation for 12,000 students annually across Vienna and other Austrian cities.
• STUWO: Operates 13 student dorms across Vienna, offering a range of living arrangements, including single apartments, small apartments for couples, and shared apartments.
• Home4students: Provides 11 modern dormitories across Vienna, located close to universities and colleges.

Private Accommodation

Private shared flats ("WG") are another popular option for students in Vienna. Several students share a flat, each with their own room, and they share the rent, kitchen, and bathroom. This option typically costs between 250 and 450 euros per month.

Student Life

Vienna has a vibrant student scene, with trendy bars, popular festivals, and a mix of modern and historical architecture. Here are some suggestions for things to do and see:

• Experience the unique atmosphere of the Naschmarkt.
• Enjoy the traditional Viennese coffee house culture and try the delicious pastries.
• Take in the city's famous sights, such as the Hofburg, St. Stephen's Cathedral, and the State Opera.
• Ride the Vienna Ferris Wheel in the Prater at sunset for stunning city views.

Frequently asked questions