Accommodation for International Students in Munich

As I stepped off the plane and felt the crisp air of Munich for the first time, I knew I was embarking on a transformative journey. My name is Ty Chhayhak, and I am a 23-year-old student from Cambodia, now pursuing my studies in Law at LMU. Coming from the capital city of Cambodia, I have always been fascinated by how diverse perspectives can shape innovative solutions to global challenges. My love for art and nature and my determination to explore new cultures have brought me to this vibrant city. Through this experience, I aim to achieve academic success, build lasting connections, and embrace the rich cultural tapestry that Munich has to offer.

Today, my friend and I would like to share our experiences finding accommodation in Munich as international students. But first, I would like to introduce my friend.

His name is Mean Rithi Reach, and he is also a 23-year-old student from Cambodia. He is currently pursuing his studies in Civil Engineering at TUM.

My Experience

As an exchange student from Cambodia, after receiving my admission to study for one semester, I applied for accommodation at the same time while filling out my university application. A few weeks before the semester started, I received an email from the university notifying me that I had failed to secure accommodation. However, just a few days later, I got another email informing me that I had been allocated accommodation after all. This sudden change was quite surprising but also a huge relief.

My Friend’s Experience

My friend’s experience, however, was quite different from mine. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, he moved to Munich to pursue his master’s degree at TUM. Finding accommodation turned out to be a major challenge for him.

Upon enrolling at the university, he was unable to find any accommodation within his budget. As a result, he decided to stay in a hostel for about three weeks. During this time, he spent countless hours searching for accommodation through websites and social media. He also applied for student housing through Studierendenwerk München Oberbayern but was placed on a waiting list. It is common for students on this list to wait up to three or four semesters before securing a place in student housing.

With no other immediate options, he resorted to subletting temporary accommodations, moving from one place to another every three or four weeks. Unfortunately, during his search, he encountered a fraudulent landlord on social media. The listing seemed legitimate, with an attractive price below the market rate. Trusting the offer, he paid a deposit of 600 euros, only to realize later that the property did not exist.

Determined to avoid further scams, he approached his search more cautiously. He eventually found another listing on a website, but this time, he ensured to meet the landlord in person and signed a contract face-to-face. This extra effort led to successfully securing accommodation.

Our Advice

Finding accommodation in Munich as an international student is not easy and can be quite complicated. There are many scammers on various platforms, and their offers often look very convincing. If you are looking for accommodation, it is crucial to be cautious and verify the legitimacy of the listings. Whenever possible, choose trusted platforms, and ensure you can meet the landlord in person before making any payments.