Airbnb/dorm comparison for temporary 1-month accommodation?

Comparison for first week/month accommodation:

#AirBnB

Advantages:

• Flexible for short stays (1 night-1 month).
• Some hosts allow Anmeldung (filter: "Long term").
• Furnished, kitchen use.

Disadvantages:

• Expensive: Berlin 40-80 €/night, München 60-100 €/night.
• Anmeldung forbidden without host's permission, visa extension problems.
• Legal issues in some cities for stays longer than 28 days (Berlin Zweckentfremdungsverbot).

#Hostel

Advantages:

• Very cheap: 25-45 €/night (dorm), 50-80 € (private room).
• Social — you meet other students.
• Flexible booking.

Disadvantages:

• No Anmeldung possible.
• Not practical for long-term (no closet/storage space).

#Studierendenwerk Temporary Dorm

Advantages:

• Very cheap: 250-400 €/month.
• Anmeldung is done at the office (at the dorm address).

Disadvantages:

• Not available at all universities.
• Application process is long (2-4 weeks), not guaranteed.

#Recommendation Order

1. First 7-14 days: Hostel (cheap + social).
2. 15-45 days: AirBnB long-term ($1,200-2,000 USD).
3. 45+ days: Start the WG search process during this time.

You cannot do Anmeldung in a Hostel → you need a permanent address for visa extension. Focus on finding a WG within the first 2 months.

Related: Visa without a WG contract