When is the deadline for dormitory applications?
Studierendenwerk dorms do not have an official deadline — applications are always open, and the waiting list is continuously processed. But there are important dates for your strategy.
Strategy Dates
| Semester | When to apply | When you'll get a spot |
|---|---|---|
| Wintersemester (October) | February-March | July-September |
| Sommersemester (April) | September-October | January-March |
Priority Dates
- End of May: Erasmus students return at the beginning of summer, freeing up rooms.
- Beginning of September: New semester room allocations are completed (late applicants fall behind).
- Mid-October: Spots from students who didn't register become available — last chance.
Placement Priority
- Social criteria — proof of low income, orphan/unaccompanied
- Internationale Studierende (first semester)
- Erstsemester (newly starting)
- Disabled/chronic illness
- Age — under 27
Important
- You can get on the waiting list with a declaration of intent even before receiving your admission letter (in some cities).
- You can prioritize 2-3 dorms simultaneously (in large cities like Berlin, Bonn, Köln).
- When your turn comes, you'll receive an offer; if you don't accept it within 2-3 days, it will pass to the next person.
Related: Studierendenwerk application process.
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