German students face rising housing costs at semester start

As the winter semester begins in Germany, new students face significant financial challenges regarding housing. According to the MLP Student Housing Report 2026, conducted with the Institute of the German Economy, the average warm rent for a small student apartment is approximately 567 euros. This exceeds the current BAföG housing allowance of 380 euros, with planned increases not expected to take effect until at least April 2027.

Research across 38 German university locations shows that rents increased by an average of 2.6 percent in the first half of 2026 compared to the previous year. Small apartments saw the highest rise at 3.5 percent. Meanwhile, approximately 2.9 million people are enrolled in German universities for the 2025/2026 winter semester, following a recent increase in first-time students.

At the University of Rostock, the semester commenced with traditional ceremonies, including a parade and formal matriculation. Rector Elizabeth Prommer welcomed nearly 3,000 new students, encouraging them to view their studies as an opportunity for personal development and curiosity beyond mere professional training.