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How do I find student accommodation in Germany from Nigeria or Ghana without being scammed?

By VisaRoom EditorialChecked 29 October 2026For applicants in Lagos, Abuja and Accra

Short answer

Do not pay anything in advance. DAAD, the German academic exchange service, says the deposit is only due after the tenancy agreement is signed. The International Office at your German university can help, and the local student services handle student residences. 1

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On this page
  1. Short answer
  2. Where do I start?
  3. What are the options and what do they cost?
  4. What is the deposit, and when do I pay it?
  5. What are the signs of an accommodation scam?
  6. How do I avoid being scammed while I am still abroad?
  7. What if I have nothing when I land?
  8. People also ask
  9. Related questions
  10. Sources

Where do I start?

You must arrange your own accommodation, DAAD says, and in some cities that is hard. Start looking at the latest when your place on the course is confirmed.

You can often register with halls of residence while you are still applying for a degree programme. The International Office at your university can help, according to DAAD.

For a student residence, contact the local student services (Studierendenwerk). Their websites show registration deadlines and conditions. Student services also run portals with private room ads, DAAD adds.

Sources for this part1

What are the options and what do they cost?

These figures are from DAAD: an average for residences and a range for flatshares. Your city decides the real price, so check the listing.

  • Student residence: a room in the residences run by student services costs on average EUR 280 a month. DAAD says these rooms are very popular, so secure a place early.
  • Flatshare: depending on the city, students pay between EUR 266 and EUR 790 a month for a room in a shared flat.
  • Own flat: DAAD calls this the most comfortable option and the most expensive.

Sources for this part1

What is the deposit, and when do I pay it?

You will almost always have to pay a Kaution (deposit). It usually amounts to three times your monthly basic rent (Kaltmiete). It is security for the landlord and is returned when you move out, if you leave the flat in good condition.

DAAD says the deposit is only due after the tenancy agreement has been signed. Reservation fees or viewing fees are not common.

Sources for this part1

What are the signs of an accommodation scam?

DAAD says fraud when looking for accommodation in Germany is not common, but it can happen. It lists these warning signs:

  • Unrealistic price: the room is very cheap and looks too good to be true.
  • Perfect photos: the pictures look unusually professional or AI-generated. DAAD suggests a reverse image search to see if the same pictures are used for other flats.
  • Absent landlord: the person says they are abroad and cannot be there in person.
  • Foreign bank details: the bank account is not in Germany and the IBAN does not begin with DE.
  • Insecure key handover: the key is to be sent against cash payment or cash on delivery.
  • Bad German: the advert has spelling or grammar errors and does not match the pictures.
  • Pressure: you are pushed to pay or sign immediately.

Sources for this part1

How do I avoid being scammed while I am still abroad?

DAAD's advice:

  • Do not give any money in advance.
  • View the flat in person if you can. If you are not yet in Germany, arrange a virtual viewing and be a little more sceptical. Ask yourself whether the flat looks student-like and the people seem genuine.
  • Check the contact details of the agency or managing company, and look for online warnings about them.
  • Do not hand out personal data carelessly. If someone asks for a copy of your ID or a video identification, be sure they can be trusted.
  • Report suspicious ads to the police and to the online platform.

Sources for this part1

What if I have nothing when I land?

DAAD lists interim options. You can sublet a room for a limited period. Some cities offer overnight accommodation for the first few days through student services and student communities. Or stay in a hostel, youth hostel or private B&B until you find a permanent place.

Sources for this part1

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People also ask

Should I pay a reservation or viewing fee to hold a room in Germany?

DAAD says no advance payments: the deposit is only due after the tenancy agreement has been signed, and reservation or viewing fees are not common. 1

Is a landlord who says they are abroad a scam warning sign?

Yes. DAAD lists a person who says they are abroad and cannot be present in person as a warning sign, along with bank details that are not in Germany (an IBAN not starting with DE). 1

How much is the deposit (Kaution) for a room in Germany?

DAAD says it usually amounts to three times your monthly basic rent. It is returned when you move out, if you leave the flat in good condition. 1

Sources

  1. 1Renting a RoomOfficialDAAD · checked 29 Oct 2026

Official is the embassy or a German government page. Applicant reports are what applicants say happened at their appointment. Secondary is everything else we checked.

General information, not legal advice. VisaRoom isn't connected to any embassy or government, and only the embassy decides on your visa. Something out of date? Tell us.