Finding accommodation can quickly become a problem. Affordable housing is becoming increasingly scarce, especially in large cities. We have a few tips for you to help you find a place to live.
Tip 1
Network as well as you can!
Ask yourself who you already know in your new city.
Employer/employees
One of your first points of contact should definitely be your new employer. Talk to your contact person there and ask for help. Some employers provide a hotel room for new employees for the first few weeks or have their own staff accommodation.
Talk to all your new colleagues about this and ask for help. It's a great way to break the ice and start a conversation!
Friends/relatives and everyone else
There are not enough coincidences. Tell EVERYONE, including your friends back home, that you are looking for an apartment abroad.
Because the world is a village!
"Really make sure that ALL people in your area know that you're looking for an apartment and ask them to write to all their contacts. That's how it worked for me in the end."
Jakob, scholarship holder of the European Solidarity Corps
Tip 2
Social media offers many different ways to find an apartment. For example, look for Facebook groups for apartment hunting in your city. You can post your own search there and will usually be contacted fairly quickly.
Tip 3
Here are some website recommendations from European Solidarity Corps scholarship holders.
Tip 4
Rooms for interim rent are a great opportunity to find accommodation for a short time. So if you are doing a very temporary job or a shorter internship, this might be a good option for you.
Tip 5
The competition is fierce and whoever makes the best impression gets the shared room or apartment.
This applies right from the first cover letter:
- Be friendly
- Be yourself
- Introduce yourself briefly
- Sting from the many requests!
- Also respond to the flat share ad. For example, if there is a dog and you are particularly fond of animals, mention this.
Sometimes it feels like a marathon flat-sharing casting call. It's important that you always remain honest, because once you're living together, it's no longer possible to pretend. Before you go to the first meeting, read through the key details of your dream flat share again and remember the names of your previous contacts. Maybe bring a small gift with you - be creative.
Even if the search proves to be complicated, always remember that your personality (hobbies, interests...) should be at the forefront when looking for a flat share. Living together with your flatmates should be as harmonious and conflict-free as possible. Just listen to your gut.
We wish you every success in your search!
