Whether you’re a student or starting a new chapter in Germany, many immigrants end up sharing a flat at some point. In this article, I share my adventures and challenges while searching for a place to live in the land of beer and bratwurst.
Beginner’s Luck
When I first arrived in Germany, I had the luck—or perhaps misfortune—of moving into a student residence. More than a residence, it felt like a haunted house with its eerily silent and empty hallways. So, a month before my contract ended, I made it my mission to find a cozier and, hopefully, more affordable place.
One day, I was fortunate enough to meet Jorge, a friendly German who spoke Spanish with a Chilean accent. We would often run into each other on the tram and at Latin events. On one occasion, Jorge shared some exciting news: his Chilean fiancée was coming to Germany to marry him. To celebrate, I invited him for a beer. At the end of our chat, I mentioned that I was looking for a new place. Without hesitation, Jorge offered me his room once he moved in with his partner.
There was no need for the typical flatmate interviews—Jorge had recommended me, and no one objected. I ended up moving into a 15-square-meter room with a balcony at a very reasonable price, mainly because the flat was still under construction. The floorboards creaked under my feet, but I absolutely loved that place.
The Sarcophagus of Happiness
When I had to look for another room, I found a student house for theology students. Most of the residents were Evangelical Christians, but they were open to people from other religions. It was a perfect spot, right in the city center.
During the interview, the manager seemed rather unenthusiastic and demotivated. I was honest and told him that any room would be ideal for me because I was desperate—I didn’t have much time left in my current place.
Two days later, they called me and asked if I’d be willing to take an 11-square-meter room with a wardrobe located in the hallway. I didn’t hesitate to accept, even if it was tiny and I had to manage sleeping and working in the same tight space. The walls were thin, so I could hear everything the other residents did. Still, I was happy there because of the memories I made and the people I met.
Luck Doesn’t Last Forever
After a good experience in the theology student house, I thought I had found the magic formula for starting life in a new city. Luckily, I came across another student house—this one not affiliated with theology but self-described as Catholic-oriented. I submitted my application, and a few days later, I got invited for an interview.
If you’re wondering why I was so drawn to religious student houses, it’s because the rent was very affordable—especially for students—and they tended to be very understanding of the challenges faced by international students moving to a new city.
The interview, in my opinion, went well. Several members liked that I enjoyed cooking, and I could speak both English and German. However, in the end, I wasn’t accepted. Ironically, one of the interviewers was Mexican, and I had hoped he would support me—but I later found out he was actually the one who suggested rejecting my application.
Now What?
After being invited to several interviews and rejected, I found myself in situations like waiting for three hours, debating whether to spend my last five euros on a return ticket or food; or queuing outside with other applicants for a room without heating. I felt frustrated and inevitably asked myself, “Now what?”
My first glimmer of hope was an hour away from the city I planned to move to. The room was small but cozy, and the kind landlady assured me I could take it. However, she advised me to keep looking, as the distance was quite significant. I took her advice and continued my search, this time a bit calmer, knowing I had at least one option secured.
Eventually, I arrived at Bob’s place, about half an hour from the city. Bob was a quirky guy, but he immediately understood my situation. He offered me a room and even gave me a mattress that his dog used to sleep on—which was still better than sleeping on the floor, something I had seriously considered. I stayed there for four months until I finally found a place near the university.
Conclusion
Depending on the city you’re moving to, finding a shared flat can turn into quite a drama. Instead of getting discouraged if you’re not accepted, it’s important to stay optimistic and keep exploring other options—especially if you need to share a flat to cut down on costs. In my case, the saying “When one door closes, another one opens” turned out to be absolutely true.
