Questions about the application

How can I apply for a place?

The application process is as follows: Exposés about the free places in our residential complexes are continuously published on the website stwdo.de/aktuelle-wohnangebote.Students who are entitled to live there (see below) apply directly for the advertised free place.10 applications are collected for each exposé.If the number is reached, the advertisement is automatically taken offline.A detailed questionnaire is sent to the 10 applicants.Only now must the certificate of enrollment be submitted.The place is then allocated from the group of applicants.The principle of "first come - first served" applies: whoever is interested and submits all documents first gets the place, unless there are important reasons against it.Students with children and students with severe disabilities are given priority.Applicants who do not receive the place will receive a rejection promptly and must reapply for further exposés.

Who is entitled to reside?

In principle, all students of the following universities are eligible for accommodation:

  • Dortmund University of Technology
  • Dortmund University of Applied Sciences
  • University of Applied Sciences Südwestfalen
  • UE Iserlohn (with monthly supplement)
  • ISM Dortmund (with monthly supplement)

Students who are predominantly employed parallel to their studies (e.g. volunteers, trainee teachers), who are writing their doctoral thesis, who have already passed a professionally qualified examination at a university, who are enrolled as second or guest students or who have exceeded the standard period of study are not eligible for accommodation.

Please also note: For the debiting of the rent and other receivables, a domestic bank account must be available when the contract is concluded.

When are most of the available places published?

Due to the high demand and unfortunately low supply, we cannot make an offer to those looking for accommodation on an ongoing basis.But when is the probability of vacancies being published on stwdo.de/aktuelle-wohnangebote the highest?A note: Most rental contracts begin and end at the start of the summer semester in early April or at the start of the winter semester in September or October of each year.With the appropriate lead time, most places are therefore published on stwdo.de/aktuelle-wohnangebote in February or July/August. Of course, there are always vacancies that are published in between.The allocation takes place continuously as soon as a room or apartment is available.So keep checking back!

Will I receive a notification when free places become available online again?

There is no automatic reminder when new offers go online. Interested parties should regularly visit the website stwdo.de/aktuelle-wohnangebote and look out for new offers.

What happens to my application if I don't get the place?

Have you applied for a place but not been accepted? In this case, you must apply again for a free offer at stwdo.de/aktuelle-wohnangebote.

Can the rooms be viewed in advance?

It is not possible to visit the residence halls, as the rooms and flats are always occupied. On our website you will find detailed portraits of the halls of residence as well as information about the facilities.

You can visit the halls of residence on your own initiative by ringing the bell and asking the students living there for a short tour. If you do not find the current tenant, you can try the floor above or below, as these rooms or flats are usually similar or identical in construction.

How long can I live in a residential complex?

The residences are available to you for the duration of your studies. The duration of residence is therefore limited to a maximum of eight semesters. Periods of residence in other publicly funded housing may be counted towards the maximum period of residence. The limitation to a maximum of four years is intended to allow as many students as possible to enjoy a low-cost place in a hall of residence.

I need a wheelchair-accessible room. How can I apply for this?

Housing offers for people who use a wheelchair are published like any other vacancy in our residential complexes via stwdo.de/aktuelle-wohnangebote. Please indicate in your application that you require such a flat so that we can give you preferential consideration.

Rent and deposit

What does the rent include?

Basically the rent includes following costs: heating, water, electricity, garbage disposal and internet. Not included are household insurance, telephone costs and broadcasting fees.

Please also note: For paying the rent and other costs, you need to have a german bank account.

When and how is the rent paid?

The rent will be debited from your bank account by Sepa direct debit on the 3rd working day of a month at the latest. Direct debits are generally only possible from an account at a bank or credit institution in Germany. If you change banks, please inform the Service Centre for Student Housing of as soon as possible.

Do I have to pay a deposit?

Before you move into the premises, you must pay a deposit, the amount of which is specified in the rental contract. You can pay the deposit by girocard or credit card when you sign the contract.

Award guidelines