How to Choose your Student Accommodation

Written by: Helene Ausserwöger, 16.04.2026

University is about to start, and that means one thing: Moving out of home is just around the corner. Now you just have to choose the right student accommodation. But what should you actually pay attention to when making that choice? Especially in larger cities, there are usually several residence providers to choose from – some are super central and just a few minutes away from university, while others are located in more quiet areas. Besides the location, factors such as the different room options, the facilities, the range of services, and the benefits offered by each provider also play an important role.

Especially in cities like Vienna, Graz, Innsbruck, or Linz, there is a wide selection of student accommodations, which can differ quite a lot from each other. In this article, we’ll take a look at what you should consider when choosing your student accommodation so that you can find a place that best fits you and your everyday student life.

Table of Contents

Location & Accessibility

The location is among the most important factors when choosing a student accommodation. After all, it affects your daily life more than you might initially think – from your commute to the university to quick grocery runs or spontaneous meet-ups with friends.

Proximity to university vs. proximity to city center

If your university requires a lot of mandatory attendance and you know you’ll be on campus regularly then it makes sense to choose a student residence as close to your university as possible. That way you save time every day and can easily make it to early lectures or group work sessions.

If you prefer being out and about in the city and aren’t going to be at Uni often or have many online classes, then an accommodation in other parts of the city could be a good option for you.

Depending on the location, the surrounding city life can vary quite a lot. From nearby cafés, bars, event venues, and shopping opportunities to quieter areas on the outskirts of the city that offer plenty of nature, sports, and options to relax, such as our STUWO accommodations in Seestadt Aspern.

Public transport

Especially if your student accommodation isn’t located right next to your university it’s worth checking how well connected it is to public transport. Easy access to buses, trams, or the subway can make a big difference in your daily routine – after all, there’s a noticeable difference between a twenty-minute commute and spending an hour getting to campus. 

Good bike routes are another plus because in many cities, getting around by bike is often faster than taking public transport. Especially for the commute to university or short distances around the city, the bicycle is one of the easiest and most affordable means of transport for many students.

It’s also a good idea to take a closer look at the neighborhood around the accommodation. Having supermarkets, pharmacies, restaurants, or cafés nearby can make everyday life a lot more convenient.

STUWO Tip: Before making your final decision, think about what criteria really matter to you in a student accommodation.

Rooms & Amenities

The apartment or room itself also plays a major role. After all, it’s the place where you study, relax, and spend a large portion of your time. That’s why we recommend taking a closer look at the different room options and the available facilities before choosing your student residence.

Single vs. double room

In a single room, you have your privacy and can organize your daily routine completely on your own. A double room is usually more affordable, but you share the space with another person. This means less privacy and a lot of shared time together. Not everyone feels comfortable in this kind of living situation, so it’s important to think about if you’d be happy sharing your room with someone long term.

The same applies when deciding between a single apartment and a shared apartment for two. Sharing an apartment can feel more social. That way you have your own private room, but share the kitchen, bathroom, and toilet with a roommate.

Furnished vs. unfurnished

A furnished room is especially convenient if you’re moving to a new city. The basics, such as a bed, desk, and wardrobe, are usually already provided, so you don’t have to worry about buying or transporting furniture or dealing with extra costs. Unfurnished rooms, on the other hand, give you more freedom to design the space according to your own taste.

With or without kitchen

Another important aspect to consider is the kitchen. In some student accommodations, every unit comes with its own small kitchen, while others have big shared kitchens that invite residents to cook together. Shared kitchens can definitely have a positive impact on your social life and create opportunities to meet new friends. At the same time, they also require a bit of consideration and cooperation, since several people are using the same space.

A shared kitchen is the perfect place to make new friends! ©STUWO
A shared kitchen is the perfect place to make new friends! ©STUWO

Additional amenities

It is also worth taking a closer look at the overall amenities offered by the student dormitory. Stable WiFi, for example, is an absolute essential for your studies. Facilities like washing machines, a bike storage room, or shared common areas can make everyday life in the student accommodation much more convenient. They often also help create a lively community within the building.

Price & Additional Costs

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a student accommodation is the price. After all, both the rent and the additional costs should fit your budget. 

Many student residences have an all-inclusive rent. This means that costs such as electricity, heating, hot water, operating costs and internet are already included in the monthly rent. This makes your expenses much easier to keep track of, since you don’t have to worry about additional bills all the time. 

The deposit is often equivalent to two months’ rent or a lower fixed amount and will be refunded at the end of your stay – minus any outstanding payments.

It’s also worth keeping an eye out for possible additional costs. Some student residences, for example, charge administrative fees or separate operating costs. In other cases, certain amenities, like the gym, might come with an extra fee.

STUWO Tip: If your budget is tight, ​​scholarships and financial support can be a helpful option. In our blog posts about financing your studies and family allowance, you’ll find more information and useful tips.

Before signing a contract, you should carefully go through the housing agreement and the most important residence rules. Some points might seem minor at first, but can make a big difference in everyday life or when it’s time to move out.

An important point is whether the contract is fixed-term or open-ended. In student residences, contracts are usually fixed-term, for example for a semester or a year. You should also check the minimum rental period and the notice periods, so you know how flexible you are in case your plans change during your studies.

On top of that, you should also read through the residence rules. These usually include important guidelines for living together in the building, such as quiet hours or the use of common areas. Rules regarding visitors and subletting are also important. Many student accommodation providers allow friends to stay overnight occasionally for a few nights, but it often has to be registered in advance. Subletting, on the other hand, is usually not permitted, as the room is assigned to you personally.

If you have a pet that you would like to bring with you, make sure to check if pets are allowed in the accommodation. In many student residences, they are either not permitted or only allowed under certain conditions. At STUWO, for example, pets are only allowed in selected residences, such as Dückegasse or Donaufelder Straße in Vienna and Smart Living in Graz.

Application & Waiting Lists

If you’re planning to live in a student residence, you should apply as early as possible, since popular student accommodations often fill up quickly. In most cases, the application process takes place online via the residence provider’s website. You’ll usually need to provide or upload a few documents, such as a certificate of enrollment, a school or university confirmation, and sometimes proof that you have sufficient financial means.

If you don’t get a spot right away, you’ll usually be placed on a waiting list, another reason why applying early can really pay off. Some providers even allow you to apply before you’re officially enrolled, as long as you submit the confirmation later.

In our blog post about applying for student accommodation we’ve put together all the important information and steps in one place.

One of the most beautiful things about living in a student residence is the sense of community! ©Häusler

Community & Living Atmosphere

Many students forget that the living atmosphere also plays an important role when choosing a student residence. After all, it’s not just the place where you live, but you’ll also spend a lot of time there with other students.

Some student accommodations have a very active community with regular events and shared activities where it’s easy to meet new people. In many student residences, international students also live in the building, which can be a great opportunity to connect with people from different countries and cultures.

When many people live under one roof, it’s important to follow shared rules and be considerate of others. This helps ensure that living together works smoothly and that everyone can enjoy their time.

One of the most beautiful things about living in a student residence is the sense of community! ©Häusler

Choosing Student Accommodation: What to look for depending on your Place of Study

Depending on the city, student accommodations can vary quite a lot in terms of availability, demand and overall housing situation. 

Choosing a Student Residence in Vienna

Vienna is one of the largest student cities, which means there’s also a wide range of student accommodations to choose from. At the same time, demand is high, so finding a vacant accommodation isn’t always easy. That’s why it’s best to start your search as early as possible, especially at the beginning of the semester, when many residences are already fully booked and waiting lists can be long.

Location plays a particularly important role in Vienna because the city is quite big. If your residence is far away from your university, commuting can quickly take up a lot of time. So you should definitely take a close look at the public transport connections.

In Vienna, you can choose from 12 STUWO student accommodations. Visit our website to explore and compare the different options.

STUWO Arsenal
This could be what your new home in Vienna looks like – for example with us at Stuwo Arsenal! ©STUWO
STUWO Arsenal
This could be what your new home in Vienna looks like – for example with us at Stuwo Arsenal! ©STUWO

Choosing a Student Residence in Graz

Graz is a compact and bike-friendly student city, which means many routes to the university are relatively short and easy to cover by bike. This often makes finding a student accommodation a bit easier than in larger cities.

Popular residential areas for students include the southern to southeastern parts of Graz, such as Jakomini, Liebenau, and St. Peter (also known as the 6th, 7th, and 8th districts). These areas are relatively close to TU Graz and the University of Graz. At the same time, the price level for student accommodations in Graz is usually somewhat lower than in Vienna, which makes the city particularly attractive for many students.

But there are still fewer student accommodations than in the capital, so the same rule applies here: Apply as early as possible. In addition, the campuses of the different universities are somewhat spread out, so when choosing a residence you should especially pay attention to the distance to your own faculty.

If you’re looking for a student residence in Graz, our two STUWO residences “Student City” and “Smart Living” are great options for your new home. At the STUWO accommodation Smart Living, your pet is also very welcome! 

STUWO Linz
This could soon be your room – in our STUWO residence in Linz! ©STUWO

Choosing a Student Residence in Linz

One important factor in Linz is the proximity to Johannes Kepler University (JKU), as the campus is located a bit outside the city center. Because of this, you should check whether your accommodation is close to the campus or well connected by bus or tram.

The number of student accommodations in Linz is relatively limited, so it’s also wise to submit your application as early as possible. At the same time, distances within the city are generally quite short, which makes everyday life easier. But if you enjoy spending a lot of time in the city center, it’s worth considering the distance to downtown when choosing your residence.

Our STUWO student residence in Linz is only about 10 minutes away from JKU and is also conveniently located close to the city center.

STUWO Linz
This could soon be your room – in our STUWO residence in Linz! ©STUWO

Choosing a Student Residence in Innsbruck

Innsbruck is a classic university city with a manageable size, which can be a big advantage in everyday life. Distances are relatively short, so you can often reach the university or the city center on foot or by bike.

But the cost of living in Innsbruck is comparatively high. This is partly due to strong tourism and the city’s location in the Alps, which also affects rental prices for student accommodations.

Since there is only a limited number of residence spots in Innsbruck, it’s especially important to apply as early as possible. Residences close to the university, particularly around Leopold-Franzens University, are in high demand. If you don’t manage to get a place, a shared flat can also be a good alternative. In our blog post about shared flats vs. student accommodations, you’ll find a helpful overview.

At our STUWO student accommodation in Innsbruck, you’ll enjoy well-equipped living spaces, cosy terraces on every floor, and even a dedicated ski boot room, while also being well connected to both the university and the city.

Choosing your Student Accommodation: a Summary

What to look for in a student accommodation ultimately depends on your personal priorities, such as price, location, amenities, or the sense of community. The important thing is to start researching early and apply in time, since many residences fill up quickly.

Our STUWO student accommodations are located in several Austrian cities, including Vienna, Graz, Linz, and Innsbruck. On our website, you’ll find more information about the wide range of options we offer. And if you still have questions, be sure to check out our FAQ page as well!

FAQs: Frequently asked Questions about choosing your Student Accommodation

Yes, student accommodation is often a good idea, especially when moving to a new city. It usually offers furnished rooms, all-inclusive rent, and the chance to meet other students and become part of a community.

When choosing an accommodation, you should consider location, price, room type, facilities, and the overall living atmosphere. You should also check the connection to public transport and what’s included in the rent.

If you want to have the full range of options and choose your student accommodation freely, then you need to apply as early as possible.

What you are and aren’t allowed at a university accommodation can vary depending on the residence. Subletting, keeping pets, smoking, or long-term guests are often restricted. Most accommodations also have quiet hours and house rules that residents have to follow.

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