Living in Vienna

Vienna is considered to be a city with one of the best qualities of life in the world. In international rankings relating to quality of life, the metropolis regularly occupies top positions. There is barely another capital city in the world of comparable size which has such a combination of cultural offerings, gastronomy, environmental quality, green areas, leisure facilities, shopping facilities and housing.

What is the cost of living as a student?

The platform Study in Austria has collected information on the cost of living for students in Austria. It can be found here: Student living costs in Austria

They also provide a study guide for international students: A Brief Guide for International Students

How can I find affordable accommodation?
Student dorms and housing exchange

To obtain a place in a student dorm, it is recommended that you ask the director of the dorm about vacancies and admission conditions about a year in advance. Standards and furnishings of each student dorm vary tremendously – as do the prices. While some dorms are open all year round, you may have to vacate others during the summer. Some dorms require a deposit when you move in.

In October 2014, the ÖJAB facility at Johannesgasse opened its doors. The new student dorm is just a few metres from the MUK site at Johannesgasse, positioned centrally in the heart of the 1st district. For information about the student dorm and to register, visit the ÖJAB website.

The online student guide www.studieren.at contains contact details of all the student dorms in Vienna and also operates a housing exchange for students. The online portal at www.studium.at offers more tips and information about living in Vienna.

OeAD student housing (Austrian Exchange Service) deals with the management of student dormitories and studio vacancies in Vienna and in the Federal states, as well as creating living space for scholarship holders. OeAD scholarship holders, Erasmus students, visiting professors and guests are provided with places at halls of residence and dormitories.

Base 11 is a student dormitory in Vienna's 11th district especially for art students. The halls of residence offer free music practice rooms alongside apartments and loft studios for two people. The halls are located right by the U3 "Gasometer” station. Applications are possible here.

Shared accommodation ("WGs")

Places in shared accommodation are normally offered via notices on bulletin boards or in the small ads. They might also be available on the housing exchange at www.studieren.at sometimes.

Rental apartments

This type of housing is associated with relatively high costs. As well as the actual rent, service charges are also payable. Normally, a deposit must be paid to the landlord, which is then returned when you move out depending on the state of the apartment. If the previous tenant leaves furniture in the apartment, a transfer fee is normally requested for this. If you rent the apartment through a broker, he or she will also normally require an additional three months’ rent. Fixed term apartments are normally cheaper than indefinite contracts.

Apartments

Fully furnished apartments in almost all of Vienna’s districts are provided by the Fonds für temporäres Wohnen in Wien, among other associations. The aim of the institution „Mein Wien-Apartment“ is to provide people in precarious situations with a quick and non-bureaucratic place to live. „Mein Wien-Apartment“ offers about 4000 appartments in case of education, new job, studies or personal challenges.