Apartments and rooms near Free University of Berlin

Free University of Berlin was founded in 1948 in the south-western district of Dahlem and today hosts around 33,000 students, making it one of Germany's largest research universities. Its main campus is in Dahlem, where most schools and institutes cluster around Habelschwerdter Allee and Kaiserswerther Straße, complemented by additional locations in Lankwitz and at the Charité Campus Benjamin Franklin in Steglitz. As one of eleven German Universities of Excellence, FU Berlin is internationally renowned in Humanities, Political Science, Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, and a member of the Una Europa alliance.

According to the Spotahome Rent Index 2026, here is the available accommodation in Berlin and the average price by property type.

Best neighbourhoods near Free University of Berlin

These four districts sit closest to the Dahlem campus and combine green, quiet streets with quick access to lectures:

• Dahlem: the academic heart of FU, full of villas, gardens and short walks to lecture halls and libraries. Studios cost 1,037 € on average and apartments 2,450 €. Perfect for students who appreciate calm, leafy surroundings.
• Steglitz: one of the liveliest districts in south-west Berlin, with a major shopping street around Schloßstraße and excellent U-Bahn connections. Rooms in shared flats average 740 €, studios 1,137 € and apartments 1,600 €.
• Lichterfelde: family-friendly, green and connected to FU through S-Bahn line S1. Studios start at 1,190 € and rooms in Berlin average 750 € here.
• Zehlendorf: the southernmost residential neighbourhood next to lake Wannsee, ideal for nature lovers. Apartments cost 2,279 € on average and rooms in shared flats 704 €.

In these four neighbourhoods around FU, Spotahome lists more than +100 properties. Every unit comes fully furnished and ready to live in from your first day in Berlin.

What you should know about Free University of Berlin

FU Berlin was created in 1948 as a counter-university to the Humboldt-Universität in East Berlin and has stood as a symbol of academic freedom ever since. It belongs to the German Universities of Excellence and runs international research partnerships with universities worldwide. Its leafy Dahlem campus, with the Botanical Gardens and Norman Foster's Philological Library, is one of the most beautiful study environments in the city.

Erasmus Life at Free University of Berlin and in Berlin

FU Berlin runs one of Germany's largest Erasmus+ programmes, with more than 360 partner universities in 50 countries. Each year around 1,500 outgoing students study abroad and a similar number of incoming exchange students come to Berlin. Living in Berlin means combining lectures with picnics in the Tiergarten, beer gardens in Kreuzberg, day trips to Potsdam and Sanssouci Palace and a vibrant student scene around Schloßstraße. More information is available through the FU Berlin Erasmus+ Office.

How to get to Free University of Berlin from Berlin city centre

The Dahlem campus is well connected with central Berlin:

• Take U-Bahn line U3 from Wittenbergplatz to Freie Universität (Thielplatz) station in around 25 minutes.
• Take S-Bahn line S1 from Friedrichstraße to Lichterfelde West, then walk ten minutes, around 30 to 35 minutes total.
• Catch bus X11 from Bahnhof Schöneberg directly to Habelschwerdter Allee in 25 minutes.

Common questions (FAQ) about renting near Free University of Berlin

Which are the best neighbourhoods for students near Free University of Berlin in Berlin?

FU students mostly choose the south-western districts for the shortest commute to Dahlem.

• Dahlem: directly at the campus, calm and ideal for studying.
• Steglitz: the largest shopping and entertainment hub in south-west Berlin.
• Lichterfelde: more affordable than Dahlem, with quick S-Bahn access.
• Schöneberg: slightly further north, more urban and with a vibrant café scene.

How much does student accommodation near Free University of Berlin cost?

Prices vary by property type. The table below shows the range of average prices in Dahlem, Steglitz, Lichterfelde and Zehlendorf according to the Spotahome Rent Index 2026.

The most popular option for FU students is a room in Berlin: low rent, social atmosphere and bills included in most listings. Studios suit students who prefer privacy, while whole apartments are ideal for couples or small groups.

When should I start looking for accommodation near Free University of Berlin?

Start your search at least two to three months ahead. Berlin is a high-demand city, especially during the October winter semester intake. Spotahome lets you book online from anywhere, so you can lock in your place before traveling.

How does Spotahome verify properties and what happens if the apartment doesn't match the listing?

Every Spotahome listing is verified before publication: photos, descriptions and amenities are reviewed. If the apartment doesn't match the listing on move-in day, report it within the first 24 hours and our team will help with mediation, relocation or alternatives.

How much deposit do I have to pay? And when is it returned?

The deposit is usually one to two months of rent and is paid directly to the landlord. On listings tagged "Deposit protected", Spotahome refunds you directly if the landlord doesn't return the deposit within three months of move-out and you've met the contract terms. Many listings are also deposit-free, easy to filter in the search.

Do I need a guarantor to rent on Spotahome?

No guarantor is needed. You only need a valid ID or passport, proof of student or worker status, and a payment method. Once the landlord accepts the booking, they may request proof of income and a direct debit authorisation to finalise the contract.

What is included in the monthly rent? What is not?

The monthly rent on Spotahome always includes rent, Grundsteuer property tax and Hausgeld community fees. Utilities such as electricity, water, gas and Wi-Fi are included in many listings.

• Always included: rent, property tax, community fees.
• Often included: electricity, water, gas, Wi-Fi.
• Not included: toiletries, food, optional services like cleaning or parking.

Read the listing description carefully to see exactly what is covered.

Why is Spotahome the best option for Erasmus stays at Free University of Berlin?

Spotahome is the ideal platform for FU students because it offers:

• Wide supply near campus: more than +100 properties in Dahlem, Steglitz and Lichterfelde, many less than 15 minutes from the campus.
• Affordable choices: over 32 rooms in shared flats with an average price of 704 €/month, and bills included in many cases.
• 100% online booking: rent from any country or city before arriving in Berlin.
• Flexible contracts: stays of 3 to 11 months, ideal for Erasmus, with room for shorter or longer periods.
• Lower fees: smaller commissions than traditional real estate agencies.

Spotahome has been helping students find accommodation since 2014, and more than 200,000 have already booked with us.