Cities & districts
Student Housing in Nuremberg and Erlangen: Districts, Universities, Tips
In short
Nuremberg is much cheaper than Munich, but good rooms still go quickly around the start of the semester. First check where you will study or work: most of FAU is in Erlangen, TH Nürnberg is in Nuremberg. Nuremberg, Fürth and Erlangen are closely linked by U-Bahn, S-Bahn and regional trains – living in one city and studying in another is completely normal here.
Where the universities are
Most students in the region attend Friedrich-Alexander-Universität (FAU) or the Nuremberg Institute of Technology (TH Nürnberg Georg Simon Ohm). There are also smaller universities and the recently founded University of Technology Nuremberg. Where you live depends mainly on where your classes take place:
| University / faculty | Location | Well connected, for example |
|---|---|---|
| FAU – engineering and natural sciences | Erlangen, Südgelände | Erlangen-Süd, Röthelheimpark, Erlangen city centre |
| FAU – humanities and law | Erlangen, city centre | Erlangen city centre, Sieglitzhof, Alterlangen |
| FAU – business, economics and social sciences | Nuremberg, Lange Gasse | Old town, St. Johannis, Gostenhof |
| FAU – primary/middle-school teacher training, education | Nuremberg, Regensburger Straße | St. Peter, Gleißhammer, Südstadt |
| TH Nürnberg Georg Simon Ohm | Nuremberg, Keßlerplatz | Wöhrd, Maxfeld, old town |
Popular districts in Nuremberg, Erlangen and Fürth
- Gostenhof and St. Leonhard (Nuremberg): lively, lots of cafés and bars, quick U-Bahn connection to the old town.
- St. Johannis and Maxfeld (Nuremberg): quieter and greener, within walking or cycling distance of the old town.
- Südstadt (Nuremberg): for example Galgenhof, Gibitzenhof or Steinbühl – usually cheaper and diverse; Galgenhof and Steinbühl are close to the main station.
- Wöhrd (Nuremberg): right next to TH Nürnberg and within walking distance of the old town.
- Erlangen: the city centre and Röthelheimpark for short distances to FAU; districts such as Bruck or Büchenbach are often a little cheaper.
- Fürth: often cheaper than Nuremberg and directly connected to Nuremberg’s city centre by the U1.
A regional train or S-Bahn takes about 20 minutes between Nuremberg Hauptbahnhof and Erlangen station. Many people who study in Erlangen but enjoy city life in Nuremberg therefore live in Nuremberg – and vice versa. The Deutschlandticket covers the entire VGN network.
When to start looking
The winter semester starts in October, the summer semester in March or April. Demand is highest in the six to eight weeks before. Plan two to three months ahead – or aim for a move-in date outside these weeks.
Applying and documents
How to write a message that stands out and which documents you need is explained in detail in our guide to finding a room in Munich – the same applies in Nuremberg and Erlangen. The key points:
- A personal message instead of a template – mention something from the ad.
- Have your documents ready: tenant self-disclosure, proof of income or a guarantor, and if requested a SCHUFA credit report.
- Meeting the flat: be on time for the WG-Casting, ask your own questions and follow up briefly the next day.
Renting safely and after you move in
There are fake listings in Nuremberg and Erlangen too. Never pay money before a viewing and a contract – the typical warning signs are listed in Rental Scams in Munich and Nuremberg. After moving in, you have two weeks for your Anmeldung.
Frequently asked questions
Is Nuremberg cheaper than Munich?
Yes, considerably. Rents in Nuremberg are noticeably lower than in Munich, including rooms in shared flats. What you pay depends on the district, size and furnishings – compare current offers.
Should I live in Erlangen or Nuremberg if I study at FAU?
That depends on your faculty. For engineering and natural sciences on the Erlangen Südgelände, living in Erlangen keeps distances short; business, economics and social sciences and primary/middle-school teacher training are in Nuremberg. Since the two cities are closely linked, commuting in either direction is common.
How do I get between Nuremberg, Fürth and Erlangen without a car?
By U-Bahn, S-Bahn and regional trains in the VGN transport network. The U1 connects Fürth and Nuremberg, and S-Bahn and regional trains run between Nuremberg and Erlangen. The Deutschlandticket is valid on all of these routes.
Are there places in student halls in Nuremberg and Erlangen?
Yes, the Studierendenwerk Erlangen-Nürnberg runs student residences in both cities, and there are private student residences as well. Places are in high demand – apply early and look for a room in a shared flat at the same time.
Looking for a room?
Furnished rooms and apartments by COLYO in Munich and Nuremberg. Nothing suitable right now? Send us a general application and we will get in touch as soon as something becomes available.