Housing

If you are staying in Graz for a semester or academic year, the best option is to make arrangement with one of the many dorms. 

  • Exchange students in the ISEP programme, Hendrix and HighPoint students will receive program-specific housing instructions from the international office as their housing is arranged for them by the programme.
  • Montclair students with the Sister City Scholarship will receive program-specific housing information from “Overseas Neighbours” in Graz.
  • All other students make their housing arrangements themselves. To compare offers before making a final decision, feel free to get in touch with the different providers directly. 

Dorms are generally located in residential areas, many of them a bike-ride away or even within walking distance of the university campus. Dorms are privately owned by different companies - each with their own application procedures and registration deadlines. Prices vary depending based on the dorm and on amenities included in the arrangement. Check out OeAD dorms & all other dorms.

  • Rental period: Minimum rental period is generally one semester! For details on rental periods contact the relevant dorm directly. In case you arrive prior to the start of your rental period, make sure you arrange accommodation in a hotel or youth hostel
  • Rental costs: variable, depending on the dorm, selected room (single / double) and included amenities starting at around 250 euros per month
  • Security deposit: usually 2 months’ rent. The deposit will be returned at the end of your stay, providing you leave the room in order. Check with your dorm provider about any other fees that might apply
  • Registration deadlines for student dorms are published on the websites of the dorm providers.
  • Dorms have apartment-like setups (shared facilities, such as kitchen and bathroom), which are generally co-ed.

➜ Find out more. 

There are also a great number of private offers available, from shared or single apartments to family-sized homes. If you stay in Graz longer and/or opt for private housing, it may be helpful to read through the most important terms. The following list is by no means a comprehensive one, but includes the most important terminology.

  • unmöbliert = unfurnished: Long-term apartments are usually rented without furniture, except for the kitchen and bathroom furniture. Some owners may offer furniture for rent. If so, it should be mentioned in the offer and agreement.
  • Ablöse = lump sum for furniture: Occasionally renters want to sell furniture when they move out. If you want to buy furniture from them and rent the apartment, you can agree on a lump sum to take over the furniture. This is an agreement between the previous and new renter.
  • Strom = electricity: When renting an apartment from the owner, electricity is usually not included in the monthly rental costs and you can often select an electricity provider of your choice. Compare prices on e.g. www.durchblicker.at. When sharing an apartment with other people, it's recommendable to ask if electricity is included in the rental costs for the room.
  • Betriebskosten = utilities: include costs that occur for the property, i.e. water, waste collection, elevator costs, property management fees and so on. Ensure you know what's included in the utilities before signing a contract.
  • Heizkosten = heating costs: Heating costs can be included in the utilities or not. There are different heating types (gas, district heating, electricity, ...) available, the monthly costs depend on the type and usage of heating and on the size of the apartment.
  • Provision = (broker's) commission: If an apartment is advertised by a broker, a broker's commission may apply
  • Kaution = deposit: It is common to pay a deposit of 3 months’ rents to the owner. If you return the apartment in good condition, you get the deposit back when you move out.
  • Mietvertrag = rental agreement: You can rent an apartment/room for a limited time (temporary contract) or an indefinite period of time (indefinite contract). It is usually possible to end the lease before the originally agreed end date, please read the exact provisions on e.g. the website of the Tenants’ Association and in your contract. E.g.: you have signed a lease for 3 years, in general you are allowed to cancel the contract after 1 year with a notice period of 3 months.

Here you can find a selection of websites here where rooms/apartments are advertised: