Survey: Housing Costs Place a Heavy Burden on Students

Rising housing costs are placing an increasingly heavy burden on students in the Dresden area and eastern Saxony. This is shown by a survey conducted by the Dresden Student Services (Studentenwerk Dresden) among approximately 3,500 students in Dresden, Görlitz, Zittau, and Tharandt. The survey was conducted online from November 18 to December 15, 2025.

According to the survey, more than one in two students is concerned about rising housing costs and how to cover them within their budget. Roughly the same number consider the search for an affordable student apartment to be difficult.

A quarter must cut back on other expenses to pay rent

A large proportion of students is also under significant financial pressure: More than one-fifth have a maximum of 600 euros available per month, and a total of 70 percent have a maximum of 1,000 euros. To be able to pay rent, a good quarter must cut back in other areas.

“The results clearly show that affordable housing is in short supply for many students and is also a key prerequisite for successful studies,” said Michael Rollberg, executive director of the Dresden Student Services (Studentenwerk Dresden). “Students on a tight budget, in particular, are coming under increasing pressure due to rising rents.”

Many spend over 50 percent of their income on rent, especially since rents have risen dramatically in Dresden as well, added Mathias Fröck, vice chair of the board of directors of the Dresden Student Services and a member of the Student Council at TU Dresden. “A decent, affordable apartment is not a luxury or a privilege, but a foundation for being able to concentrate on one’s studies.” Therefore, there is an urgent need for reform of the Bafög, but the Studentenwerk also needs further support to build new dormitory spaces.