Where will I live? As soon as the question about the perfect degree programme has been answered, the next question crops up: Student dorm, shared apartment or your own four walls? Beate and Viktoria talk about living in a shared apartment and in a student dorm, and offer some tips for those faced with making a big decision.

We catch up with Viktoria in her dormitory room. We find a fully furnished, cosy room, which the student of Media and Communications has transformed into her very own sanctuary using photos and personal belongings. From her balcony, Viktoria has a direct view of the university: “This is a huge advantage. You don‘t need public transport, you simply cross the road and walk straight into the lecture theatre.“ Viktoria has lived in the student dorm since embarking on her studies three years ago.

Getting started is easy

At the start of their studies, many do just what Viktoria did. Beate, who has since moved into a shared apartment, also lived in student accommodation when she started her degree: “Especially when you first arrive in a new city all by yourself, a student dorm is a great option. You make friends quickly and get to know new people.” There is always something going on in the student dorm and you can socialise with students from all over the world. “If you choose, one is never alone here,” says Viktoria.

Student dorms are also a great alternative to expensive apartments. There is a flat rate for everything: Electricity, heating and internet are usually included in the price. This simplifies planning your budget and avoids unexpected costs. “When you move in, everything you need is already there – it’s really uncomplicated and also saves a lot of money! “, says Viktoria, who relishes the flexibility she has thanks to living in student accommodation. “When I spent a semester abroad, I didn’t have to worry about finding a new tenant or paying rent twice.” There is also a caretaker service that deals with repairs and maintenance so that you can devote your full attention to your studies.

Her single room is furnished with a bed, a wardrobe and a desk: “I didn’t have to worry about anything, the place was already fully equipped.” She has her own bathroom and shares a communal kitchen with her fellow students on the same floor. They have a few rules for living together, “especially when it comes to keeping the kitchen tidy and getting a good night’s sleep.”

Leaving the student dorm and entering life in a shared apartment

Beate viewed the move from student accommodation to a shared flat as a step towards greater independence. The student of philosophy and psychology moved to Klagenfurt from upper Styria four years ago  – “because of the range of courses on offer and because I didn’t want to attend university in a major city where you vanish into anonymity”. After a few years in a student dorm, the opportunity to share a flat with a fellow student presented itself.

Beate describes communication as the be-all and end-all of living together: “Initially, we gave ourselves plenty of time to articulate our wishes and needs. We also discussed our respective personalities and discussed what ideas we both had about living together.” And so the friends laid down some rules: Do not disturb others when their bedroom door is closed. Beate describes life in the shared flat as very harmonious, not least because they both show consideration for each other and give each other enough privacy.

Privacy is also important to Viktoria in the student dorm. “Practically every room is a single room, so there’s always somewhere you can retreat to.” The communal areas ensure that socialising isn’t neglected; people get together in the kitchen or at parties. “But not quite as much as you might expect from a student dorm,” Viktoria adds with a twinkle in her eye.

Loneliness? Not at all!

Having her own four walls and still not feeling isolated is how Beate summarises the biggest advantage of living in a shared flat: “There’s always someone to talk to, you never feel lonely.” The evening chats with her flatmate in the kitchen are part of their shared daily routine. “Sometimes we don’t see each other all day, but a quick chat in the kitchen in the evening to catch up is a real must.”

Living on campus

When asked whether it took her long to find a place in a student dorm, Viktoria answers in the negative. “No, I only needed to do a little bit of research to find the student residence. It has everything I need and the price is right, too.” However, you should not wait too long. Viktoria concedes that she lives in a very popular student dorm and that dormitories tend to fill up quickly – often several months before the start of the semester. “Initially, I was on the waiting list but, luckily, I was able to secure a place”.

Most student residences are located in the immediate vicinity of the university. Viktoria’s student dorm is literally just a stone’s throw away. It offers flexibility and eliminates the need for a car or public transport. This is Viktoria’s favourite aspect, as she can get to university and back home in no time. She can even use the breaks between lectures to go home for a short while to relax or cook. “The fact that Lake Wörthersee is also within easy reach is awesome in my book!”

In response to the question regarding the advice the two students would give to students who are about to decide on where to live, they reply unanimously: “Whether it’s a shared apartment, your own flat or a student dorm: wherever you live will be fine. What’s most important is that you create a good environment in which you feel at ease.” “I may have come to Klagenfurt by myself, but I feel at home and settled here,” Beate adds.

You can find information about living in Klagenfurt here: https://www.aau.at/en/university/campus/accommodation/.