An examination of the needs and preferences for student housing in Germany in relation to different financial backgrounds using the example of the city of Aachen

Purpose The aim of this paper is to determine the needs and preferences of students concerning different areas and attributes of dormitories, taking their financial background into account. Design/methodology/approach A quantitative survey was conducted in the 21 publicly funded dormitories in Aachen (Germany) in 2022 to determine students’ needs and preferences for housing. In total, more than 1,200 students participated in the 10-min online survey. Findings The findings show the needs and preferences of students from different financial backgrounds for various areas in the dormitory. These include the location of the dormitory, the outdoor area, the shared spaces, the sanitary facilities (bathroom and kitchen), and the students’ private rooms. The results are divided into needs that all students have regardless of their financial background (“must-haves”) and needs that correspond to individual financial groups (“nice-to-haves”). Research limitations/implications The results relate to the medium-sized city of Aachen as a case study in Germany – with an average rent level – and its urban situation. The outcomes are therefore only transferable to a limited extent to cities with different framework conditions, as the needs and preferences of students may differ. Practical implications The results serve as a valuable guideline for future development in the field of student housing for different rental segments. Originality/value The paper fills a research gap in the identification of current student housing needs and preferences in German dormitories, taking financial backgrounds into account.