Strategic University Network for International Housing
Foundation and Background
The Strategic University Network for International Accommodation is an alliance of German universities that work together to improve accommodation conditions for international students.
Following a series of initial virtual meetings, the network was founded on December 5th 2025 in Darmstadt, in the wake of the dialogue series ‘Campus of the Future: Accommodation for International Students’, which took place in September 2024 at the University of Cologne – organised by the DAAD, the German Students’ Services Organisation (DSW) and the Cologne Students’ Services Organisation (KSTW).
Members
- RWTH Aachen (founding member)
- University of Bonn (founding member)
- University of Bremen
- Technical University of Darmstadt (founding member)
- University of Erfurt
- Goethe-University Frankfurt am Main (founding member)
- Georg-August-University of Göttingen
- University of Heidelberg (founding member)
- Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel
- University of Köln (founding member)
- Leuphana University Lüneburg (founding member)
- Otto- von Guericke-University Magdeburg
- Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz (founding member)
- Technical University of München
- University of Potsdam (founding member)
- University of Rostock
- Saarland University
Objectives of the Network
1. Sharing Experiences & Best Practices
The network creates a cross-regional platform for professional exchange among the various stakeholders and experts in student housing. Together, they compile, discuss, and further develop successful models, innovative housing concepts, and concrete solutions from different regions. Through this systematic transfer of knowledge, all participants benefit from each other’s experiences and can identify and implement effective, practical measures more quickly.
2. Development of (communication) strategies to improve the regional housing supply
To improve the housing situation for international students in the long term, the network is developing joint strategies that specifically address regional characteristics. A key focus is on tailored communication approaches: How can needs be made visible? How can relevant stakeholders from politics, business, and society be encouraged to engage with the issue and actively support it? Through coordinated positioning, shared messages and collaborative formats, the aim is to generate momentum that will strengthen regional housing provision and open up new avenues for solutions.
3. Contribution to equal opportunities
Suitable, safe and affordable accommodation is a fundamental prerequisite for a successful start to university studies and for students to progress successfully through their degree programmes. The network is therefore committed to breaking down structural barriers that put international students at a disadvantage when it comes to accessing accommodation.
Through joint initiatives, the aim is to create a level playing field, improve opportunities for participation and, ultimately, strengthen equal opportunities for all students – regardless of their background, financial resources or local networks.
4. Developing strategies for fraud prevention
International students are often affected by fraud in the housing market – particularly in areas where housing is in short supply and just before the start of the semester. The network is therefore developing strategies and recommendations to minimise the risk to students and to support universities in raising awareness and preventing such incidents.
This includes awareness campaigns, information materials, discussions based on real-life case studies, and the development of common standards for secure placement processes. The aim is to protect students at an early stage, increase transparency and strengthen their resilience against fraudulent offers.
Chair
Chair:
Britta Schlüter de Castro, Studienstart International, Dezernat Internationales, Universität zu Köln
Kontakt: b.schlueter-de-castro@verw.uni-koeln.de, 0221-470-90827
Vice Chair:
Lars Hollmann, Welcome and Housing Services, Dezernat Internationales, Technische Universität Darmstadt
Kontakt: lars.hollmann@tu-darmstadt.de, 06151 16-26687