apartments.Rmd

# Apartment Hunting {#chapter-apartments}



## Warning

::: {.infobox .caution}
`r emoji::emoji("warning")` Finding an apartment in Munich will likely be the most difficult part of relocating, and could take several weeks or months (if you are not already located in Germany and/or do not speak German). It is by no means impossible, but you will likely need to dedicate a seemingly inordinate amount of time to this process 
:::


## Student Dorms

* Least expensive option by far
* Prices typically in the range of €200-400/month
* Can only stay as long as you remain a student

### Studentenwerk München

* Generally desirable locations
  - Include a Leaflet map of the addresses with links
* Long waiting lists, and need to already be accepted to a university to join these lists
  - Typically need to wait 3+ semesters so these are typically not a viable option for newcomers unless you happen to win a lottery space
* Rooms typically around 10 m^2
* Shared kitchens and community events

### Katholische Dorms

* Similar in price, size, and layout to Studentenwerk dorms along with community kitchens and events
* Main difference, unsurprisingly , is the celebration of various Catholic holidays and related events
* However, participation in such events is entirely voluntary, and there doesn't seem to be a strong social pressure to participate
* Students of all faiths are welcome in these dorms from what I've heard

## Shared Apartments

* WGs or Wohnungenheim(?) are shared apartments, generally 2-7 people with individual rooms and shared kitchen + possibly a living room (although this is )
* Typically can get larger and nicer rooms in more specific neighborhoods than the dorms
* More expensive than any of the dorm options, generally in the range of €400-900/month
  - Scrape some summary stats info from WG Gesucht?
* Generally have to spend a lot of time searching; most labor intensive process
  - Apply to openings online then, if invited, typically have to interview for the apartment
  - Not unusual to have to message 100+ apartments just to receive invites for a handful of interviews
  - Need to send messages ideally in the first few minutes or hour that a room is posted online.
  
### Where to Search

* WG Gesucht is likely the most common website
* ...
* Friends or friends-of-friends can be a much more reliable and expedient approach to securing an apartment

### Important Notes

* Warmmiete vs. Kaltmiete (warm rent vs. cold rent)
  - When looking at apartments, most places will advertise the Warmmiete which is the entire price of the room including utilities. If you see Kaltmiete advertised, however, I would recommend estimating another €100-150/month in expenses.


## Single Apartments

* Quite expensive in and around the city, typically more than €1200/month
* All the benefits and drawbacks of living alone apply
* Possibly the most direct route to finding a home in Munich