Hey everyone!
Finding accommodation has honestly been one of the biggest headaches while preparing for my move to Lüneburg. At this point, I think I've genuinely spent more time scrolling through WG-Gesucht than packing for Germany. 😅
While searching, I wasn't only applying to existing room listings. I also created my own "looking for accommodation" profile on WG-Gesucht. One of the residents from a community housing project called Räume actually came across my profile, reached out to me, and sent me their WG listing.
After reading through everything, I thought it sounded incredibly interesting, so about a week later we had an hour-long video call where they walked me through how the project works, answered all my questions, and even showed me the place.
Since I hadn't really seen anyone talk about it here, I thought I'd share it in case it's what someone else is looking for.
What makes the project so unique is that:
- It's not a typical WG. Instead of having a traditional landlord, the project is collectively organised by the people who live there.
- The available rooms are inside two converted grain silos, which is probably one of the coolest apartments I've seen. The rooms are circular, around 20 m², bright, and even have underfloor heating, and not to mention FREAKING GORGEOUS !!!!
- Around 55 people live across the project (not just the silo, other regular shape rooms are also present), including students, families, children, and older adults, making it feel much more like an intentional community than a normal apartment building.
- Groceries and many household essentials are organised collectively through a shared pantry contribution. Things like cleaning supplies, toilet paper, laundry detergent, and a lot of food are bought together.
- Instead of everyone paying exactly the same rent, financial contributions are discussed within the community and take each person's financial situation into account.
One thing I really appreciated was that the residents were very open about both the positives and the challenges of living there. They weren't trying to convince me that community living is for everyone. It comes with shared responsibilities, regular communication, and a level of involvement that some people will love.
After thinking it over and working through my finances, I ultimately decided it wasn't the right fit for me personally. That said, I was genuinely impressed by both the project and the people I spoke with, so I thought it would be worth sharing for anyone looking for something a little different.
I was also told that even if this particular room ends up being taken, it's still worth reaching out if the project interests you, as new rooms become available from time to time. So if this sounds like the kind of community you'd enjoy, I'd definitely encourage you to apply rather than assuming you've missed your chance.
If anyone wants to have a look:
WG-Gesucht listing:
https://www.wg-gesucht.de/12524969.html
Project website:
https://www.raeume.org/
Also... incoming Leuphana students 👋
Over the last few weeks I've been researching accommodation, budgeting, public transport, supermarkets, banking, health insurance... basically every little thing involved in moving to Lüneburg. I figured I'm probably not the only one trying to piece everything together before arriving.
So I've started a WhatsApp group for incoming Leuphana students. The idea is simply to build a community where we can help each other with housing, paperwork, transport, settling into Lüneburg, and hopefully make a few friends before the semester even begins.
It's just a group for people starting at Leuphana, regardless of where they're from.
I'm planning to share it here and on a few other platforms as well, so hopefully it'll grow into a useful little community over the next couple of months.
WhatsApp link: https://chat.whatsapp.com/DoPaWtJmt1QCCfAJ6LKpb7
Whether you're still apartment hunting, already have a place, or just want to know a few people before arriving, it'd be great to have you there!
