If you like living with people or just want to save some money, looking for a shared flat, a so-called Wohngemeinschaft (WG) might be something for you.
Living in a shared flat in Austria is common, especially in larger cities such as Vienna, Graz, Salzburg, Innsbruck, and Linz.
In those cities, you will find a wide range of different flat shares, and the best way to find the most suitable option for you is by searching online.
How do you find a room in a shared flat?
If you are looking to live with others in a shared flat, the best and most popular website to use is WG-Gesucht, a site created specifically for this purpose and the main platform for people seeking flat shares in Austria.
On WG-Gesucht, you can create a profile, write a description about yourself, and upload a photo if you like. You can also use the search function to filter by your preferences to find suitable flat shares.
Once you find a flat that interests you, you can contact the people living there by sending them a message in which you introduce yourself and explain why you would be a good fit for living with them.
Other websites similar to WG-Gesucht worth checking out are ImmobilienScout24, Studium.at, HousingAnywhere, and WG Zimmer Wien on Facebook.
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Different types of flatshares
When searching for a flat on one of the platforms mentioned above, you will usually find a description of the flat and room, along with an explanation about how the people living in the flat like to spend time together.
There are different types of flatshares—Berufstätigen-WG, Keine Zweck-WG, Gemischte WG, LGBTQIA+ WG, Zweck-WG—each with its own vibe and purpose.
A Berufstätigen-WG is set up for working professionals, so the vibe is usually a bit calmer. Everyone respects each other’s work schedules and commitments.
Then you also have the Keine Zweck-WG, where the focus is on socialising and building friendships rather than just sharing a space. These flatshares tend to have a friendly and inclusive vibe, and the flatmates often arrange dinners, movie nights, and other hangouts.
For those who appreciate diversity, a Gemischte WG brings together people of different genders. Meanwhile, an LGBTQIA+ WG welcomes explicitly members of the LGBTQIA+ community and wants to create a safe, inclusive space where people can connect.
Lastly, a Zweck-WG is primarily focused on practicalities, where the main goal is to share costs and responsibilities rather than forming close friendships.
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How do I get accepted?
After contacting your desired flat, you will usually be invited to an interview, a so-called WG-casting, if they find you interesting.
It is important to remember that most shared flats invite several people to these castings, so getting an interview does not always mean you will be able to move in.
Most interviews take place in the flat itself, where you get a chance to check out your potential new home and meet your possible flatmates. It is a good idea to prepare for questions about who you are, what you enjoy doing, and what you expect from co-living with others.
Most flats looking for a new roommate decide after the first round of interviews, but in some cases, you might need to go through a second round, especially if it is a Keine Zweck-WG where people are more careful about finding someone who fits well within the group.
If you are more interested in a Zweck-WG, the process might be faster, as people often do not care as much since everyone mainly keeps to themselves in the flat.
Important things to keep in mind
When moving into a shared flat, it is important to consider some things.
First, getting a contract and changing your address are important. Usually, the contract is signed by the main renter in the flat (die Hauptmieter).
It is also important to discuss how to deal with common expenses, such as rent, utilities, and other shared costs (like internet, cleaning supplies, or kitchen items). Some flats set up a shared expenses app, like Splitwise, to track costs and make sharing bills easier.
Talking about handling visitors is also a good idea, especially if you plan to host friends or family. In many shared flats, it is expected to check with flatmates beforehand if you want someone to stay overnight or for longer periods.
Another topic worth agreeing on is cleaning—who should clean what and when. Many shared flats use a cleaning schedule to make sure everyone knows what to expect.
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