The Student Housing Challenge in Vienna
Finding accommodation as a student in Vienna can be surprisingly difficult. University dormitories fill up months in advance, shared flats (WGs) often require long-term commitments and hefty deposits, and the private rental market demands proof of income that exchange students and visiting researchers rarely have. Whether you are arriving for a semester abroad, attending a summer programme, sitting entrance exams, or simply need a place to stay while you search for permanent housing, Old Vienna Apartments offers a practical, affordable solution with no bureaucratic hurdles.
Our apartments at Herminengasse 12 in the 2nd district are available for short stays, weekly bookings, and monthly rentals. You get a fully furnished, self-contained apartment with a kitchen, free WiFi, and everything you need to focus on your studies from day one – no furniture shopping, no utility contracts, no registration headaches.
How Close Are We to Vienna's Universities?
Our location next to Schottenring Metro station, where the U2 and U4 lines intersect, makes us one of the best-connected addresses for students in Vienna:
- University of Vienna (Universität Wien): Just one metro stop on the U2 to Schottentor, then a 2-minute walk to the main building on the Ringstraße. The entire journey takes about 5 minutes door to door. This is as close as student housing gets to Austria's largest and oldest university.
- Vienna University of Economics and Business (WU Wien): About 10 minutes by metro. Take the U2 from Schottenring directly to Messe-Prater station, and the modern WU campus is right there. The campus is also reachable by a pleasant 20-minute bike ride along the Danube Canal.
- Vienna University of Technology (TU Wien): Approximately 15 minutes. Take the U4 from Schottenring to Karlsplatz, and the main TU campus is a short walk from the station. Karlsplatz is also a major tram hub if you need to reach other TU locations.
- University of Applied Arts (Die Angewandte): Also at Schottentor/Stubentor, reachable within 10 minutes by metro or tram from our location.
- Medical University of Vienna (MedUni Wien): The AKH university hospital campus is accessible in about 15 minutes via U2 to Schottentor and then tram line 43 or 44.
Apartment Options for Students
We offer four apartment types, and students tend to gravitate toward the more affordable options:
- Duett Apartment (2 guests, 16-25m², €45/night): The most popular choice for solo students. Compact but well-designed with everything you need: a comfortable bed, desk-friendly space, fully equipped kitchen, and private bathroom. For two students sharing, the cost drops to just €22.50 per person per night.
- Comfort Apartment (3 guests, 30m², €60/night): More space for students who need room to spread out their study materials. At €20 per person when shared among three, this is an excellent option for small student groups or visiting academics who want a proper work area.
- Quartett Apartment (4 guests, 40m², €70/night): Ideal for a group of students attending the same programme. At €17.50 per person, it offers the best balance of space and affordability.
- Superior Apartment (6 guests, 60m², €90/night): For student groups or families helping a student settle in. At €15 per person for six, it is the most economical option per head.
For stays of a month or longer, we offer discounted monthly rates. Contact us directly at oldviennarooms.reservations@gmail.com or call +43 676 7448234 to discuss extended stay pricing tailored to your semester dates.
Why a Serviced Apartment Beats a Dorm Room
Vienna's student dormitories serve their purpose, but a serviced apartment offers several advantages that matter to students:
- Privacy: No shared bathrooms, no communal kitchens with 30 other people. Your apartment is your own space with a private kitchen and bathroom.
- Flexibility: Dorms lock you into semester-long contracts. Our apartments are available by the night, week, or month, so you only pay for the time you need.
- No deposit drama: Austrian dorm deposits can take months to refund. With us, booking is straightforward with no hidden fees.
- Better location: Many student dorms are in outer districts. Herminengasse 12 is in the 2nd district, a 1-minute walk from a major metro interchange, surrounded by cafes, restaurants, and supermarkets.
- Kitchen quality: Our kitchens are fully equipped with a proper stove, oven, refrigerator, cookware, and utensils – not the stripped-down communal kitchen setup common in dorms.
Student Life in the Leopoldstadt District
The 2nd district, Leopoldstadt, has become one of Vienna's most vibrant and student-friendly neighbourhoods. Here is what you will find around the apartment:
- Karmelitermarkt: A 10-minute walk away, this daily market is a favourite for students who enjoy fresh, affordable produce, street food, and weekend brunch spots.
- Danube Canal (Donaukanal): Just minutes on foot, the canal promenade is lined with bars, cafes, and street art. In warm months it becomes Vienna's outdoor social hub. In winter, the indoor venues along the canal keep the energy going.
- Prater: The vast green park is perfect for jogging, cycling, or just taking a study break. The Prater Hauptallee is a favourite running route for students.
- Affordable dining: Leopoldstadt is packed with budget-friendly restaurants serving everything from Vietnamese pho to Turkish kebabs to classic Austrian Beisl cuisine. You will never go hungry on a student budget here.
- Libraries and study spots: The Austrian National Library and the University of Vienna library are both within easy reach by metro, and several cafes in the district welcome students who want to work over a long coffee.
Practical Tips for Students Arriving in Vienna
If you are new to Vienna, here are some essentials that will make your student life easier:
- Semester ticket (Semesterticket): If you are enrolled at a Vienna university, you can purchase a semester public transport pass for around €75 – unlimited travel on all metro, tram, and bus lines for an entire semester.
- Anmeldung (registration): If you are staying longer than three days, Austrian law requires you to register your address. We can provide the necessary confirmation for your registration at the local Meldeservice.
- Supermarkets: Billa and Hofer are the nearest supermarkets to our apartments, both within walking distance. Hofer (Austria's Aldi) is particularly budget-friendly for students.
- Bike sharing: WienMobil Rad (formerly Citybike) offers affordable bike-sharing across Vienna. Several stations are near our building, making cycling to university a quick and healthy option.
Rated 8.4/10 by 1,496 Guests
Old Vienna Apartments maintains a strong 8.4 out of 10 rating on Booking.com from nearly 1,500 reviews. Students and academics frequently mention the convenient location, reliable WiFi for studying and video calls, and the value of having a real kitchen. Our historic 1872 building offers the kind of authentic Viennese atmosphere that makes living in Vienna feel like more than just attending classes.
Student Accommodation Highlights
- Duett apartment from €45/night – ideal for solo students
- 1 metro stop to University of Vienna (Schottentor)
- 10 minutes to WU Wien, 15 minutes to TU Wien
- Fully equipped private kitchen to save on meal costs
- Free high-speed WiFi for studying and video calls
- Monthly rental rates available for semester stays
- Self check-in – arrive on your own schedule
- Address registration support for Anmeldung