Imagine moving to a new city, full of hope and excitement for your studies, only to be confronted with the harsh reality of Leipzig’s tight housing market. This is where I come in, coordinating RaumTeiler, a project that’s much more than a housing service—it’s a bridge between people and stories.
RaumTeiler, run by Studentenwerk Leipzig, connects students in need of housing with locals who have space to share. It’s simple yet powerful: a room in exchange for rent, support, or sometimes both. When I meet students searching for a place to call home, it’s more than just logistics. It’s seeing their relief when we find a match or hearing the laughter in their voice as they describe the room where they’ll finally unpack their bags.
In my role as project coordinator, I get to know both sides—students searching for a home and locals considering opening their doors.
I guide them through the process, answer their questions, and often hear their hopes and concerns. It’s a unique perspective that shows me how much potential these connections hold.
One of the most touching moments I’ve witnessed involved an elderly woman who had a spare room after her children moved out. She offered it to a student who, in turn, helped her with grocery shopping and tech support. Over a few months, they built an unexpected friendship, one spanning generations and cultural backgrounds.
For hosts, RaumTeiler brings new perspectives—students eager to share their stories, their cultures, and, in some cases, their languages. One host told me how a student from India revived her love for cooking by introducing her to new recipes. Another shared how refreshing it was to practice English again, thanks to her student tenant.
Whether it’s a few months or several semesters, these shared living arrangements create opportunities for learning, connection, and mutual support. And with the patronage of Leipzig’s mayor, our work is gaining even more momentum, but we still need more hosts to step forward.
If you have a spare room—or know someone who does—you could change a student’s life. And who knows? They might change yours, too.
To learn more, visit the RaumTeiler website.
By Celina Bohmann – Project Coordinator RaumTeiler & Contact Person for Residential Advice – Email Celina
