Introduction
Relocating to a new city is both exciting and challenging. For many professionals, students, or families moving to Germany, Erlangen is often the destination. Known as the headquarters of Siemens Healthineers, home to the renowned Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU), and host to one of Germany’s top university hospitals, Erlangen attracts thousands of newcomers every year.
But starting a new life in a foreign country is never simple. Finding permanent housing can take weeks or months, especially in Germany’s competitive rental market. That is why temporary furnished apartments are the best solution for relocation. In this article, we explain why Erlangen is such a popular relocation city, the challenges newcomers face, and how BOOK-IT apartments provide an ideal transition.
1. Why People Relocate to Erlangen
International business hub
Erlangen may be a mid-sized city, but it plays a global role thanks to Siemens Healthineers, Siemens Energy, and numerous tech start-ups. Many international employees relocate here for projects, research, or management positions.
Academic excellence
FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg is one of Germany’s largest universities, with more than 40,000 students and extensive exchange programs. Visiting professors, PhD candidates, and Erasmus students often need housing for one or two semesters.
Medical and healthcare center
Erlangen is also famous for its University Hospital, which attracts doctors, researchers, and patients from around the world. Many families relocate here temporarily for treatment or training programs.
Quality of life
With its combination of safety, green parks, cultural events, and quick access to Nuremberg, Erlangen offers newcomers a balanced lifestyle that blends small-town comfort with metropolitan opportunities.
2. Challenges of Relocation
Moving to Erlangen is rewarding, but newcomers face obstacles:
- Housing shortage: like many German cities, Erlangen has limited long-term rental options, and demand is high.
- Language barriers: rental contracts and negotiations are often only in German.
- Registration (Anmeldung): newcomers must provide an address to register at the city hall – a requirement for visas, banking, and insurance.
- Furniture and equipment: most German flats are rented unfurnished, often without kitchen appliances.
- Flexibility: permanent housing may not be ready when newcomers arrive, creating a need for a temporary home.
3. Why Temporary Apartments Are the Best Solution
Immediate availability
Unlike traditional rentals, furnished apartments are move-in ready from day one. No need to buy furniture, set up utilities, or wait for internet installation.
Cost efficiency
Hotels are too expensive for weeks or months. BOOK-IT apartments provide a middle ground: affordable, long-term rates with all utilities included.
Convenience
With Wi-Fi, kitchens, laundry facilities, and weekly cleaning, apartments allow newcomers to focus on work or studies rather than household logistics.
Flexibility
Whether you stay two weeks or three months, temporary housing adapts to your relocation timeline until permanent housing is secured.
4. BOOK-IT Apartments: Tailored for Newcomers
BOOK-IT has decades of experience welcoming international guests to Erlangen. Their apartments are designed with relocation needs in mind:
- Fully furnished: modern interiors, equipped kitchens, smart TVs.
- Central locations: near FAU, Siemens, and the University Hospital.
- Eco-conscious living: solar-powered energy and BOOK-IT Bikes for sustainable mobility.
- Family options: larger apartments for couples or parents with children.
- Smooth process: online booking, digital check-in, and multilingual support.
These features make it easy for newcomers to settle in quickly while searching for a permanent home.
5. The Relocation Journey: Step by Step
Week 1: Arrival and settling in
Newcomers move into a BOOK-IT apartment directly after landing. They have everything they need: bed linen, towels, Wi-Fi, and kitchen essentials.
Week 2 – 3: Registration and orientation
With a valid address, they can complete Anmeldung at the city hall, open a German bank account, and register for health insurance. During evenings, they explore Erlangen’s parks and restaurants.
Month 1: Networking and exploration
New arrivals begin work at Siemens or courses at FAU. Apartments provide quiet spaces for studying and reliable internet for hybrid work.
Months 2 – 3: Transition to permanent housing
With the pressure off, newcomers search calmly for long-term rentals. When the contract is signed, they move out of their temporary apartment without stress.
6. Case Examples
- International researcher: A PhD student from India spends 6 months at FAU. BOOK-IT provides a furnished studio near the campus, saving him the trouble of furnishing a flat for a short stay.
- Family relocation: A Siemens engineer from the US arrives with his spouse and two children. They stay in a 2-bedroom apartment with a kitchen and laundry until their house purchase is finalized.
- Medical visitor: A patient from the Middle East undergoes treatment at the University Hospital. Her family stays in a nearby apartment with kitchen facilities to support dietary needs.
7. Advantages of Living in Erlangen as a Newcomer
- Transport: excellent train links to Nuremberg, Munich, and Frankfurt.
- Safety: among the lowest crime rates in Bavaria.
- Green spaces: Schlossgarten, Botanical Garden, and riverside paths.
- Culture: festivals such as Bergkirchweih and international university events.
- Community: vibrant expat networks, student organizations, and family clubs.
8. Tips for a Smooth Relocation
- Book housing early: demand peaks in September (university semester) and May (Bergkirchweih festival).
- Learn basic German: even a few phrases help with bureaucracy and shopping.
- Prepare documents: bring employment contracts, university letters, and insurance papers.
- Use bikes: BOOK-IT’s e-bikes make mobility easy and sustainable.
- Balance work and leisure: take time to explore Franconian culture – it helps reduce relocation stress.
Conclusion
Relocating to Erlangen is a major step, whether for career, study, or healthcare. The city offers an outstanding quality of life, but the first weeks can be overwhelming. That is why temporary furnished apartments are such a valuable solution.
They bridge the gap between arrival and permanent housing, giving newcomers the stability and comfort they need. BOOK-IT combines decades of local experience with modern, eco-friendly living options, ensuring that your relocation to Erlangen starts smoothly.
For anyone preparing to make Erlangen their new home, choosing the right temporary accommodation is the first step toward a successful transition.