Porzellaneum

I lived there from October 2022 to February 2023. It’s a bit vintage, but good for the price. The function rooms are a real plus, and it’s a nice place to meet international students from many countries in rather introverted Austria. The corridors were quieter than in dormitories I’ve known elsewhere. Johannes and the staff were super friendly and helpful. The location is great, close to the park, markets, University and main square. There wasn’t much outside noise, and the rooms were well soundproofed. You could hear the magical bells of the Votivkirche every day. Inside, though, the walls felt a bit depressing. The cheap lamps over desks and beds gave unpleasant light and made irritating high-frequency sounds, sometimes audible from neighboring rooms. The beds were noisy even with small movements. There was no soap in the toilets. Cleaning ladies could be overzealous and enter without regard for privacy, so it’s worth putting away things that might be mistaken for rubbish and communicating your cleaning preferences directly. They speak only German. WiFi was poor and expensive, 20€ for less than three weeks, and sometimes didn’t work properly. Better to get an internet SIM card at the supermarket. Anyway, Austria is expensive, and that’s what you pay for. I’m glad I stayed there.

The streetcar right outside goes all the way to the main station, and the inner courtyard is pleasant if you can put up with smokers. There’s also a music room with pianos and guitars, if you’re able to use it. Heating works, and you do get a bed and furniture. Rent is manageable with a student job. But the room is tiny and shared, and the space doesn’t justify the rent. The furniture and walls are so old you have to be careful not to damage them. The fridge gives you and your roommate only about 14x28x60 cm, probably less than a suitcase. The postboxes are just a large shelf with a small space for each room, open to anyone. I stayed at the Porzellaneum for six months as a student. Cleaning staff were very unfriendly, came into my room without permission, touched my things, threw away things they thought were garbage, and even read papers on my table. When I raised concerns with management, they played them down and appealed to me not to ruin my “second home in Vienna.”

The kitchens feel a little cramped when everyone is cooking at peak times. Still, the staff and student community are really helpful, and the atmosphere feels welcoming and comfortable. It’s also very handy for public transport, shops, and restaurants. If you’re fine with sharing and want a budget-friendly place, it’s a great fit.

The shared showers are still something I’m getting used to, but it’s a personal preference and hasn’t spoiled my stay. My room is one of the best in the dorm, and I feel I’m getting what I pay for. The students and staff are really friendly, and it’s easy to get around from here, with everything I need nearby and good public transport links. I’m sensitive to noise, so the quiet hours matter a lot to me. After 22:00 it’s peaceful, and I can sleep or study without worrying about being disturbed. I’m really happy with my dorm experience so far.