I can't agree with your experience regarding German universities. Usually dorms are offered by the university but students usually just rent a room in the city.

I've had to submit weekly sheets that were graded in almost all courses and these qualify for the final exam (in STEM). There were two exercise groups with competent ta to ask questions..

What's missing is some kind of Disneyland experience, student unions also exist to some degree but it's more low key.

Not saying that German university is better or worse - I'm convinced it has it's own problems that only will get worse if nothing is changing but it's not like it's subpar and you are alone with your book.