Looking for a nice place early next year

I speak a little German, but with my current level of fluency I think it's best for everyone if I post this ad in English ;)

Hi my name is Sander and I'm planning to start a PhD at Leibniz Universität Hannover early next year. Since the commute from my current apartment is about 5-6 hours each way, I think it would be a good idea to find a place closer to the university.

I am an open minded person with an international mindset, I love to travel and have friends all over the world. I have lived in the Netherlands as well as the United States and hope to live in many more countries during my lifetime.

I like to meet people and have good conversations about all sorts of topics. I am a good cook (Indonesian roots!) and enjoy a good craft beer once in a while. My hobbies include travel, hiking, movies, comedy and reading. As far as sports go I like to go on bike rides when the weather is nice, I also started bouldering a few months ago.

I am hoping to find a place with interesting/friendly roommates that know how to clean up after themselves. I would also enjoy sharing food/having drinks etc. I am not really into clubbing, but I do enjoy a nice houseparty once in a while (I have been known to host some good ones at my current apartment). It would be nice to have a secure place to store my bicycle. I can bring my furniture, or sell it and move into a furnished place.

I will probably start my PhD on April 1st, but I am planning to travel to India for 4-6 weeks before I do. I think it would be nice to move into a place before I leave (so I don't have to worry about find a place within a week before I start my PhD). This means that I am a bit flexible with move in dates (either first half of Feb or the last week of March)

If you need any character references I can give the contact info of my old roommate in the US or any number of my friends. If you have any questions, send me a message.

For those interested, here's my couchsurfing profile: https://www.couchsurfing.com/people/sandervdbroek
I would not host couchsurfers in my new place, unless everyone in the WG is ok with it.