Everything you need to know as a student in Cologne
Vibrant, diverse and full of joy of life, Cologne is the perfect place for students. The city on the Rhine is renowned for its openness, creativity, and of course, its large student population. Home to almost 100,000 students, Cologne is one of the largest and most popular university cities in Germany thanks to its renowned university and numerous other educational institutions. This vibrant city offers the perfect blend of urban flair, cultural attractions, and the characteristic Rhineland joie de vivre – providing an ideal setting to make friends and fully enjoy your studies. There is plenty of room to breathe here, whether you're walking along the Rhine, in the city forest, or meeting friends in the many parks and cafés. Cologne is a city where you don't just study; you really live. Read on to find out what makes student life in Cologne so special.
Cologne: the student city on the Rhine
Cologne is home not only to a renowned university, but also to many colleges specialising in different subjects. These include the German Sport University Cologne, the Academy of Media Arts Cologne (KHM), the Cologne University of Music and Dance, and the Cologne Business School (CBS). The Cologne University of Applied Sciences (TH Köln) is also particularly popular, with around 20,000 students enrolled. With over 50,000 students, the University of Cologne is the largest comprehensive university in Germany, offering more than 300-degree programmes across six faculties. From teaching to law, business administration to medicine and midwifery, almost anything is possible here. The universities are easily accessible by bicycle or public transport. Cologne's well-developed transport network will take you safely and comfortably to your destination day and night. The numerous libraries, such as the university library and the many specialist libraries, also offer ideal conditions for concentrated study.
Students are allowed to party too – Cologne's nightlife is not to be missed
What would student life be without the odd party? Cologne is renowned far beyond its city limits for its vibrant nightlife, which students can also enjoy. Particularly popular areas are Friesenviertel, the Old Town, the Belgian Quarter, the Ringe and Kwartier Latäng around Zülpicher Straße. Bars, clubs and pubs line the streets here, and there is always something going on somewhere. Clubs such as ‘Studentenclub Das Ding’, ‘Odonien’ and ‘Gebäude 9’ are firm favourites with students. They attract visitors with their low prices, relaxed atmosphere and varied programme. The student council parties at the Live Music Hall are legendary too. In Cologne, you can actually go out every day – Thursday to Saturday are particularly popular.
Smart savings – student discounts in Cologne
Life doesn't have to be expensive. As a student in Cologne, you can enjoy numerous discounts and reductions, including 2-for-1 cinema tickets, student prices in museums, and discounts in cafés, restaurants, and gyms. Platforms such as iamstudent.de and studenten-rabatte.de regularly list current offers. The semester ticket is particularly practical as it allows students to travel free of charge throughout the entire VRS area. From 7 p.m. onwards, at weekends and on public holidays, you can take one other person and up to three children with you free of charge, meaning your friends and family can save money too.
Student jobs and career opportunities in Cologne
If you want to earn some extra money or gain practical experience alongside your studies, Cologne is the place for you. As a media and business hub, the city on the Rhine offers plenty of opportunities for part-time work, internships and career entry. Many students work in catering, retail or as research assistants at universities. Jobs in the media and creative industries are particularly popular, ranging from film and television to marketing and social media. Large media companies such as WDR and RTL, as well as the vibrant start-up scene in Ehrenfeld and Deutz, provide excellent networking and career prospects. Many universities also support students with career services, job application training and job fairs.
Perfect for students: our student apartments
Cologne's student life sounds fantastic – and it is! If you're considering studying here, all you need is the right accommodation. The housing market in Cologne is in high demand, but we have the perfect solution: our modern student apartments at THE FLAG in Nippes and right next to the cathedral. Here, you can live in stylish furnished or partially furnished apartments in a dream location, alongside other students and young professionals. Whether you choose the heart of the old town or the charming district of Nippes, your student flat with THE FLAG will become a place of well-being, making your studies in Cologne an unforgettable experience.