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Between the Neckar and Campus Life – What Studying in Heidelberg Feels Like

Reading Time: 10 Min.
written by Carmen Becker

What this article is about:

  • Why Heidelberg has so much to offer: quality of life, an international atmosphere and vibrant student life
  • Choose a degree that suits you: a wide range of courses, practical experience and personalised support
  • Getting started in Heidelberg: tips on applying, accommodation, funding and future career opportunities

Are you looking for a place to study that offers more than just lecture theatres and libraries? Then Heidelberg might be the right city for you!​​

​​Heidelberg is one of Germany’s best-known university cities and is situated in the heart of Baden-Württemberg – one of Europe’s strongest economic and scientific regions. The city on the River Neckar, with a population of around 160,000, combines a historic atmosphere with international flair and cutting-edge research. ​​​

Every year, students from all over the world come to Heidelberg to study, meet new people and gain unique experiences – perhaps you, too, will write your very own Heidelberg story here. 

Tradition meets innovation

In Heidelberg, you can experience history and the future first-hand. Germany’s oldest university combines excellent research, modern degree programmes and an international community of students and academics. Set amongst the castle, the Old Town and the River Neckar, you’ll study in a unique setting that lends your everyday student life a very special atmosphere. 

In Heidelberg, you can enjoy a great quality of life right on your doorstep

​​Do you fancy getting out into the countryside straight after a lecture, sitting by the Neckar with friends, or cycling through the city? In Heidelberg, everything is within easy reach and many destinations can be reached comfortably on foot or by bike. ​​​ 

​​The Neckar meadows, the Philosophenweg and the nearby Odenwald offer you plenty of opportunities to unwind, do some sport or simply clear your head.​​​ 

The Old Bridge in Heidelberg with the city in the background and Heidelberg Castle on the hill.

There’s no shortage of cultural activities either: cafés, festivals, concerts, exhibitions and student initiatives ensure there’s plenty of variety. Whether it’s group study sessions in a café, an evening with fellow students by the River Neckar or a spontaneous trip to a concert – you can shape your time at university entirely according to your interests. 

Heidelberg also has excellent transport links. Via the main railway station and the well-developed public transport network, you can quickly reach other towns in the Rhine-Neckar metropolitan region and beyond. 

​An international city with a promising future

​​Heidelberg not only offers you an inspiring environment in which to study, but also interesting prospects for your future. ​​​ 

​​As part of the Rhine-Neckar metropolitan region, you’ll benefit from being close to international companies, ​renowned research institutes​ and ​innovative employers​. This means you’ll find a wide range of opportunities for ​work placements, part-time jobs and your future career entry​​.​​ 

​​Are you interested in studying at SRH University in Heidelberg? ​​​

​​​Experience SRH University for yourself​​ – at an ​open day​ or during a ​personal consultation​. Discover our degree programmes in Heidelberg, get to know the campus and find out what suits you best.​​ 

Three young adults are casually chatting on a bench in front of modern buildings, while a man holds a coffee.

Studying in Heidelberg – with SRH University by your side

​​Heidelberg offers you the ideal setting for a special time at university. SRH University is headquartered in Heidelberg and has strong ties to the city. ​​​ 

​​​The campus offers you 

  • ​​short distances, ​​​ 
  • ​​modern learning and study spaces,​ 
  • ​​a great canteen​​​​​​ 
  • ​​​and plenty of accommodation options.​​​​​​ 

Much of what you need for your day-to-day student life is therefore right on site.  

​​At the same time, you’ll benefit from international perspectives and personalised support throughout your studies. ​​​ 

SRH gives you the space to discover and develop your talents, contribute your own ideas and prepare specifically for your future career. ​This allows you to experience Heidelberg’s unique way of life whilst studying at a university where you’re not just a student number, but receive personalised support. 

Your campus – Your studies

Small study groups, personalised support and a practice-oriented approach to learning: at SRH University, your individual development is our priority. Discover the benefits of the SRH Heidelberg Campus and find out more about degree programmes, campus life and your personal points of contact. 

Two women are smiling on the street as a person rides by on an electric scooter. One woman is holding a smartphone.

Conclusion: Heidelberg – A city for students​​

​​​​With its large student population and diverse university culture, Heidelberg offers plenty of opportunities to make friends at uni, socialise and pursue your interests. Whether it’s student societies, sports, cultural events or group activities – here you can discover what inspires you, meet new people and quickly settle in.​​​ 

​​​​Heidelberg is therefore more than just a place to study:​​ it is a place where you can study, live, try new things and gain valuable experiences. Perhaps, whilst you’re studying, Heidelberg will become a bit like home to you – and a city you’ll look back on fondly even after you’ve graduated.​

Author

Portrait photo of Carmen Becker

Carmen Becker

Marketing, School of Business and Law

Everything you need to know

FAQ: Studying in Heidelberg

Whether it’s applications, funding, accommodation or student life in Heidelberg – here you’ll find answers to the most important questions about getting started in Heidelberg. 

 

Applications & Studies

There is no minimum entry requirement (Numerus Clausus, NC) for degree programmes at SRH University. Rather than a fixed A-level grade, the focus is on your motivation, your interests and your personal skills. ​​​

​Depending on the degree programme, admission is based on an individual selection process, which may include, for example, a personal interview or other programme-specific criteria.

You can apply easily online via the SRH University application portal. Upload your application documents there and submit your application in just a few clicks. We will review your documents and inform you of the next steps as soon as possible. ​ ​

Depending on the degree programme, this may be followed by a personal interview or a selection process.

SRH University is a private higher education institution that ranks amongst the leading universities in Heidelberg and Germany, and also attracts international students who are keen to benefit from an education ‘made in Germany’.

SRH University is committed to a personalised and practice-oriented approach to learning. Small study groups, close interaction with lecturers and innovative teaching methods such as the CORE principle encourage independent study with a strong practical focus. ​ 

​Unlike many state universities, you benefit from personalised support and a modern learning environment that prepares you optimally for your future career. ​ ​

Another difference compared to state universities is the tuition fees. In return, SRH invests specifically in a personalised learning atmosphere, modern facilities and individual support – from academic advising right through to a successful start to your career. 

Yes, SRH University also offers degree programmes that can be combined with work or other commitments. Part-time and flexible study options allow you to organise your studies and daily life to suit your individual needs, whilst at the same time opening up new career prospects. ​ ​

Which options are right for you depends on the degree programme and study model you choose. Our Student Services team will be happy to advise you in person.

​​At SRH University, practical relevance​ is at the heart ​of the degree programmes. Through ​​​

  • ​​​application-oriented teaching content, ​​​​​​
  • ​​​integrated work placements​​ and ​​​​​​
  • ​​​close collaboration between lecturers and industry experts​​ ​​​​​​

​​you can apply your knowledge directly and gain valuable experience for your future career. ​​​

Small study groups, personalised support and skills-based practical assessments (e.g. presentations, oral examinations, group work) help you to contribute your own ideas and learn actively.  

SRH University offers a range of options to help you finance your studies. ​​​

​​In addition to BAföG and traditional funding options, there are SRH scholarships and other support programmes. These are aimed, amongst others, at particularly committed, high-achieving students or students in specific life circumstances. 

​The Deutschlandstipendium may also be a way to receive financial support. ​ 

​Furthermore, there are support programmes for international experiences, such as scholarships for semesters abroad. 

​Which option suits you best depends on your personal circumstances – SRH will be happy to advise you on the various scholarships and funding options.​ 

SRH University Heidelberg offers degree programmes in the fields of ​ 

  • ​​​Media & Information, ​​​​​​
  • ​​​Business & Law, ​​​​​​
  • ​​​Health & Social Care, ​​ ​​
  • ​​​Engineering & Architecture ​​
  • ​​​as well as Psychology​​. ​​​
    ​​​

​​From​ ​​​Business Administration and Social Work to Engineering, ​Architecture and ​Psychology, you’ll find numerous opportunities for your academic and professional future. A​​​​ ​​​​dual study programme​​ in Heidelberg​​ is also available at SRH.​​ 

Would you like to find out more? Discover the full range of degree programmes in our handy programme finder

Life & Living

Heidelberg offers a vibrant and diverse student life. Set amongst the Old Town, the Neckar meadows and numerous cafés, there are plenty of places to study, relax and meet up with friends. Whether it’s university societies, sport, cultural events or evenings out on the town – here you can shape your student life exactly as you wish.

​​​Heidelberg is a real​ ​student city​​: ​​the student population ​​totals ​​39,000 ​people​ ​​from all over the world​​, who ​​study and carry out research​ at the city’s various universities​. 

​​Heidelberg is one of Germany’s most popular university towns, and the cost of living is slightly above average. Finding accommodation, in particular, can be a challenge. ​​​

​At the same time, there are plenty of opportunities to live on a student budget – for example, through halls of residence, shared flats, university canteens or discounted offers for students. 

In Heidelberg, many students live in popular neighbourhoods such as Neuenheim, Handschuhsheim, the Old Town or Bergheim. Central locations within easy reach of the university, cafés and city life are particularly sought after. ​​​​​

​​Those who prefer a quieter or more affordable option will also find attractive accommodation with good transport links in neighbourhoods such as Kirchheim, Rohrbach or Wieblingen.​ 

Make sure you sort out your accommodation well in advance – demand is particularly high at the start of the semester. As well as using property portals, make the most of offers from student halls of residence (both on and off campus) and your personal networks. ​ ​

Especially when you’re first starting your studies, a short-term tenancy can be a practical solution to help you settle into life in Heidelberg with ease. Many students sublet their rooms for a few months whilst they’re on a semester abroad, an internship or a longer trip. You can find further tips and useful links in our guide ‘Housing made easy: tips for students’.

International outlook & the future

Yes! A semester abroad is available on many degree programmes at SRH University. Thanks to an international network of partner universities, you can gain valuable experience abroad, discover new cultures and develop your academic and personal skills. ​

​The International Office will help you with your planning and support you every step of the way as you prepare for your time abroad.

The Rhine-Neckar metropolitan region is one of Germany’s leading centres for business and science. International companies, research institutes and innovative start-ups offer a wide range of opportunities for work placements, part-time student jobs and starting a career. ​

​​If you’d like to turn your own business ideas into reality, the SRH University Founder Institute will support you with advice, workshops, networking opportunities and practical resources as you embark on the path to self-employment or setting up your own start-up.

Take a look at our degree programmes

Are you interested in SRH University?