You are at the beginning of a new phase in your life: studying, your own apartment, your own life. But which university city should you move to? We have a tip for you: Cologne! The popular German city has a number of advantages in store for you - both in terms of the range of courses on offer and the quality of life - that will certainly convince you.
Which universities are there in Cologne?
If you are planning to start studying in Cologne and don't know exactly which course you want to study, then you are definitely spoiled for choice. The fourth largest city in Germany offers a whole range of technical colleges and universities - to be precise, a total of 18 - so that there is the right one for everyone. Here is a brief overview of the eight most important facilities:
- University of Cologne
- Cologne Technical University
- German Sports University Cologne
- Rhenish University of Applied Sciences Cologne
- Cologne University of Music and Dance
- Cologne Academy of Media Arts
- Cologne Business School
- University of Media, Communication and Economics
What does the university city of Cologne have to offer its students?
Of course, when choosing a university city, not only the range of courses on offer plays a role, but also life off campus. We have summarized for you at a glance what great things Cologne has to offer.
1. Clarity
Cologne may break the mark of over a million inhabitants, but the metropolis on the Rhine is still very clear. For students in Cologne, this has the advantage that they can reach almost any destination by bike without having to use public transport (unlike Berlin, for example).
2. Going out
“Work hard, play hard” is also the motto in Cologne – after a long day at university you can happily plunge into the nightlife. The city offers a wide range of discos, clubs, bars and lounges, with the Friesenviertel currently particularly popular. The old town, the student district around Zülpicher and Luxemburger Straße, the Belgian Quarter and the Südstadt are also popular. If you want to take a more relaxed approach and prefer a good film to a long night of partying, you can go to one of the many cinemas - from Metropolis on Ebertplatz to the bombastic Cinedom on Mediapark, all genres are offered.
3. Relax
If you are looking for relaxation, we recommend the Claudius thermal baths or a chilled afternoon by the Rhine or Aachener Weiher. If you are a sports fan, you shouldn't miss a home game of 1. FC Köln. Phantasialand, Maastricht or Düsseldorf, which are only 100km away, are ideal for short trips.
4. Work
We’re not going to lie – Cologne isn’t exactly cheap, especially the rents. A lucrative part-time job can't hurt. If you don't feel like working as a waiter or pizza driver, you should take a look at the media industry: Many television shows are filmed in Cologne, for example “Forbidden Love” or “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire”. Small jobs, for example as an extra, are always available there.
Studying in Cologne – what’s special?
If you need even more arguments in favor of studying in Cologne, then we have four more in stock that will show you what makes Cologne so special.
1. The Cologne Cathedral
Of course it was predictable that the cathedral would be mentioned here, but let's be honest - the building is simply the symbol of this city and Germany's most visited attraction. Every year, more than six million people marvel at the 157.38m high Gothic cathedral, which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Anyone who can pull themselves together and climb the tower will be rewarded with a view of the cathedral bells and a breathtaking view of the whole of Cologne.
2. The Cologne Carnival
Do you want to really let loose and wear your hottest costume at the same time? Then let’s go to the Cologne Carnival! Don't miss the spectacular Rose Monday procession. From the women's carnival onwards it's just "Kölle Alaaf!" ("Long live Cologne!") here, "Kölle Alaaf!" ("Long live Cologne!") there and there are "Bützchen" (kisses) en masse.
3. The Rhine
The largest river in Germany, with a length of 1324km, winds its way through the middle of the university city of Cologne and divides it into the "real" Cologne (on the left bank of the Rhine) and "schäl Sick", the "wrong" side. A total of seven bridges lead over the Rhine, some of them are occupied down to the last free spot, especially during New Year's Eve or the Cologne Lights - the largest music-synchronized fireworks display in the Federal Republic. The beautiful meadows on the banks are ideal for picnics, camping or football games.
4. Shopping
You can shop until you drop in the popular Schildergasse, the ultimate shopping mile in Germany. It stretches from Cologne Central Station to Neumarkt and features gigantic, well-known department stores that attract over 10,000 visitors every day. In addition to traditional specialist shops, you will also find unusual shops, especially on Ehrenstrasse.
Well, convinced? Then start looking for an apartment and look forward to your studies in the carnival capital of Cologne!
Is moving to the university city of Cologne worth it? We say yes!
