# Study in Esslingen district, Baden-Württemberg

> Esslingen is a rural district (Landkreis) in Baden-Württemberg with 536,601 people (Destatis, 31 Dec 2024). It has 2 universities: Nürtingen-Geislingen University (Nürtingen), Esslingen University of Applied Sciences (Esslingen am Neckar). Summers average 18.9 °C and winters 2 °C, with about 852 mm of rain a year (DWD, 1991–2020).

Esslingen is a district near Stuttgart with university towns, engineering employers, historic centres and access to the Swabian Alb.

## Key facts

| Fact | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 536,601 | Destatis, 31 Dec 2024 |
| Area | 641.28 km² | Destatis |
| Universities in the district | 2 | Where Is My Uni? catalogue |
| Nearest university | Nürtingen-Geislingen University, Nürtingen (3 km) | Where Is My Uni? catalogue |
| Typical student rent | €340–375/month — Published rent range for accommodation at Geschwister-Scholl-Straße 15 in Esslingen, as listed by Studierendenwerk Stuttgart on its undated residence page, checked November 2026. Internet is excluded. This is a residence price, not a private-market average. | [source](https://www.studierendenwerk-stuttgart.de/wohnen/wohnanlagen/geschwister-scholl-strasse) |
| Mean temperature | 10.3 °C (summer 18.9 °C, winter 2 °C) | DWD 1991–2020 |
| Rain | 852 mm a year | DWD 1991–2020 |
| Sunshine | 1,765 hours a year | DWD 1991–2020 |

## About Esslingen district

Esslingen district combines the Neckar valley, the Filder plateau and part of the Swabian Alb southeast of Stuttgart. It includes several distinct towns rather than one continuous university city ([district background](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Landkreis_Esslingen)).

Historic streets and modern industry sit close together here: Esslingen am Neckar has half-timbered houses and river channels, while local companies offer routes into automation and manufacturing. Farther south, Hohenneuffen overlooks the edge of the Swabian Alb ([Esslingen tourism](https://www.esslingen-info.com/entdecken/sehenswuerdigkeiten), [Festo](https://www.festo.com/de/de/e/karriere/studierende-und-berufseinstieg-id_514773), [Hohenneuffen](https://www.festungsruine-hohenneuffen.de/)).

- **Esslingen am Neckar**: A university town with a historic centre of half-timbered buildings, churches and Neckar channels ([Esslingen tourism](https://www.esslingen-info.com/entdecken/sehenswuerdigkeiten)).
- **Nürtingen**: A main HfWU study location, with university buildings spread across several campuses; check your teaching location before choosing accommodation ([HfWU campuses](https://www.hfwu.de/hochschule/campus/)).
- **Kirchheim unter Teck**: An eastern district town with a direct X10 express-bus connection to Stuttgart Airport ([VVS](https://www.vvs.de/flughafen)).
- **Leinfelden-Echterdingen**: A Filder-area town whose annual Krautfest celebrates the region’s pointed cabbage and local club traditions ([town marketing](https://www.le-erleben.de/erleben/feste-highlights/krautfest)).
- **Plochingen**: A useful railway interchange: HfWU’s directions route journeys between Nürtingen and Geislingen through its station ([HfWU travel directions](https://www.hfwu.de/hfwu-scout/anfahrts-lageplaene/)).

## Universities

The district’s university bases are Esslingen University of Applied Sciences in Esslingen am Neckar and Nürtingen-Geislingen University in Nürtingen. Choose accommodation around your actual campus: HfWU has multiple Nürtingen locations, and its Geislingen location requires a separate journey ([HfWU campuses](https://www.hfwu.de/hochschule/campus/), [travel directions](https://www.hfwu.de/hfwu-scout/anfahrts-lageplaene/)). Rail links make commuting between Nürtingen, Esslingen and Stuttgart practical, but allow additional time between the station and your classroom ([DB timetable](https://www.bahnhof.de/downloads/schedule/Regeltafel_4612.pdf)). This is a good fit if you want a smaller-town study base with access to regional employers and Stuttgart.

- **Nürtingen-Geislingen University** (Nürtingen) — 60 courses
- **Esslingen University of Applied Sciences** (Esslingen am Neckar) — 3 courses

## Housing

Start looking early, especially in Esslingen: the university describes private accommodation there and in the surrounding region as expensive and scarce around semester starts ([Esslingen University](https://www.hs-esslingen.de/en/international/coming-to-esslingen-uas/study-exchange-semester/)). Nürtingen should be checked separately rather than assumed to have identical conditions; its Studierendenwerk recommends early online applications for residence places ([Studierendenwerk Tübingen-Hohenheim](https://www.my-stuwe.de/wohnen/)).

**How to find a place**

- For Esslingen, apply through Studierendenwerk Stuttgart; the university lists the local residences and their application links ([university housing guide](https://www.hs-esslingen.de/hochschule/service/wohnheime/)).
- For Nürtingen, use Studierendenwerk Tübingen-Hohenheim’s online application and compare Schelmenwasen with Sudetenstraße against your campus location ([Nürtingen residences](https://www.my-stuwe.de/wohnen/wohnheime-nuertingen/)).
- Search Studierendenwerk Stuttgart’s private-room service alongside residence applications ([Privatzimmervermittlung](https://www.studierendenwerk-stuttgart.de/wohnen/privatzimmervermittlung)).
- If arriving on exchange at Esslingen University, read the accommodation information for your particular exchange programme before applying ([exchange accommodation](https://www.hs-esslingen.de/en/international/coming-to-esslingen-uas/study-exchange-semester/)).

**Student residences**

- [Geschwister-Scholl-Straße](https://www.studierendenwerk-stuttgart.de/wohnen/wohnanlagen/geschwister-scholl-strasse) (Studierendenwerk Stuttgart): Furnished accommodation in Esslingen near the Flandernstraße campus, with shared facilities ([residence details](https://www.studierendenwerk-stuttgart.de/wohnen/wohnanlagen/geschwister-scholl-strasse)).
- [Rossneckar I](https://www.studierendenwerk-stuttgart.de/wohnen/wohnanlagen/rossneckar-i/) (Studierendenwerk Stuttgart): Furnished rooms in shared flats on Mettinger Straße in Esslingen ([residence details](https://www.studierendenwerk-stuttgart.de/wohnen/wohnanlagen/rossneckar-i/)).
- [Schelmenwasen 10](https://www.my-stuwe.de/wohnen/wohnheime/schelmenwasen-10/) (Studierendenwerk Tübingen-Hohenheim): Nürtingen residence near HfWU’s natural-science facilities, with furnished rooms and a nearby bus stop ([residence details](https://www.my-stuwe.de/wohnen/wohnheime/schelmenwasen-10/)).
- [Sudetenstraße 125–129](https://www.my-stuwe.de/wohnen/wohnheime/sudetenstrasse-125-129/) (Studierendenwerk Tübingen-Hohenheim): Another Nürtingen residence near HfWU’s natural-science facilities; check the onward journey if studying in the town centre ([residence details](https://www.my-stuwe.de/wohnen/wohnheime/sudetenstrasse-125-129/)).

## Cost of living

Useful budgeting anchors are the listed €340–375 monthly residence rent at Geschwister-Scholl-Straße, excluding internet, and the regular Deutschlandticket at €63 per month through December 2026. VVS lists an increase to €66.80 from January 2027 ([residence operator](https://www.studierendenwerk-stuttgart.de/wohnen/wohnanlagen/geschwister-scholl-strasse), [VVS fares](https://www.vvs.de/tickets-und-abos/deutschland-ticket)). These figures exclude food, insurance, study fees and other personal expenses. Do not assume that living outside Stuttgart guarantees cheap private housing: Esslingen University explicitly warns about regional cost and scarcity ([university housing advice](https://www.hs-esslingen.de/en/international/coming-to-esslingen-uas/study-exchange-semester/)).

## Jobs & employers

Automation and manufacturing provide concrete routes into student employment: Festo and INDEX both advertise working-student opportunities, internships and thesis projects. These are useful employers to monitor if you want work connected to your degree ([Festo](https://www.festo.com/de/de/e/karriere/studierende-und-berufseinstieg-id_514773), [INDEX](https://www.index-group.com/en/company/jobs-careers/students)). Healthcare provides another employment sector through the Filderklinik ([hospital careers](https://karriere.filderklinik.de/)).

- Working-student roles in automation-related departments at Festo ([student careers](https://www.festo.com/de/de/e/karriere/studierende-und-berufseinstieg-id_514773)).
- Working-student projects and technical or business internships at INDEX ([student careers](https://www.index-group.com/en/company/jobs-careers/students)).
- Semester-break production, assembly and logistics work at Festo’s Esslingen and Ostfildern-Scharnhausen sites; its page listed no available holiday jobs when checked in November 2026 ([holiday-work information](https://www.festo.com/de/de/e/karriere/studierende-und-berufseinstieg-id_514773)).

- **Festo** (Industrial automation): Operates in Esslingen and Ostfildern-Scharnhausen and maintains student routes covering working-student employment, internships and thesis projects ([Festo](https://www.festo.com/de/de/e/karriere/studierende-und-berufseinstieg-id_514773)).
- **INDEX-Werke** (Machine tools and machining): Based on Plochinger Straße in Esslingen; its student careers page welcomes technical and business students and describes flexible working-student arrangements ([INDEX](https://www.index-group.com/en/company/jobs-careers/students)).
- **Die Filderklinik** (Healthcare): Hospital in Filderstadt-Bonlanden with careers in nursing, medicine, administration and support services; eligibility depends on the role ([location](https://www.filderklinik.de/impressum/), [careers](https://karriere.filderklinik.de/)).

## Getting around

Regional trains and the S1 connect Esslingen with Stuttgart; the city gives an approximate journey time of 15 minutes from Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof ([city travel information](https://www.esslingen.de/besondersseit777/kontakt/anreise)). From Nürtingen, the published DB timetable shows direct MEX journeys of roughly 20–22 minutes to Esslingen and 30–35 minutes to Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof on representative daytime services ([DB timetable](https://www.bahnhof.de/downloads/schedule/Regeltafel_4612.pdf)). These are station-to-station times: check the current journey planner and your final campus connection. The Deutschlandticket covers local buses, S-Bahn and regional trains in second class; ordinary long-distance services require a separate ticket ([VVS](https://www.vvs.de/tickets-und-abos/deutschland-ticket)).

- Station: Esslingen (Neckar) — regional trains and S1 ([city travel information](https://www.esslingen.de/besondersseit777/kontakt/anreise)).
- Station: Nürtingen — regional connections towards Stuttgart and Tübingen ([city transport guide](https://www.nuertingen.de/kultur-freizeit/kontakt-gaesteservice/anreise-mobilitaet)).
- Station: Plochingen — interchange for journeys between Nürtingen and Geislingen ([HfWU directions](https://www.hfwu.de/hfwu-scout/anfahrts-lageplaene/)).
- Station: Wendlingen (Neckar) — a regional stop on the Nürtingen–Plochingen–Stuttgart corridor ([DB timetable](https://www.bahnhof.de/downloads/schedule/Regeltafel_4612.pdf)).
- Nearest airport: Stuttgart Airport (STR) — Esslingen’s city guide lists bus 122 from the airport at approximately 30 minutes; Kirchheim has the direct X10 airport bus. Check live connections before travelling ([Esslingen directions](https://www.esslingen.de/besondersseit777/kontakt/anreise), [VVS airport connections](https://www.vvs.de/flughafen)).

## Weather & seasons

- Winter: 2 °C, 53 mm rain a month, 2.2 h sun a day
- Spring: 10.2 °C, 67 mm rain a month, 5.7 h sun a day
- Summer: 18.9 °C, 99 mm rain a month, 7.5 h sun a day
- Autumn: 10.1 °C, 65 mm rain a month, 3.8 h sun a day

Expect cool winters with frosty mornings, changeable spring weather and warm summers that still bring substantial rain. Pack waterproof layers as well as summer clothes, and plan outdoor trips around the forecast. Autumn brings the Krautfest, while the medieval and Christmas markets provide a reason to explore Esslingen during the darker part of the year ([Krautfest](https://www.le-erleben.de/erleben/feste-highlights/krautfest), [Christmas market](https://www.esslingen-info.com/veranstaltungen/mittelaltermarkt-weihnachtsmarkt)).

## Culture & language

Local identity includes wine-growing traditions around Esslingen and food-centred community festivals on the Filder plateau. Leinfelden-Echterdingen’s Krautfest depends heavily on local clubs and volunteers, making it a useful introduction to community life beyond campus ([Esslingen traditions](https://www.esslingen-info.com/entdecken/sehenswuerdigkeiten), [Krautfest](https://www.le-erleben.de/erleben/feste-highlights/krautfest)).

For evenings out, Esslingen has the Jazzkeller, Kulturzentrum Dieselstrasse and Jugendhaus KOMMA, alongside theatres and museums. Think of a calendar of concerts and cultural venues rather than assuming a large student nightlife district ([Esslingen cultural guide](https://www.esslingen-info.com/entdecken/kultur)).

English can support your academic start where your chosen courses are taught in it; Esslingen’s exchange guidance distinguishes English- and German-language study requirements ([university guidance](https://www.hs-esslingen.de/en/international/coming-to-esslingen-uas/study-exchange-semester/)). For everyday life, aim for B1–B2 German as a practical learning goal rather than a universal admission requirement. You may hear Swabian dialect: Esslingen, Kirchheim and Nürtingen belong to its central dialect area ([dialect background](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schw%C3%A4bische_Dialekte)).

## Local food

- **Filderkraut**: The Filder region’s traditional pointed cabbage, eaten fresh, as sauerkraut or in cooked cabbage dishes ([local food tradition](https://www.le-erleben.de/erleben/feste-highlights/krautfest)).
- **Maultaschen**: Filled pasta associated with Swabian cooking; traditional versions include meat and herbs, so check the filling if vegetarian ([regional tourism guide](https://www.stuttgart-tourist.de/geniessen-in-stuttgart/schwaebische-restaurants-stuttgart)).
- **Schupfnudeln mit Kraut**: A cabbage-and-noodle dish featured among the food offerings at Leinfelden-Echterdingen’s Krautfest ([city festival guide](https://www.leinfelden-echterdingen.de/,Lde/Startseite/Stadt/Filderkrautfest.html)).

## Events

- **Esslingen Medieval Market and Christmas Market** (November–December; 24 November–22 December in 2026): The old town hosts a Christmas market alongside medieval-themed crafts, performances and food stalls ([official event page](https://www.esslingen-info.com/veranstaltungen/mittelaltermarkt-weihnachtsmarkt)).
- **Filderkrautfest** (October; 16–18 October in 2026): Leinfelden-Echterdingen’s annual celebration of pointed cabbage combines regional food, live music and activities organised with local clubs ([official event page](https://www.le-erleben.de/erleben/feste-highlights/krautfest)).

## Places to see

- **Esslingen old town** (Old town): Explore the half-timbered streets, historic churches and Neckar channels on foot ([Esslingen tourism](https://www.esslingen-info.com/entdecken/sehenswuerdigkeiten)).
- **Esslinger Burg** (Historic landmark): The landmark above the old town offers views over Esslingen and its historic buildings ([Esslingen tourism](https://www.esslingen-info.com/entdecken/sehenswuerdigkeiten)).
- **Hohenneuffen** (Castle ruins): Fortress ruins above Neuffen on the edge of the Swabian Alb, with wide views over the surrounding landscape ([State Palaces and Gardens](https://www.festungsruine-hohenneuffen.de/)).
- **Freilichtmuseum Beuren** (Museum): The district’s open-air museum of rural culture presents historic village life. Check its seasonal opening calendar before visiting ([museum](https://www.freilichtmuseum-beuren.de/)).

## FAQ

### Is Esslingen district a good place to live as a student?

It is a practical choice if your course is based in Esslingen or Nürtingen and you want access to Stuttgart by train. Choose the town and neighbourhood around your actual campus, since HfWU’s teaching locations are spread out ([HfWU campuses](https://www.hfwu.de/hochschule/campus/), [DB connections](https://www.bahnhof.de/downloads/schedule/Regeltafel_4612.pdf)).

### Is there a university in Esslingen district?

Yes. Esslingen University of Applied Sciences is based in Esslingen am Neckar, and Nürtingen-Geislingen University has campuses in Nürtingen. Check your programme’s assigned location before arranging housing ([Esslingen University](https://www.hs-esslingen.de/hochschule/service/wohnheime/), [HfWU campuses](https://www.hfwu.de/hochschule/campus/)).

### How long is the train journey from Nürtingen to Esslingen or Stuttgart?

Representative daytime MEX services take approximately 20–22 minutes from Nürtingen to Esslingen and 30–35 minutes to Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof. These are station-to-station times from the published timetable; check your travel date for changes ([DB timetable](https://www.bahnhof.de/downloads/schedule/Regeltafel_4612.pdf)).

### Is Esslingen expensive for students?

Private housing can be expensive and difficult to find, especially at semester starts, according to Esslingen University. As a specific residence example, Geschwister-Scholl-Straße lists €340–375 per month excluding internet, checked November 2026 ([university advice](https://www.hs-esslingen.de/en/international/coming-to-esslingen-uas/study-exchange-semester/), [residence rent](https://www.studierendenwerk-stuttgart.de/wohnen/wohnanlagen/geschwister-scholl-strasse)).

### What jobs can students find in Esslingen district?

Festo and INDEX provide working-student roles, internships and thesis opportunities connected with industrial businesses. Availability depends on the current vacancies and your qualifications ([Festo student careers](https://www.festo.com/de/de/e/karriere/studierende-und-berufseinstieg-id_514773), [INDEX student careers](https://www.index-group.com/en/company/jobs-careers/students)).

### Can I use the Deutschlandticket to commute here?

Yes: it covers local buses, S-Bahn and regional trains in second class. The regular subscription costs €63 per month through December 2026 and €66.80 from January 2027; ordinary long-distance trains are excluded ([VVS](https://www.vvs.de/tickets-und-abos/deutschland-ticket)).

## Sources

- [Esslingen district: geographical background](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Landkreis_Esslingen)
- [Esslingen tourism: sights and wine traditions](https://www.esslingen-info.com/entdecken/sehenswuerdigkeiten)
- [HfWU campus locations](https://www.hfwu.de/hochschule/campus/)
- [HfWU travel directions](https://www.hfwu.de/hfwu-scout/anfahrts-lageplaene/)
- [Esslingen University: exchange and accommodation guidance](https://www.hs-esslingen.de/en/international/coming-to-esslingen-uas/study-exchange-semester/)
- [Esslingen University: residence directory](https://www.hs-esslingen.de/hochschule/service/wohnheime/)
- [Studierendenwerk Tübingen-Hohenheim: housing applications](https://www.my-stuwe.de/wohnen/)
- [Nürtingen residence overview](https://www.my-stuwe.de/wohnen/wohnheime-nuertingen/)
- [Geschwister-Scholl-Straße residence and rent](https://www.studierendenwerk-stuttgart.de/wohnen/wohnanlagen/geschwister-scholl-strasse)
- [Rossneckar I residence](https://www.studierendenwerk-stuttgart.de/wohnen/wohnanlagen/rossneckar-i/)
- [Schelmenwasen 10 residence](https://www.my-stuwe.de/wohnen/wohnheime/schelmenwasen-10/)
- [Sudetenstraße residence](https://www.my-stuwe.de/wohnen/wohnheime/sudetenstrasse-125-129/)
- [Studierendenwerk Stuttgart: private-room service](https://www.studierendenwerk-stuttgart.de/wohnen/privatzimmervermittlung)
- [Festo: student employment](https://www.festo.com/de/de/e/karriere/studierende-und-berufseinstieg-id_514773)
- [INDEX: student careers and Esslingen address](https://www.index-group.com/en/company/jobs-careers/students)
- [Filderklinik careers](https://karriere.filderklinik.de/)
- [Filderklinik: location and legal information](https://www.filderklinik.de/impressum/)
- [Esslingen city: arrival information](https://www.esslingen.de/besondersseit777/kontakt/anreise)
- [Nürtingen city: transport](https://www.nuertingen.de/kultur-freizeit/kontakt-gaesteservice/anreise-mobilitaet)
- [DB: Nürtingen departure timetable](https://www.bahnhof.de/downloads/schedule/Regeltafel_4612.pdf)
- [VVS: Deutschlandticket fares and validity](https://www.vvs.de/tickets-und-abos/deutschland-ticket)
- [VVS: airport connections](https://www.vvs.de/flughafen)
- [Esslingen cultural venues](https://www.esslingen-info.com/entdecken/kultur)
- [Leinfelden-Echterdingen: Krautfest and Filderkraut](https://www.le-erleben.de/erleben/feste-highlights/krautfest)
- [City of Leinfelden-Echterdingen: Krautfest food and programme](https://www.leinfelden-echterdingen.de/,Lde/Startseite/Stadt/Filderkrautfest.html)
- [Stuttgart regional tourism: Swabian cuisine](https://www.stuttgart-tourist.de/geniessen-in-stuttgart/schwaebische-restaurants-stuttgart)
- [Esslingen Medieval and Christmas Market](https://www.esslingen-info.com/veranstaltungen/mittelaltermarkt-weihnachtsmarkt)
- [State Palaces and Gardens: Hohenneuffen](https://www.festungsruine-hohenneuffen.de/)
- [Freilichtmuseum Beuren](https://www.freilichtmuseum-beuren.de/)
- [Swabian dialect areas](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schw%C3%A4bische_Dialekte)
- [Commons: Esslingen panorama](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Panorama_von_Esslingen.jpg)
- [Commons: Nürtingen waterfront](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:N%C3%BCrtingen_Neckarfront_2012.jpg)
- [Commons: Hohenneuffen aerial photograph](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hohenneuffen_W.jpg)

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Published by [Where Is My Uni?](https://whereismyuni.com) — every German university on one map. Canonical page: https://whereismyuni.com/study-in/baden-wurttemberg/esslingen-district. Last updated November 2026. [How we research](https://whereismyuni.com/study-in/how-we-research).