# Study in Reutlingen district, Baden-Württemberg

> Reutlingen is a rural district (Landkreis) in Baden-Württemberg with 293,483 people (Destatis, 31 Dec 2024). It has 2 universities: Reutlingen University (Reutlingen), Theologische Hochschule Reutlingen - staatlich anerkannte Fachhochschule der Evangelisch-methodistischen Kirche (Reutlingen). Summers average 16.1 °C and winters 0.1 °C, with about 925 mm of rain a year (DWD, 1991–2020).

Reutlingen district combines university life and industry with smaller towns, castles and the landscapes of the Swabian Alb.

## Key facts

| Fact | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 293,483 | Destatis, 31 Dec 2024 |
| Area | 1,092.48 km² | Destatis |
| Universities in the district | 2 | Where Is My Uni? catalogue |
| Nearest university | Theologische Hochschule Reutlingen - staatlich anerkannte Fachhochschule der Evangelisch-methodistischen Kirche, Reutlingen (15 km) | Where Is My Uni? catalogue |
| Typical student rent | €363 per month — Published rent for a furnished single room in a six-person shared flat at Pestalozzistraße 67, listed by Studierendenwerk Tübingen-Hohenheim on its undated residence page; checked November 2026. This is a residence example, not a district-wide average. | [source](https://www.my-stuwe.de/wohnen/wohnheime/pestalozzistrasse-67/) |
| Mean temperature | 7.9 °C (summer 16.1 °C, winter 0.1 °C) | DWD 1991–2020 |
| Rain | 925 mm a year | DWD 1991–2020 |
| Sunshine | 1,771 hours a year | DWD 1991–2020 |

## About Reutlingen district

Reutlingen district extends across the Swabian Alb and its foothills in Baden-Württemberg. Reutlingen is the district’s main city and administrative centre; choosing a home here means a different daily routine from living farther into the Alb countryside. ([District background](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Landkreis_Reutlingen), [Reutlingen](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reutlingen))

The district combines industry and shopping with outdoor destinations: Bosch develops and manufactures electronics in Reutlingen, Metzingen has Outletcity, and Bad Urach offers walks to its waterfall. These are useful starting points when weighing employment, transport and weekend activities. ([Bosch](https://www.bosch.de/unternehmen/bosch-in-deutschland/reutlingen-kusterdingen/), [Outletcity](https://www.outletcity.com/de/metzingen/karriere/), [Bad Urach Tourism](https://www.badurach-tourismus.de/attraktion/uracher-wasserfall-bd0513a23d))

- **Reutlingen**: The district’s administrative centre and largest city, with a historic centre and both listed higher-education institutions. ([City background](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reutlingen))
- **Metzingen**: Home to HUGO BOSS’s group headquarters and Outletcity’s retail employment opportunities. ([HUGO BOSS](https://careers.hugoboss.com/global/en/locationpage), [Outletcity](https://www.outletcity.com/de/metzingen/karriere/))
- **Bad Urach**: A town with a historic centre, thermal baths and walking routes to the Uracher Wasserfall. ([Bad Urach Tourism](https://www.badurach-tourismus.de/))
- **Münsingen**: Its Auingen district houses the Swabian Alb Biosphere Centre, an introduction to the surrounding protected landscape. ([Biosphere Centre](https://www.biosphaerengebiet-alb.de/erleben-geniessen/biosphaerenzentrum))

## Universities

Reutlingen University and Theologische Hochschule Reutlingen are both in Reutlingen; nearby study options include Tübingen and Nürtingen. For Reutlingen University students, accommodation beside the campus is a practical starting point, while commuters should compare the complete journey to their teaching building: a short train ride does not include the bus or walk at either end. The district is worth considering if you want campus life alongside access to the Alb countryside. ([Campus accommodation](https://www.my-stuwe.de/wohnen/wohnheime-reutlingen/), [Regional rail timetable](https://www.bahnhof.de/downloads/schedule/Regeltafel_5242.pdf))

- **Reutlingen University** (Reutlingen) — 55 courses
- **Theologische Hochschule Reutlingen - staatlich anerkannte Fachhochschule der Evangelisch-methodistischen Kirche** (Reutlingen) — 4 courses

## Housing

Apply early, but check current availability rather than assuming every residence is full. Reutlingen University describes residence places as highly sought after; when checked in November 2026, the Studierendenwerk still advertised shared-flat rooms for winter semester 2026/27, although no single apartments remained. This does not establish how competitive the wider private rental market is. ([University housing advice](https://www.reutlingen-university.de/en/studies/student-life/student-accommodation), [Studierendenwerk availability](https://www.my-stuwe.de/wohnen/wohnheime-reutlingen/))

**How to find a place**

- Apply through the Studierendenwerk’s online housing application and check its Reutlingen availability notice. ([Studierendenwerk](https://www.my-stuwe.de/wohnen/wohnheime-reutlingen/))
- Use Reutlingen University’s private-room and apartment portal; its StudienServiceCenter supplies landlords’ contact details for advertised properties. ([University accommodation portal](https://www.reutlingen-university.de/en/studies/student-life/student-accommodation))
- Compare the university’s residence directory, which also lists GWG Reutlingen housing such as Adolf-Reichwein-Haus and Alice-Salomon-Haus. Applications go through the respective operators. ([University residence directory](https://www.reutlingen-university.de/en/studies/student-life/student-accommodation))
- Before accepting Pestalozzistraße 41, ask about building work: the operator advertises plumbing and bathroom renovation expected to continue until the end of 2026, with possible noise and dust. ([Residence notice](https://www.my-stuwe.de/wohnen/wohnheime/pestalozzistrasse-41/))

**Student residences**

- [Pestalozzistraße 41](https://www.my-stuwe.de/wohnen/wohnheime/pestalozzistrasse-41/) (Studierendenwerk Tübingen-Hohenheim): Beside Reutlingen University’s campus, with shared-flat rooms and apartments; check the renovation notice before accepting an offer. ([Official residence page](https://www.my-stuwe.de/wohnen/wohnheime/pestalozzistrasse-41/))
- [Pestalozzistraße 63 und 65](https://www.my-stuwe.de/wohnen/wohnheime/pestalozzistrasse-63-65/) (Studierendenwerk Tübingen-Hohenheim): Furnished shared-flat rooms and single apartments beside the university campus. ([Official residence page](https://www.my-stuwe.de/wohnen/wohnheime/pestalozzistrasse-63-65/))
- [Pestalozzistraße 67](https://www.my-stuwe.de/wohnen/wohnheime/pestalozzistrasse-67/) (Studierendenwerk Tübingen-Hohenheim): Furnished apartments and rooms in shared flats, with a bicycle garage and laundry facilities. ([Official residence page](https://www.my-stuwe.de/wohnen/wohnheime/pestalozzistrasse-67/))

## Cost of living

Useful budget anchors are the €363 monthly shared-flat room and €600 deposit published for Pestalozzistraße 67, checked in November 2026. ([Studierendenwerk](https://www.my-stuwe.de/wohnen/wohnheime/pestalozzistrasse-67/)) The regular Deutschlandticket costs €63 per month under naldo’s tariff effective January 2026. ([naldo](https://www.naldo.de/tickets/deutschlandticket/)) Allow separately for food, health insurance, study charges and personal expenses. The university presents residence accommodation as a lower-cost alternative to private flats, but the checked sources do not support a precise overall saving compared with Stuttgart. ([University housing advice](https://www.reutlingen-university.de/en/studies/student-life/student-accommodation))

## Jobs & employers

Electronics, automotive supply, fashion and retail provide distinct directions for a job search. Bosch has semiconductor and electronics operations in Reutlingen, ElringKlinger has its headquarters and plants in Dettingen an der Erms, and HUGO BOSS is headquartered in Metzingen. ([Bosch](https://www.bosch.de/unternehmen/bosch-in-deutschland/reutlingen-kusterdingen/), [ElringKlinger locations](https://elringklinger.de/deutschland/dettingen/erms), [HUGO BOSS](https://careers.hugoboss.com/global/en/locationpage)) ElringKlinger explicitly offers working-student roles and internships; filter vacancies by location and check language requirements individually. ([Student careers](https://elringklinger.de/karriere/arbeitswelten/young-talents/studierende))

- Technical working-student roles and project support: ElringKlinger offers student placements across its business areas, including engineering. ([ElringKlinger student careers](https://elringklinger.de/karriere/arbeitswelten/young-talents/studierende))
- HR and other office-based student work: ElringKlinger describes an HR internship followed by working-student employment. ([ElringKlinger student careers](https://elringklinger.de/karriere/arbeitswelten/young-talents/studierende))
- Retail sales and store support in Metzingen; use Outletcity’s dedicated store recruitment portal to check available contracts and hours. ([Outletcity store careers](https://www.outletcity.com/de/metzingen/karriere-stores/))

- **Bosch** (Semiconductors and automotive electronics): The Reutlingen site develops and manufactures semiconductors, sensors and electronic control units. The linked location page also covers nearby Kusterdingen, whose operations should be distinguished from those in Reutlingen. ([Bosch locations](https://www.bosch.de/unternehmen/bosch-in-deutschland/reutlingen-kusterdingen/))
- **ElringKlinger** (Automotive supply): Its headquarters and two listed plants are in Dettingen an der Erms. ([Official location page](https://elringklinger.de/deutschland/dettingen/erms))
- **HUGO BOSS** (Fashion): Metzingen is the group headquarters and the headquarters responsible for its European region. ([Official locations page](https://careers.hugoboss.com/global/en/locationpage))
- **Outletcity AG** (Retail destination operations): Operates Outletcity Metzingen; its careers page separates jobs with the operator from jobs with individual retail brands. ([Official careers page](https://www.outletcity.com/de/metzingen/karriere/))

## Getting around

Local buses belong to the naldo network; Reutlingen’s city-bus service also covers neighbouring places including Pfullingen and Eningen. ([City transport guide](https://www.reutlingen.de/19779)) The published rail timetable includes Reutlingen–Tübingen journeys of approximately 10–20 minutes, Reutlingen–Nürtingen journeys around 16 minutes, and Reutlingen–Stuttgart journeys around 45–55 minutes, depending on the service. These are station-to-station examples; check your actual date for engineering work and connections. ([DB timetable](https://www.bahnhof.de/downloads/schedule/Regeltafel_5242.pdf)) Bad Urach and Metzingen are also on the Erms–Ammertal regional rail corridor. ([DB route guide](https://regional.bahn.de/regionen/baden-wuerttemberg/ueb/partner/erms-ammertalbahn)) The Deutschlandticket covers ordinary local buses and regional trains, including these services; it generally excludes ICE, IC and EC trains. ([naldo ticket conditions](https://www.naldo.de/tickets/deutschlandticket/))

- Station: Reutlingen Hbf — regional services towards Tübingen, Nürtingen and Stuttgart. ([DB timetable](https://www.bahnhof.de/downloads/schedule/Regeltafel_5242.pdf))
- Station: Metzingen (Württ) — regional station on the corridor connecting Reutlingen, Tübingen and Bad Urach. ([DB route guide](https://regional.bahn.de/regionen/baden-wuerttemberg/ueb/partner/erms-ammertalbahn))
- Station: Bad Urach — regional rail terminus on the Erms–Ammertal route. ([DB route guide](https://regional.bahn.de/regionen/baden-wuerttemberg/ueb/partner/erms-ammertalbahn))
- Nearest airport: Stuttgart Airport — The eXpresso X3 provides a direct bus connection from Pfullingen via Reutlingen to the airport and trade fair. Airport journeys on this service are integrated into the naldo tariff. ([naldo airport connections](https://www.naldo.de/tickets/uebergangswaben/flughafen-messe-stuttgart/))

## Weather & seasons

- Winter: 0.1 °C, 64 mm rain a month, 2.5 h sun a day
- Spring: 7.4 °C, 76 mm rain a month, 5.6 h sun a day
- Summer: 16.1 °C, 100 mm rain a month, 7.2 h sun a day
- Autumn: 8 °C, 68 mm rain a month, 4 h sun a day

Expect cold winters with frequent frost, a gradual spring warm-up and generally mild summers. Rain remains relevant in summer, so carry a waterproof layer for walks and bike journeys. The supplied climate record comes from an elevated station near Eningen; use it as a guide to the Alb setting rather than an exact description of every lower-lying town. For student life, plan warm clothes for winter travel and flexible outdoor plans throughout the year.

## Culture & language

Reutlingen’s former imperial-city identity remains visible in the annual Schwörtag, when the mayor publicly renews an oath to serve the city fairly and impartially. It is a living civic tradition rather than simply a historical display. ([City of Reutlingen](https://www.reutlingen.de/schwoertag))

For evenings out, franz.K provides a concrete starting point for live music, parties and stage events. Check its programme when choosing where to live, and check the journey home: Reutlingen’s night buses operate on weekend nights and before public holidays. ([franz.K](https://www.franzk.net/ueber-das-franz-k/kulturzentrum), [City night-bus information](https://www.reutlingen.de/19779))

Use English with international university services, but plan to build German for housing enquiries, everyday administration and a wider job search. As a practical target, B1–B2 German can make independent daily life easier; this is advice, not a universal admission or employment requirement. Reutlingen University offers German courses for international students, including beginners. ([University language courses](https://www.reutlingen-university.de/en/international/languages-and-intercultural-offers/german-language-courses-during-the-semester)) The local dialect is Swabian; standard German is the sensible starting point for learners. ([Local background](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reutlingen))

## Local food

- **Maultaschen**: Swabian filled pasta pockets, traditionally containing a mixture such as meat, spinach, bread and onions; fillings vary. ([Background and preparation](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maultasche))
- **Linsen mit Spätzle**: A traditional Swabian combination of lentils and egg noodles, often served with Saitenwürstle sausages. ([Dish background](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linsen_mit_Sp%C3%A4tzle))

## Events

- **Reutlinger Schwörtag** (July; the next announced edition is 16–18 July 2027.): An annual civic celebration combining local history, entertainment and the mayor’s public oath. ([Official event page](https://www.reutlingen.de/schwoertag))
- **Reutlinger Weindorf** (Late August to September; the 2026 edition ran from 26 August to 12 September.): A recurring wine festival around the Marienkirche, with regional food and live music. ([Reutlingen tourism](https://visitreutlingen.de/beitrag/innenstadt/reutlinger-weindorf/))

## Places to see

- **Schloss Lichtenstein** (Castle): A Romantic-era castle inspired by Wilhelm Hauff’s novel Lichtenstein, with walking routes into the surrounding Alb landscape. ([Municipality of Lichtenstein](https://www.gemeinde-lichtenstein.de/gaeste/kultur-erleben/schloss-lichtenstein))
- **Uracher Wasserfall** (Nature): A waterfall reached through the Maisental near Bad Urach. Its limestone deposits and mosses are protected: stay on the paths and avoid stepping onto the fragile waterfall formations. ([Bad Urach Tourism](https://www.badurach-tourismus.de/attraktion/uracher-wasserfall-bd0513a23d))
- **Biosphärenzentrum Schwäbische Alb** (Nature centre): The visitor centre in Münsingen-Auingen introduces the biosphere area and the relationship between its landscape and human activity. ([Official visitor information](https://www.biosphaerengebiet-alb.de/erleben-geniessen/biosphaerenzentrum))
- **Bad Urach historic centre** (Old town): An option for a town visit alongside the area’s walking routes and thermal baths. The local tourist office provides information on the old town and guided walks. ([Bad Urach Tourism](https://www.badurach-tourismus.de/))

## FAQ

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

It is worth considering if you want university life with access to the Swabian Alb. Reutlingen University students can apply for accommodation beside campus, while Bad Urach provides nearby walking destinations. ([Student housing](https://www.my-stuwe.de/wohnen/wohnheime-reutlingen/), [Bad Urach walks](https://www.badurach-tourismus.de/attraktion/uracher-wasserfall-bd0513a23d))

### Is there a university in Reutlingen district?

Yes. Reutlingen University and Theologische Hochschule Reutlingen are both in Reutlingen. Nearby university towns also include Tübingen and Nürtingen.

### Can I commute from Reutlingen to Tübingen?

Yes. The published rail timetable includes direct journeys from Reutlingen Hbf to Tübingen Hbf taking approximately 10–20 minutes; add the journey between each station and your home or teaching building. ([DB timetable](https://www.bahnhof.de/downloads/schedule/Regeltafel_5242.pdf))

### How much does student housing in Reutlingen cost?

One published example is €363 per month for a furnished room in a six-person shared flat at Pestalozzistraße 67, checked in November 2026. The listed deposit is €600; these figures describe that residence, not the private rental market. ([Studierendenwerk prices](https://www.my-stuwe.de/wohnen/wohnheime/pestalozzistrasse-67/))

### What jobs can students look for in Reutlingen district?

Useful search areas include technical and office-based working-student roles at ElringKlinger and retail work in Metzingen’s Outletcity stores. Check the employer’s current openings for the precise location, hours and German-language requirements. ([ElringKlinger student careers](https://elringklinger.de/karriere/arbeitswelten/young-talents/studierende), [Outletcity store careers](https://www.outletcity.com/de/metzingen/karriere-stores/))

### Can I live in Reutlingen without a car?

A home with a suitable campus bus or railway connection makes this a realistic option. Reutlingen has local buses and regional trains; before signing a lease elsewhere in the district, check evening and weekend journeys for that exact address. ([City bus information](https://www.reutlingen.de/19779), [DB timetable](https://www.bahnhof.de/downloads/schedule/Regeltafel_5242.pdf))

## Sources

- [Reutlingen district geography](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Landkreis_Reutlingen)
- [Reutlingen city background](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reutlingen)
- [Reutlingen University accommodation advice](https://www.reutlingen-university.de/en/studies/student-life/student-accommodation)
- [Studierendenwerk Reutlingen residences and availability](https://www.my-stuwe.de/wohnen/wohnheime-reutlingen/)
- [Pestalozzistraße 41 residence](https://www.my-stuwe.de/wohnen/wohnheime/pestalozzistrasse-41/)
- [Pestalozzistraße 63 and 65 residence](https://www.my-stuwe.de/wohnen/wohnheime/pestalozzistrasse-63-65/)
- [Pestalozzistraße 67 residence and prices](https://www.my-stuwe.de/wohnen/wohnheime/pestalozzistrasse-67/)
- [naldo Deutschlandticket price and validity](https://www.naldo.de/tickets/deutschlandticket/)
- [Reutlingen local buses and night buses](https://www.reutlingen.de/19779)
- [naldo Stuttgart Airport connections](https://www.naldo.de/tickets/uebergangswaben/flughafen-messe-stuttgart/)
- [DB Reutlingen Hbf departure timetable](https://www.bahnhof.de/downloads/schedule/Regeltafel_5242.pdf)
- [DB Erms–Ammertal railway](https://regional.bahn.de/regionen/baden-wuerttemberg/ueb/partner/erms-ammertalbahn)
- [Bosch Reutlingen and Kusterdingen operations](https://www.bosch.de/unternehmen/bosch-in-deutschland/reutlingen-kusterdingen/)
- [ElringKlinger Dettingen locations](https://elringklinger.de/deutschland/dettingen/erms)
- [ElringKlinger student careers](https://elringklinger.de/karriere/arbeitswelten/young-talents/studierende)
- [HUGO BOSS headquarters and locations](https://careers.hugoboss.com/global/en/locationpage)
- [Outletcity Metzingen careers](https://www.outletcity.com/de/metzingen/karriere/)
- [Outletcity store recruitment](https://www.outletcity.com/de/metzingen/karriere-stores/)
- [Bad Urach tourist information](https://www.badurach-tourismus.de/)
- [Uracher Wasserfall visitor information](https://www.badurach-tourismus.de/attraktion/uracher-wasserfall-bd0513a23d)
- [Schloss Lichtenstein municipal visitor information](https://www.gemeinde-lichtenstein.de/gaeste/kultur-erleben/schloss-lichtenstein)
- [Swabian Alb Biosphere Centre](https://www.biosphaerengebiet-alb.de/erleben-geniessen/biosphaerenzentrum)
- [Reutlinger Schwörtag](https://www.reutlingen.de/schwoertag)
- [Reutlinger Weindorf](https://visitreutlingen.de/beitrag/innenstadt/reutlinger-weindorf/)
- [franz.K cultural centre](https://www.franzk.net/ueber-das-franz-k/kulturzentrum)
- [Maultaschen background](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maultasche)
- [Linsen mit Spätzle background](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linsen_mit_Sp%C3%A4tzle)
- [Reutlingen University German courses](https://www.reutlingen-university.de/en/international/languages-and-intercultural-offers/german-language-courses-during-the-semester)
- [Commons: Schloss Lichtenstein photograph](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Schloss_Lichtenstein_04-2010.jpg)
- [Commons: Reutlingen market square photograph](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Marktplatz_Reutlingen_03.jpg)
- [Commons: Uracher Wasserfall photograph](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Landappbw_76961_1824_Uracher_Wasserfall_Bad_Urach.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/reutlingen-district. Last updated November 2026. [How we research](https://whereismyuni.com/study-in/how-we-research).