# Study in Cham district, Bavaria

> Cham is a rural district (Landkreis) in Bavaria with 128,534 people (Destatis, 31 Dec 2024). There is no university in Cham district itself; the nearest is Deggendorf Institute of Technology in Deggendorf, about 49 km away. Summers average 17.7 °C and winters -0.1 °C, with about 891 mm of rain a year (DWD, 1991–2020).

Cham is a rural Bavarian district with forest trails, small towns and industrial employers—a student base where campus location matters.

## Key facts

| Fact | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 128,534 | Destatis, 31 Dec 2024 |
| Area | 1,526.83 km² | Destatis |
| Universities in the district | 0 | Where Is My Uni? catalogue |
| Nearest university | Deggendorf Institute of Technology, Deggendorf (49 km) | Where Is My Uni? catalogue |
| Mean temperature | 8.7 °C (summer 17.7 °C, winter -0.1 °C) | DWD 1991–2020 |
| Rain | 891 mm a year | DWD 1991–2020 |
| Sunshine | 1,641 hours a year | DWD 1991–2020 |

## About Cham district

Cham is a Bavarian district on the Czech border, combining small towns and countryside with cross-border business and tourism. Manufacturing is an important part of its character, particularly mechatronics, machinery, automotive components and food production. ([IHK regional profile](https://www.ihk.de/regensburg/hauptnavigation/region/cham/regionalprofil-1201362))

Local landmarks range from Cham town’s surviving Biertor gate to the Drachensee near Furth im Wald. The Upper Bavarian Forest offers walking routes around mountains such as the Osser and Hohenbogen. ([City of Cham](https://www.cham.de/die-stadt/sehenswuerdigkeiten/gebaeude-und-brunnen/biertor), [Furth im Wald](https://furth.de/drachensee/), [Regional tourism board](https://www.bayerischer-wald.org/wandern))

- **Cham**: A useful rail base with a historic centre and the Biertor, its surviving town gate. ([DIT transport guide](https://www.th-deg.de/mobilitaet), [City of Cham](https://www.cham.de/die-stadt/sehenswuerdigkeiten/gebaeude-und-brunnen/biertor))
- **Roding**: An industrial town with employers including Mühlbauer and Rodinger Kunststoff-Technik. ([IHK regional profile](https://www.ihk.de/regensburg/hauptnavigation/region/cham/regionalprofil-1201362))
- **Furth im Wald**: Known for the Drachenstich theatre festival and the nearby Drachensee reservoir. ([Regional tourism board](https://www.bayerischer-wald.org/regionen/lamer-winkel/news-events/brauchtum-feste/drachenstich), [Furth im Wald](https://furth.de/drachensee/))
- **Bad Kötzting**: A Kneipp spa town associated with the annual Pfingstritt horseback pilgrimage. ([IHK regional profile](https://www.ihk.de/regensburg/hauptnavigation/region/cham/regionalprofil-1201362), [Pfingstritt guide](https://www.bayerischer-wald.org/koetztinger-land/region/kultur-und-brauchtum/koetztinger-pfingstritt))

## Nearest universities

No independent university is listed for the district, but an important distinction is that Deggendorf Institute of Technology operates a teaching and research campus in Cham, including English-taught master’s programmes. Check your programme’s teaching location before choosing accommodation. ([DIT Campus Cham](https://www.th-deg.de/campus-cham)) For courses based in Regensburg or Deggendorf, test the complete commute against your timetable; Cham–Regensburg journeys involve the Schwandorf corridor and are substantial daily trips. ([Rail timetable](https://www.rvv.de/re-25-rb-27-fahrplantabelle-mo-so-ab-21-11-2025)) Cham is worth considering for local campus study or an employer-linked route: Mühlbauer advertises dual study, internships and working-student opportunities. ([Mühlbauer student careers](https://schueler-studierende-muehlbauer.career.softgarden.de/))

- **Deggendorf Institute of Technology** (Deggendorf) — 49 km away, 113 courses
- **Hochschule für Katholische Kirchenmusik und Musikpädagogik** (Regensburg) — 50 km away, 14 courses
- **OTH Regensburg** (Regensburg) — 51 km away, 69 courses
- **University of Regensburg** (Regensburg) — 51 km away, 200 courses
- **Ostbayerische Technische Hochschule Amberg-Weiden** (Weiden in der Oberpfalz) — 62 km away, 62 courses

## Housing

Expect to search for private rooms, shared flats and apartments. DIT states that Cham has no official student residence and directs students towards private accommodation. This does not establish that rooms are plentiful or that the market is relaxed; start searching early. ([DIT housing guide](https://www.th-deg.de/wohnen))

**How to find a place**

- Use DIT’s accommodation exchange, which includes Cham and lets prospective tenants browse without an account. ([DIT housing guide](https://www.th-deg.de/wohnen))
- Check WG-Gesucht and the Studierendenwerk’s private-room exchange; DIT specifically recommends both for Cham. ([DIT housing guide](https://www.th-deg.de/wohnen))
- DIT students needing help can contact accommodation-dit@th-deg.de. ([DIT housing guide](https://www.th-deg.de/wohnen))
- Before accepting a room outside town, check its actual bus connections and whether journeys require advance booking. ([DIT transport guide](https://www.th-deg.de/mobilitaet))

## Cost of living

A useful transport budget reference is the Deutschlandticket: €63 per month from January 2026, with the Bavarian discounted ticket listed at €43 for eligible users. Regensburg students should check their semester-ticket upgrade arrangements before buying separately. ([RVV ticket FAQ](https://www.rvv.de/faq-deutschlandticket)) A dependable Cham rent benchmark was not verified, so savings against a larger university city cannot be quantified here. Compare the full warm rent and your transport costs before deciding whether an outlying property saves money.

## Jobs & employers

The district combines manufacturing with tourism, giving students potential routes into technical work and practical training. Its industrial sectors include machinery, electronics, plastics and food production. ([IHK regional profile](https://www.ihk.de/regensburg/hauptnavigation/region/cham/regionalprofil-1201362)) Mühlbauer’s student careers portal explicitly covers internships, working-student roles, theses and dual study; these are avenues to investigate, not guarantees of an available position. ([Mühlbauer student careers](https://schueler-studierende-muehlbauer.career.softgarden.de/))

- Holiday jobs with plastics manufacturer Ensinger, whose holiday-work page provides a Cham contact. ([Ensinger](https://career.ensingerplastics.com/de-de/ferienjob))
- Working-student roles, technical internships and company-linked thesis projects at Mühlbauer. ([Mühlbauer](https://schueler-studierende-muehlbauer.career.softgarden.de/))
- IT infrastructure working-student opportunities advertised through RODING Mobility’s training page. ([RODING Mobility](https://roding-mobility.de/ausbildung/))

- **Zollner Elektronik AG** (Electronics): The company lists its main plant and a second plant in Zandt, as well as a plant in Lam. ([Zollner locations](https://www.zollner.de/unternehmen/standorte))
- **Mühlbauer Group** (Production equipment, automation and secure identity technology): A Roding employer whose businesses include automated production equipment and identity-document systems; its student portal covers practical training and employment routes. ([Mühlbauer](https://muehlbauer.de/), [Student careers](https://schueler-studierende-muehlbauer.career.softgarden.de/), [IHK](https://www.ihk.de/regensburg/hauptnavigation/region/cham/regionalprofil-1201362))
- **Ensinger** (High-performance plastics): Operates a Cham site and provides a local contact for holiday-job applicants. ([Ensinger careers](https://career.ensingerplastics.com/de-de/arbeiten-bei-ensinger), [Holiday jobs](https://career.ensingerplastics.com/de-de/ferienjob))

## Getting around

Cham is the principal interchange for regional routes towards Schwandorf and Furth im Wald, with branches towards Bad Kötzting–Lam and Waldmünchen. ([Oberpfalzbahn timetables](https://www.laenderbahn.com/oberpfalzbahn/en/reiseinformationen/fahrplan/)) Allow roughly one to two hours between Cham and Regensburg stations under the regular timetable, depending on the connection, plus travel to your university building; check construction changes before travelling. ([RVV rail timetable](https://www.rvv.de/re-25-rb-27-fahrplantabelle-mo-so-ab-21-11-2025)) Local buses and advance-booked Rufbus services supplement the railway, so check the return journey before committing to an evening activity. ([District bus information](https://www.landkreis-cham.de/breitband-kreiswerke/kreiswerke-cham/mobilitaet/busverbindungen/), [DIT transport guide](https://www.th-deg.de/mobilitaet)) The Deutschlandticket covers participating local buses and second-class regional trains within Germany, but generally excludes long-distance trains. ([RVV ticket FAQ](https://www.rvv.de/faq-deutschlandticket))

- Station: Cham (Oberpf): interchange for the Furth im Wald, Schwandorf, Lam and Waldmünchen routes. ([Oberpfalzbahn](https://www.laenderbahn.com/oberpfalzbahn/en/reiseinformationen/fahrplan/))
- Station: Furth im Wald: station on the route towards Cham, Schwandorf and Domažlice. ([Oberpfalzbahn](https://www.laenderbahn.com/oberpfalzbahn/en/reiseinformationen/fahrplan/))
- Station: Schwandorf, outside the district: an onward interchange for Regensburg and other destinations. ([RVV timetable](https://www.rvv.de/re-25-rb-27-fahrplantabelle-mo-so-ab-21-11-2025))
- Nearest airport: Munich Airport (MUC) — Listed as the closest major airport to Cham town by Rome2Rio; the best airport can vary across the district. Travel via Regensburg, where the ÜFEX regional service runs directly to Munich Airport. ([Airport comparison](https://www.rome2rio.com/de/s/Nearby-Airports/Cham-Deutschland), [Deutsche Bahn](https://regional.bahn.de/regionen/bayern/ueber-uns/wir-und-unsere-partner/flughafenverkehr-regio-bayern))

## Weather & seasons

- Winter: -0.1 °C, 72 mm rain a month, 1.8 h sun a day
- Spring: 8.7 °C, 63 mm rain a month, 5.6 h sun a day
- Summer: 17.7 °C, 96 mm rain a month, 7.2 h sun a day
- Autumn: 8.5 °C, 67 mm rain a month, 3.4 h sun a day

Expect cold winters with frequent frost, a gradual spring warm-up and generally mild summers that can still be wet. Bring waterproof layers as well as warm winter clothing. The local mountain-walking network offers options for time outdoors between classes; check conditions before heading uphill. ([Regional walking guide](https://www.bayerischer-wald.org/wandern))

## Culture & language

Local traditions include the religious horseback procession at Bad Kötzting and the dragon-slaying theatre festival in Furth im Wald. They offer accessible ways to experience local celebrations beyond the campus. ([Pfingstritt guide](https://www.bayerischer-wald.org/koetztinger-land/region/kultur-und-brauchtum/koetztinger-pfingstritt), [Drachenstich guide](https://www.bayerischer-wald.org/regionen/lamer-winkel/news-events/brauchtum-feste/drachenstich))

Cham’s municipal cultural programme includes concerts and other organised events. Use its calendar to judge whether the evening programme suits you; a large student-club scene was not verified. ([City cultural programme](https://www.cham.de/kultur-freizeit/staedtisches-kulturprogramm))

English is used in master’s teaching at DIT’s Cham campus, but that does not guarantee English service in everyday situations. ([DIT Campus Cham](https://www.th-deg.de/campus-cham)) Learning practical German before arrival is advisable; DIT’s language centre offers German-learning routes and recommends arriving with some basic knowledge. ([DIT language centre](https://www.th-deg.de/awp-und-sprachenzentrum)) As a practical goal, aim towards B1 for independent daily life, while checking each course and employer’s actual requirements. Bavarian dialect is part of local cultural life, including the dialect adaptations performed by Bad Kötzting’s Waldfestspiele. ([Waldfestspiele background](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waldfestspiele_Bad_K%C3%B6tzting))

## Local food

- **Schweinsbraten with Knödel**: Roast pork with bread or potato dumplings belongs to the wider Bavarian Forest food tradition. ([Regional food guide](https://www.nationalpark-ferienland-bayerischer-wald.de/bayerwaldspezialitaeten/))
- **Game dishes**: Venison ragout and roast deer are regional Bavarian Forest specialities found in traditional inns. ([Regional food guide](https://www.nationalpark-ferienland-bayerischer-wald.de/bayerwaldspezialitaeten/))
- **Bärwurz**: A regional spirit associated with local distilleries around the Kötztinger Land; the tourism board highlights distilling as part of local food culture. ([Landgenuss](https://www.bayerischer-wald.org/koetztinger-land/region/regionales/landgenuss))

## Events

- **Further Drachenstich** (Late July–August): Furth im Wald’s dragon-slaying theatre festival. The tourism board published a late-July to mid-August season for 2026; check the organiser for the next programme. ([Regional tourism board](https://www.bayerischer-wald.org/regionen/lamer-winkel/news-events/brauchtum-feste/drachenstich))
- **Kötztinger Pfingstritt** (Whit Monday, in May or June): An annual horseback pilgrimage from Bad Kötzting to Steinbühl, accompanied by a wider programme of celebrations. ([Regional tourism board](https://www.bayerischer-wald.org/koetztinger-land/region/kultur-und-brauchtum/koetztinger-pfingstritt))

## Places to see

- **Biertor, Cham** (Historic landmark): Cham’s surviving town gate; its name reflects the former brewery beside it. ([City of Cham](https://www.cham.de/die-stadt/sehenswuerdigkeiten/gebaeude-und-brunnen/biertor))
- **Drachensee** (Lake): A reservoir near Furth im Wald that the town promotes as a local recreation destination. ([Furth im Wald](https://furth.de/drachensee/))
- **Hohenbogen** (Nature): A mountain destination within the Upper Bavarian Forest’s walking network. ([Regional walking guide](https://www.bayerischer-wald.org/wandern))
- **Osser** (Nature): A mountain-walking destination above the Lamer Winkel, with a summit refuge described in the local tourism guide. ([Osser guide](https://www.bayerischer-wald.org/regionen/lamer-winkel/freizeit/wandern/unsere-bergwelt/osser))

## FAQ

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

Cham is worth considering if your course is taught at DIT’s local campus or you have a nearby employer placement. For a course in another town, check the full daily commute before signing a lease. ([DIT Campus Cham](https://www.th-deg.de/campus-cham), [DIT transport guide](https://www.th-deg.de/mobilitaet))

### Is there a university in Cham?

Cham has a teaching and research campus belonging to Deggendorf Institute of Technology, including English-taught master’s programmes. It is not a separate university institution. ([DIT Campus Cham](https://www.th-deg.de/campus-cham))

### How do I get from Cham to Regensburg?

Travel by rail along the Schwandorf corridor, using a through service or a connection as shown in the timetable. Allow roughly one to two hours between stations under the regular schedule, with additional time to reach your campus. ([RVV timetable](https://www.rvv.de/re-25-rb-27-fahrplantabelle-mo-so-ab-21-11-2025))

### Is Cham expensive for students?

A reliable local student-rent benchmark was not verified, so a precise monthly budget would be misleading. Compare warm rent and commuting costs; the standard Deutschlandticket costs €63 per month in 2026. ([RVV ticket FAQ](https://www.rvv.de/faq-deutschlandticket))

### Are there student dormitories in Cham?

DIT’s housing guide states that Cham has no official student residence and recommends private accommodation searches. Its accommodation exchange and the recommended room portals are useful starting points. ([DIT housing guide](https://www.th-deg.de/wohnen))

### What student jobs can I find in Cham district?

Verified routes include holiday jobs at Ensinger and working-student roles or internships at Mühlbauer. Check current vacancies and location-specific requirements directly with the employers. ([Ensinger](https://career.ensingerplastics.com/de-de/ferienjob), [Mühlbauer](https://schueler-studierende-muehlbauer.career.softgarden.de/))

## Sources

- [IHK: Cham regional economy and employers](https://www.ihk.de/regensburg/hauptnavigation/region/cham/regionalprofil-1201362)
- [DIT: Campus Cham](https://www.th-deg.de/campus-cham)
- [DIT: housing](https://www.th-deg.de/wohnen)
- [DIT: local transport](https://www.th-deg.de/mobilitaet)
- [DIT: language centre](https://www.th-deg.de/awp-und-sprachenzentrum)
- [RVV: Deutschlandticket prices and coverage](https://www.rvv.de/faq-deutschlandticket)
- [RVV: 2026 Cham–Schwandorf rail timetable](https://www.rvv.de/re-25-rb-27-fahrplantabelle-mo-so-ab-21-11-2025)
- [Oberpfalzbahn: regional timetables](https://www.laenderbahn.com/oberpfalzbahn/en/reiseinformationen/fahrplan/)
- [Cham district: bus connections](https://www.landkreis-cham.de/breitband-kreiswerke/kreiswerke-cham/mobilitaet/busverbindungen/)
- [Deutsche Bahn: Munich Airport express](https://regional.bahn.de/regionen/bayern/ueber-uns/wir-und-unsere-partner/flughafenverkehr-regio-bayern)
- [Rome2Rio: airports near Cham](https://www.rome2rio.com/de/s/Nearby-Airports/Cham-Deutschland)
- [Zollner: operating locations](https://www.zollner.de/unternehmen/standorte)
- [Mühlbauer: business areas](https://muehlbauer.de/)
- [Mühlbauer: student and training careers](https://schueler-studierende-muehlbauer.career.softgarden.de/)
- [Ensinger: company and workplaces](https://career.ensingerplastics.com/de-de/arbeiten-bei-ensinger)
- [Ensinger: holiday jobs](https://career.ensingerplastics.com/de-de/ferienjob)
- [RODING Mobility: training and student opportunities](https://roding-mobility.de/ausbildung/)
- [City of Cham: Biertor](https://www.cham.de/die-stadt/sehenswuerdigkeiten/gebaeude-und-brunnen/biertor)
- [City of Cham: cultural programme](https://www.cham.de/kultur-freizeit/staedtisches-kulturprogramm)
- [Furth im Wald: Drachensee](https://furth.de/drachensee/)
- [Regional tourism: walking](https://www.bayerischer-wald.org/wandern)
- [Regional tourism: Osser](https://www.bayerischer-wald.org/regionen/lamer-winkel/freizeit/wandern/unsere-bergwelt/osser)
- [Regional tourism: Further Drachenstich](https://www.bayerischer-wald.org/regionen/lamer-winkel/news-events/brauchtum-feste/drachenstich)
- [Regional tourism: Kötztinger Pfingstritt](https://www.bayerischer-wald.org/koetztinger-land/region/kultur-und-brauchtum/koetztinger-pfingstritt)
- [Regional tourism: Landgenuss](https://www.bayerischer-wald.org/koetztinger-land/region/regionales/landgenuss)
- [Bavarian Forest regional food guide](https://www.nationalpark-ferienland-bayerischer-wald.de/bayerwaldspezialitaeten/)
- [Wikipedia: Bad Kötzting dialect theatre](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waldfestspiele_Bad_K%C3%B6tzting)
- [Commons: Drachensee and Hohenbogen](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Drachensee,_Hoher_Bogen.jpg)
- [Commons: Cham market square](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cham-Marktplatz.jpg)
- [Commons: Furth im Wald town hall](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Furth_im_Wald_Rathaus.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/bavaria/cham-district. Last updated November 2026. [How we research](https://whereismyuni.com/study-in/how-we-research).