# Study in Groß-Gerau district, Hesse

> Groß-Gerau is a rural district (Landkreis) in Hesse with 268,310 people (Destatis, 31 Dec 2024). It has one university: RheinMain University of Applied Sciences (Rüsselsheim). Summers average 19.2 °C and winters 2.7 °C, with about 544 mm of rain a year (DWD, 1991–2020).

Groß-Gerau is a Rhine-Main district combining university life in Rüsselsheim, industrial towns and riverside countryside.

## Key facts

| Fact | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 268,310 | Destatis, 31 Dec 2024 |
| Area | 453.03 km² | Destatis |
| Universities in the district | 1 | Where Is My Uni? catalogue |
| Nearest university | RheinMain University of Applied Sciences, Rüsselsheim (10 km) | Where Is My Uni? catalogue |
| Typical student rent | €255–321 per month — Published monthly total rent for furnished single rooms of 10 or 20 m² at An der Feuerwache 7, Rüsselsheim, including operating costs and internet. These are residence prices, not a private-market average; the operator's page is undated, checked November 2026. | [source](https://www.swffm.de/wohnen/wohnheime/ruesselsheim/an-der-feuerwache-7) |
| Mean temperature | 10.8 °C (summer 19.2 °C, winter 2.7 °C) | DWD 1991–2020 |
| Rain | 544 mm a year | DWD 1991–2020 |
| Sunshine | 1,691 hours a year | DWD 1991–2020 |

## About Groß-Gerau district

Groß-Gerau lies in southern Hesse, with the Main along its northern edge and the Rhine to the west. Much of the district belongs to the Hessisches Ried lowlands; Groß-Gerau is also the name of its administrative town. ([District background](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Landkreis_Gro%C3%9F-Gerau))

Its character combines industrial heritage, working towns and countryside. Rüsselsheim explores local industrial history in its fortress museum, while Kühkopf-Knoblochsaue offers floodplain woodland and walking and cycling routes. ([Rüsselsheim fortress](https://www.ruesselsheim.de/kultur/festung-ruesselsheim/), [District leisure guide](https://www.freizeitimkreisgg.de/seite/726346/k%C3%BChkopf-knoblochsaue.html))

- **Rüsselsheim am Main**: The district's university town, with RheinMain University's engineering campus and student accommodation. ([HSRM](https://www.hs-rm.de/en/engineering/international/incoming/faq))
- **Groß-Gerau**: The district seat, with a historic town centre and an old timber-framed town hall. ([Town background](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gro%C3%9F-Gerau))
- **Mörfelden-Walldorf**: Connected towards Frankfurt by the S7 corridor and to Frankfurt Airport by local buses. ([RMV timetables](https://www.rmv.de/c/de/fahrplan/fahrplaene/linienfahrplaene/fahrplantabellen/?rg%5B%5D=12))
- **Riedstadt**: Goddelau is home to the BüchnerHaus, the birthplace and museum of writer Georg Büchner. ([BüchnerHaus](https://www.buechnerfindetstatt.de/buechnerhaus/))
- **Gernsheim**: A Rhine-side town whose annual Rheinisches Fischerfest celebrates its fishing traditions. ([Festival organiser](https://www.rheinisches-fischerfest.de/fischerfest-geschichte/))

## Universities

RheinMain University of Applied Sciences has its local campus in Rüsselsheim; Darmstadt offers further nearby university options. Rüsselsheim is the natural starting point for a local campus-based routine, although HSRM advises allowing a walk or bus connection from the railway station. ([HSRM student FAQ](https://www.hs-rm.de/en/engineering/international/incoming/faq)) For study in Darmstadt, consider accommodation along the RB75 corridor through Groß-Gerau and Klein-Gerau, then check the onward journey to your actual campus. ([RMV RB75 timetable](https://www.rmv.de/c/fileadmin/import/timetable/RMV_Linienfahrplan_RB75_ab_10.07.26_bis_12.12.26.pdf)) This district is worth considering if you value access to several towns and outdoor space and are comfortable planning your commute.

- **RheinMain University of Applied Sciences** (Rüsselsheim) — 7 courses

## Housing

Treat housing as competitive. HSRM warns that affordable accommodation in the Rhine-Main area is challenging to find and that residence waiting lists can take several months. Start early and pursue private rooms alongside residence applications. ([HSRM housing advice](https://www.hs-rm.de/en/engineering/international/incoming/faq))

**How to find a place**

- Apply directly to Studierendenwerk Frankfurt for its Rüsselsheim residences; HSRM's housing directory links to the operators. ([HSRM housing directory](https://www.hs-rm.de/studium/im-studium/studienorganisation/wohnen))
- Use WG-Gesucht, ImmobilienScout24 and Kleinanzeigen for private rooms; all are recommended in HSRM's local housing guidance. ([HSRM student FAQ](https://www.hs-rm.de/en/engineering/international/incoming/faq))
- Check the AStA housing noticeboard in building A1 at the Rüsselsheim campus. ([HSRM housing directory](https://www.hs-rm.de/studium/im-studium/studienorganisation/wohnen))
- Expand your search to places such as Nauheim, Trebur, Raunheim and Kelsterbach, which HSRM identifies as commuting options. Compare the complete journey to campus before signing. ([HSRM student FAQ](https://www.hs-rm.de/en/engineering/international/incoming/faq))

**Student residences**

- [An der Feuerwache 7](https://www.swffm.de/wohnen/wohnheime/ruesselsheim/an-der-feuerwache-7) (Studierendenwerk Frankfurt am Main): Furnished single rooms in Rüsselsheim, with a communal kitchen and internet included in the published rent. ([Official residence page](https://www.swffm.de/wohnen/wohnheime/ruesselsheim/an-der-feuerwache-7))
- [Elisabethenstraße 2](https://www.swffm.de/wohnen/wohnheime/ruesselsheim/elisabethenstrasse-2) (Studierendenwerk Frankfurt am Main): Furnished shared-flat rooms and apartments in Rüsselsheim; listed rents include operating costs and internet. ([Official residence page](https://www.swffm.de/wohnen/wohnheime/ruesselsheim/elisabethenstrasse-2))

## Cost of living

A residence place can keep accommodation costs down: Elisabethenstraße lists furnished single apartments at €322–436 per month including operating costs and internet, checked November 2026. ([Studierendenwerk Frankfurt](https://www.swffm.de/wohnen/wohnheime/ruesselsheim/elisabethenstrasse-2)) HSRM's winter 2026/27 semester contribution is €396.91, including its student Deutschlandticket contribution. ([HSRM semester contribution](https://www.hs-rm.de/studium/im-studium/studienorganisation/semesterbeitrag)) For someone without an included student ticket, the ordinary Deutschlandticket costs €63 monthly in 2026. ([RMV](https://www.rmv.de/c/de/tickets/sortiment/tickets-im-ueberblick/deutschland-ticket)) Compare actual housing offers rather than assuming that this district will automatically be cheaper than Frankfurt.

## Jobs & employers

Automotive engineering is a useful starting point for career searches: Rüsselsheim hosts Hyundai's European technical centre, and Opel advertises student placements and working-student opportunities. ([HMETC](https://hmetc.com/), [Opel student careers](https://www.opel.de/ueber-opel/karriere/einstieg/studierende.html)) Nearby Frankfurt Airport adds another employment route, with Fraport offering internships, working-student positions and thesis projects. These are opportunities to investigate, not a guarantee of a current vacancy. ([Fraport students](https://jobs-fraport.de/content/fraport-company-jobs/de/deine-moeglichkeiten/dein-einstieg/studierende.html))

- Technical and IT working-student roles or placements through Opel's student recruitment programme. ([Opel](https://www.opel.de/ueber-opel/karriere/einstieg/studierende.html))
- Commercial student placements in areas such as marketing, HR and finance at Opel; check whether each opening is part-time or an internship. ([Opel](https://www.opel.de/ueber-opel/karriere/einstieg/studierende.html))
- Airport-related working-student roles and university internships with Fraport. ([Fraport](https://jobs-fraport.de/content/fraport-company-jobs/de/deine-moeglichkeiten/dein-einstieg/studierende.html))

- **Opel** (Automotive): Has an established training campus in Rüsselsheim offering vocational training and study pathways. ([Opel Rüsselsheim](https://www.opel.de/ueber-opel/karriere/einstieg/standorte/ruesselsheim.html))
- **Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Center** (Automotive research and development): Based in Rüsselsheim and undertaking European research and development for Hyundai, Kia and Genesis. ([HMETC](https://hmetc.com/))
- **Fraport** (Airport operations): Nearby employer at Frankfurt Airport, outside the district, with dedicated routes for university interns, working students and thesis students. ([Fraport](https://jobs-fraport.de/content/fraport-company-jobs/de/deine-moeglichkeiten/dein-einstieg/studierende.html))

## Getting around

Choose your town around the relevant rail corridor. The S8/S9 link Rüsselsheim with Frankfurt Airport and Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof; the published timetable gives roughly half an hour from Rüsselsheim to Frankfurt Hbf. ([RMV S8/S9](https://www.rmv.de/c/fileadmin/import/timetable/RMV_Linienfahrplan_S8-S9_ab_14.12.25_bis_12.12.26.pdf)) The RB75 connects Groß-Gerau station directly with Darmstadt Hbf in about 15 minutes; Groß Gerau-Dornberg is a separate station on the Frankfurt–Riedstadt corridor. ([RMV RB75](https://www.rmv.de/c/fileadmin/import/timetable/RMV_Linienfahrplan_RB75_ab_10.07.26_bis_12.12.26.pdf), [RMV district timetables](https://www.rmv.de/c/de/fahrplan/fahrplaene/linienfahrplaene/fahrplantabellen/?rg%5B%5D=12)) Local buses provide connections between towns. Check your travel date for engineering works and allow additional time from the arrival station to campus. The Deutschlandticket covers local and regional transport, rather than ordinary ICE/IC journeys. ([RMV ticket information](https://www.rmv.de/c/de/tickets/sortiment/tickets-im-ueberblick/deutschland-ticket))

- Station: Rüsselsheim — S-Bahn and regional services. ([RMV](https://www.rmv.de/c/de/fahrplan/fahrplaene/linienfahrplaene/fahrplantabellen/?rg%5B%5D=12))
- Station: Mainz-Bischofsheim — interchange on the S8/S9 and RB75 corridors, in Bischofsheim. ([RMV RB75](https://www.rmv.de/c/fileadmin/import/timetable/RMV_Linienfahrplan_RB75_ab_10.07.26_bis_12.12.26.pdf), [RMV S8/S9](https://www.rmv.de/c/fileadmin/import/timetable/RMV_Linienfahrplan_S8-S9_ab_14.12.25_bis_12.12.26.pdf))
- Station: Groß-Gerau — RB75 towards Mainz and Darmstadt. ([RMV RB75](https://www.rmv.de/c/fileadmin/import/timetable/RMV_Linienfahrplan_RB75_ab_10.07.26_bis_12.12.26.pdf))
- Station: Groß Gerau-Dornberg and Riedstadt-Goddelau — Frankfurt-bound rail corridor. ([RMV](https://www.rmv.de/c/de/fahrplan/fahrplaene/linienfahrplaene/fahrplantabellen/?rg%5B%5D=12))
- Nearest airport: Frankfurt Airport (FRA) — Direct S8/S9 services connect Rüsselsheim to the airport regional station in roughly 15 minutes. ([RMV timetable](https://www.rmv.de/c/fileadmin/import/timetable/RMV_Linienfahrplan_S8-S9_ab_14.12.25_bis_12.12.26.pdf)) The regional station is at Terminal 1; allow extra transfer time for another terminal. ([Frankfurt Airport](https://www.frankfurt-airport.com/de/anreise-parken/an-und-abreise/mit-der-bahn.html))

## Weather & seasons

- Winter: 2.7 °C, 39 mm rain a month, 1.7 h sun a day
- Spring: 10.7 °C, 41 mm rain a month, 5.8 h sun a day
- Summer: 19.2 °C, 56 mm rain a month, 7.5 h sun a day
- Autumn: 10.5 °C, 45 mm rain a month, 3.4 h sun a day

Expect cool winters with limited daylight and occasional frost, followed by warmer, brighter spring weather. Summers are warm, with some hot days: plan outdoor trips with water and shade in mind. Autumn brings cooler days and shorter evenings. A local marker of spring is the asparagus season and its associated Spargeltage programme. ([District asparagus guide](https://www.freizeitimkreisgg.de/seite/726379/spargeltage-gerauer-land.html))

## Culture & language

Local traditions include the Gerer Kerb, with its ceremonial tree-raising and dance, and Gernsheim's fishing festival. These provide opportunities to meet people beyond university. ([Gerer Kerweborsch](https://gerer-kerweborsch.de/), [Rheinisches Fischerfest](https://www.rheinisches-fischerfest.de/fischerfest-geschichte/))

For evenings out, look at specific venues and programmes: Rüsselsheim's Das Rind hosts live music and other events, while the fortress hosts concerts, exhibitions and readings. Plan around the event calendar rather than expecting a concentrated student nightlife quarter. ([Das Rind](https://dasrind.de/), [Rüsselsheim fortress](https://www.ruesselsheim.de/kultur/festung-ruesselsheim/))

English-language university guidance is available, and HSRM offers English-taught master's options; check the teaching language and admission requirements of your specific programme. ([HSRM international guidance](https://www.hs-rm.de/en/study-in-germany)) For everyday life, aim towards B1–B2 German as a practical personal goal for housing enquiries, local services and job applications, rather than treating it as a universal admission requirement. Do not assume every landlord or employer can handle arrangements in English.

## Local food

- **Gerauer Spargel**: Locally grown asparagus is celebrated through the district's Spargeltage, involving growers, restaurants and farm shops. ([District asparagus guide](https://www.freizeitimkreisgg.de/seite/726379/spargeltage-gerauer-land.html))
- **Handkäs mit Musik**: Sour-milk cheese with an onion, vinegar and oil dressing. Hessen Tourismus connects the dish's early written history specifically with Groß-Gerau. ([Hessen Tourismus](https://www.hessen-tourismus.de/essen-trinken/hessische-spezialitaeten/handkaes-mit-musik))
- **Apfelwein**: The Hessian apple wine also called Ebbelwoi is a traditional accompaniment to Handkäs. ([Hessen Tourismus](https://www.hessen-tourismus.de/essen-trinken/hessische-spezialitaeten/handkaes-mit-musik))

## Events

- **Spargeltage Gerauer Land** (Spring to early summer; the verified 2026 programme included April, May and June events.): A district-wide asparagus programme with food events, cooking activities and cycling routes linking local producers. ([Kreis Groß-Gerau](https://www.kreisgg.de/kreisverwaltung/kreis-karriere/nachrichten-archiv-einzelansicht/neue-saison-ab-24-april))
- **Rheinisches Fischerfest, Gernsheim** (Late July or early August.): The annual Rhine-side festival grew out of the town's fishing community; the organiser publishes dates for successive editions. ([Festival organiser](https://www.rheinisches-fischerfest.de/fischerfest-geschichte/))
- **Gerer Kerb** (September.): Groß-Gerau's traditional local fair includes raising the Kerwebaum and a dance at the Stadthalle; the organiser confirmed a September 2026 edition. ([Gerer Kerweborsch](https://gerer-kerweborsch.de/))

## Places to see

- **Kühkopf-Knoblochsaue** (Nature): Floodplain woodland, old Rhine channels and birdlife, with walking and cycling routes and the Schatzinsel environmental education centre. ([District leisure guide](https://www.freizeitimkreisgg.de/seite/726346/k%C3%BChkopf-knoblochsaue.html))
- **Festung Rüsselsheim** (Museum): Explore the historic fortress and its Stadt- und Industriemuseum for an introduction to the town's social and industrial history. ([City of Rüsselsheim](https://www.ruesselsheim.de/kultur/festung-ruesselsheim/))
- **BüchnerHaus, Riedstadt-Goddelau** (Literature): Georg Büchner's birthplace houses an exhibition about his life as a writer, republican and scientist. Admission for individual visitors is free. ([BüchnerHaus](https://www.buechnerfindetstatt.de/buechnerhaus/))
- **Groß-Gerau old town hall** (Old town): The historic timber-framed Rathaus is a landmark in the district town's centre. ([Town background](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gro%C3%9F-Gerau))

## FAQ

### Is Groß-Gerau a good place to live as a student?

It can suit students who want to study in Rüsselsheim or commute to Darmstadt. Choose the town around your campus: Rüsselsheim has local student accommodation, while Groß-Gerau station has a direct RB75 connection to Darmstadt. ([HSRM housing](https://www.hs-rm.de/studium/im-studium/studienorganisation/wohnen), [RMV RB75](https://www.rmv.de/c/fileadmin/import/timetable/RMV_Linienfahrplan_RB75_ab_10.07.26_bis_12.12.26.pdf))

### Is there a university in Groß-Gerau district?

Yes. RheinMain University of Applied Sciences has its engineering campus in Rüsselsheim am Main, within the district; distinguish this from the separate town of Groß-Gerau. ([HSRM](https://www.hs-rm.de/en/engineering/international/incoming/faq))

### How do I travel from Groß-Gerau to Darmstadt?

Take the RB75 from Groß-Gerau station to Darmstadt Hauptbahnhof; the published timetable gives a journey of about 15 minutes. Check onward transport to your campus, and do not confuse Groß-Gerau station with Groß Gerau-Dornberg. ([RMV RB75](https://www.rmv.de/c/fileadmin/import/timetable/RMV_Linienfahrplan_RB75_ab_10.07.26_bis_12.12.26.pdf), [RMV district timetables](https://www.rmv.de/c/de/fahrplan/fahrplaene/linienfahrplaene/fahrplantabellen/?rg%5B%5D=12))

### Is Groß-Gerau district expensive for students?

Affordable housing can be difficult to secure, according to HSRM. An der Feuerwache in Rüsselsheim lists rooms at €255–321 monthly including operating costs and internet, checked November 2026, but those residence prices are not a private-market average. ([HSRM](https://www.hs-rm.de/en/engineering/international/incoming/faq), [Studierendenwerk Frankfurt](https://www.swffm.de/wohnen/wohnheime/ruesselsheim/an-der-feuerwache-7))

### What student jobs can I look for in Groß-Gerau district?

Look for technical, IT and commercial student opportunities through Opel, and airport-related working-student positions with nearby Fraport. Both publish dedicated student entry routes; availability depends on current recruitment. ([Opel](https://www.opel.de/ueber-opel/karriere/einstieg/studierende.html), [Fraport](https://jobs-fraport.de/content/fraport-company-jobs/de/deine-moeglichkeiten/dein-einstieg/studierende.html))

### Can I live in Groß-Gerau district without a car?

A home near your relevant rail line is worth prioritising: Rüsselsheim has S8/S9 services, and Groß-Gerau has the RB75 towards Darmstadt. For addresses farther from stations, check the connecting bus and your evening return journey before committing to housing. ([RMV district timetables](https://www.rmv.de/c/de/fahrplan/fahrplaene/linienfahrplaene/fahrplantabellen/?rg%5B%5D=12))

## Sources

- [District geography and background](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Landkreis_Gro%C3%9F-Gerau)
- [Groß-Gerau town background](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gro%C3%9F-Gerau)
- [HSRM engineering: international student FAQ](https://www.hs-rm.de/en/engineering/international/incoming/faq)
- [HSRM housing directory](https://www.hs-rm.de/studium/im-studium/studienorganisation/wohnen)
- [Studierendenwerk: An der Feuerwache 7](https://www.swffm.de/wohnen/wohnheime/ruesselsheim/an-der-feuerwache-7)
- [Studierendenwerk: Elisabethenstraße 2](https://www.swffm.de/wohnen/wohnheime/ruesselsheim/elisabethenstrasse-2)
- [HSRM winter 2026/27 semester contribution](https://www.hs-rm.de/studium/im-studium/studienorganisation/semesterbeitrag)
- [HSRM international study guidance](https://www.hs-rm.de/en/study-in-germany)
- [Opel student careers](https://www.opel.de/ueber-opel/karriere/einstieg/studierende.html)
- [Opel training and study in Rüsselsheim](https://www.opel.de/ueber-opel/karriere/einstieg/standorte/ruesselsheim.html)
- [Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Center](https://hmetc.com/)
- [Fraport student careers](https://jobs-fraport.de/content/fraport-company-jobs/de/deine-moeglichkeiten/dein-einstieg/studierende.html)
- [RMV district timetables](https://www.rmv.de/c/de/fahrplan/fahrplaene/linienfahrplaene/fahrplantabellen/?rg%5B%5D=12)
- [RMV RB75 timetable, July–December 2026](https://www.rmv.de/c/fileadmin/import/timetable/RMV_Linienfahrplan_RB75_ab_10.07.26_bis_12.12.26.pdf)
- [RMV S8/S9 timetable, 2025/26](https://www.rmv.de/c/fileadmin/import/timetable/RMV_Linienfahrplan_S8-S9_ab_14.12.25_bis_12.12.26.pdf)
- [RMV Deutschlandticket](https://www.rmv.de/c/de/tickets/sortiment/tickets-im-ueberblick/deutschland-ticket)
- [Frankfurt Airport rail access](https://www.frankfurt-airport.com/de/anreise-parken/an-und-abreise/mit-der-bahn.html)
- [Kühkopf-Knoblochsaue district leisure guide](https://www.freizeitimkreisgg.de/seite/726346/k%C3%BChkopf-knoblochsaue.html)
- [City of Rüsselsheim: fortress and museum](https://www.ruesselsheim.de/kultur/festung-ruesselsheim/)
- [BüchnerHaus](https://www.buechnerfindetstatt.de/buechnerhaus/)
- [Das Rind cultural venue](https://dasrind.de/)
- [Gerer Kerweborsch festival organiser](https://gerer-kerweborsch.de/)
- [Rheinisches Fischerfest history and annual dates](https://www.rheinisches-fischerfest.de/fischerfest-geschichte/)
- [Spargeltage Gerauer Land](https://www.freizeitimkreisgg.de/seite/726379/spargeltage-gerauer-land.html)
- [District announcement: Spargeltage 2026](https://www.kreisgg.de/kreisverwaltung/kreis-karriere/nachrichten-archiv-einzelansicht/neue-saison-ab-24-april)
- [Hessen Tourismus: Handkäs mit Musik](https://www.hessen-tourismus.de/essen-trinken/hessische-spezialitaeten/handkaes-mit-musik)
- [Commons: Kühkopf landscape photograph](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kuehkopf_landscape.JPG)
- [Commons: Groß-Gerau old town hall photograph](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Gross_Gerau_Rathaus_01.jpg)
- [Commons: Rüsselsheim fortress photograph](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Festung_Ruesselsheim_02.JPG)

---

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