# Study in Offenbach am Main, Hesse

> Offenbach am Main is a district-free city in Hesse with 132,746 people (Destatis, 31 Dec 2024). It has one university: Hochschule für Gestaltung Offenbach (Offenbach). Summers average 19.4 °C and winters 2.8 °C, with about 677 mm of rain a year (DWD, 1991–2020).

Offenbach am Main is an independent city in Hesse with an art university, urban neighbourhoods and student housing options.

## Key facts

| Fact | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 132,746 | Destatis, 31 Dec 2024 |
| Area | 44.88 km² | Destatis |
| Universities in the district | 1 | Where Is My Uni? catalogue |
| Nearest university | Hochschule für Gestaltung Offenbach, Offenbach (2 km) | Where Is My Uni? catalogue |
| Typical student rent | €300 per month — Flat-rate warm rent for an HfG student WG room at Arthur-Zitscher-Straße 6, including water, electricity and internet, on HfG's undated housing page; checked November 2026. A Wohnberechtigungsschein is required. This is a specific offer, not a citywide average. | [source](https://www.hfg-offenbach.de/de/pages/wohnen) |
| Mean temperature | 10.9 °C (summer 19.4 °C, winter 2.8 °C) | DWD 1991–2020 |
| Rain | 677 mm a year | DWD 1991–2020 |
| Sunshine | 1,718 hours a year | DWD 1991–2020 |

## About Offenbach am Main

Offenbach am Main directly borders Frankfurt in the Rhine-Main region. This guide covers the independent city, which is administratively separate from the surrounding Landkreis Offenbach. ([Wikipedia](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Offenbach_am_Main))

Its neighbourhoods offer different settings: the Mathildenviertel is a culturally mixed part of the eastern centre, while the Hafen combines housing, workplaces and leisure space beside the Main. Book and lettering arts have a dedicated home at the Klingspor Museum. ([Mathildenviertel](https://www.offenbach.de/mathildenviertel), [Hafen Offenbach](https://www.offenbach.de/stadtwerke/microsite/hafen/index.php), [Klingspor Museum](https://www.offenbach.de/klingspor-museum))

- **Mathildenviertel**: An eastern inner-city neighbourhood with a history as a working-class quarter and a culturally diverse population. ([City of Offenbach](https://www.offenbach.de/mathildenviertel))
- **Nordend**: A neighbourhood undergoing redevelopment, with the former Heyne factory accommodating fashion and advertising businesses. ([City of Offenbach](https://www.offenbach.de/buerger_innen/stadtteile-quartiersmanagement/nordend/subrubrik-nordend.php))
- **Hafen**: A modern riverside quarter combining homes, workplaces and leisure facilities. ([Hafen Offenbach](https://www.offenbach.de/stadtwerke/microsite/hafen/index.php))

## Universities

Hochschule für Gestaltung Offenbach is the city's specialist art and design university. Nearby options in Frankfurt include Frankfurt School of Finance & Management and Städelschule. Offenbach can also work as a commuting base: regular S-Bahn journeys from Marktplatz to Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof take about 15 minutes, but you must add the onward journey to your campus. It is particularly worth considering if you want an urban setting with an art-school community and access to Frankfurt. ([HfG](https://hfg-jetzt.de/de/auslaendische-studienbewerber_innen/), [DB timetable](https://www.bahnhof.de/downloads/schedule/Regeltafel_7171.pdf))

- **Hochschule für Gestaltung Offenbach** (Offenbach) — 4 courses

## Housing

Start looking early: HfG maintains a waiting list for its GBO student accommodation. These properties are reserved for HfG students, so students commuting to another institution need a separate housing search. ([HfG housing](https://www.hfg-offenbach.de/de/pages/wohnen))

**How to find a place**

- HfG students: contact the university's knowledge-transfer office to join the housing waiting list. ([HfG housing](https://www.hfg-offenbach.de/de/pages/wohnen))
- Check OFlovesU Raumfinder and Wohnraum-gesucht, both linked by HfG. ([HfG housing](https://www.hfg-offenbach.de/de/pages/wohnen))
- For Arthur-Zitscher-Straße, clarify your Wohnberechtigungsschein eligibility before applying. ([HfG housing](https://www.hfg-offenbach.de/de/pages/wohnen))

**Student residences**

- [Ostpol](https://www.hfg-offenbach.de/de/pages/wohnen) (Gemeinnützige Baugesellschaft Offenbach (GBO); allocation through HfG): HfG-only apartments at Hermann-Steinhäuser-Straße 43–47. ([HfG](https://www.hfg-offenbach.de/de/pages/wohnen))
- [Arthur-Zitscher-Straße 6](https://www.hfg-offenbach.de/de/pages/wohnen) (Gemeinnützige Baugesellschaft Offenbach (GBO); allocation through HfG): HfG-only shared flats; a Wohnberechtigungsschein is required. ([HfG](https://www.hfg-offenbach.de/de/pages/wohnen))
- [HfG-Haus](https://www.hfg-offenbach.de/de/pages/wohnen) (Gemeinnützige Baugesellschaft Offenbach (GBO); allocation through HfG): Rooms with shared kitchens and bathrooms at Gustav-Adolf-Straße 2. ([HfG](https://www.hfg-offenbach.de/de/pages/wohnen))

## Cost of living

HfG's published contribution for winter semester 2026/27 is €396.48, including €226.80 for the Deutschlandsemesterticket. Check this inclusion before buying another transport subscription. ([HfG fees](https://www.hfg-offenbach.de/de/pages/studieninformationszentrum)) The standard Deutschlandticket costs €63 per month in 2026. ([RMV](https://www.rmv.de/c/de/tickets/sortiment/tickets-im-ueberblick/deutschland-ticket)) For free leisure time, the Wetterpark has no admission charge. ([Wetterpark](https://www.offenbach.de/wetterpark/)) Compare actual housing offers and your campus journey rather than assuming that living outside Frankfurt automatically produces a cheaper total budget.

## Jobs & employers

Local employment includes automotive business and research, healthcare and retail. Hyundai manages its German-market activities from Offenbach, while Sana operates the city's hospital. ([Hyundai](https://jobs.hyundai-europe.com/go/OffenbachFrankfurt-%28Hyundai-Motor-Deutschland%29-DEU/9446055/), [Sana](https://www.sana.de/offenbach/karriere/)) For students, the verified options range from supermarket work to specialist technical roles: EDEKA Stenger lists student positions in Offenbach, and Honda's recruitment portal lists working-student opportunities in data science and software. ([EDEKA Stenger](https://www.edeka-stenger.de/karriere/stellenangebote?standort=Offenbach), [Honda](https://honda-portal.rexx-systems.com/de))

- Supermarket student-assistant and retail roles. ([EDEKA Stenger](https://www.edeka-stenger.de/karriere/stellenangebote?standort=Offenbach))
- Data science and machine-learning working-student roles. ([Honda](https://honda-portal.rexx-systems.com/de))
- Software prototyping for automotive data systems. ([Honda](https://honda-portal.rexx-systems.com/de))
- Technology-analysis working-student roles focused on physical AI. ([Honda](https://honda-portal.rexx-systems.com/de))

- **Hyundai Motor Deutschland** (Automotive): Based at Kaiserleipromenade 5, where it manages Hyundai's activities in the German market. ([Hyundai careers](https://jobs.hyundai-europe.com/go/OffenbachFrankfurt-%28Hyundai-Motor-Deutschland%29-DEU/9446055/))
- **Honda R&D Europe (Deutschland)** (Automotive research and development): Its recruitment portal identifies Offenbach as the location for student research, data-science and software roles. ([Honda careers](https://honda-portal.rexx-systems.com/de))
- **Sana Klinikum Offenbach** (Healthcare): Local hospital with employment in nursing, medicine, technical services and administration, plus student internship opportunities. ([Sana careers](https://www.sana.de/offenbach/karriere/))

## Getting around

Marktplatz is a central interchange for local buses and S-Bahn lines S1, S2, S8 and S9. Regular S-Bahn journeys to Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof take about 15 minutes; allow extra time for campus connections and check current disruption notices. ([DB timetable](https://www.bahnhof.de/downloads/schedule/Regeltafel_7171.pdf)) Offenbach Hauptbahnhof also has regional trains towards Frankfurt, Hanau and other destinations. ([DB regional timetable](https://www.bahnhof.de/downloads/schedule/Regeltafel_4742.pdf)) The Deutschlandticket covers local buses, S-Bahn and regional transport; ordinary ICE and IC journeys are outside its coverage. ([RMV](https://www.rmv.de/c/de/tickets/sortiment/tickets-im-ueberblick/deutschland-ticket))

- Station: Offenbach (Main) Hauptbahnhof — regional rail connections. ([DB](https://www.bahnhof.de/downloads/schedule/Regeltafel_4742.pdf))
- Station: Offenbach (Main) Marktplatz — central S-Bahn access to Frankfurt and the airport. ([DB](https://www.bahnhof.de/downloads/schedule/Regeltafel_7171.pdf))
- Nearest airport: Frankfurt Airport (FRA) — Regular S8 and S9 services run directly from Offenbach Marktplatz to Flughafen Regionalbahnhof in about 28 minutes; allow additional time to reach your terminal. ([DB timetable](https://www.bahnhof.de/downloads/schedule/Regeltafel_7171.pdf))

## Weather & seasons

- Winter: 2.8 °C, 54 mm rain a month, 1.9 h sun a day
- Spring: 10.8 °C, 49 mm rain a month, 5.9 h sun a day
- Summer: 19.4 °C, 70 mm rain a month, 7.5 h sun a day
- Autumn: 10.6 °C, 53 mm rain a month, 3.5 h sun a day

Expect cool, often grey winters, milder spring and autumn weather, and warm summers with occasional hot days. Rain remains possible throughout the year, so a waterproof layer is useful for walking or cycling to class. Summer brings outdoor cinema at Hafen 2; the Wetterpark remains an option throughout the year. ([Hafenkino](https://www.hafen2.net/20-0-Hafenkino.html), [Wetterpark](https://www.offenbach.de/wetterpark/))

## Culture & language

Offenbach's cultural mix is visible in neighbourhoods such as the Mathildenviertel and in the associations taking part in the Mainuferfest. For evenings out, Hafen 2 combines a café, cinema, concerts and DJ events. This gives students a local cultural option without travelling to Frankfurt every time. ([Mathildenviertel](https://www.offenbach.de/mathildenviertel), [City cultural programme](https://www.offenbach.de/newsletter/kultur-in-offenbach/newsletter-kultur-in-offenbach-juni-2026.php), [Hafen 2](https://www.frankfurt-rhein-main.de/poi/hafen-2))

Do not plan an HfG degree around English alone: its international-applicant guidance requires C1-level German evidence for bachelor's enrolment. For master's admission, it also describes an alternative combining B2 German with C1 English. ([HfG admissions](https://hfg-jetzt.de/de/auslaendische-studienbewerber_innen/)) For everyday life, aim for conversational German and get help with unfamiliar rental or administrative wording. English-language activities can make settling in easier, but check the language of each course, job and event.

## Local food

- **Offenbacher Pfeffernüsse**: A traditional local sweet speciality revived by local makers; the city lists the A. Laier coffee roastery near Wilhelmsplatz among its stockists. ([City of Offenbach](https://www.offenbach.de/gaeste/geschenke_und_souvenirs/offenbacher-pfeffernuesse.php))
- **Apfelwein**: Hessian apple wine, locally also called Stöffche, is part of Offenbach's food-and-drink tradition. The city's apple-wine and orchard route links local places to stop for refreshments. ([City of Offenbach](https://www.offenbach.de/apfelweinroute?loc=de))

## Events

- **Mainuferfest** (June; the 2026 edition took place on 20–21 June.): The city's associations gather around the Büsingpalais and neighbouring streets for performances, information stands and cultural activities. Admission to the 2026 festival was free. ([City cultural programme](https://www.offenbach.de/newsletter/kultur-in-offenbach/newsletter-kultur-in-offenbach-juni-2026.php))
- **Hafenkino Open Air** (Summer; the published 2026 programme ran from June through August.): Hafen 2's outdoor cinema programme shows films in their original languages with subtitles; check each screening's subtitle language. ([Hafen 2](https://www.hafen2.net/20-0-Hafenkino.html))

## Places to see

- **Klingspor Museum** (Museum): A museum dedicated to international book and lettering arts, especially relevant to students interested in visual communication. ([Klingspor Museum](https://www.offenbach.de/klingspor-museum))
- **Wetterpark** (Science and outdoors): An outdoor weather-themed park with a visitor centre, developed with the German Weather Service and Regionalpark RheinMain. The park is open year-round with free admission. ([Wetterpark](https://www.offenbach.de/wetterpark/))
- **Hafen 2** (Culture): A riverside cultural venue combining cinema, live music, DJ events and a café. ([Regional tourism board](https://www.frankfurt-rhein-main.de/poi/hafen-2))
- **Büsingpark and Büsingpalais** (Park and architecture): The park and palace façade form the setting for Offenbach's summer Lichterfest.

## FAQ

### Is Offenbach am Main a good place to live as a student?

It is worth considering if you want an urban setting with local cultural venues and access to Frankfurt. Hafen 2 offers cinema and music, while regular S-Bahn journeys from Marktplatz to Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof take about 15 minutes. ([Hafen 2](https://www.frankfurt-rhein-main.de/poi/hafen-2), [DB](https://www.bahnhof.de/downloads/schedule/Regeltafel_7171.pdf))

### Is there a university in Offenbach am Main?

Yes. Hochschule für Gestaltung Offenbach is an art and design university, with bachelor's and master's study in those fields. ([HfG](https://hfg-jetzt.de/de/auslaendische-studienbewerber_innen/))

### How do I commute from Offenbach to Frankfurt?

From Offenbach Marktplatz, regular S-Bahn services reach Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof in about 15 minutes. That is the station-to-station journey; your university campus may require another connection. ([DB timetable](https://www.bahnhof.de/downloads/schedule/Regeltafel_7171.pdf))

### Is Offenbach expensive for students?

Budget from actual room offers rather than assuming a standard student rent. One verified fixed cost is HfG's €396.48 contribution for winter semester 2026/27, which includes the Deutschlandsemesterticket. ([HfG fees](https://www.hfg-offenbach.de/de/pages/studieninformationszentrum))

### What jobs can students find in Offenbach?

Verified examples include retail student-assistant roles at EDEKA Stenger and technical working-student roles at Honda in data science, software and technology analysis. Availability and entry requirements vary. ([EDEKA Stenger](https://www.edeka-stenger.de/karriere/stellenangebote?standort=Offenbach), [Honda](https://honda-portal.rexx-systems.com/de))

### Can I study at HfG Offenbach with English only?

English alone does not meet the published language requirements for its regular bachelor's and master's programmes. Bachelor's enrolment requires C1 German; the master's alternative combines B2 German with C1 English. ([HfG admissions](https://hfg-jetzt.de/de/auslaendische-studienbewerber_innen/))

## Sources

- [Offenbach am Main — geographical background](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Offenbach_am_Main)
- [City of Offenbach — Mathildenviertel](https://www.offenbach.de/mathildenviertel)
- [City of Offenbach — Nordend](https://www.offenbach.de/buerger_innen/stadtteile-quartiersmanagement/nordend/subrubrik-nordend.php)
- [Stadtwerke Offenbach — Hafen](https://www.offenbach.de/stadtwerke/microsite/hafen/index.php)
- [HfG — international applicants and language requirements](https://hfg-jetzt.de/de/auslaendische-studienbewerber_innen/)
- [HfG — student housing](https://www.hfg-offenbach.de/de/pages/wohnen)
- [HfG — semester contribution and ticket](https://www.hfg-offenbach.de/de/pages/studieninformationszentrum)
- [Hyundai Motor Deutschland — Offenbach location](https://jobs.hyundai-europe.com/go/OffenbachFrankfurt-%28Hyundai-Motor-Deutschland%29-DEU/9446055/)
- [Honda R&D Europe — recruitment portal](https://honda-portal.rexx-systems.com/de)
- [Sana Klinikum Offenbach — careers](https://www.sana.de/offenbach/karriere/)
- [EDEKA Stenger — Offenbach vacancies](https://www.edeka-stenger.de/karriere/stellenangebote?standort=Offenbach)
- [DB — Offenbach Marktplatz regular timetable](https://www.bahnhof.de/downloads/schedule/Regeltafel_7171.pdf)
- [DB — Offenbach Hauptbahnhof regular timetable](https://www.bahnhof.de/downloads/schedule/Regeltafel_4742.pdf)
- [RMV — Deutschlandticket](https://www.rmv.de/c/de/tickets/sortiment/tickets-im-ueberblick/deutschland-ticket)
- [City of Offenbach — June 2026 cultural programme](https://www.offenbach.de/newsletter/kultur-in-offenbach/newsletter-kultur-in-offenbach-juni-2026.php)
- [Hafen 2 — outdoor cinema programme](https://www.hafen2.net/20-0-Hafenkino.html)
- [Frankfurt RheinMain tourism — Hafen 2](https://www.frankfurt-rhein-main.de/poi/hafen-2)
- [City of Offenbach — Pfeffernüsse](https://www.offenbach.de/gaeste/geschenke_und_souvenirs/offenbacher-pfeffernuesse.php)
- [City of Offenbach — apple-wine and orchard route](https://www.offenbach.de/apfelweinroute?loc=de)
- [Klingspor Museum](https://www.offenbach.de/klingspor-museum)
- [City of Offenbach — Wetterpark](https://www.offenbach.de/wetterpark/)
- [Wikimedia Commons — Offenbach skyline](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Offenbach_am_Main,_die_Skyline.jpg)
- [Wikimedia Commons — Büsingpalais](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:B%C3%BCsing_palais_c.jpg)
- [Wikimedia Commons — Isenburger Schloss](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Isenburger_Schloss,_Offenbach_am_Main,_Germany_-_20120901.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/hesse/offenbach-am-main. Last updated November 2026. [How we research](https://whereismyuni.com/study-in/how-we-research).