# Study in Oldenburg (Oldenburg), Lower Saxony

> Oldenburg (Oldenburg) is a district-free city in Lower Saxony with 176,614 people (Destatis, 31 Dec 2024). It has 2 universities: University of Oldenburg (Oldenburg), IBS IT & Business School Oldenburg (Oldenburg (Oldb)). Summers average 17.3 °C and winters 2.9 °C, with about 793 mm of rain a year (DWD, 1991–2020).

Oldenburg (Oldenburg) is an independent university city in Lower Saxony, with campus neighbourhoods, a historic centre and student housing.

## Key facts

| Fact | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 176,614 | Destatis, 31 Dec 2024 |
| Area | 103.09 km² | Destatis |
| Universities in the district | 2 | Where Is My Uni? catalogue |
| Nearest university | IBS IT & Business School Oldenburg, Oldenburg (Oldb) (1 km) | Where Is My Uni? catalogue |
| Typical student rent | €250–300 per month — Published rent range for furnished accommodation at the Artillerieweg student residence, as listed on the operator’s undated page, checked November 2026. This is a residence-specific range, not a citywide private-room average. | [source](https://www.studierendenwerk-oldenburg.de/wohnen/wohnanlage?cHash=8a384d6daefdad78090b7a4b6354a0ff&tx_swolflatfinder_flatfinderlist%5Baction%5D=show&tx_swolflatfinder_flatfinderlist%5Bcontroller%5D=Flat&tx_swolflatfinder_flatfinderlist%5Bflat%5D=7) |
| Mean temperature | 9.9 °C (summer 17.3 °C, winter 2.9 °C) | DWD 1991–2020 |
| Rain | 793 mm a year | DWD 1991–2020 |
| Sunshine | 1,576 hours a year | DWD 1991–2020 |

## About Oldenburg (Oldenburg)

Oldenburg (Oldenburg) is an independent city in Lower Saxony. Its centre combines pedestrian shopping streets, a former residential palace and walks beside the Hunte. The Schlossgarten, botanical garden and old ramparts provide green space within the city ([City of Oldenburg](https://www.oldenburg.de/startseite/kultur/stadtportrait/touristische-informationen/sehenswuerdigkeiten.html)).

For students, Haarentor and Wechloy are useful starting points when choosing where to live: both contain University of Oldenburg campuses ([University campus locations](https://uol.de/en/contact)). The historic centre offers a different daily setting, with cafés, bars and shops around streets such as Burgstraße, Gaststraße and Wallstraße ([Oldenburg Tourism](https://www.oldenburg-tourismus.de/shopping/shoppingerlebnis-innenstadt)).

- **Haarentor**: Home to the university’s central campus on Ammerländer Heerstraße; a practical area to investigate for campus access ([University of Oldenburg](https://uol.de/en/contact)).
- **Wechloy**: Home to the university’s mathematics and natural sciences campus on Carl-von-Ossietzky-Straße ([University of Oldenburg](https://uol.de/en/contact)).
- **Innenstadt**: The pedestrian city centre includes shopping streets, cafés and bars around Burgstraße, Gaststraße and Wallstraße ([Oldenburg Tourism](https://www.oldenburg-tourismus.de/shopping/shoppingerlebnis-innenstadt)).

## Universities

Oldenburg has the University of Oldenburg and IBS IT & Business School Oldenburg. The university’s Haarentor and Wechloy campuses make it possible to organise student life around local neighbourhoods ([University locations](https://uol.de/en/contact)). IBS offers dual study linking academic learning with work in partner companies ([IBS](https://www.ibs-ol.de/stellenangebote)). Bremen is a realistic rail destination: direct station-to-station journeys take approximately 26–30 minutes, but anyone attending a Bremen institution should calculate the onward campus journey separately ([Deutsche Bahn](https://www.bahn.de/reisen/view/verbindung/oldenburg/bremen.shtml)). Oldenburg is worth considering if you prefer studying locally with access to a larger neighbouring city.

- **University of Oldenburg** (Oldenburg) — 123 courses
- **IBS IT & Business School Oldenburg** (Oldenburg (Oldb)) — 2 courses

## Housing

Start your housing search early. The university’s student union reports students struggling to find rooms or afford their existing rent ([AStA housing advice](https://asta-uol.de/beratung/wohnen/)). Studierendenwerk also says demand frequently exceeds its supply, so a residence application should be accompanied by a private-room search ([Studierendenwerk residences](https://www.studierendenwerk-oldenburg.de/wohnen/unsere-wohnanlagen)).

**How to find a place**

- Compare Studierendenwerk residences before applying: its application system allows an application for only one residence at a time ([Studierendenwerk](https://www.studierendenwerk-oldenburg.de/wohnen/unsere-wohnanlagen)).
- Use WG-Gesucht for shared flats and check GSG Oldenburg; both are included in the university’s local accommodation guide ([University housing guide](https://uol.de/en/study-in-oldenburg/organise-your-stay/finding-accomodation)).
- Once you have a university account, check the Stud.IP noticeboard under housing offers; the university also points students to Studierendenwerk’s private-room database ([University housing guide](https://uol.de/en/study-in-oldenburg/organise-your-stay/finding-accomodation)).
- Compare what each rent includes. Studierendenwerk states that its monthly rents include utilities and electricity; internet arrangements vary between residences ([Studierendenwerk housing](https://www.studierendenwerk-oldenburg.de/wohnen)).

**Student residences**

- [Artillerieweg](https://www.studierendenwerk-oldenburg.de/wohnen/wohnanlage?cHash=8a384d6daefdad78090b7a4b6354a0ff&tx_swolflatfinder_flatfinderlist%5Baction%5D=show&tx_swolflatfinder_flatfinderlist%5Bcontroller%5D=Flat&tx_swolflatfinder_flatfinderlist%5Bflat%5D=7) (Studierendenwerk Oldenburg): Furnished accommodation, mainly shared flats and double apartments, near the Haarentor campus ([Official residence page](https://www.studierendenwerk-oldenburg.de/wohnen/wohnanlage?cHash=8a384d6daefdad78090b7a4b6354a0ff&tx_swolflatfinder_flatfinderlist%5Baction%5D=show&tx_swolflatfinder_flatfinderlist%5Bcontroller%5D=Flat&tx_swolflatfinder_flatfinderlist%5Bflat%5D=7)).
- [Alte Färberei](https://www.studierendenwerk-oldenburg.de/wohnen/wohnanlage?cHash=296e6950647872b82d086667b794d771&tx_swolflatfinder_flatfinderlist%5Baction%5D=show&tx_swolflatfinder_flatfinderlist%5Bcontroller%5D=Flat&tx_swolflatfinder_flatfinderlist%5Bflat%5D=4) (Studierendenwerk Oldenburg): Accommodation primarily in single apartments, with internet included in the rent ([Official residence page](https://www.studierendenwerk-oldenburg.de/wohnen/wohnanlage?cHash=296e6950647872b82d086667b794d771&tx_swolflatfinder_flatfinderlist%5Baction%5D=show&tx_swolflatfinder_flatfinderlist%5Bcontroller%5D=Flat&tx_swolflatfinder_flatfinderlist%5Bflat%5D=4)).

## Cost of living

The university’s March 2026 exchange factsheet suggests around €1,000 per month for living costs; treat this as a planning estimate, with your actual accommodation offer determining much of the budget ([University factsheet](https://uol.de/fileadmin/io/incoming/uni-oldenburg-factsheet-exchange-oldenburg-2026-2027.pdf)). The standard Deutschlandticket costs €63 per month in November 2026 ([Transport association information](https://www.vrr.de/tickets-tarife/deutschlandticket/)). Before buying it separately, check your student transport entitlement: the university’s factsheet describes a digital ticket for regional public transport across Germany ([University factsheet](https://uol.de/fileadmin/io/incoming/uni-oldenburg-factsheet-exchange-oldenburg-2026-2027.pdf)).

## Jobs & employers

Local employment includes energy and telecommunications at EWE, photographic products and technology at CEWE, and research and university administration. These give students several routes to investigate, depending on their subject and skills ([EWE student careers](https://www.ewe.com/en/careers/students-and-graduates), [CEWE Oldenburg](https://www.cewe-group.com/de/karriere/cewe-group/cewe/cewe-oldenburg.html), [University vacancies](https://uol.de/en/jobs)). Check each vacancy’s location, language requirements and working hours rather than assuming every group-wide opportunity is based in Oldenburg.

- Technical working-student roles in energy or telecommunications; EWE’s portal includes Oldenburg among its working-student locations ([EWE jobs](https://www.ewe.com/jobs)).
- Commercial working-student roles in areas such as controlling, purchasing, HR or sales; filter EWE’s group-wide opportunities by location ([EWE student careers](https://www.ewe.com/en/careers/students-and-graduates)).
- Academic and administrative student-assistant work, including event organisation and preparation of teaching materials at IBS ([IBS careers](https://www.ibs-ol.de/stellenangebote)).

- **EWE** (Energy, telecommunications and information technology): EWE AG has its registered office in Oldenburg and offers technical and commercial student opportunities across the group ([EWE imprint](https://www.ewe.com/en/meta-navigation/imprint), [Student careers](https://www.ewe.com/en/careers/students-and-graduates)).
- **CEWE** (Photographic products and technology): Its Oldenburg headquarters on Meerweg includes production, technology and central functions such as marketing and finance ([CEWE Oldenburg](https://www.cewe-group.com/de/karriere/cewe-group/cewe/cewe-oldenburg.html)).
- **University of Oldenburg** (Higher education and research): A local employer with research, teaching, administrative and technical vacancies published through its central recruitment page ([University vacancies](https://uol.de/en/jobs)).

## Getting around

Cycling is a practical option: the university describes its campuses as a bike ride from the centre and within walking distance of each other ([University factsheet](https://uol.de/fileadmin/io/incoming/uni-oldenburg-factsheet-exchange-oldenburg-2026-2027.pdf)). The main station’s north-side ZOB connects rail arrivals with city buses ([Oldenburg Tourism](https://www.oldenburg-tourismus.de/service/anreise/anreise-mit-der-bahn)). Direct regional trains to Bremen Hbf take approximately 26–30 minutes; check the timetable for your travel date ([Deutsche Bahn](https://www.bahn.de/reisen/view/verbindung/oldenburg/bremen.shtml)). The Deutschlandticket covers local buses and second-class regional trains nationwide; do not assume it covers a long-distance departure ([Ticket coverage](https://www.vrr.de/tickets-tarife/deutschlandticket/)).

- Station: Oldenburg (Oldb) Hbf — regional services and IC/ICE connections ([Oldenburg Tourism](https://www.oldenburg-tourismus.de/service/anreise/anreise-mit-der-bahn)).
- Nearest airport: Bremen Airport (BRE) — The nearest major passenger airport. Public transport combines a train to Bremen with tram line 6 to the airport; allow for the interchange and check your departure time ([Airport connections](https://www.rome2rio.com/de/s/Nearby-Airports/Oldenburg)).

## Weather & seasons

- Winter: 2.9 °C, 70 mm rain a month, 1.7 h sun a day
- Spring: 9.2 °C, 50 mm rain a month, 5.6 h sun a day
- Summer: 17.3 °C, 78 mm rain a month, 6.7 h sun a day
- Autumn: 10.2 °C, 66 mm rain a month, 3.3 h sun a day

Expect cool, damp winters and generally moderate summers, with rain in every season. Waterproof clothing is useful for a cycling commute, and winter days offer much less daylight than summer. Summer brings outdoor cultural events, while the colder months coincide with Oldenburg’s kale outings and meals ([City events and traditions](https://www.oldenburg.de/startseite/kultur/veranstaltungen/veranstaltungshoehepunkte.html)).

## Culture & language

Kohlfahrten—group outings followed by a kale meal—are a distinctive local winter tradition. Oldenburg’s kale season runs from November to March ([City events and traditions](https://www.oldenburg.de/startseite/kultur/veranstaltungen/veranstaltungshoehepunkte.html)). For everyday evenings out, explore the bars and cafés around Wallstraße, Waffenplatz and Burgstraße; these offer a useful starting point for getting to know the city’s social life ([Oldenburg Tourism](https://www.oldenburg-tourismus.de/shopping/shoppingerlebnis-innenstadt)).

The university offers English-taught courses and German-language classes, giving international students a route into academic life ([University exchange factsheet](https://uol.de/fileadmin/io/incoming/uni-oldenburg-factsheet-exchange-oldenburg-2026-2027.pdf)). For housing enquiries, appointments and job applications, aim to build conversational German; B1 is a useful personal goal, not a universal admission requirement. Check your programme’s requirements separately. Plattdeutsch, or Low German, is part of the region’s linguistic heritage and is promoted through local cultural and educational activities ([Oldenburgische Landschaft](https://www.oldenburgische-landschaft.de/arbeitsfelder/plattdeutsch/)).

## Local food

- **Oldenburger Grünkohl**: The local kale plate traditionally comes with Pinkel, Kochwurst, Kasseler, potatoes and mustard. Vegetarian versions are also available, including at the Ratskeller ([Oldenburg Tourism](https://www.oldenburg-tourismus.de/a-ratskeller-oldenburg)).
- **Oldenburger Pinkel**: A smoked sausage containing grain and meat, closely associated with kale dishes around Oldenburg and Bremen ([Pinkel background](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinkel)).

## Events

- **Oldenburger Kultursommer** (Summer, during the school holidays): A recurring cultural programme featuring music, theatre, open-air cinema and readings ([City event calendar](https://www.oldenburg.de/startseite/kultur/veranstaltungen/veranstaltungshoehepunkte.html)).
- **Stadtfest Oldenburg** (Late August): The annual city-centre festival begins on the last Thursday in August and brings live music to the streets and squares ([City event calendar](https://www.oldenburg.de/startseite/kultur/veranstaltungen/veranstaltungshoehepunkte.html)).
- **Hallo Grünkohl** (November): The annual opening of the kale season brings traditional and creative kale dishes to Rathausmarkt ([City event calendar](https://www.oldenburg.de/startseite/kultur/veranstaltungen/veranstaltungshoehepunkte.html)).

## Places to see

- **Oldenburg Palace** (Castle): The former residential palace is a landmark beside the historic centre ([Oldenburg Tourism](https://www.oldenburg-tourismus.de/oldenburg-entdecken/sehenswuerdigkeiten/1)).
- **Schlossgarten** (Nature): A central park to explore on foot between study sessions ([City of Oldenburg](https://www.oldenburg.de/startseite/kultur/stadtportrait/touristische-informationen/sehenswuerdigkeiten.html)).
- **Lappan** (Landmark): The city’s landmark tower houses the tourist information office and makes a useful starting point for exploring the centre ([Oldenburg Tourism](https://www.oldenburg-tourismus.de/oldenburg-entdecken/sehenswuerdigkeiten/1)).
- **Rathausmarkt and St. Lamberti Church** (Old town): A central grouping of sights that also includes the Degodehaus and the old town hall with its unusual triangular plan ([Oldenburg Tourism](https://www.oldenburg-tourismus.de/oldenburg-entdecken/sehenswuerdigkeiten/1)).

## FAQ

### Is Oldenburg a good place to live as a student?

Oldenburg is worth considering if you want university campuses within cycling reach of the centre ([University factsheet](https://uol.de/fileadmin/io/incoming/uni-oldenburg-factsheet-exchange-oldenburg-2026-2027.pdf)). Housing needs early attention: the student union reports a difficult search for many students ([AStA](https://asta-uol.de/beratung/wohnen/)).

### Is there a university in Oldenburg?

Yes. The University of Oldenburg has campuses at Haarentor and Wechloy within the city ([University locations](https://uol.de/en/contact)). IBS IT & Business School Oldenburg also offers dual study with partner companies ([IBS](https://www.ibs-ol.de/stellenangebote)).

### How do I get from Oldenburg to Bremen?

Direct trains connect Oldenburg (Oldb) Hbf with Bremen Hbf in approximately 26–30 minutes ([Deutsche Bahn](https://www.bahn.de/reisen/view/verbindung/oldenburg/bremen.shtml)). For a university commute, add the journey between Bremen station and your actual campus.

### Is Oldenburg expensive for students?

The university’s March 2026 guidance estimates living costs at around €1,000 per month ([University factsheet](https://uol.de/fileadmin/io/incoming/uni-oldenburg-factsheet-exchange-oldenburg-2026-2027.pdf)). Affordable residence accommodation exists, but Studierendenwerk warns that demand frequently exceeds supply ([Studierendenwerk](https://www.studierendenwerk-oldenburg.de/wohnen/unsere-wohnanlagen)).

### What student jobs can I find in Oldenburg?

Options to investigate include technical or commercial working-student positions at EWE and student-assistant work at IBS ([EWE student careers](https://www.ewe.com/en/careers/students-and-graduates), [IBS careers](https://www.ibs-ol.de/stellenangebote)). Availability and language requirements depend on the individual vacancy.

### Can I study in Oldenburg in English?

The University of Oldenburg offers English-taught courses, including options for exchange students ([University factsheet](https://uol.de/fileadmin/io/incoming/uni-oldenburg-factsheet-exchange-oldenburg-2026-2027.pdf)). Check the teaching language and admission requirements of your specific degree; an English course selection does not mean every programme is available entirely in English.

## Sources

- [City of Oldenburg: sights and green spaces](https://www.oldenburg.de/startseite/kultur/stadtportrait/touristische-informationen/sehenswuerdigkeiten.html)
- [University of Oldenburg: campus locations](https://uol.de/en/contact)
- [Oldenburg Tourism: city-centre streets](https://www.oldenburg-tourismus.de/shopping/shoppingerlebnis-innenstadt)
- [IBS Oldenburg: careers and dual-study background](https://www.ibs-ol.de/stellenangebote)
- [Deutsche Bahn: Oldenburg–Bremen connections](https://www.bahn.de/reisen/view/verbindung/oldenburg/bremen.shtml)
- [AStA: housing in Oldenburg](https://asta-uol.de/beratung/wohnen/)
- [Studierendenwerk: residence overview and application limits](https://www.studierendenwerk-oldenburg.de/wohnen/unsere-wohnanlagen)
- [Studierendenwerk: Artillerieweg residence and rents](https://www.studierendenwerk-oldenburg.de/wohnen/wohnanlage?cHash=8a384d6daefdad78090b7a4b6354a0ff&tx_swolflatfinder_flatfinderlist%5Baction%5D=show&tx_swolflatfinder_flatfinderlist%5Bcontroller%5D=Flat&tx_swolflatfinder_flatfinderlist%5Bflat%5D=7)
- [Studierendenwerk: Alte Färberei residence](https://www.studierendenwerk-oldenburg.de/wohnen/wohnanlage?cHash=296e6950647872b82d086667b794d771&tx_swolflatfinder_flatfinderlist%5Baction%5D=show&tx_swolflatfinder_flatfinderlist%5Bcontroller%5D=Flat&tx_swolflatfinder_flatfinderlist%5Bflat%5D=4)
- [University of Oldenburg: accommodation search guide](https://uol.de/en/study-in-oldenburg/organise-your-stay/finding-accomodation)
- [Studierendenwerk: housing and included costs](https://www.studierendenwerk-oldenburg.de/wohnen)
- [University: 2026/27 exchange factsheet, March 2026](https://uol.de/fileadmin/io/incoming/uni-oldenburg-factsheet-exchange-oldenburg-2026-2027.pdf)
- [VRR: nationwide Deutschlandticket price and coverage](https://www.vrr.de/tickets-tarife/deutschlandticket/)
- [EWE: student careers](https://www.ewe.com/en/careers/students-and-graduates)
- [EWE: recruitment portal](https://www.ewe.com/jobs)
- [EWE: registered office](https://www.ewe.com/en/meta-navigation/imprint)
- [CEWE: Oldenburg site](https://www.cewe-group.com/de/karriere/cewe-group/cewe/cewe-oldenburg.html)
- [University of Oldenburg: recruitment](https://uol.de/en/jobs)
- [Oldenburg Tourism: rail travel and station interchange](https://www.oldenburg-tourismus.de/service/anreise/anreise-mit-der-bahn)
- [Rome2Rio: nearest airport and public-transport connection](https://www.rome2rio.com/de/s/Nearby-Airports/Oldenburg)
- [City of Oldenburg: recurring events and kale traditions](https://www.oldenburg.de/startseite/kultur/veranstaltungen/veranstaltungshoehepunkte.html)
- [Oldenburg Tourism: traditional kale plate](https://www.oldenburg-tourismus.de/a-ratskeller-oldenburg)
- [Wikipedia: Pinkel regional speciality](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinkel)
- [Oldenburg Tourism: landmarks](https://www.oldenburg-tourismus.de/oldenburg-entdecken/sehenswuerdigkeiten/1)
- [Oldenburgische Landschaft: Low German](https://www.oldenburgische-landschaft.de/arbeitsfelder/plattdeutsch/)
- [Wikimedia Commons: Oldenburg Palace photograph](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Schloss_zu_Oldenburg.jpg)
- [Wikimedia Commons: palace garden photograph](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Oldenburg_-_Schlossgarten_01.jpg)
- [Wikimedia Commons: Lappan photograph](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Oldenburg_Lappan.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/lower-saxony/oldenburg-oldenburg. Last updated November 2026. [How we research](https://whereismyuni.com/study-in/how-we-research).