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Study in Vorpommern-Greifswald district

Vorpommern-Greifswald is a Baltic coastal district with university life in Greifswald, Usedom beaches and a rural inland landscape.

Find a course in Vorpommern-GreifswaldJump to key facts
Ahlbeck pier on Usedom’s Baltic coast
Photo: Peter Samow (opens in a new tab), CC BY 2.0 (Wikimedia Commons)

In short

Vorpommern-Greifswald is a rural district (Landkreis) in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania with 224,956 people (Destatis, 31 Dec 2024). It has one university: University of Greifswald (Greifswald). Summers average 17.6 °C and winters 1.3 °C, with about 550 mm of rain a year (DWD, 1991–2020).

Vorpommern-Greifswald district in numbers

Population

224,956Destatis 2024 (opens in a new tab)

Area

3,946.18 km²Destatis 2024 (opens in a new tab)

People per km²

57Destatis 2024 (opens in a new tab)

Universities in the district

1Where Is My Uni? catalogue (opens in a new tab)

University of Greifswald

Typical student rent

€280–327 per monthSource (opens in a new tab)

Single room in a two- or three-person apartment at Max-Kade-Haus, Greifswald. The operator’s undated listing includes heating, electricity, water and internet; checked November 2026. This is a residence price, not a district-wide market average.

Average temperature

9.2 °C a yearDWD 1991–2020 (opens in a new tab)

Rain

550 mm a yearDWD 1991–2020 (opens in a new tab)

Sunshine

1,745 hours a yearDWD 1991–2020 (opens in a new tab)

Frost days

77 a yearDWD 1991–2020 (opens in a new tab)

About Vorpommern-Greifswald district

Vorpommern-Greifswald stretches from the Greifswalder Bodden to the Szczecin Lagoon in eastern Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, bordering Poland and Brandenburg. Greifswald is the district seat; Anklam, Wolgast and Pasewalk are other important towns. (District overview (opens in a new tab))

The district combines Usedom’s sandy Baltic coast with lagoons, wetlands and agricultural countryside. Greifswald adds a university setting and a historic centre shaped by Hanseatic trade and brick Gothic architecture. Choosing a particular town matters more for everyday student life than choosing the district as a whole. (Landscape (opens in a new tab), Greifswald old town (opens in a new tab))

Main towns

Universities here

Universities in Vorpommern-Greifswald district, biggest first.

The University of Greifswald is in the district; neighbouring university towns include Stralsund and Neubrandenburg. For regular classes in Greifswald, living in the city is the most straightforward starting point. As an indication of the district’s scale, published regional services take about an hour between Greifswald and Pasewalk, before any journey to your accommodation or teaching building. Check the complete commute before choosing an inland town or coastal address. This setting is worth considering if you want student clubs alongside access to the coast and countryside. (DB timetable (opens in a new tab), Student clubs (opens in a new tab))

Find a course in Vorpommern-Greifswald

Housing

Do not assume that a rural district means an effortless housing search in Greifswald. The university says demand is higher around semester start and that applying for a residence does not guarantee a room. Start early and keep shared flats as a parallel option. (University housing guidance (opens in a new tab))

The typical student rent we found, and what that figure covers, is in the key facts.

How to find a place

Student residences

Cost of living

Published residence prices provide a useful starting point: Fleischerwiese complex I lists single rooms at €276–288 per month, while Makarenkostraße lists rooms with a private bathroom in a shared apartment at €380, including utilities and internet. These are specific accommodation options, not a complete monthly budget. (Fleischerwiese (opens in a new tab), Makarenkostraße (opens in a new tab)) The university’s dedicated costs page lists €152 on initial enrolment and €127 on subsequent re-registration; confirm the amount in your enrolment notice because another university information page gives conflicting figures. (University costs (opens in a new tab), International student information (opens in a new tab)) A separately purchased Deutschlandticket costs €63 per month through December 2026, rising to €66.80 in January 2027. (Deutsche Bahn (opens in a new tab))

Jobs & employers

Greifswald’s university, university medicine and plasma-physics research institute provide concrete routes into academic, healthcare and technical work. The wider district also has agricultural areas and a tourism economy centred on Usedom. For students, match applications to your subject and language skills rather than assuming every major employer offers flexible part-time work. (University careers (opens in a new tab), University medicine (opens in a new tab), IPP careers (opens in a new tab), District economy (opens in a new tab))

Typical student jobs

Major employers

Getting around

Greifswald has city buses operated by Stadtwerke, while AVG runs regional buses around Anklam, Greifswald and Wolgast. Check the actual journey for your address, including the return after evening classes. (Stadtwerke (opens in a new tab), AVG (opens in a new tab)) The main railway connects Pasewalk, Anklam, Züssow and Greifswald with Stralsund and Berlin; Züssow is the interchange for Usedom. (DB Regio (opens in a new tab)) Published examples take about 25 minutes from Greifswald to Stralsund and about 2 hours 53 minutes to Berlin Hbf by RE3; some ICE services take about 2 hours 17 minutes. These are station-to-station examples, not guaranteed times for every departure. (DB timetable (opens in a new tab)) The Deutschlandticket covers participating local buses and regional trains, but generally excludes ICE, IC and EC services. (Ticket validity (opens in a new tab))

Main stations
Nearest airport

Heringsdorf Airport (HDF), Usedom

A local airport option within the district, about 8 km from the seaside resort of Heringsdorf. Its published passenger flights are seasonal, so check operating dates before planning an arrival; the most useful airport depends on your destination and flight origin. (Usedom tourism (opens in a new tab))

Weather & seasons

Long-term averages from the German Weather Service station Bargischow-Gnevezin (8 km from the district centre), 1991–2020.

Winter

1.3 °C

38 mm rain a month

1.7 h sun a day

Spring

8.3 °C

38 mm rain a month

6.2 h sun a day

Summer

17.6 °C

63 mm rain a month

7.6 h sun a day

Autumn

9.5 °C

45 mm rain a month

3.6 h sun a day

Expect cool winters, a gradual spring and generally mild summers rather than prolonged heat. Bring layers and waterproof clothing for everyday travel, and keep outdoor plans flexible. The cultural calendar offers northern European music in May, maritime celebrations in July and the Usedomer Musikfestival in early autumn. (Nordischer Klang (opens in a new tab), Fischerfest (opens in a new tab), Usedomer Musikfestival (opens in a new tab))

Culture, language & food

Maritime traditions remain visible in Greifswald-Wieck’s Fischerfest, with historic vessels passing through the lifting bridge. Greifswald’s brick architecture and the Eldena ruins connect local history with Hanseatic trade and Caspar David Friedrich’s painting. (Fischerfest (opens in a new tab), Old town (opens in a new tab), Eldena (opens in a new tab))

For student nightlife, Greifswald is the clearest starting point: the university lists student-run clubs organised as associations. The Nordischer Klang programme adds concerts, films, readings and other encounters with northern European culture. Check individual programmes rather than expecting a large-city choice every night. (Student clubs (opens in a new tab), Nordischer Klang (opens in a new tab))

English-language information and international support are available through the University of Greifswald, and Max-Kade-Haus lists English-speaking residence tutors. That does not establish English availability with every landlord, employer or public office. (University international services (opens in a new tab), Residence support (opens in a new tab)) As a practical goal, work towards B1–B2 German for greater independence; this is advice, not a university admission threshold. Check your programme’s teaching language and formal requirements separately.

Local food

  • Fischbrötchen

    Fish-filled bread rolls are a characteristic coastal snack; Greifswald’s official food guide points to the Wieck fishing cooperative and stalls by the museum harbour. (City food guide (opens in a new tab))

  • Räucherfisch and Backfisch

    Smoked fish and battered fried fish feature in the local coastal food offering, including the smokehouse in Greifswald-Wieck. (City food guide (opens in a new tab))

Places & events

Places to see

  • Greifswald historic centre

    Old town

    Walk between the market’s brick merchant houses, medieval churches and the green belt following the former fortifications. (City guide (opens in a new tab))

  • Eldena Abbey ruins

    Historic site

    The ruined monastery in Greifswald became a recurring subject in Caspar David Friedrich’s paintings. (City heritage guide (opens in a new tab))

  • Otto-Lilienthal-Museum, Anklam

    Museum

    Explore the work of the Anklam-born aviation pioneer through exhibits about gliders and the history of flight. (Anklam museums (opens in a new tab))

  • Ahlbeck pier

    Coast

    A historic pier on Usedom’s Baltic shore, suitable as a landmark for a beach-day outing. (Ahlbeck pier (opens in a new tab))

Events

  • Greifswald market square and town hall

    Greifswald market square and town hall

  • The post mill in Greifswald-Eldena

    The post mill in Greifswald-Eldena

Student experiences

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Studying in Vorpommern-Greifswald district: FAQ

Is Vorpommern-Greifswald a good place to live as a student?

Greifswald is the most straightforward starting point for university life within the district, with student residences and student-run clubs. Consider other towns only after checking the complete commute to your teaching location. (Residences (opens in a new tab), Student clubs (opens in a new tab))

Is there a university in Vorpommern-Greifswald?

Yes. The University of Greifswald is located in Greifswald within the district and provides services for international students. (University of Greifswald (opens in a new tab))

How can I commute to Greifswald from elsewhere in the district?

The main regional railway connects Pasewalk, Anklam and Züssow with Greifswald. For an address away from a station, check the connecting bus and evening return before signing a lease. (DB Regio (opens in a new tab), Regional buses (opens in a new tab))

How much does student accommodation in Greifswald cost?

Max-Kade-Haus lists single rooms in shared apartments at €280–327 per month, including utilities and internet, checked November 2026. This is one residence’s published range, not an average for private accommodation or a guarantee of availability. (Studierendenwerk (opens in a new tab))

What student jobs are available in Vorpommern-Greifswald?

Verified routes include student jobs at Universitätsmedizin Greifswald and assistant or internship opportunities at the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics. Roles depend on qualifications and current recruitment. (University medicine (opens in a new tab), IPP (opens in a new tab))

Can I travel from Greifswald to Berlin with the Deutschlandticket?

Yes, using covered regional trains: a published direct RE3 example takes about 2 hours 53 minutes to Berlin Hbf. The ticket generally does not cover the faster ICE services. (DB timetable (opens in a new tab), Deutschlandticket validity (opens in a new tab))

More guides

Sources & photo credits

Last updated November 2026. Population and area: Destatis. Weather: Deutscher Wetterdienst. Universities and courses: our catalogue. Everything else was researched from the sources below and checked — how we research these guides.

Sources

Photo credits

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