# Study in Gütersloh district, North Rhine-Westphalia

> Gütersloh is a rural district (Landkreis) in North Rhine-Westphalia with 363,982 people (Destatis, 31 Dec 2024). It has one university: Hochschule Bielefeld – University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSBI) (Gütersloh). Summers average 18 °C and winters 3 °C, with about 748 mm of rain a year (DWD, 1991–2020).

Gütersloh is an East Westphalian district of towns and countryside.

## Key facts

| Fact | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 363,982 | Destatis, 31 Dec 2024 |
| Area | 969.21 km² | Destatis |
| Universities in the district | 1 | Where Is My Uni? catalogue |
| Nearest university | Hochschule Bielefeld – University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSBI), Gütersloh (3 km) | Where Is My Uni? catalogue |
| Typical student rent | €7.82/m² monthly cold rent — A specific comparison benchmark, not a citywide average: the mean for 25–50 m² flats built in 1978–1994 in an average residential location in Gütersloh city. Published in the official Mietspiegel effective 1 July 2026, excluding operating and heating costs; not an advertised WG-room price. | [source](https://www.guetersloh.de/de-wAssets/docs/fachbereich-60-bauverwaltungsservice/gutachterausschuss/Mietspiegel_Stadt_Guetersloh_2026.pdf) |
| Mean temperature | 10.4 °C (summer 18 °C, winter 3 °C) | DWD 1991–2020 |
| Rain | 748 mm a year | DWD 1991–2020 |
| Sunshine | 1,571 hours a year | DWD 1991–2020 |

## About Gütersloh district

Gütersloh district lies in East Westphalia, around the city of Gütersloh and neighbouring towns including Rheda-Wiedenbrück, Harsewinkel and Rietberg. Its landscape reaches into the Teutoburg Forest and the Senne, with cycling and walking routes across the district ([district background](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kreis_G%C3%BCtersloh), [local recreation](https://www.kreis-guetersloh.de/unser-kreis/unsere-region/freizeit-tourismus/)).

Industry and historic town centres sit alongside one another here. Miele has its headquarters and manufacturing operations in Gütersloh, while CLAAS makes harvesting machinery in Harsewinkel. Rheda-Wiedenbrück offers half-timbered streets and parkland connecting its two historic centres ([Miele](https://www.miele.com/en/com/germany-guetersloh-factory-2304.htm), [CLAAS](https://www.claas.com/de-de/ueber-claas/standorte), [Rheda-Wiedenbrück](https://www.erfolgskreis-gt.de/erfolgskreis/der-kreis-guetersloh/rheda-wiedenbrueck)).

- **Gütersloh**: The district’s university location, with HSBI’s campus offering programmes that combine academic study and company experience ([HSBI](https://www.hsbi.de/guetersloh)).
- **Rheda-Wiedenbrück**: A twin town whose historic centres are connected by the Flora-Westfalica-Park ([regional tourism](https://www.erfolgskreis-gt.de/erfolgskreis/der-kreis-guetersloh/rheda-wiedenbrueck)).
- **Harsewinkel**: Home to CLAAS headquarters functions and its combine-harvester and forage-harvester factory ([CLAAS locations](https://www.claas.com/de-de/ueber-claas/standorte)).
- **Verl**: Home to Beckhoff Automation’s headquarters and company-linked study opportunities ([Beckhoff](https://www.beckhoff.com/de-de/unternehmen/studenten/)).
- **Rietberg**: Known for its historic centre of restored half-timbered buildings and distinctive town hall ([City of Rietberg](https://www.rietberg.de/leben-in-rietberg/stadtportraet/historischer-stadtkern.html)).

## Universities

HSBI has a campus in Gütersloh, with company-integrated programmes including English-taught Industrial Engineering and Mechatronics and Automation ([HSBI](https://www.hsbi.de/guetersloh)). Bielefeld is the nearby alternative for a wider university environment. Regional trains from Gütersloh Hbf to Bielefeld Hbf take approximately 9–16 minutes in DB’s published examples; reaching Bielefeld University then requires Stadtbahn line 4 and walking time ([Deutsche Bahn](https://www.bahn.de/reisen/view/verbindung/guetersloh/bielefeld.shtml), [university directions](https://www.uni-bielefeld.de/fakultaeten/psychologie/abteilung/arbeitseinheiten/14/wegbeschreibung/)). Consider Gütersloh especially if your programme or placement is here; compare the full door-to-door journey before choosing another town in the district.

- **Hochschule Bielefeld – University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSBI)** (Gütersloh) — 3 courses

## Housing

Start looking early rather than assuming a smaller city means easy housing. Gütersloh’s housing office explicitly says inexpensive private-market accommodation can be difficult to find, particularly for low-income households ([city housing advice](https://www.guetersloh.de/de/rathaus/fachbereiche-und-einrichtungen/bauverwaltungsservice/wohnen.php)). The official rent table provides useful comparison rents, but excludes accommodation with shared kitchens or bathrooms, furnished accommodation and flats smaller than 25 m²; it is therefore not a WG-room price guide ([2026 Mietspiegel](https://www.guetersloh.de/de-wAssets/docs/fachbereich-60-bauverwaltungsservice/gutachterausschuss/Mietspiegel_Stadt_Guetersloh_2026.pdf)).

**How to find a place**

- Search WG-Gesucht for shared flats and ImmobilienScout24 or Kleinanzeigen for apartments, setting the location to your intended town. These portals are included in HSBI’s accommodation guidance ([HSBI guide](https://www.hsbi.de/media/hochschulverwaltung/dezernat-vi/welcome-center/guide-for-international-scholars-at-hsbi.pdf?download=1)).
- Use Gütersloh city’s landlord directory to contact local housing companies and cooperatives directly ([city housing advice](https://www.guetersloh.de/de/rathaus/fachbereiche-und-einrichtungen/bauverwaltungsservice/wohnen.php)).
- Check property advertisements in Die Glocke, Neue Westfälische and Westfalen-Blatt, all recommended by the city’s housing office ([local newspaper options](https://www.guetersloh.de/de/rathaus/fachbereiche-und-einrichtungen/bauverwaltungsservice/wohnen.php)).
- Compare each address with your actual campus and placement location. HSBI’s Gütersloh teaching buildings are in the centre and beside the railway station ([HSBI University A–Z](https://www.hsbi.de/en/academics/university-a-z)).

## Cost of living

For winter semester 2026/27, HSBI lists a €248.80 semester contribution for Industrial Engineering and the English-taught Mechatronics and Automation programme in Gütersloh, including a €226.80 Deutschlandsemesterticket component. Other programmes can have additional charges, so check your exact course ([HSBI fees](https://www.hsbi.de/en/academics/semester-contribution)). For housing, compare the total rent including utilities rather than just the cold rent. Sharing a flat can reduce costs, and HSBI notes that long-term apartments are often unfurnished, making initial furnishing another budget item ([HSBI housing guidance](https://www.hsbi.de/media/hochschulverwaltung/dezernat-vi/welcome-center/guide-for-international-scholars-at-hsbi.pdf?download=1)).

## Jobs & employers

The district offers routes into manufacturing, automation, IT and business services: Miele operates in Gütersloh, CLAAS in Harsewinkel and Beckhoff in Verl ([Miele](https://www.miele.com/en/com/germany-guetersloh-factory-2304.htm), [CLAAS](https://www.claas.com/de-de/ueber-claas/standorte), [Beckhoff](https://www.beckhoff.com/de-de/unternehmen/studenten/)). For students, distinguish a part-time Werkstudent contract from a substantial internship or a placement built into your degree; CLAAS explicitly offers both internships and flexible student employment ([CLAAS student careers](https://www.claas.com/de-de/karriere/studierende)).

- Technical working-student roles in IT, digitalisation, smart-home technology or engineering; search Miele’s student portal and filter by location ([Miele student careers](https://karriere.miele.de/young-talents/abschlussarbeit-praktikum-werkstudierendenjob)).
- Business-related student roles in controlling or marketing, among the fields covered by Miele’s student recruitment ([Miele student careers](https://karriere.miele.de/young-talents/abschlussarbeit-praktikum-werkstudierendenjob)).
- Paid project support alongside a full-time degree through the flexible CLAAS Inside programme ([CLAAS student careers](https://www.claas.com/de-de/karriere/studierende)).
- Software, hardware and automation placements at Beckhoff; these are internships or practical semesters rather than necessarily part-time jobs ([Beckhoff student opportunities](https://www.beckhoff.com/de-de/unternehmen/studenten/)).

- **Miele** (Domestic appliances and electronics): Its Gütersloh headquarters location includes appliance manufacturing, electronic development and production, and smart-home work ([Miele site profile](https://www.miele.com/en/com/germany-guetersloh-factory-2304.htm)).
- **Bertelsmann** (Media, services and education): Gütersloh remains a major company location, with local activities including Arvato Systems and logistics services ([Bertelsmann location update](https://www.bertelsmann.com/de/news-und-media/nachrichten/bertelsmann-hat-rund-1-milliarde-euro-seit-2013-am-heimatstandort-guetersloh-investiert.jsp)).
- **CLAAS** (Agricultural machinery): Harsewinkel combines harvesting-machine production with group management and international sales functions ([CLAAS locations](https://www.claas.com/de-de/ueber-claas/standorte)).
- **Beckhoff Automation** (Industrial automation): Based in Verl, with internships, thesis projects and company-integrated study in cooperation with HSBI’s Gütersloh campus ([Beckhoff students](https://www.beckhoff.com/de-de/unternehmen/studenten/)).

## Getting around

Gütersloh’s buses connect with the central bus station beside the main railway station ([HSBI transport guide](https://www.hsbi.de/media/hochschulverwaltung/dezernat-vi/welcome-center/guide-for-international-scholars-at-hsbi.pdf?download=1)). Direct regional trains to Bielefeld Hbf take approximately 9–16 minutes in DB’s published examples; add transfer time for Stadtbahn line 4 to Bielefeld University ([DB connections](https://www.bahn.de/reisen/view/verbindung/guetersloh/bielefeld.shtml), [university directions](https://www.uni-bielefeld.de/fakultaeten/psychologie/abteilung/arbeitseinheiten/14/wegbeschreibung/)). The Deutschlandticket covers participating local buses and regional trains, but generally excludes ICE, IC, EC and FlixTrain services ([DB ticket rules](https://www.bahn.de/faq/pk/angebot/regionale-angebote/deutschland-ticket)). Check evening and weekend connections for the exact address before committing to a commute.

- Station: Gütersloh Hbf ([DB station information](https://www.bahnhof.de/guetersloh-hbf))
- Station: Rheda-Wiedenbrück ([DB station information](https://www.bahnhof.de/rheda-wiedenbrueck))
- Nearest airport: Paderborn-Lippstadt Airport — A regional airport option for the district. Public transport access is via Paderborn Hbf and the S60 bus to the terminal; the airport lists approximately 20 minutes for that bus leg. Compare the complete journey from your town ([airport access](https://www.airport-pad.com/de/fluege-reisen/anreisen-parken-uebernachten/anreisen/)).

## Weather & seasons

- Winter: 3 °C, 65 mm rain a month, 1.7 h sun a day
- Spring: 10 °C, 49 mm rain a month, 5.4 h sun a day
- Summer: 18 °C, 68 mm rain a month, 6.7 h sun a day
- Autumn: 10.4 °C, 66 mm rain a month, 3.3 h sun a day

Expect cool, often grey winters, a brighter spring and generally mild summers with occasional hot days. Rain is possible throughout the year, so waterproof layers are useful for walking or cycling to classes. Summer brings outdoor cultural programmes such as Gütersloher Sommer, while December offers Advent markets ([summer programme](https://verkehrsverein-guetersloh.de/veranstaltungen/guetersloher-sommer/), [Borgholzhausen annual events](https://www.borgholzhausen.de/tourismus/jaehrliche-events/)).

## Culture & language

Local culture includes community-run activities and seasonal outdoor performances. Gütersloh’s Weberei has a support association promoting it as a social and cultural meeting place, while Borgholzhausen maintains a tradition of summer theatre in Low German ([Weberei association](https://weberei-foerderverein.de/), [Borgholzhausen traditions](https://www.borgholzhausen.de/tourismus/jaehrliche-events/)). For evenings out, check actual programmes and return transport rather than assuming there will be a student event every night.

English can be your teaching language on selected HSBI programmes in Gütersloh, including Industrial Engineering and Mechatronics and Automation ([HSBI](https://www.hsbi.de/guetersloh)). For housing searches, everyday administration and a wider choice of jobs, aim to build practical German; B1–B2 is a useful personal goal, not a blanket admission requirement. Low German remains part of local cultural life, including Borgholzhausen’s summer theatre ([local traditions](https://www.borgholzhausen.de/tourismus/jaehrliche-events/)).

## Local food

- **Kastenpickert**: A regional version of potato-based Pickert associated with the Bielefeld–Gütersloh area: baked in a loaf tin, cooled, sliced and then fried ([Pickert background](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pickert_%28Speise%29)).
- **Borgholzhausen Lebkuchen**: Honey and spiced cakes are a longstanding Borgholzhausen speciality; the town traces its tradition through generations of local bakers ([town history](https://www.borgholzhausen.de/tourismus/gastronomie/honigkuchenstadt-borgholzhausen/)).

## Events

- **Gütersloher Sommer** (Summer; the 2026 programme began in July): An annual cultural programme centred on outdoor performances, with events at Mohns Park and other locations around Gütersloh ([organiser](https://verkehrsverein-guetersloh.de/veranstaltungen/guetersloher-sommer/)).
- **Piumer Kartoffelmarkt** (Third weekend in September): Borgholzhausen’s potato-themed town-centre market combines food, crafts and music ([annual events](https://www.borgholzhausen.de/tourismus/jaehrliche-events/)).
- **Borgholzhausen Adventszauber** (Second Advent weekend in December): A Christmas market with local associations, food stalls and the town’s characteristic Lebkuchen ([annual events](https://www.borgholzhausen.de/tourismus/jaehrliche-events/)).

## Places to see

- **Botanischer Garten Gütersloh** (Garden): A place for a study break among themed planting areas, including a Mediterranean garden and a rock garden ([City of Gütersloh](https://www.guetersloh.de/de/leben-in-guetersloh/gruenes-guetersloh/botanischer-garten.php)).
- **Flora-Westfalica-Park** (Park): Former state garden-show grounds linking the historic centres of Rheda and Wiedenbrück; combine a walk through the park with exploring their half-timbered streets ([regional tourism](https://www.erfolgskreis-gt.de/erfolgskreis/der-kreis-guetersloh/rheda-wiedenbrueck)).
- **Rietberg historic centre** (Old town): Explore restored half-timbered buildings around the historic town hall, with the former Franciscan monastery and other landmarks on the city’s walking route ([City of Rietberg](https://www.rietberg.de/leben-in-rietberg/stadtportraet/historischer-stadtkern.html)).
- **Teutoburg Forest** (Nature): The district’s forest walking routes offer an alternative to town-centre weekends; the district tourism service also highlights routes through the Senne landscape ([district recreation guide](https://www.kreis-guetersloh.de/unser-kreis/unsere-region/freizeit-tourismus/)).

## FAQ

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

It is particularly worth considering if you attend HSBI’s Gütersloh campus or have a placement with a local company. The campus specialises in connecting study with company experience; choose your address around both teaching and work locations ([HSBI](https://www.hsbi.de/guetersloh)).

### Is there a university in Gütersloh?

Yes. Hochschule Bielefeld – University of Applied Sciences and Arts has a Gütersloh campus, including English-taught Industrial Engineering and Mechatronics and Automation programmes ([HSBI campus](https://www.hsbi.de/guetersloh)).

### How do I get from Gütersloh to Bielefeld University?

Take a regional train from Gütersloh Hbf to Bielefeld Hbf, then Stadtbahn line 4 towards Lohmannshof to Universität. DB examples put the train leg at approximately 9–16 minutes; transfers and walking add to the total ([Deutsche Bahn](https://www.bahn.de/reisen/view/verbindung/guetersloh/bielefeld.shtml), [university directions](https://www.uni-bielefeld.de/fakultaeten/psychologie/abteilung/arbeitseinheiten/14/wegbeschreibung/)).

### Is housing in Gütersloh cheap?

Do not assume that inexpensive accommodation is easy to secure: the city warns that finding it can be difficult. Use the official Mietspiegel to assess a suitable apartment, but it does not establish a typical student-room rent ([city housing advice](https://www.guetersloh.de/de/rathaus/fachbereiche-und-einrichtungen/bauverwaltungsservice/wohnen.php), [2026 Mietspiegel](https://www.guetersloh.de/de-wAssets/docs/fachbereich-60-bauverwaltungsservice/gutachterausschuss/Mietspiegel_Stadt_Guetersloh_2026.pdf)).

### What jobs can students find in Gütersloh district?

Look for technical or business working-student positions at Miele and flexible CLAAS Inside roles. Beckhoff also offers internships and practical semesters; check the location, hours and language requirements of each opportunity ([Miele](https://karriere.miele.de/young-talents/abschlussarbeit-praktikum-werkstudierendenjob), [CLAAS](https://www.claas.com/de-de/karriere/studierende), [Beckhoff](https://www.beckhoff.com/de-de/unternehmen/studenten/)).

### Can I study in Gütersloh in English?

Yes: HSBI’s Gütersloh campus lists English-taught Industrial Engineering and Mechatronics and Automation. Check the individual programme’s entry conditions and company-placement arrangements before applying ([HSBI](https://www.hsbi.de/guetersloh)).

## Sources

- [District geography and background](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kreis_G%C3%BCtersloh)
- [District recreation and tourism](https://www.kreis-guetersloh.de/unser-kreis/unsere-region/freizeit-tourismus/)
- [HSBI Gütersloh campus](https://www.hsbi.de/guetersloh)
- [HSBI semester contributions](https://www.hsbi.de/en/academics/semester-contribution)
- [HSBI University A–Z](https://www.hsbi.de/en/academics/university-a-z)
- [HSBI international scholars guide](https://www.hsbi.de/media/hochschulverwaltung/dezernat-vi/welcome-center/guide-for-international-scholars-at-hsbi.pdf?download=1)
- [Gütersloh housing advice](https://www.guetersloh.de/de/rathaus/fachbereiche-und-einrichtungen/bauverwaltungsservice/wohnen.php)
- [Gütersloh official Mietspiegel 2026](https://www.guetersloh.de/de-wAssets/docs/fachbereich-60-bauverwaltungsservice/gutachterausschuss/Mietspiegel_Stadt_Guetersloh_2026.pdf)
- [Miele Gütersloh site](https://www.miele.com/en/com/germany-guetersloh-factory-2304.htm)
- [Miele student careers](https://karriere.miele.de/young-talents/abschlussarbeit-praktikum-werkstudierendenjob)
- [Bertelsmann Gütersloh location update](https://www.bertelsmann.com/de/news-und-media/nachrichten/bertelsmann-hat-rund-1-milliarde-euro-seit-2013-am-heimatstandort-guetersloh-investiert.jsp)
- [CLAAS locations](https://www.claas.com/de-de/ueber-claas/standorte)
- [CLAAS student careers](https://www.claas.com/de-de/karriere/studierende)
- [Beckhoff student opportunities](https://www.beckhoff.com/de-de/unternehmen/studenten/)
- [DB Gütersloh–Bielefeld connections](https://www.bahn.de/reisen/view/verbindung/guetersloh/bielefeld.shtml)
- [Bielefeld University directions](https://www.uni-bielefeld.de/fakultaeten/psychologie/abteilung/arbeitseinheiten/14/wegbeschreibung/)
- [DB Deutschlandticket rules](https://www.bahn.de/faq/pk/angebot/regionale-angebote/deutschland-ticket)
- [Gütersloh Hbf station](https://www.bahnhof.de/guetersloh-hbf)
- [Rheda-Wiedenbrück station](https://www.bahnhof.de/rheda-wiedenbrueck)
- [Paderborn-Lippstadt Airport access](https://www.airport-pad.com/de/fluege-reisen/anreisen-parken-uebernachten/anreisen/)
- [Rheda-Wiedenbrück regional tourism](https://www.erfolgskreis-gt.de/erfolgskreis/der-kreis-guetersloh/rheda-wiedenbrueck)
- [Rietberg historic centre](https://www.rietberg.de/leben-in-rietberg/stadtportraet/historischer-stadtkern.html)
- [Gütersloh botanical garden](https://www.guetersloh.de/de/leben-in-guetersloh/gruenes-guetersloh/botanischer-garten.php)
- [Weberei cultural association](https://weberei-foerderverein.de/)
- [Pickert regional food background](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pickert_%28Speise%29)
- [Borgholzhausen honey-cake tradition](https://www.borgholzhausen.de/tourismus/gastronomie/honigkuchenstadt-borgholzhausen/)
- [Gütersloher Sommer organiser](https://verkehrsverein-guetersloh.de/veranstaltungen/guetersloher-sommer/)
- [Borgholzhausen annual events](https://www.borgholzhausen.de/tourismus/jaehrliche-events/)
- [Commons: Schloss Rheda photograph](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Schloss_Rheda,_1,_Rheda,_Rheda-Wiedenbr%C3%BCck,_Landkreis_G%C3%BCtersloh.jpg)
- [Commons: Gütersloh lavender garden photograph](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Lavendelgarten-Guetersloh-2.jpg)
- [Commons: Rietberg town hall photograph](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Rietberg_historisches_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/north-rhine-westphalia/guetersloh-district. Last updated November 2026. [How we research](https://whereismyuni.com/study-in/how-we-research).