# Study in Krefeld, North Rhine-Westphalia

> Krefeld is a district-free city in North Rhine-Westphalia with 231,406 people (Destatis, 31 Dec 2024). It has one university: Hochschule Niederrhein (Krefeld). Summers average 18.5 °C and winters 3.9 °C, with about 752 mm of rain a year (DWD, 1991–2020).

Krefeld is a Lower Rhine university city with textile heritage, industrial employers, student housing and connections to Düsseldorf.

## Key facts

| Fact | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 231,406 | Destatis, 31 Dec 2024 |
| Area | 137.78 km² | Destatis |
| Universities in the district | 1 | Where Is My Uni? catalogue |
| Nearest university | Hochschule Niederrhein, Krefeld (3 km) | Where Is My Uni? catalogue |
| Typical student rent | €315–365 per month — Published monthly rent for a single apartment at Vennfelder Straße 10, as listed on the undated Studierendenwerk Düsseldorf housing overview; checked November 2026. This is a residence price, not a citywide average. | [source](https://www.stw-d.de/studentisches-wohnen/wohnanlagen/) |
| Mean temperature | 11 °C (summer 18.5 °C, winter 3.9 °C) | DWD 1991–2020 |
| Rain | 752 mm a year | DWD 1991–2020 |
| Sunshine | 1,600 hours a year | DWD 1991–2020 |

## About Krefeld

Krefeld lies on the Lower Rhine, northwest of Düsseldorf. Its city centre sits inland, while Uerdingen brings the city to the Rhine waterfront. Its historic silk and velvet industry remains central to its identity ([Krefeld background](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krefeld)).

The city combines an urban centre with distinct neighbourhoods: Uerdingen has a historic centre and industrial riverside, while Linn has old streets around its castle. Textile wealth also left an architectural legacy, including the houses that Mies van der Rohe designed for silk industrialists, now contemporary-art museums ([city visitor guide](https://cdn.swk.de/assets/download/kr_radrouten-2019_rz_web.pdf), [Kunstmuseen Krefeld](https://kunstmuseenkrefeld.de/De/Museum/Haus-Lange-Haus-Esters)).

- **Innenstadt**: The central shopping area includes Rheinstraße, Königstraße and the streets around the Dionysiuskirche ([city marketing](https://www.krefelder-innenstadt.de/events/op-dae-maat-pottbaeckermarkt/)).
- **Fischeln / Königshof**: Worth checking for Campus Süd: the university identifies Am Königshof/Hochschule on tram 041 as a campus access stop ([HSNR directions](https://www.hs-niederrhein.de/kontakt/)).
- **Uerdingen**: A Rhine-side neighbourhood with a historic centre, promenade and substantial industrial surroundings ([city visitor guide](https://cdn.swk.de/assets/download/kr_radrouten-2019_rz_web.pdf)).
- **Linn**: The historic neighbourhood around Burg Linn combines a medieval castle, museums and parkland ([Museum Burg Linn](https://www.museumburglinn.de/)).

## Universities

Hochschule Niederrhein has campuses in Krefeld Süd and Krefeld West, as well as Mönchengladbach: confirm your programme’s actual teaching location before choosing housing ([HSNR campus locations](https://www.hs-niederrhein.de/kontakt/)). Düsseldorf is a realistic commuting option, but station-to-station journeys are only part of the trip; DB lists direct Düsseldorf Hbf–Krefeld Hbf journeys from approximately 26 minutes ([Deutsche Bahn](https://www.bahn.de/reisen/view/verbindung/duesseldorf/krefeld.shtml)). Krefeld is worth considering if you want access to applied study, local industry and cultural activities without making a daily intercity commute essential.

- **Hochschule Niederrhein** (Krefeld) — 78 courses

## Housing

Do not assume that low-priced student housing is readily available. Studierendenwerk Düsseldorf currently marks every room type at Vennfelder Straße with a waiting-time category of more than nine months. Search for private accommodation alongside a residence application ([Studierendenwerk housing overview](https://www.stw-d.de/studentisches-wohnen/wohnanlagen/)).

**How to find a place**

- Apply early through Studierendenwerk Düsseldorf; its Krefeld housing leaflet explicitly recommends early applications because places are highly sought after ([Studierendenwerk](https://www.stw-d.de/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Wohnanlagen_HSN.pdf)).
- If you are an exchange student, ask HSNR’s incoming team about its limited residence-room allocation and follow the exchange accommodation process ([HSNR incoming students](https://www.hs-niederrhein.de/internationales/incomings/)).
- Check the local housing company Wohnstätte Krefeld’s rental offers ([Wohnstätte Krefeld](https://wohnstaette-krefeld.de/mieten/wohnungen/)).
- Search the Krefeld shared-room section on Kleinanzeigen, checking the address and the full monthly cost of each offer ([Kleinanzeigen Krefeld](https://www.kleinanzeigen.de/s-auf-zeit-wg/krefeld/wg-zimmer/k0c199l1971)).
- Compare each address with your teaching campus, using the separate public-transport directions for Campus Süd and Campus West ([HSNR directions](https://www.hs-niederrhein.de/kontakt/)).

**Student residences**

- [Vennfelder Straße 10](https://www.stw-d.de/studentisches-wohnen/wohnanlagen/vennfelder-strasse-10/) (Studierendenwerk Düsseldorf): Single apartments and shared flats, with some furnished places; shared flats have communal kitchens ([official residence page](https://www.stw-d.de/studentisches-wohnen/wohnanlagen/vennfelder-strasse-10/)).

## Cost of living

HSNR publishes a standard semester contribution of €371.30 for winter semester 2026/27, including the Deutschlandsemesterticket; some study categories have different ticket eligibility ([HSNR student services](https://www.hs-niederrhein.de/studierendenservice/)). If you are not covered by a semester ticket, the regular Deutschlandticket is currently €63 per month ([VRR](https://www.vrr.de/tickets-tarife/deutschlandticket/)). Students also receive reduced canteen prices, and HSNR advertises free access to regular performances at Theater Krefeld und Mönchengladbach through its AStA partnership ([HSNR student benefits](https://www.hs-niederrhein.de/studierende/angebote-rund-um-das-studium/)). Budget from an actual housing offer rather than assuming a fixed saving over Düsseldorf.

## Jobs & employers

Rail manufacturing, chemical production and municipal services provide concrete starting points for a subject-related job search: Siemens Mobility manufactures trains in Krefeld, Covestro produces materials in Uerdingen, and SWK advertises student employment and internships locally. These employers suggest relevant sectors to explore, but do not guarantee an opening in your subject ([Siemens Mobility](https://www.mobility.siemens.com/de/de/unternehmen/messen-veranstaltungen/tag-der-schiene.html), [Covestro](https://www.covestro.com/de/company/covestro-worldwide/deutschland/covestro-in-deutschland/standorte/nrw-verbund/~/link.aspx?_id=175F7FEA86FC41EDBA0D51F76418C3F1&_z=z), [SWK student careers](https://jobs.swk.de/de?department=Studierende)).

- Engineering working-student roles supporting electricity-network and substation projects ([SWK student careers](https://jobs.swk.de/de?department=Studierende)).
- Working-student roles in public-transport ticket inspection ([SWK student careers](https://jobs.swk.de/de?department=Studierende)).
- Support work in assisted living for students in social work, psychology and related subjects ([SKM Krefeld careers](https://skm-krefeld.de/category/jobs/)).

- **Siemens Mobility** (Rail manufacturing and engineering): Its Krefeld plant develops and manufactures regional and high-speed rail vehicles and electrical components ([Siemens Mobility](https://www.mobility.siemens.com/de/de/unternehmen/messen-veranstaltungen/tag-der-schiene.html)).
- **Covestro** (Chemicals and advanced materials): The Krefeld-Uerdingen site produces polycarbonate, polyurethane raw materials and chlorine ([Covestro site profile](https://www.covestro.com/de/company/covestro-worldwide/deutschland/covestro-in-deutschland/standorte/nrw-verbund/~/link.aspx?_id=175F7FEA86FC41EDBA0D51F76418C3F1&_z=z)).
- **SWK group** (Utilities, electricity networks and public transport): Its student careers portal includes Krefeld positions with SWK MOBIL and NGN Netzgesellschaft Niederrhein, plus internship and thesis opportunities ([SWK student careers](https://jobs.swk.de/de?department=Studierende)).

## Getting around

SWK’s bus and tram network serves Krefeld, and the U76 connects the city with Düsseldorf via Meerbusch ([SWK network map](https://cdn.swk.de/assets/download/SWK%20Liniennetzplan%20Krefeld%202025-1.pdf)). DB lists direct Düsseldorf Hbf–Krefeld Hbf trains from about 26 minutes; allow additional time for local connections and check your travel date ([Deutsche Bahn](https://www.bahn.de/reisen/view/verbindung/duesseldorf/krefeld.shtml)). The Deutschlandticket covers local buses, trams, Stadtbahn and second-class regional trains, but generally excludes IC, EC and ICE services ([VRR](https://www.vrr.de/tickets-tarife/deutschlandticket/)).

- Station: Krefeld Hauptbahnhof — the central interchange for regional trains, trams and buses ([SWK network map](https://cdn.swk.de/assets/download/SWK%20Liniennetzplan%20Krefeld%202025-1.pdf)).
- Station: Krefeld-Oppum — another regional-rail interchange within the city ([SWK network map](https://cdn.swk.de/assets/download/SWK%20Liniennetzplan%20Krefeld%202025-1.pdf)).
- Nearest airport: Düsseldorf Airport (DUS) — For a public-transport journey, plan a connection via Düsseldorf: the S11 serves Flughafen Terminal from Düsseldorf Hbf. Alternatively, Düsseldorf Flughafen station connects to the terminal by SkyTrain, with replacement buses during maintenance ([airport transport information](https://www.dus.com/de-de/anreisen/bus%20und%20bahn)).

## Weather & seasons

- Winter: 3.9 °C, 64 mm rain a month, 1.9 h sun a day
- Spring: 10.6 °C, 52 mm rain a month, 5.5 h sun a day
- Summer: 18.5 °C, 71 mm rain a month, 6.7 h sun a day
- Autumn: 11.1 °C, 63 mm rain a month, 3.4 h sun a day

Expect relatively mild winters, brighter spring days and generally moderate summers with occasional hot spells. Rain is a year-round consideration, so a waterproof layer is useful for campus journeys. Spring brings the city-centre pottery market and the Whitsun craft market at Burg Linn; in the darker months, museums and university cultural activities offer indoor options ([city market](https://www.krefelder-innenstadt.de/events/op-dae-maat-pottbaeckermarkt/), [Flachsmarkt](https://www.flachsmarkt.de/), [HSNR activities](https://www.hs-niederrhein.de/studierende/angebote-rund-um-das-studium/)).

## Culture & language

Textile history and modern art sit closely together here: Haus Lange and Haus Esters were commissioned by silk industrialists and now host contemporary exhibitions. Carnival is another part of local identity, with distinct celebrations in the centre, Uerdingen and Hüls ([Kunstmuseen Krefeld](https://kunstmuseenkrefeld.de/De/Museum/Haus-Lange-Haus-Esters), [official city guide](https://www.cdu-krefeld.de/app/uploads/2025/03/2025-03-14-Antrag-Rat-Karneval-in-Krefeld.pdf)).

There are local nights out: Schlachthof runs party series and concerts. For student life, a useful approach is to follow venue calendars and university activities rather than expect every neighbourhood to have a late-night scene ([Schlachthof programme](https://schlachthof-krefeld.de/eventreihen/), [HSNR student activities](https://www.hs-niederrhein.de/studierende/angebote-rund-um-das-studium/)).

Use English-language university support where available, but plan to learn German for everyday independence and a wider job search. As a practical target rather than an admission rule, B1–B2 German should make housing discussions and workplace communication easier; check your programme’s actual language requirements separately. HSNR offers German-language learning opportunities for incoming students ([HSNR incoming students](https://www.hs-niederrhein.de/internationales/incomings/)). The traditional local dialect is called Krieewelsch, preserved by local language enthusiasts ([Krieewelsch](https://www.krieewelsch.de/)).

## Local food

- **Panhas**: A traditional meat-and-buckwheat preparation, often sliced and fried. Its history includes a connection to Krefeld emigrants who took it to Pennsylvania ([Panhas background](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panhas)).
- **Reibekuchen**: Potato pancakes served with apple sauce are part of the wider Rhineland food tradition ([Rhineland cuisine](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rheinische_K%C3%BCche)).
- **Rheinischer Sauerbraten**: A regional marinated roast associated with sweet-and-sour sauces, including versions with raisins; a Rhineland speciality rather than something unique to Krefeld ([Rhineland cuisine](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rheinische_K%C3%BCche)).

## Events

- **Flachsmarkt** (Whitsun weekend, in May or June): An annual craft market around Burg Linn, with live demonstrations of traditional trades. The organiser has announced its next edition for 15–17 May 2027 ([Flachsmarkt](https://www.flachsmarkt.de/)).
- **Op dä Maat / Pottbäckermarkt** (Spring; the 2026 edition took place in May): A recurring city-centre market with ceramics around the Dionysiuskirche, alongside crafts, food and flowers. The city’s published 2026 dates were 2–3 May ([Krefeld city marketing](https://www.krefelder-innenstadt.de/events/op-dae-maat-pottbaeckermarkt/)).

## Places to see

- **Burg Linn** (Castle): Explore the medieval castle, hunting lodge and archaeological museum, with parkland and Linn’s historic streets nearby ([Museum Burg Linn](https://www.museumburglinn.de/)).
- **Haus Lange and Haus Esters** (Architecture and art): Mies van der Rohe’s former private houses now host contemporary-art exhibitions and have sculpture gardens ([Kunstmuseen Krefeld](https://kunstmuseenkrefeld.de/De/Museum/Haus-Lange-Haus-Esters)).
- **Stadtwald** (Nature): A local green escape with woodland paths, picnic lawns and a pond ([city visitor guide](https://cdn.swk.de/assets/download/kr_radrouten-2019_rz_web.pdf)).
- **Uerdingen Rhine promenade** (Riverside): Walk beside the Rhine and combine the waterfront with Uerdingen’s historic centre ([city visitor guide](https://cdn.swk.de/assets/download/kr_radrouten-2019_rz_web.pdf)).

## FAQ

### Is Krefeld a good place to live as an international student?

Krefeld is worth considering if your programme is based at Hochschule Niederrhein’s Krefeld campuses. The university offers a buddy programme for international arrivals, while its campuses also extend to Mönchengladbach, so check your teaching location before renting ([HSNR incoming support](https://www.hs-niederrhein.de/internationales/incomings/), [campus locations](https://www.hs-niederrhein.de/kontakt/)).

### Is there a university in Krefeld?

Yes. Hochschule Niederrhein, a university of applied sciences, has Campus Krefeld Süd and Campus Krefeld West, alongside its Mönchengladbach location ([HSNR campus information](https://www.hs-niederrhein.de/kontakt/)).

### Can I commute between Krefeld and Düsseldorf?

Yes. Deutsche Bahn lists direct trains from Düsseldorf Hbf to Krefeld Hbf taking as little as approximately 26 minutes. Add the journey between your home, the station and your actual university campus ([Deutsche Bahn](https://www.bahn.de/reisen/view/verbindung/duesseldorf/krefeld.shtml)).

### How much does student accommodation cost in Krefeld?

Studierendenwerk Düsseldorf currently lists single apartments at Vennfelder Straße 10 for €315–365 per month. This is a specific residence price checked in November 2026, not an average private-market rent ([official housing table](https://www.stw-d.de/studentisches-wohnen/wohnanlagen/)).

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

Verified examples include working-student roles in electricity-network projects and ticket inspection at SWK-group employers, plus assisted-living support for relevant social-science students at SKM Krefeld. Check current requirements and vacancies on their careers pages ([SWK](https://jobs.swk.de/de?department=Studierende), [SKM Krefeld](https://skm-krefeld.de/category/jobs/)).

### Does Hochschule Niederrhein’s semester contribution include public transport?

The standard winter 2026/27 contribution includes the Deutschlandsemesterticket, although some study categories are excluded. It covers local and regional public transport; ordinary IC, EC and ICE journeys are excluded ([HSNR student services](https://www.hs-niederrhein.de/studierendenservice/), [VRR ticket coverage](https://www.vrr.de/tickets-tarife/deutschlandticket/)).

## Sources

- [Krefeld: geography and historical background](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krefeld)
- [Krefeld architecture, culture and cycling guide](https://cdn.swk.de/assets/download/kr_radrouten-2019_rz_web.pdf)
- [HSNR: campus locations and directions](https://www.hs-niederrhein.de/kontakt/)
- [HSNR: semester contributions and ticket eligibility](https://www.hs-niederrhein.de/studierendenservice/)
- [HSNR: incoming students, accommodation and language support](https://www.hs-niederrhein.de/internationales/incomings/)
- [HSNR: student activities and benefits](https://www.hs-niederrhein.de/studierende/angebote-rund-um-das-studium/)
- [Studierendenwerk Düsseldorf: rents and waiting times](https://www.stw-d.de/studentisches-wohnen/wohnanlagen/)
- [Studierendenwerk: Vennfelder Straße residence](https://www.stw-d.de/studentisches-wohnen/wohnanlagen/vennfelder-strasse-10/)
- [Studierendenwerk: Krefeld housing leaflet](https://www.stw-d.de/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Wohnanlagen_HSN.pdf)
- [Wohnstätte Krefeld: rental housing](https://wohnstaette-krefeld.de/mieten/wohnungen/)
- [Kleinanzeigen: Krefeld shared-room search](https://www.kleinanzeigen.de/s-auf-zeit-wg/krefeld/wg-zimmer/k0c199l1971)
- [Deutsche Bahn: Düsseldorf–Krefeld connection](https://www.bahn.de/reisen/view/verbindung/duesseldorf/krefeld.shtml)
- [SWK: Krefeld transport network map](https://cdn.swk.de/assets/download/SWK%20Liniennetzplan%20Krefeld%202025-1.pdf)
- [VRR: Deutschlandticket price and coverage](https://www.vrr.de/tickets-tarife/deutschlandticket/)
- [Düsseldorf Airport: public transport](https://www.dus.com/de-de/anreisen/bus%20und%20bahn)
- [Siemens Mobility: Krefeld manufacturing-site information](https://www.mobility.siemens.com/de/de/unternehmen/messen-veranstaltungen/tag-der-schiene.html)
- [Covestro: Krefeld-Uerdingen site](https://www.covestro.com/de/company/covestro-worldwide/deutschland/covestro-in-deutschland/standorte/nrw-verbund/~/link.aspx?_id=175F7FEA86FC41EDBA0D51F76418C3F1&_z=z)
- [SWK: student careers](https://jobs.swk.de/de?department=Studierende)
- [SKM Krefeld: careers](https://skm-krefeld.de/category/jobs/)
- [Museum Burg Linn](https://www.museumburglinn.de/)
- [Kunstmuseen Krefeld: Haus Lange and Haus Esters](https://kunstmuseenkrefeld.de/De/Museum/Haus-Lange-Haus-Esters)
- [Krefeld city marketing: Op dä Maat / Pottbäckermarkt](https://www.krefelder-innenstadt.de/events/op-dae-maat-pottbaeckermarkt/)
- [Flachsmarkt organiser](https://www.flachsmarkt.de/)
- [CDU Krefeld: carnival traditions and parades](https://www.cdu-krefeld.de/app/uploads/2025/03/2025-03-14-Antrag-Rat-Karneval-in-Krefeld.pdf)
- [Schlachthof Krefeld: recurring events](https://schlachthof-krefeld.de/eventreihen/)
- [Krieewelsch: local dialect](https://www.krieewelsch.de/)
- [Panhas: regional food background](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panhas)
- [Rhineland cuisine](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rheinische_K%C3%BCche)
- [Commons: Burg Linn aerial photograph](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Aerial_image_of_Burg_Linn_(view_from_the_southwest).jpg)
- [Commons: Haus Lange photograph](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Haus_Lange,_Ansicht_von_der_Stra%C3%9Fe,_Krefeld-1915.jpg)
- [Commons: Uerdingen photograph](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Krefeld,_Uerdingen,_Rhein,_2011-08_CN-01.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/krefeld. Last updated November 2026. [How we research](https://whereismyuni.com/study-in/how-we-research).