# Study in Leverkusen, North Rhine-Westphalia

> Leverkusen is a district-free city in North Rhine-Westphalia with 168,581 people (Destatis, 31 Dec 2024). There is no university in Leverkusen itself; the nearest is ifs Internationale Filmschule Köln in Köln, about 9 km away. Summers average 19.3 °C and winters 4.3 °C, with about 1,020 mm of rain a year (DWD, 1991–2020).

Leverkusen is an industrial city shaped by the chemical sector.

## Key facts

| Fact | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 168,581 | Destatis, 31 Dec 2024 |
| Area | 78.87 km² | Destatis |
| Universities in the district | 0 | Where Is My Uni? catalogue |
| Nearest university | ifs Internationale Filmschule Köln, Köln (9 km) | Where Is My Uni? catalogue |
| Typical student rent | €465–486 per month — Published total monthly rent for the apartment category at Bahnstadtchaussee 29, Leverkusen-Opladen, in Kölner Studierendenwerk's price schedule effective April 2025. This is a residence-specific figure, not a citywide average or confirmation of a current vacancy. | [source](https://www.kstw.de/fileadmin/user_upload/Wohnen/Wohnheime/UEbersicht_Wohnheime_ab_04.2025_en.pdf) |
| Mean temperature | 11.6 °C (summer 19.3 °C, winter 4.3 °C) | DWD 1991–2020 |
| Rain | 1,020 mm a year | DWD 1991–2020 |
| Sunshine | 1,587 hours a year | DWD 1991–2020 |

## About Leverkusen

Leverkusen lies between Cologne and Düsseldorf in the Rhine corridor. Everyday life is spread across several centres: Wiesdorf is the main shopping centre, while Opladen and Schlebusch have their own shops and services ([city guide](https://lust-auf-leverkusen.de/kategorie/ankommen-bleiben/die-stadt/), [WFL Leverkusen](https://wfl-leverkusen.de/flaechen-immobilien.html)).

Chemical industry is central to the city's working life: Currenta operates the Leverkusen CHEMPARK, and Covestro has production, research and administrative activities here. Away from the industrial sites, Neuland-Park provides gardens and outdoor exercise areas near the Rhine ([Currenta](https://www.currenta.de/karriere/studium/), [Covestro](https://www.covestro.com/de/company/covestro-worldwide/deutschland/covestro-in-deutschland/standorte/leverkusen), [City of Leverkusen](https://www.leverkusen.de/stadt-erleben/freizeit/neuland-park)).

- **Wiesdorf**: Leverkusen's main shopping and service centre; a useful starting point when comparing central accommodation ([WFL Leverkusen](https://wfl-leverkusen.de/flaechen-immobilien.html)).
- **Opladen**: A neighbourhood with regional rail connections, a Studierendenwerk residence and an established pub scene around the Neustadt ([Kölner Studierendenwerk](https://www.kstw.de/wohnheim/bahnstadtchaussee-29/), [city nightlife guide](https://lust-auf-leverkusen.de/kategorie/einkaufen-geniessen/kneipen-clubs/)).
- **Schlebusch**: One of the city's secondary shopping centres and home to the Freudenthaler Sensenhammer industrial museum ([WFL Leverkusen](https://wfl-leverkusen.de/flaechen-immobilien.html), [city museum guide](https://lust-auf-leverkusen.de/veranstaltungsort/freudenthaler-sensenhammer/)).

## Nearest universities

No university is listed within Leverkusen in the supplied Where Is My Uni? catalogue; its nearest listed institutions are in Cologne, including ifs Internationale Filmschule Köln and Hochschule für Musik und Tanz Köln. Leverkusen is therefore worth considering as a commuting base for those institutions: DB lists some direct journeys from Leverkusen Mitte to Köln Hbf taking approximately 12–15 minutes, before onward travel to your teaching building ([Deutsche Bahn](https://www.bahn.de/reisen/view/verbindung/leverkusen/koeln.shtml)). Compare the complete journey from each prospective room, including evening services. This may suit students who want access to Cologne while living near local industrial employers or Opladen's pubs and concert venues ([Currenta](https://www.currenta.de/karriere/studium/), [city nightlife guide](https://lust-auf-leverkusen.de/kategorie/einkaufen-geniessen/kneipen-clubs/)).

- **ifs Internationale Filmschule Köln** (Köln) — 9 km away, 3 courses
- **Hochschule für Musik und Tanz Köln** (Köln) — 12 km away, 54 courses
- **Katholische Hochschule Nordrhein-Westfalen - Catholic University of Applied Sciences** (Köln) — 12 km away, 22 courses
- **Kolping Hochschule** (Köln) — 12 km away, 13 courses
- **Kunsthochschule für Medien Köln** (Köln) — 13 km away, 1 courses

## Housing

Start looking early. The city's 2025 housing report describes a strained rental market, with particular difficulty finding affordable accommodation on a low income. Leverkusen should not be treated as an automatically easy housing alternative to Cologne ([Leverkusen housing report](https://www.wohnungsmarktbeobachtung.de/kommunen/teilnehmer/h-l/leverkusen/wohnungsmarktbericht_2025.pdf)). There is purpose-built student accommodation at Bahnstadtchaussee 29 in Opladen ([Kölner Studierendenwerk](https://www.kstw.de/wohnheim/bahnstadtchaussee-29/)).

**How to find a place**

- Check eligibility and apply through Kölner Studierendenwerk for Bahnstadtchaussee 29. Its housing service accepts applications before studies begin ([Studierendenwerk housing](https://www.kstw.de/wohnen/wohnheime/)).
- Register a housing search profile with WGL, the local housing company, so it can contact you about suitable apartments ([WGL rentals](https://wgl-lev.de/mieten/)).
- Use ImmoScout24's Leverkusen shared-room search alongside residence applications; compare the location and included bills for each offer ([Leverkusen WG search](https://www.immobilienscout24.de/Suche/de/nordrhein-westfalen/leverkusen/wg-zimmer)).
- For an eligible unfurnished apartment, use the official Mietspiegel to understand the local comparison rent. Its figures exclude operating costs, and its scope excludes student residences and subletting ([Leverkusen Mietspiegel](https://www.leverkusen.de/stadt-entwickeln/planen-bauen/dokumente-planen-und-bauen/Mietspiegel-Leverkusen-2025-Broschuere_Fortschreibung.pdf)).

**Student residences**

- [Bahnstadtchaussee 29](https://www.kstw.de/wohnheim/bahnstadtchaussee-29/) (Kölner Studierendenwerk): Opladen residence offering furnished apartments with kitchenettes and a two-person shared flat; Opladen station is nearby ([official residence page](https://www.kstw.de/wohnheim/bahnstadtchaussee-29/)).

## Cost of living

Two useful budget anchors are the €465–486 monthly apartment rents published for Bahnstadtchaussee 29 from April 2025 and the standard Deutschlandticket price of €63 per month in 2026 ([Studierendenwerk price schedule](https://www.kstw.de/fileadmin/user_upload/Wohnen/Wohnheime/UEbersicht_Wohnheime_ab_04.2025_en.pdf), [VRS](https://www.vrs.de/tickets/ticketsortiment/deutschlandticket)). Check whether your university already provides a semester transport ticket before buying another subscription. For private accommodation, distinguish Kaltmiete from the total payment including bills. No reliable like-for-like student budget comparison with Cologne was established, so compare actual offers rather than assuming a fixed saving.

## Jobs & employers

The local economy offers a clear connection to chemicals, materials and industrial services. Covestro's Leverkusen site combines research, production and administration, while Currenta advertises working-student roles, internships and thesis opportunities across its business ([Covestro](https://www.covestro.com/de/company/covestro-worldwide/deutschland/covestro-in-deutschland/standorte/leverkusen), [Currenta student careers](https://www.currenta.de/karriere/studium/)). For casual work, Bayer 04's careers page also points to hospitality and stadium-catering opportunities; some of these are employed through partner companies ([Bayer 04 careers](https://www.bayer04.de/de-de/page/stellenangebote)).

- Working-student roles in industrial services, depending on subject and vacancies ([Currenta](https://www.currenta.de/karriere/studium/)).
- Matchday guest reception and hospitality at the BayArena through service partners ([Bayer 04 careers](https://www.bayer04.de/de-de/page/stellenangebote)).
- Casual stadium catering work through Aramark ([Bayer 04 careers](https://www.bayer04.de/de-de/page/stellenangebote)).

- **Bayer** (Health and agriculture): Bayer lists several Leverkusen operations, including Bayer Vital, Bayer CropScience Deutschland and Bayer Gastronomie ([Bayer Germany](https://www.bayer.com/de-de/deutschland/auf-einen-blick)).
- **Covestro** (Polymers and materials): The Leverkusen site has production facilities, research laboratories and administrative functions ([Covestro Leverkusen](https://www.covestro.com/de/company/covestro-worldwide/deutschland/covestro-in-deutschland/standorte/leverkusen)).
- **Currenta** (Industrial infrastructure and services): Operates CHEMPARK Leverkusen and provides services including energy supply, analysis, environmental management and site infrastructure ([Currenta](https://www.currenta.de/karriere/studium/)).
- **Bayer 04 Leverkusen** (Professional sport and events): The football club recruits for its own business and sporting operations and links to partner-run hospitality and catering jobs at the BayArena ([Bayer 04 careers](https://www.bayer04.de/de-de/page/stellenangebote)).

## Getting around

Local wupsi buses connect neighbourhoods with the city's centres and rail interchanges; the operator also provides rental bikes ([City of Leverkusen](https://www.leverkusen.de/stadt-entwickeln/mobilitaet/wupsi)). DB lists selected direct Leverkusen Mitte–Köln Hbf journeys at approximately 12–15 minutes, while the RB48 connects Opladen and Leverkusen-Manfort with Cologne ([Deutsche Bahn](https://www.bahn.de/reisen/view/verbindung/leverkusen/koeln.shtml), [RB48 timetable](https://www.vrr.de/fileadmin/user_upload/pdf/fahrplan_und_mobilitaet/RB-Linienplaene_2026/RB48.pdf)). These are station-to-station journeys: allow additional time for your campus. Check live departures, particularly during engineering work; VRS lists disruption affecting the RE1, RE5 and S6 corridor through 4 December 2026 ([VRS service information](https://www.vrs.de/lis/linie/de:nrw:re1:)). The Deutschlandticket covers second-class local and regional public transport ([VRS ticket information](https://www.vrs.de/tickets/ticketsortiment/deutschlandticket)).

- Station: Leverkusen Mitte — direct connections to Köln Hbf ([Deutsche Bahn](https://www.bahn.de/reisen/view/verbindung/leverkusen/koeln.shtml)).
- Station: Opladen — regional services on the Cologne–Solingen–Wuppertal corridor ([RB48 timetable](https://www.vrr.de/fileadmin/user_upload/pdf/fahrplan_und_mobilitaet/RB-Linienplaene_2026/RB48.pdf)).
- Station: Leverkusen-Manfort — another local boarding point for the RB48 ([RB48 timetable](https://www.vrr.de/fileadmin/user_upload/pdf/fahrplan_und_mobilitaet/RB-Linienplaene_2026/RB48.pdf)).
- Nearest airport: Cologne Bonn Airport — A public-transport route is via Köln Hbf, changing to the S19 for the airport. Check the complete connection for your travel date ([DB airport guide](https://www.bahn.de/strecke/flughafen-koeln-bonn)).

## Weather & seasons

- Winter: 4.3 °C, 92 mm rain a month, 1.8 h sun a day
- Spring: 11.4 °C, 68 mm rain a month, 5.4 h sun a day
- Summer: 19.3 °C, 91 mm rain a month, 6.7 h sun a day
- Autumn: 11.7 °C, 88 mm rain a month, 3.4 h sun a day

Expect relatively mild but damp winters, brighter spring days and warm summers with occasional hot spells. Rain remains relevant throughout the year, so a waterproof layer is useful for walking or cycling to transport stops. Neuland-Park offers outdoor exercise and garden walks when the weather suits, while November brings the Jazztage concert programme ([City of Leverkusen](https://www.leverkusen.de/stadt-erleben/freizeit/neuland-park), [EVL](https://evl-leverkusen.de/news-stories/47-leverkusener-jazztage/)).

## Culture & language

Local social life includes neighbourhood carnival societies and a strong pub tradition. Opladen's Neustadt is a particular focus for going out, while Scala and Topos provide live music. Expect a social scene built around pubs, clubs and events rather than assuming every neighbourhood has student nightlife ([city carnival guide](https://lust-auf-leverkusen.de/kategorie/entdecken-erleben/karneval/), [city nightlife guide](https://lust-auf-leverkusen.de/kategorie/einkaufen-geniessen/kneipen-clubs/)).

Football and industrial history are visible parts of local identity through Bayer 04 and the preserved scythe-making works at Freudenthaler Sensenhammer. Contemporary art has a home at Schloss Morsbroich ([Bayer 04](https://www.bayer04.de/de-de/page/stellenangebote), [Sensenhammer](https://lust-auf-leverkusen.de/veranstaltungsort/freudenthaler-sensenhammer/), [Schloss Morsbroich](https://lust-auf-leverkusen.de/veranstaltungsort/schloss-morsbroich/)).

English-language housing information is available from Kölner Studierendenwerk, which is useful when arranging your move ([Studierendenwerk](https://www.kstw.de/en/student-housing/dormitories)). Do not assume every landlord, workplace or appointment can operate in English. As a practical learning target, aim for B1–B2 German to handle housing conversations and widen your job options; this is advice, not a verified local employment or admission requirement. Check your programme's teaching language separately.

## Local food

- **Rheinischer Sauerbraten**: A Rhineland braised-beef dish; the local Zur Delle menu serves it with red cabbage and dumplings ([Zur Delle](https://www.zur-delle.de/)).
- **Reibekuchen**: Rhineland-style potato pancakes, served locally with apple accompaniments or savoury toppings ([Zur Delle](https://www.zur-delle.de/)).
- **Kölsch**: The Cologne beer tradition extends into Leverkusen's pubs: the city's guide lists Sion Kölsch at Schlebusch's Schalander bar ([city nightlife guide](https://lust-auf-leverkusen.de/kategorie/einkaufen-geniessen/kneipen-clubs/)).

## Events

- **Leverkusener Jazztage** (November): An annual festival spanning jazz and related genres. The confirmed 2026 programme runs through November ([festival partner EVL](https://evl-leverkusen.de/news-stories/47-leverkusener-jazztage/)).
- **Opladener Bierbörse** (Summer; July in the currently published programme): An annual beer festival with food stalls and a stage programme on the Wupper-side grounds in Opladen. Check the organiser's current dates rather than relying on older August listings ([city event guide](https://lust-auf-leverkusen.de/veranstaltung/bierboerse/)).

## Places to see

- **Schloss Morsbroich** (Art museum): A baroque palace housing contemporary art, with further exhibitions in its historic outbuildings ([city guide](https://lust-auf-leverkusen.de/veranstaltungsort/schloss-morsbroich/)).
- **Neuland-Park** (Nature): Gardens, lawns and outdoor exercise facilities near the Rhine, useful for a walk or a break from studying ([City of Leverkusen](https://www.leverkusen.de/stadt-erleben/freizeit/neuland-park)).
- **Freudenthaler Sensenhammer** (Industrial museum): A former scythe factory in Schlebusch, with exhibitions about production and workers' lives, plus scheduled forging demonstrations ([city guide](https://lust-auf-leverkusen.de/veranstaltungsort/freudenthaler-sensenhammer/)).

## FAQ

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

It can suit students who are comfortable commuting: selected direct trains from Leverkusen Mitte reach Köln Hbf in approximately 12–15 minutes, with campus travel still to add. Opladen also has an established pub and live-music scene ([Deutsche Bahn](https://www.bahn.de/reisen/view/verbindung/leverkusen/koeln.shtml), [city nightlife guide](https://lust-auf-leverkusen.de/kategorie/einkaufen-geniessen/kneipen-clubs/)).

### How do I get from Leverkusen to Cologne for university?

Use direct trains from Leverkusen Mitte or the RB48 from Opladen and Leverkusen-Manfort, then continue to your teaching building. Check current departures and engineering notices before relying on a particular journey ([Deutsche Bahn](https://www.bahn.de/reisen/view/verbindung/leverkusen/koeln.shtml), [RB48 timetable](https://www.vrr.de/fileadmin/user_upload/pdf/fahrplan_und_mobilitaet/RB-Linienplaene_2026/RB48.pdf)).

### Is Leverkusen cheap for students?

Do not assume accommodation will be easy to find: the city's 2025 housing report describes a strained rental market. A specific benchmark is the €465–486 monthly apartment rent published for Bahnstadtchaussee 29 from April 2025, rather than a citywide student average ([housing report](https://www.wohnungsmarktbeobachtung.de/kommunen/teilnehmer/h-l/leverkusen/wohnungsmarktbericht_2025.pdf), [Studierendenwerk prices](https://www.kstw.de/fileadmin/user_upload/Wohnen/Wohnheime/UEbersicht_Wohnheime_ab_04.2025_en.pdf)).

### Are there student residences in Leverkusen?

Yes. Kölner Studierendenwerk operates Bahnstadtchaussee 29 in Opladen, offering furnished apartments and a two-person shared flat; check eligibility and availability with the operator ([official residence page](https://www.kstw.de/wohnheim/bahnstadtchaussee-29/)).

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

Currenta provides a route into working-student roles and internships in industrial services. Bayer 04's careers page also links to matchday hospitality and stadium-catering opportunities through partner employers ([Currenta](https://www.currenta.de/karriere/studium/), [Bayer 04 careers](https://www.bayer04.de/de-de/page/stellenangebote)).

### Can I live in Leverkusen without a car?

It is worth considering, particularly if your accommodation has a convenient connection to Leverkusen Mitte or Opladen. wupsi operates local buses and rental bikes, and the Deutschlandticket covers second-class local and regional public transport ([City of Leverkusen](https://www.leverkusen.de/stadt-entwickeln/mobilitaet/wupsi), [VRS](https://www.vrs.de/tickets/ticketsortiment/deutschlandticket)).

## Sources

- [City guide: Leverkusen's location and character](https://lust-auf-leverkusen.de/kategorie/ankommen-bleiben/die-stadt/)
- [WFL Leverkusen: city shopping and service centres](https://wfl-leverkusen.de/flaechen-immobilien.html)
- [Leverkusen housing market report 2025](https://www.wohnungsmarktbeobachtung.de/kommunen/teilnehmer/h-l/leverkusen/wohnungsmarktbericht_2025.pdf)
- [Leverkusen qualified Mietspiegel 2025](https://www.leverkusen.de/stadt-entwickeln/planen-bauen/dokumente-planen-und-bauen/Mietspiegel-Leverkusen-2025-Broschuere_Fortschreibung.pdf)
- [Kölner Studierendenwerk: Bahnstadtchaussee 29](https://www.kstw.de/wohnheim/bahnstadtchaussee-29/)
- [Kölner Studierendenwerk: residence rents from April 2025](https://www.kstw.de/fileadmin/user_upload/Wohnen/Wohnheime/UEbersicht_Wohnheime_ab_04.2025_en.pdf)
- [Kölner Studierendenwerk: housing and applications](https://www.kstw.de/wohnen/wohnheime/)
- [Kölner Studierendenwerk: English housing information](https://www.kstw.de/en/student-housing/dormitories)
- [WGL: renting in Leverkusen](https://wgl-lev.de/mieten/)
- [ImmoScout24: Leverkusen shared-room search](https://www.immobilienscout24.de/Suche/de/nordrhein-westfalen/leverkusen/wg-zimmer)
- [Bayer Germany: Leverkusen operations](https://www.bayer.com/de-de/deutschland/auf-einen-blick)
- [Covestro: Leverkusen site](https://www.covestro.com/de/company/covestro-worldwide/deutschland/covestro-in-deutschland/standorte/leverkusen)
- [Currenta: student careers and CHEMPARK operations](https://www.currenta.de/karriere/studium/)
- [Bayer 04: careers and stadium service jobs](https://www.bayer04.de/de-de/page/stellenangebote)
- [City of Leverkusen: public transport and rental bikes](https://www.leverkusen.de/stadt-entwickeln/mobilitaet/wupsi)
- [Deutsche Bahn: Leverkusen Mitte to Köln Hbf](https://www.bahn.de/reisen/view/verbindung/leverkusen/koeln.shtml)
- [VRR: RB48 timetable 2026](https://www.vrr.de/fileadmin/user_upload/pdf/fahrplan_und_mobilitaet/RB-Linienplaene_2026/RB48.pdf)
- [VRS: RE1 corridor service notices](https://www.vrs.de/lis/linie/de:nrw:re1:)
- [VRS: Deutschlandticket price and coverage](https://www.vrs.de/tickets/ticketsortiment/deutschlandticket)
- [Deutsche Bahn: Cologne Bonn Airport connections](https://www.bahn.de/strecke/flughafen-koeln-bonn)
- [City guide: pubs and clubs](https://lust-auf-leverkusen.de/kategorie/einkaufen-geniessen/kneipen-clubs/)
- [City guide: carnival traditions](https://lust-auf-leverkusen.de/kategorie/entdecken-erleben/karneval/)
- [Zur Delle: local Rhineland dishes](https://www.zur-delle.de/)
- [EVL: Leverkusener Jazztage 2026](https://evl-leverkusen.de/news-stories/47-leverkusener-jazztage/)
- [City event guide: Opladener Bierbörse](https://lust-auf-leverkusen.de/veranstaltung/bierboerse/)
- [City guide: Schloss Morsbroich](https://lust-auf-leverkusen.de/veranstaltungsort/schloss-morsbroich/)
- [City of Leverkusen: Neuland-Park](https://www.leverkusen.de/stadt-erleben/freizeit/neuland-park)
- [City guide: Freudenthaler Sensenhammer](https://lust-auf-leverkusen.de/veranstaltungsort/freudenthaler-sensenhammer/)
- [Wikimedia Commons: Schloss Morsbroich photograph](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Schloss_Morsbroich_in_Leverkusen.jpg)
- [Wikimedia Commons: Neuland-Park photograph](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Neuland-Park_in_Leverkusen_von_Westsuedwesten.jpeg)
- [Wikimedia Commons: Freudenthaler Sensenhammer photograph](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Freudenthaler_Sensenhammer.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/leverkusen. Last updated November 2026. [How we research](https://whereismyuni.com/study-in/how-we-research).