# Study in Mettmann district, North Rhine-Westphalia

> Mettmann is a rural district (Landkreis) in North Rhine-Westphalia with 490,910 people (Destatis, 31 Dec 2024). There is no university in Mettmann district itself; the nearest is IST-Hochschule für Management in Düsseldorf, about 12 km away. Summers average 17.6 °C and winters 3.4 °C, with about 978 mm of rain a year (DWD, 1991–2020).

Mettmann is a district of commuter towns, historic centres and green valleys near Düsseldorf and Wuppertal.

## Key facts

| Fact | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 490,910 | Destatis, 31 Dec 2024 |
| Area | 407.22 km² | Destatis |
| Universities in the district | 0 | Where Is My Uni? catalogue |
| Nearest university | IST-Hochschule für Management, Düsseldorf (12 km) | Where Is My Uni? catalogue |
| Typical student rent | €8.93–€12.07/m² cold — Range of base reference rents across construction-age bands for Hilden flats from 26.5 to under 40 m², built through 2022, before property-specific adjustments. Excludes heating and operating costs. Hilden Mietspiegel 2026, effective 1 January 2026; survey reference date 1 March 2025. This is not a district-wide average or a student-room quote. | [source](https://service.hilden.info/download.php?dok_nr=3512_MS2026) |
| Mean temperature | 10.3 °C (summer 17.6 °C, winter 3.4 °C) | DWD 1991–2020 |
| Rain | 978 mm a year | DWD 1991–2020 |
| Sunshine | 1,573 hours a year | DWD 1991–2020 |

## About Mettmann district

Mettmann district combines urban neighbourhoods with countryside between the Rhine and the hills of the Bergisches Land. Its tourism name, neanderland, brings together towns including Ratingen, Hilden, Velbert and Mettmann itself. ([neanderland](https://www.neanderland.de/), [town guide](https://www.neanderland.de/das-neanderland/zehn-staedte-eine-region))

The Neandertal and its museum are the best-known landmarks, but the district also offers historic town centres, industrial heritage and walking routes. Mettmann’s Oberstadt, Ratingen’s Cromford textile museum and Velbert’s historic neighbourhoods show different sides of the area. ([Mettmann](https://www.neanderland.de/das-neanderland/zehn-staedte-eine-region/mettmann), [Ratingen](https://www.neanderland.de/das-neanderland/zehn-staedte-eine-region/ratingen), [Velbert](https://www.neanderland.de/das-neanderland/zehn-staedte-eine-region/velbert))

- **Mettmann**: The district’s administrative seat, with an old town centred on St Lambertus church. ([neanderland](https://www.neanderland.de/das-neanderland/zehn-staedte-eine-region/mettmann))
- **Ratingen**: Home to a historic market square and the LVR industrial museum at the former Cromford cotton mill. ([neanderland](https://www.neanderland.de/das-neanderland/zehn-staedte-eine-region/ratingen))
- **Hilden**: A local employment centre with QIAGEN’s EMEA headquarters and an established jazz festival. ([QIAGEN](https://www.qiagen.com/us/about-us/our-global-presence), [City of Hilden](https://www.hilden.de/de/kultur-freizeit/freizeit-kulturangebote/konzerte/))
- **Velbert**: Includes the historic centres of Langenberg and Neviges and a museum devoted to locks and security technology. ([neanderland](https://www.neanderland.de/das-neanderland/zehn-staedte-eine-region/velbert))
- **Haan**: Known for Bergisch half-timbered architecture, particularly in the historic village of Gruiten. ([neanderland](https://www.neanderland.de/das-neanderland/zehn-staedte-eine-region/haan))
- **Monheim am Rhein**: A Rhine-side town with an old centre, riverside walks and the Roman heritage site Haus Bürgel. ([neanderland](https://www.neanderland.de/das-neanderland/zehn-staedte-eine-region/monheim-am-rhein))

## Nearest universities

There is no university listed within Mettmann district in the supplied Where Is My Uni? catalogue. Nearby choices include Hochschule Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, IST-Hochschule für Management, Kunstakademie Düsseldorf and Bergische Universität Wuppertal. Treat living here as a commuting decision: the S28 links Mettmann with Düsseldorf and Wuppertal, but station-to-station journeys do not include your onward trip to campus. ([VRR timetable](https://www.vrr.de/fileadmin/user_upload/pdf/fahrplan_und_mobilitaet/S-Bahn-Linienplaene_2026/S28.pdf)) It is worth considering if you enjoy walking and historic neighbourhoods; compare actual accommodation offers and the complete campus journey before choosing a town.

- **IST-Hochschule für Management** (Düsseldorf) — 12 km away, 39 courses
- **Hochschule Düsseldorf** (Düsseldorf) — 12 km away, 43 courses
- **Bergische Universität Wuppertal** (Wuppertal) — 13 km away, 276 courses
- **Kunstakademie Düsseldorf** (Düsseldorf) — 14 km away, 5 courses
- **Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf** (Düsseldorf) — 14 km away, 91 courses

## Housing

Do not assume that living outside Düsseldorf guarantees an easy housing search. Mettmann’s council explicitly describes the town’s housing market as tight. Search early and compare several towns along a suitable transport route. ([City of Mettmann](https://www.mettmann.de/web/zentrale-anlaufstelle-fuer-den-schutz-von-wohnraum/)) Hilden’s official rent index provides a local benchmark, but its reference rents are not advertised WG-room prices. ([Hilden rent index](https://service.hilden.info/download.php?dok_nr=3512_MS2026))

**How to find a place**

- Start with the Mettmann overview on WG-Gesucht and search both shared rooms and small flats. ([WG-Gesucht](https://www.wg-gesucht.de/anzeigen-in-Mettmann.2799.html))
- For a flat in Hilden, compare its size, construction date and features with the municipal rent index; compare warm rents separately. ([Hilden rent index](https://service.hilden.info/download.php?dok_nr=3512_MS2026))
- Check every prospective address against your actual campus destination and evening timetable using the journey planner linked by Regiobahn. ([Journey planning](https://www.regiobahn.de/fahrplan/))
- If studying in Düsseldorf, also compare eligible accommodation through Studierendenwerk Düsseldorf. Its Düsseldorf residences are outside Mettmann district and should be treated as alternative places to live. ([Studierendenwerk residences](https://www.stw-d.de/studentisches-wohnen/wohnanlagen/))

## Cost of living

The standard Deutschlandticket costs €63 per month as listed by VRR when checked in November 2026. Before buying one, check whether your university enrolment already includes a Deutschlandsemesterticket. ([VRR](https://www.vrr.de/tickets-tarife/deutschlandticket/)) For accommodation, budget separately for rent, heating, operating costs, electricity and internet wherever these are not included. A reliable like-for-like comparison establishing that the district is cheaper than Düsseldorf was not verified, so assess savings using actual warm-rent offers and your commuting needs.

## Jobs & employers

Local employers offer routes into science-related business functions, electronics and automotive technology. QIAGEN publishes a Hilden working-student programme, Mitsubishi Electric recruits in Ratingen, and Huf offers internships, working-student positions and thesis opportunities. Availability depends on your subject and the current vacancies. ([QIAGEN](https://www.qiagen.com/gb/careers/student-programs/student-jobs), [Mitsubishi Electric](https://mitsubishielectric-jobs.de/jobs/), [Huf](https://www.huf-group.com/en/career))

- Working-student roles in accounting, controlling or purchasing at QIAGEN in Hilden. ([QIAGEN](https://www.qiagen.com/gb/careers/student-programs/student-jobs))
- Data science, digital projects and marketing support through QIAGEN’s student programme. ([QIAGEN](https://www.qiagen.com/gb/careers/student-programs/student-jobs))
- Student communications support at Mitsubishi Electric in Ratingen; consult its continuing vacancies portal. ([Mitsubishi Electric](https://mitsubishielectric-jobs.de/jobs/))
- Working-student placements, internships and degree-thesis projects with automotive supplier Huf. ([Huf careers](https://www.huf-group.com/en/career))

- **QIAGEN** (Life sciences and molecular diagnostics): Develops technologies for analysing biological samples; its EMEA headquarters is in Hilden, where it also offers student jobs. ([Company](https://www.qiagen.com/us/about-us), [Hilden location](https://www.qiagen.com/us/about-us/our-global-presence), [Student jobs](https://www.qiagen.com/gb/careers/student-programs/student-jobs))
- **Mitsubishi Electric Europe** (Electronics, automation and building systems): Its Ratingen recruitment covers automation, semiconductor and building-systems functions, alongside student communications work. ([Official careers portal](https://mitsubishielectric-jobs.de/jobs/))
- **Huf Hülsbeck & Fürst** (Automotive access and authorisation systems): Based in Velbert and develops vehicle access products; its careers page includes opportunities for students. ([Location](https://www.huf-group.com/en/contact), [Careers](https://www.huf-group.com/en/career))

## Getting around

Choose your town around the route to your campus. The published S28 timetable gives approximately 20 minutes from Mettmann Zentrum to Düsseldorf Hbf and 22 minutes to Wuppertal Hbf on through services. These exclude onward campus travel. ([VRR S28 timetable](https://www.vrr.de/fileadmin/user_upload/pdf/fahrplan_und_mobilitaet/S-Bahn-Linienplaene_2026/S28.pdf)) Haan and Gruiten have RB48 connections towards Wuppertal, Solingen and Cologne. ([VRR RB48 timetable](https://www.vrr.de/fileadmin/user_upload/pdf/fahrplan_und_mobilitaet/RB-Linienplaene_2026/RB48.pdf)) Check live journeys for engineering work and replacement buses. ([Regiobahn](https://www.regiobahn.de/fahrplan/)) The Deutschlandticket covers local buses and second-class S-Bahn, RB and RE services, but generally excludes IC, EC and ICE trains. ([VRR](https://www.vrr.de/tickets-tarife/deutschlandticket/))

- Station: Gruiten — regional connections on the RB48. ([VRR](https://www.vrr.de/fileadmin/user_upload/pdf/fahrplan_und_mobilitaet/RB-Linienplaene_2026/RB48.pdf))
- Station: Haan — RB48 services towards Wuppertal and Cologne. ([VRR](https://www.vrr.de/fileadmin/user_upload/pdf/fahrplan_und_mobilitaet/RB-Linienplaene_2026/RB48.pdf))
- Station: Mettmann Stadtwald and Mettmann Zentrum — useful S28 access points. ([VRR](https://www.vrr.de/fileadmin/user_upload/pdf/fahrplan_und_mobilitaet/S-Bahn-Linienplaene_2026/S28.pdf))
- Nearest airport: Düsseldorf Airport — Ratingen has bus connections: the 760 serves the terminal and the 759 links Ratingen Ost with Düsseldorf Flughafen railway station. From the railway station, continue to the terminals by SkyTrain or the replacement service when operating. ([Airport transport information](https://www.dus.com/en/Anreisen/Bus-und-Bahn))

## Weather & seasons

- Winter: 3.4 °C, 91 mm rain a month, 1.9 h sun a day
- Spring: 9.9 °C, 65 mm rain a month, 5.4 h sun a day
- Summer: 17.6 °C, 88 mm rain a month, 6.5 h sun a day
- Autumn: 10.5 °C, 83 mm rain a month, 3.4 h sun a day

Expect cool, damp winters, changeable spring weather and generally mild summers, with rain possible throughout the year. Waterproof shoes and a rain jacket are sensible for the daily commute. Spring through autumn offers opportunities to explore the district’s walking routes and the former railway route of the PanoramaRadweg niederbergbahn. ([neanderland](https://www.neanderland.de/))

## Culture & language

Local identity combines Bergisch architecture and food with industrial history. Haan’s slate-clad, half-timbered buildings and Velbert’s lock-and-security museum are useful introductions. ([Haan](https://www.neanderland.de/das-neanderland/zehn-staedte-eine-region/haan), [Velbert](https://www.neanderland.de/das-neanderland/zehn-staedte-eine-region/velbert))

For evenings out, explore the individual town centres and their event calendars: Ratingen has restaurants and brewery pubs around its market square, while Hilden has jazz concerts beyond its main festival. Plan campus social life and the journey home separately when deciding whether this commuting lifestyle suits you. ([Ratingen](https://www.neanderland.de/das-neanderland/zehn-staedte-eine-region/ratingen), [Hilden concerts](https://www.hilden.de/de/kultur-freizeit/freizeit-kulturangebote/konzerte/))

Treat German as a practical priority even if your course is taught in English. English alone does not meet every local employer’s requirements: QIAGEN’s Hilden student programme asks for very good communication skills in both German and English. ([QIAGEN](https://www.qiagen.com/gb/careers/student-programs/student-jobs)) As a planning recommendation, aim for B1–B2 German for greater independence with housing, administration and work; individual requirements vary.

## Local food

- **Bergische Kaffeetafel**: A substantial coffee spread with bread, sweet and savoury accompaniments, rice pudding and waffles. The district tourism board presents it as a local tradition. ([neanderland](https://www.neanderland.de/einkehr-unterkunft), [Naturpark Bergisches Land](https://www.naturparkbergischesland.de/typisch-bergisch/genuss/bergische-kaffeetafel))
- **Bergische Waffeln**: Rich waffles served with hot cherries and cream, either separately or as part of the regional coffee-table tradition. ([Naturpark Bergisches Land](https://www.naturparkbergischesland.de/typisch-bergisch/genuss/bergische-kaffeetafel))

## Events

- **Hildener Jazztage** (Early summer; the 2026 edition ran 3–7 June.): Jazz concerts at several venues across Hilden, with international performers. Check the next programme before planning a visit. ([City of Hilden](https://www.hilden.de/de/kultur-freizeit/freizeit-kulturangebote/konzerte/))
- **Haaner Kirmes** (Late September; the 2026 edition ran 25–29 September.): A traditional town fair with rides, food stalls and a closing fireworks display. ([Official event website](https://haaner-kirmes.de/aktuelles/))

## Places to see

- **Neanderthal Museum and Neandertal** (Museum): Explore human evolution at the museum and combine it with the nearby discovery site and a walk through the valley. ([neanderland](https://www.neanderland.de/das-neanderland/erlebniswelt-neandertal))
- **Mettmann Oberstadt** (Old town): Walk around St Lambertus church and the surrounding historic buildings, with cafés and restaurants in the old centre. ([neanderland](https://www.neanderland.de/das-neanderland/zehn-staedte-eine-region/mettmann))
- **Gruiten Dorf** (Historic village): Part of Haan, with protected half-timbered houses, dark slate and green shutters characteristic of Bergisch architecture. ([neanderland](https://www.neanderland.de/das-neanderland/zehn-staedte-eine-region/haan))
- **Textilfabrik Cromford** (Industrial heritage): Ratingen’s former cotton-spinning mill and manor house form part of the LVR industrial museum. ([neanderland](https://www.neanderland.de/das-neanderland/zehn-staedte-eine-region/ratingen))
- **Mariendom, Neviges** (Architecture): A pilgrimage church in Velbert-Neviges known for its exposed-concrete architecture. ([neanderland](https://www.neanderland.de/das-neanderland/zehn-staedte-eine-region/velbert))
- **Haus Bürgel** (UNESCO): A former Roman fort in Monheim’s Urdenbacher Kämpe, with a Roman museum; it belongs to the Lower German Limes World Heritage site. ([neanderland](https://www.neanderland.de/das-neanderland/zehn-staedte-eine-region/monheim-am-rhein))

## FAQ

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

It can suit students who value access to walking routes and historic town centres and are comfortable commuting. Choose an address only after checking the complete journey to campus and the last connection home. ([Local places](https://www.neanderland.de/das-neanderland/zehn-staedte-eine-region), [Journey planning](https://www.regiobahn.de/fahrplan/))

### Is there a university in Mettmann district?

No university is listed inside the district in the supplied Where Is My Uni? catalogue. Nearby study options include Hochschule Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf and Bergische Universität Wuppertal.

### How do I get from Mettmann to Düsseldorf or Wuppertal?

The S28 connects Mettmann Zentrum with both cities. Published through-service timings are approximately 20 minutes to Düsseldorf Hbf and 22 minutes to Wuppertal Hbf; allow additional time to reach campus and check disruption notices. ([VRR timetable](https://www.vrr.de/fileadmin/user_upload/pdf/fahrplan_und_mobilitaet/S-Bahn-Linienplaene_2026/S28.pdf))

### Is Mettmann district cheap for student housing?

Do not assume it is: Mettmann’s council describes the town’s housing market as tight. Compare actual warm rents across suitable towns rather than relying on a presumed discount compared with Düsseldorf. ([City of Mettmann](https://www.mettmann.de/web/zentrale-anlaufstelle-fuer-den-schutz-von-wohnraum/))

### What student jobs can I find in Mettmann district?

Examples include business and data-related student roles at QIAGEN in Hilden, communications support at Mitsubishi Electric in Ratingen, and student placements with Huf in Velbert. Check the employers’ portals for current openings. ([QIAGEN](https://www.qiagen.com/gb/careers/student-programs/student-jobs), [Mitsubishi Electric](https://mitsubishielectric-jobs.de/jobs/), [Huf](https://www.huf-group.com/en/career))

### Can I commute with the Deutschlandticket?

Yes: it covers local buses and second-class S-Bahn, RB and RE services. It generally does not cover ICE, IC or EC trains; check whether your university already provides a Deutschlandsemesterticket. ([VRR](https://www.vrr.de/tickets-tarife/deutschlandticket/))

## Sources

- [neanderland regional tourism](https://www.neanderland.de/)
- [District towns](https://www.neanderland.de/das-neanderland/zehn-staedte-eine-region)
- [Mettmann town guide](https://www.neanderland.de/das-neanderland/zehn-staedte-eine-region/mettmann)
- [Ratingen town guide](https://www.neanderland.de/das-neanderland/zehn-staedte-eine-region/ratingen)
- [Velbert town guide](https://www.neanderland.de/das-neanderland/zehn-staedte-eine-region/velbert)
- [Haan and Gruiten](https://www.neanderland.de/das-neanderland/zehn-staedte-eine-region/haan)
- [Monheim and Haus Bürgel](https://www.neanderland.de/das-neanderland/zehn-staedte-eine-region/monheim-am-rhein)
- [Neandertal visitor information](https://www.neanderland.de/das-neanderland/erlebniswelt-neandertal)
- [Mettmann housing-market statement](https://www.mettmann.de/web/zentrale-anlaufstelle-fuer-den-schutz-von-wohnraum/)
- [Hilden official rent index 2026](https://service.hilden.info/download.php?dok_nr=3512_MS2026)
- [WG-Gesucht Mettmann overview](https://www.wg-gesucht.de/anzeigen-in-Mettmann.2799.html)
- [Studierendenwerk Düsseldorf residences](https://www.stw-d.de/studentisches-wohnen/wohnanlagen/)
- [VRR Deutschlandticket](https://www.vrr.de/tickets-tarife/deutschlandticket/)
- [VRR S28 timetable 2026](https://www.vrr.de/fileadmin/user_upload/pdf/fahrplan_und_mobilitaet/S-Bahn-Linienplaene_2026/S28.pdf)
- [VRR RB48 timetable 2026](https://www.vrr.de/fileadmin/user_upload/pdf/fahrplan_und_mobilitaet/RB-Linienplaene_2026/RB48.pdf)
- [Regiobahn journey planning](https://www.regiobahn.de/fahrplan/)
- [Düsseldorf Airport public transport](https://www.dus.com/en/Anreisen/Bus-und-Bahn)
- [QIAGEN company profile](https://www.qiagen.com/us/about-us)
- [QIAGEN locations](https://www.qiagen.com/us/about-us/our-global-presence)
- [QIAGEN student jobs](https://www.qiagen.com/gb/careers/student-programs/student-jobs)
- [Mitsubishi Electric careers](https://mitsubishielectric-jobs.de/jobs/)
- [Huf careers](https://www.huf-group.com/en/career)
- [Huf Velbert contact](https://www.huf-group.com/en/contact)
- [Hilden concerts and Jazztage](https://www.hilden.de/de/kultur-freizeit/freizeit-kulturangebote/konzerte/)
- [Haaner Kirmes official programme](https://haaner-kirmes.de/aktuelles/)
- [neanderland regional food](https://www.neanderland.de/einkehr-unterkunft)
- [Bergische Kaffeetafel and waffles](https://www.naturparkbergischesland.de/typisch-bergisch/genuss/bergische-kaffeetafel)
- [Commons: Gruiten street photograph](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Haan_Gruiten_-_Pastor-V%C3%B6mel-Stra%C3%9Fe_%2B_37Am_Doren_%2B_20Caf%C3%A9_Im_Dorf_01_ies.jpg)
- [Commons: Mettmann market photograph](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mettmann_-_Markt_05_ies.jpg)
- [Commons: Neanderthal Museum photograph](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mus%C3%A9e_de_Neanderthal.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/mettmann-district. Last updated November 2026. [How we research](https://whereismyuni.com/study-in/how-we-research).