# Study in Oberhausen, North Rhine-Westphalia

> Oberhausen is a district-free city in North Rhine-Westphalia with 213,646 people (Destatis, 31 Dec 2024). There is no university in Oberhausen itself; the nearest is Hochschule Ruhr West in Bottrop, about 6 km away. Summers average 18.9 °C and winters 4.1 °C, with about 866 mm of rain a year (DWD, 1991–2020).

Oberhausen is a Ruhr city shaped by industry.

## Key facts

| Fact | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 213,646 | Destatis, 31 Dec 2024 |
| Area | 77.09 km² | Destatis |
| Universities in the district | 0 | Where Is My Uni? catalogue |
| Nearest university | Hochschule Ruhr West, Bottrop (6 km) | Where Is My Uni? catalogue |
| Typical student rent | €8.97/m² per month — Average advertised net cold rent for existing apartments in Oberhausen in the first half of 2026, reported by Engel & Völkers Commercial using VALUE market data. Excludes operating costs and heating; this is not a student-room or furnished-apartment average. | [source](https://evc-rheinland.de/files/Marktreports/Reports/EV-C_WGH-Report_Oberhausen_4-Seiter_2026_RZ_Web.pdf) |
| Mean temperature | 11.4 °C (summer 18.9 °C, winter 4.1 °C) | DWD 1991–2020 |
| Rain | 866 mm a year | DWD 1991–2020 |
| Sunshine | 1,589 hours a year | DWD 1991–2020 |

## About Oberhausen

Oberhausen is an urban part of the Ruhr region whose industrial past remains visible in its buildings and neighbourhoods. Its main centres are Alt-Oberhausen, Sterkrade and Osterfeld; the Neue Mitte adds a separate shopping and leisure area around Centro. ([City portrait](https://www.oberhausen.de/de/index/tourismus-freizeit/stadtportrait.php))

The Gasometer captures that change particularly well: a former gas holder now used for exhibitions, with a rooftop viewing platform. For a different perspective, walk through Eisenheim, a preserved workers’ housing settlement whose residents fought to save it from demolition. ([Gasometer](https://www.oberhausen-tourismus.de/poi/gasometer-oberhausen/), [Eisenheim](https://www.oberhausen-tourismus.de/poi/siedlung-eisenheim/))

- **Alt-Oberhausen**: The southern city district includes the traditional centre around Marktstraße and Altmarkt. ([City portrait](https://www.oberhausen.de/de/index/tourismus-freizeit/stadtportrait.php), [City districts](https://www.oberhausen.de/de/index/leben-in-oberhausen/stadtportrait/stadtteile.php?SlId=1&SlStart=-1))
- **Sterkrade**: The northern city district has its own pedestrian shopping centre and a regional railway station. ([City portrait](https://www.oberhausen.de/de/index/tourismus-freizeit/stadtportrait.php), [DB timetable](https://www.bahnhof.de/downloads/schedule/Regeltafel_4648.pdf))
- **Osterfeld**: The eastern city district retains a separate local centre; include it when comparing rental options across Oberhausen. ([City districts](https://www.oberhausen.de/de/index/leben-in-oberhausen/stadtportrait/stadtteile.php?SlId=1&SlStart=-1), [City portrait](https://www.oberhausen.de/de/index/tourismus-freizeit/stadtportrait.php))

## Nearest universities

Oberhausen has no university, so living here means building your student routine around a commute. Nearby options include Hochschule Ruhr West in Bottrop, Universität Duisburg-Essen, FOM and Folkwang in Essen, and Westfälische Hochschule in Gelsenkirchen. Direct trains connect Oberhausen Hbf with Essen Hbf, but allow additional time to reach your actual teaching building; HRW’s Bottrop campus has its own bus stop, Bottrop Hochschule. ([Deutsche Bahn](https://www.bahn.de/reisen/view/verbindung/oberhausen/essen.shtml), [HRW campus map](https://www.hochschule-ruhr-west.de/content/download/8383/file/2021-04-28_Lageplan_Bottrop.pdf)) This is worth considering if you are comfortable separating home and campus life. Technical apprenticeships are another local route: Everllence explicitly offers training at its Oberhausen site. ([Everllence](https://www.everllence.com/de/karriere/karriereweg/ausbildung/oberhausen))

- **Hochschule Ruhr West** (Bottrop) — 6 km away, 34 courses
- **Universität Duisburg-Essen** (Essen) — 13 km away, 359 courses
- **FOM Hochschule für Oekonomie & Management** (Essen, Ruhr) — 13 km away, 63 courses
- **Folkwang University of the Arts** (Essen) — 13 km away, 42 courses
- **Westfälische Hochschule** (Gelsenkirchen) — 17 km away, 112 courses

## Housing

Compare ordinary apartments and shared flats rather than relying on a local student-residence market. The latest verified market report shows rising asking rents and meaningful neighbourhood differences: existing apartments in Osterfeld were advertised for less per square metre on average than those in Sterkrade-Nord. That supports comparing areas, but does not establish that student rooms are easy to secure. ([Housing market report](https://evc-rheinland.de/files/Marktreports/Reports/EV-C_WGH-Report_Oberhausen_4-Seiter_2026_RZ_Web.pdf))

**How to find a place**

- Check the Sterkrader Wohnungsgenossenschaft’s listings and online application route for cooperative apartments; ask about membership requirements before budgeting. ([Sterkrader Wohnungsgenossenschaft](https://sterkrader.de/wohnungsangebote/))
- Search ImmoScout24’s Oberhausen section for shared rooms and small apartments. Check that the location is Oberhausen in North Rhine-Westphalia. ([ImmoScout24](https://www.immobilienscout24.de/Suche/de/nordrhein-westfalen/oberhausen/wg-zimmer))
- Use Oberhausen’s official Mietspiegel to assess a particular apartment by building age, size and condition. Its reference rents are net cold rents, so request a separate breakdown of additional costs. ([City Mietspiegel](https://www.oberhausen.de/mietspiegel))
- Test the journey from each prospective address to your actual campus in the STOAG planner, including your return after evening classes. ([STOAG](https://www.stoag.de/128.html))
- If you attend a university served by Studierendenwerk Essen-Duisburg, compare its residence options in neighbouring university towns before committing to a private lease in Oberhausen. ([Studierendenwerk housing directory](https://www.stw-edu.de/wohnen-internationales/wohnen/))

## Cost of living

Budget separately for rent, heating, electricity and internet: the published apartment benchmark is a cold-rent figure. ([Housing market report](https://evc-rheinland.de/files/Marktreports/Reports/EV-C_WGH-Report_Oberhausen_4-Seiter_2026_RZ_Web.pdf)) The standard Deutschlandticket costs €63 per month in 2026; check your university’s semester-ticket arrangements before buying a separate subscription. ([STOAG](https://www.stoag.de/tickets/vielfahrer/deutschlandticket.html)) For occasional journeys, STOAG lists a price-level A adult single ticket at €3.80 in its 2026 tariff. ([Fare table](https://www.stoag.de/fileadmin/dokumente/Preise/Preistabelle_2026.pdf)) Free leisure options include the Kaisergarten and its animal enclosure. ([Oberhausen tourism](https://www.oberhausen-tourismus.de/poi/kaisergarten-oberhausen/))

## Jobs & employers

Local employment includes industrial engineering, chemicals and applied research: Everllence manufactures turbomachinery and develops industrial heat pumps, OXEA produces organic chemicals in Holten, and Fraunhofer UMSICHT offers student research opportunities. ([Everllence](https://www.everllence.com/company/production-locations/oberhausen), [OXEA](https://www.ruhrchemie.de/service/faq), [Fraunhofer](https://www.umsicht.fraunhofer.de/de/jobs-karriere/studierende.html)) For work alongside lectures, Centro’s employer directory also lists retail, café and stockroom roles. Treat these as search routes, since vacancies and required availability change. ([Centro jobs](https://www.westfield.com/de/germany/centro/jobs))

- Retail sales and checkout work at Centro shops. ([Centro jobs](https://www.westfield.com/de/germany/centro/jobs))
- Café service and barista work at Centro. ([Centro jobs](https://www.westfield.com/de/germany/centro/jobs))
- Stockroom work, deliveries and replenishing shop floors. ([Centro jobs](https://www.westfield.com/de/germany/centro/jobs))
- Scientific assistant work and study-related internships at Fraunhofer UMSICHT. ([Fraunhofer student opportunities](https://www.umsicht.fraunhofer.de/de/jobs-karriere/studierende.html))

- **Everllence** (Industrial engineering): Its Oberhausen production site works on turbomachinery, industrial heat pumps and technologies for hydrogen and chemical production. ([Site profile](https://www.everllence.com/company/production-locations/oberhausen))
- **OXEA — Werk Ruhrchemie** (Chemicals): Produces organic chemicals at the Ruhrchemie site in Oberhausen-Holten, including alcohols, aldehydes and esters. ([Site information](https://www.ruhrchemie.de/service/faq))
- **Fraunhofer UMSICHT** (Applied research): Has an Oberhausen institute on Osterfelder Straße and offers scientific assistant positions, internships and thesis projects. ([Location](https://www.umsicht.fraunhofer.de/de/kontakt-anfahrt.html), [Student opportunities](https://www.umsicht.fraunhofer.de/de/jobs-karriere/studierende.html))

## Getting around

Use STOAG’s journey planner for local public transport and connections to regional trains. ([STOAG](https://www.stoag.de/128.html)) DB currently lists direct Oberhausen Hbf–Essen Hbf journeys from about 16 minutes; that is station-to-station, not a campus commute. ([Deutsche Bahn](https://www.bahn.de/reisen/view/verbindung/oberhausen/essen.shtml)) The regional network also connects Oberhausen with Duisburg, Bottrop and Gelsenkirchen. For HRW Bottrop, plan through to Bottrop Hochschule rather than stopping your search at Bottrop Hbf. ([VRR network](https://www.vrr.de/fahrplan-mobilitaet/stadt-linien-netzplaene/), [HRW campus map](https://www.hochschule-ruhr-west.de/content/download/8383/file/2021-04-28_Lageplan_Bottrop.pdf)) The Deutschlandticket covers local and regional public transport nationwide; check the selected service and current disruption notices before travelling. ([STOAG ticket information](https://www.stoag.de/tickets/vielfahrer/deutschlandticket.html))

- Station: Oberhausen Hbf — principal interchange for regional services and longer-distance journeys. ([DB timetable](https://www.bahnhof.de/downloads/schedule/Regeltafel_4648.pdf))
- Station: Oberhausen-Sterkrade — regional rail access for the northern part of the city. ([DB timetable](https://www.bahnhof.de/downloads/schedule/Regeltafel_4648.pdf))
- Nearest airport: Düsseldorf Airport (DUS) — The practical nearby airport for scheduled international flights. Regional trains connect Oberhausen with Düsseldorf Flughafen station; normally the SkyTrain provides the onward terminal connection. Check airport notices for replacement transport during maintenance. ([DB timetable](https://www.bahnhof.de/downloads/schedule/Regeltafel_4648.pdf), [Airport access](https://www.dus.com/de-de/anreisen/bus-und-bahn))

## Weather & seasons

- Winter: 4.1 °C, 76 mm rain a month, 1.9 h sun a day
- Spring: 10.9 °C, 58 mm rain a month, 5.5 h sun a day
- Summer: 18.9 °C, 82 mm rain a month, 6.6 h sun a day
- Autumn: 11.5 °C, 73 mm rain a month, 3.4 h sun a day

Expect cool, often damp winters and generally mild-to-warm summers, with rain possible throughout the year. Waterproof shoes and a light rain jacket are useful for the daily commute. Spring brings the short-film festival, while warmer days suit walking or running in the Kaisergarten. ([Festival](https://www.kurzfilmtage.de/de/), [Kaisergarten](https://www.oberhausen-tourismus.de/poi/kaisergarten-oberhausen/))

## Culture & language

Workers’ history is part of the local landscape, especially at Eisenheim, where residents successfully opposed the demolition of their settlement. The separate centres of Sterkrade and Osterfeld also give Oberhausen a neighbourhood-based character. ([Eisenheim](https://www.oberhausen-tourismus.de/poi/siedlung-eisenheim/), [City portrait](https://www.oberhausen.de/de/index/tourismus-freizeit/stadtportrait.php))

There are substantial evening options: concerts at the Turbinenhalle, performances at the Ebertbad and Theater Oberhausen, events at Zentrum Altenberg, and restaurants along the Centro promenade. For a commuting student, these provide places to spend evenings locally, although campus societies and university social life will require travel. ([Oberhausen entertainment guide](https://www.oberhausen-tourismus.de/erleben/nightlife-entertainment/))

For planning purposes, do not rely on an English-only job search: several Centro retail employers explicitly ask for strong German. ([Centro jobs](https://www.westfield.com/de/germany/centro/jobs)) Aim for conversational German for viewings and everyday tasks; B1–B2 is a useful personal learning target, not a universal admission or employment requirement. Check the language requirements of each course and job separately.

## Local food

- **Currywurst**: Sausage with curry sauce is firmly associated with Ruhr food culture. Oberhausen’s tourism directory also lists it at the canalside Kanale Grande. ([Regionalverband Ruhr](https://www.rvr.ruhr/fileadmin/user_upload/01_RVR_Home/04_Service/Mediathek/2023/4_2023_Metropole_Ruhr_Magazin.pdf), [Kanale Grande](https://www.oberhausen-tourismus.de/gastro/kanale-grande/))
- **Kartoffelpuffer with apple sauce**: Potato pancakes served with apple sauce belong to the wider Ruhr region’s traditional cooking; they are a regional dish rather than an Oberhausen invention. ([Regionalverband Ruhr](https://www.rvr.ruhr/fileadmin/user_upload/01_RVR_Home/04_Service/Mediathek/2023/4_2023_Metropole_Ruhr_Magazin.pdf))

## Events

- **International Short Film Festival Oberhausen** (Late April–early May; next announced edition: 27 April–2 May 2027.): An annual international short-film festival. The organiser has announced the next spring dates. ([Festival website](https://www.kurzfilmtage.de/de/))
- **Sterkrader Fronleichnamskirmes** (Around Corpus Christi in late spring; the verified 2026 edition ran 3–8 June.): Sterkrade’s traditional street fair brings rides and food stalls into the district centre, finishing with fireworks. Check the organiser for the next edition’s dates. ([Official fair website](https://www.fronleichnamskirmes.de/service/oeffnungszeiten.php))

## Places to see

- **Gasometer Oberhausen** (Industrial heritage): A former gas holder converted into an exhibition venue, with views across the Ruhr region from its roof. ([Visitor information](https://www.oberhausen-tourismus.de/poi/gasometer-oberhausen/))
- **Kaisergarten** (Nature): A park beside Schloss Oberhausen for walking, running or a low-cost afternoon out; entry to the park and animal enclosure is free. ([Visitor information](https://www.oberhausen-tourismus.de/poi/kaisergarten-oberhausen/))
- **LUDWIGGALERIE Schloss Oberhausen** (Museum): An exhibition destination in Schloss Oberhausen, conveniently combined with a walk in the adjoining Kaisergarten. ([Visitor information](https://www.oberhausen-tourismus.de/poi/ludwiggalerie-schloss-oberhausen/))
- **Siedlung Eisenheim** (Historic neighbourhood): A preserved workers’ settlement illustrating the domestic side of Ruhr industrial history. Visit respectfully: the historic houses form a residential neighbourhood. ([Visitor information](https://www.oberhausen-tourismus.de/poi/siedlung-eisenheim/))

## FAQ

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

It can suit students who are comfortable commuting and want to compare housing across the Ruhr region. Direct trains reach Essen Hbf in about 16 minutes on the fastest currently listed services, but your full campus journey will take longer. ([Deutsche Bahn](https://www.bahn.de/reisen/view/verbindung/oberhausen/essen.shtml))

### Is there a university in Oberhausen?

Oberhausen has no university. Nearby study options include Hochschule Ruhr West in Bottrop, Universität Duisburg-Essen, FOM and Folkwang in Essen, and Westfälische Hochschule in Gelsenkirchen.

### How do I commute from Oberhausen to Hochschule Ruhr West in Bottrop?

Plan your journey to the stop Bottrop Hochschule, which serves HRW’s Bottrop campus, rather than just to Bottrop Hbf. Compare connections from your prospective home using STOAG’s planner. ([HRW campus map](https://www.hochschule-ruhr-west.de/content/download/8383/file/2021-04-28_Lageplan_Bottrop.pdf), [STOAG](https://www.stoag.de/128.html))

### How much does renting in Oberhausen cost?

Engel & Völkers Commercial reports an average advertised cold rent of €8.97 per square metre for existing apartments in the first half of 2026. This excludes additional costs and is not a shared-room price. ([Market report](https://evc-rheinland.de/files/Marktreports/Reports/EV-C_WGH-Report_Oberhausen_4-Seiter_2026_RZ_Web.pdf))

### What student jobs are available in Oberhausen?

Useful search areas include retail, café service and stockroom work at Centro, plus scientific assistant roles and internships at Fraunhofer UMSICHT. Availability and language requirements depend on the employer. ([Centro jobs](https://www.westfield.com/de/germany/centro/jobs), [Fraunhofer](https://www.umsicht.fraunhofer.de/de/jobs-karriere/studierende.html))

### Can I commute from Oberhausen with a Deutschlandticket?

Yes, the Deutschlandticket covers local and regional public transport nationwide. The standard subscription costs €63 per month in 2026; check whether your university provides a semester-ticket arrangement before buying it separately. ([STOAG](https://www.stoag.de/tickets/vielfahrer/deutschlandticket.html))

## Sources

- [City of Oberhausen — city portrait](https://www.oberhausen.de/de/index/tourismus-freizeit/stadtportrait.php)
- [City of Oberhausen — districts](https://www.oberhausen.de/de/index/leben-in-oberhausen/stadtportrait/stadtteile.php?SlId=1&SlStart=-1)
- [City of Oberhausen — Mietspiegel](https://www.oberhausen.de/mietspiegel)
- [City of Oberhausen — official Mietspiegel 2025](https://www.oberhausen.de/de/index/rathaus/verwaltung/stadtplanung-bauen-mobilitat-umwelt/geoinformation-und-kataster/grundstueckswertermittlung/grundstueckswertermittlung_material/mietspiegel_2025.pdf)
- [Engel & Völkers Commercial — Oberhausen market overview](https://evc-rheinland.de/marktreports/oberhausen)
- [Engel & Völkers Commercial — Oberhausen market report 2026/2027](https://evc-rheinland.de/files/Marktreports/Reports/EV-C_WGH-Report_Oberhausen_4-Seiter_2026_RZ_Web.pdf)
- [Sterkrader Wohnungsgenossenschaft — housing search](https://sterkrader.de/wohnungsangebote/)
- [ImmoScout24 — shared rooms in Oberhausen](https://www.immobilienscout24.de/Suche/de/nordrhein-westfalen/oberhausen/wg-zimmer)
- [Studierendenwerk Essen-Duisburg — housing directory](https://www.stw-edu.de/wohnen-internationales/wohnen/)
- [Deutsche Bahn — Oberhausen to Essen](https://www.bahn.de/reisen/view/verbindung/oberhausen/essen.shtml)
- [Deutsche Bahn — Oberhausen Hbf departure timetable](https://www.bahnhof.de/downloads/schedule/Regeltafel_4648.pdf)
- [Hochschule Ruhr West — Bottrop campus map](https://www.hochschule-ruhr-west.de/content/download/8383/file/2021-04-28_Lageplan_Bottrop.pdf)
- [STOAG — journey planner](https://www.stoag.de/128.html)
- [STOAG — Deutschlandticket](https://www.stoag.de/tickets/vielfahrer/deutschlandticket.html)
- [STOAG — 2026 fares](https://www.stoag.de/fileadmin/dokumente/Preise/Preistabelle_2026.pdf)
- [VRR — regional transport maps and timetables](https://www.vrr.de/fahrplan-mobilitaet/stadt-linien-netzplaene/)
- [Düsseldorf Airport — public transport access](https://www.dus.com/de-de/anreisen/bus-und-bahn)
- [Everllence — Oberhausen production site](https://www.everllence.com/company/production-locations/oberhausen)
- [Everllence — Oberhausen apprenticeships](https://www.everllence.com/de/karriere/karriereweg/ausbildung/oberhausen)
- [OXEA Werk Ruhrchemie — site activities](https://www.ruhrchemie.de/service/faq)
- [Fraunhofer UMSICHT — student opportunities](https://www.umsicht.fraunhofer.de/de/jobs-karriere/studierende.html)
- [Fraunhofer UMSICHT — locations](https://www.umsicht.fraunhofer.de/de/kontakt-anfahrt.html)
- [Westfield Centro — employer jobs directory](https://www.westfield.com/de/germany/centro/jobs)
- [Oberhausen tourism — entertainment](https://www.oberhausen-tourismus.de/erleben/nightlife-entertainment/)
- [Oberhausen tourism — Gasometer](https://www.oberhausen-tourismus.de/poi/gasometer-oberhausen/)
- [Oberhausen tourism — Kaisergarten](https://www.oberhausen-tourismus.de/poi/kaisergarten-oberhausen/)
- [Oberhausen tourism — Ludwiggalerie](https://www.oberhausen-tourismus.de/poi/ludwiggalerie-schloss-oberhausen/)
- [Oberhausen tourism — Eisenheim](https://www.oberhausen-tourismus.de/poi/siedlung-eisenheim/)
- [Oberhausen tourism — Kanale Grande](https://www.oberhausen-tourismus.de/gastro/kanale-grande/)
- [Regionalverband Ruhr — regional cuisine, Metropole Ruhr 04/2023](https://www.rvr.ruhr/fileadmin/user_upload/01_RVR_Home/04_Service/Mediathek/2023/4_2023_Metropole_Ruhr_Magazin.pdf)
- [International Short Film Festival Oberhausen](https://www.kurzfilmtage.de/de/)
- [Sterkrader Fronleichnamskirmes — official dates](https://www.fronleichnamskirmes.de/service/oeffnungszeiten.php)
- [Wikimedia Commons — Gasometer landscape photograph](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Germany_gasometer_oberhausen_neue_mitte.jpg)
- [Wikimedia Commons — Schloss Oberhausen photograph](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Schloss_Oberhausen.JPG)
- [Wikimedia Commons — Slinky Springs bridge photograph](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Oberhausen_-_Kaisergarten_-_Slinky_17_ies.jpg)

---

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/oberhausen. Last updated November 2026. [How we research](https://whereismyuni.com/study-in/how-we-research).