# Study in Paderborn district, North Rhine-Westphalia

> Paderborn is a rural district (Landkreis) in North Rhine-Westphalia with 315,912 people (Destatis, 31 Dec 2024). It has 3 universities: Universität Paderborn (Paderborn), Paderborn University (Paderborn), Fachhochschule der Wirtschaft (Paderborn). Summers average 17.6 °C and winters 2.5 °C, with about 861 mm of rain a year (DWD, 1991–2020).

Paderborn district combines a university city with smaller towns, spa resorts and countryside in eastern North Rhine-Westphalia.

## Key facts

| Fact | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 315,912 | Destatis, 31 Dec 2024 |
| Area | 1,246.8 km² | Destatis |
| Universities in the district | 3 | Where Is My Uni? catalogue |
| Nearest university | Universität Paderborn, Paderborn (6 km) | Where Is My Uni? catalogue |
| Typical student rent | €340 per month — Listed warm rent for an approximately 13.5 m² single apartment with its own shower/WC and kitchen at Peter-Hille-Weg 11. This is a residence example, not a market average. The operator's live price page labels its schedule valid from 1 January 2023; checked 2 November 2026. | [source](https://stwpb.de/wohnen/wohnformen-und-preise/) |
| Mean temperature | 9.9 °C (summer 17.6 °C, winter 2.5 °C) | DWD 1991–2020 |
| Rain | 861 mm a year | DWD 1991–2020 |
| Sunshine | 1,513 hours a year | DWD 1991–2020 |

## About Paderborn district

Paderborn is a district in eastern North Rhine-Westphalia, centred on the city of the same name. Its towns include Delbrück, Büren, Salzkotten and Bad Lippspringe ([district background](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paderborn_%28district%29), [district council](https://www.kreis-paderborn.de/kreis_paderborn/der-kreis-paderborn/staedte-und-gemeinden/)).

The landscape changes from the woodland and heath around Hövelhof to river valleys around Büren and the northern Sauerland foothills near Bad Wünnenberg. Paderborn city brings together cathedral heritage, the Pader springs and computing history at the Heinz Nixdorf MuseumsForum ([regional tourism](https://www.paderborner-land-route.de/pbl-route/staedte-und-gemeinden/index.php), [Paderborn tourism](https://www.paderborner-land.de/deu/paderborner-land/paderborn.php)).

- **Paderborn**: The district's university and cathedral city, with the Pader springs in its centre ([district council](https://www.kreis-paderborn.de/kreis_paderborn/der-kreis-paderborn/staedte-und-gemeinden/), [city sights](https://www.paderborn.de/tourismus-kultur/sehenswuerdigkeiten/Sehenswuerdigkeiten_in_PB.php)).
- **Delbrück**: A town associated with the historic Boker-Heide canal and cycling through the surrounding countryside ([district council](https://www.kreis-paderborn.de/kreis_paderborn/der-kreis-paderborn/staedte-und-gemeinden/), [regional tourism](https://www.paderborner-land-route.de/pbl-route/staedte-und-gemeinden/index.php)).
- **Büren**: A town in the Alme and Afte valleys; its Wewelsburg village contains the triangular castle and district museum ([district council](https://www.kreis-paderborn.de/kreis_paderborn/der-kreis-paderborn/staedte-und-gemeinden/), [Wewelsburg museum](https://www.wewelsburg.de/en/)).
- **Salzkotten**: A town with half-timbered streets, springs and watercourses ([district council](https://www.kreis-paderborn.de/kreis_paderborn/der-kreis-paderborn/staedte-und-gemeinden/)).
- **Bad Lippspringe**: A recognised climatic health resort within the district ([district council](https://www.kreis-paderborn.de/kreis_paderborn/der-kreis-paderborn/staedte-und-gemeinden/)).

## Universities

Paderborn city is the practical starting point for students at Paderborn University and the Fachhochschule der Wirtschaft (FHDW). Check your actual teaching location before choosing accommodation: FHDW's campus is beside the Pader, while Studierendenwerk residences such as Vogeliusweg directly adjoin the university campus ([FHDW campus](https://www.fhdw.de/en/paderborn-campus), [Vogeliusweg](https://stwpb.de/wohnen/vogeliusweg-paderborn/)). Living elsewhere in the district means planning the full journey to class, including any onward bus connection. Hövelhof has an RB74 rail connection to Paderborn, making it one option to investigate ([NordWestBahn](https://www.nordwestbahn.de/de/ostwestfalen/unsere-linien/linie/rb-74-senne-bahn)). This district is worth considering if you want university life alongside access to smaller towns and countryside.

- **Universität Paderborn** (Paderborn) — 206 courses
- **Paderborn University** (Paderborn) — 58 courses
- **Fachhochschule der Wirtschaft** (Paderborn) — 6 courses

## Housing

Start looking early: the university describes Paderborn's housing situation as tight. The Studierendenwerk currently advises that residence waiting times can be one to two semesters, depending on demand and availability, so apply for a residence and search privately in parallel ([university housing advice](https://www.uni-paderborn.de/studium/international-office/degree-students/leben-in-paderborn-und-am-campus/wohnmoeglichkeiten), [Studierendenwerk](https://www.studentenwerk-pb.de/wohnen/)).

**How to find a place**

- Submit the Studierendenwerk's online Wohnplatzantrag early and specify your preferred room types and residences ([Studierendenwerk housing](https://www.studentenwerk-pb.de/wohnen/)).
- Use the Studierendenwerk's Privatzimmer Wohnportal alongside its residence application system ([housing portal links](https://www.studentenwerk-pb.de/wohnen/)).
- Search WG-Gesucht for shared flats; Paderborn University explicitly recommends it in its local housing guidance ([university housing guide](https://www.uni-paderborn.de/studium/wohnen)).
- Check Neue Westfälische and Westfalen-Blatt property adverts, both named by the university as local search routes ([university housing guide](https://www.uni-paderborn.de/studium/wohnen)).
- Before accepting accommodation outside the city, test the journey to your teaching building and the return trip after evening classes using the local journey planner ([PaderSprinter](https://www.padersprinter.de/fahrplaene/)).

**Student residences**

- [Peter-Hille-Weg 11](https://stwpb.de/wohnen/paderborn-peter-hille-weg-11/) (Studierendenwerk Paderborn): Furnished accommodation including compact single apartments with private bathrooms and kitchenettes ([residence details](https://stwpb.de/wohnen/paderborn-peter-hille-weg-11/)).
- [Vogeliusweg](https://stwpb.de/wohnen/vogeliusweg-paderborn/) (Studierendenwerk Paderborn): Directly beside the university campus, with single apartments and shared flats ([residence details](https://stwpb.de/wohnen/vogeliusweg-paderborn/)).
- [Mersinweg 4](https://stwpb.de/wohnen/mersinweg-4/) (Studierendenwerk Paderborn): Apartments beside the university campus, within the Mersinweg residential complex ([residence details](https://stwpb.de/wohnen/mersinweg-4/)).

## Cost of living

Paderborn University's general budgeting guide estimates approximately €1,210 per month, including rent, food, insurance, leisure and a monthly allowance for the semester contribution; treat this as a planning estimate rather than a measured local average ([university finances](https://www.uni-paderborn.de/en/studies/international-office/degree-students/live-in-paderborn-and-on-campus/finances)). Its more specific enrolment page lists a €351.15 semester contribution for winter 2026/27, including the semester-ticket contribution ([enrolment information](https://www.uni-paderborn.de/studium/international-office/degree-students/formalitaeten-und-services/immatrikulation/)). A residence can help control housing costs, but the published €340 warm-rent example does not establish what a private flat will cost ([residence prices](https://stwpb.de/wohnen/wohnformen-und-preise/)).

## Jobs & employers

Technology, engineering and university research provide concrete routes into student employment. dSPACE offers student work, internships and thesis projects, while BENTELER has automotive, steel/tube and business-service operations in Paderborn and offers student placements ([dSPACE](https://www.dspace.com/en/pub/home/career/students.cfm), [BENTELER Germany](https://career.benteler.com/en/career-worldwide/germany/)). The university also maintains a dedicated assistant-job board ([university vacancies](https://www.uni-paderborn.de/zv/4-4/stellenangebote/stellenangebotewhk-shk)).

- Software, simulation and technical student work at dSPACE ([student opportunities](https://www.dspace.com/en/pub/home/career/students.cfm)).
- University research and departmental assistant roles, advertised as SHK, WHB or WHK positions ([university vacancies](https://www.uni-paderborn.de/zv/4-4/stellenangebote/stellenangebotewhk-shk)).
- Commercial and logistics-related Werkstudent work: BENTELER's student portal includes Paderborn opportunities in logistics purchasing ([student careers portal](https://career.benteler.jobs/go/Studierende-%26-Berufseinsteiger/3198401?locale=de_DE)).

- **dSPACE** (Simulation and validation technology): Operates in Paderborn and develops technology used to test vehicles and other transport systems; its careers pages include student opportunities ([dSPACE careers](https://www.dspace.com/en/pub/home/career.cfm)).
- **BENTELER** (Automotive components and steel/tube): Lists Paderborn operations across Automotive, Steel/Tube and Business Services, with internships, working-student roles and thesis opportunities ([BENTELER Germany](https://career.benteler.com/en/career-worldwide/germany/)).
- **Paderborn University** (Higher education and research): Employs student and graduate assistants across academic departments; use its central assistant-vacancy page ([university vacancies](https://www.uni-paderborn.de/zv/4-4/stellenangebote/stellenangebotewhk-shk)).

## Getting around

PaderSprinter provides city bus timetables and a journey planner ([PaderSprinter](https://www.padersprinter.de/fahrplaene/)). The RB74 connects Paderborn with Hövelhof and Bielefeld; the published timetable shows typical Paderborn Hbf–Bielefeld Hbf journeys of about 54 minutes, before onward travel to a campus ([RB74 timetable](https://download.transdev.de/transdev/uploads/nwb/schedule/1067/rb-74-senne-bahn-bielefeld-hbf-hovelhof-paderborn-hbf.pdf)). Paderborn also has regional connections towards Detmold, Hamm and Kassel, plus long-distance rail services ([airport rail-access guide](https://www.airport-pad.com/en/flights-journey/parking-overnight-stay/access-to-the-airport/)). The university's Deutschlandsemesterticket covers local and regional public transport nationwide; it does not generally cover IC, EC or ICE services ([university ticket information](https://www.uni-paderborn.de/en/studies/international-office/degree-students/live-in-paderborn-and-on-campus/finances), [ticket validity](https://www.vrr.de/tickets-tarife/deutschlandticket/semesterticket/)). Check current departures and engineering works before travelling.

- Station: Paderborn Hauptbahnhof — regional and long-distance connections ([rail-access guide](https://www.airport-pad.com/en/flights-journey/parking-overnight-stay/access-to-the-airport/)).
- Station: Hövelhof — regional station on the Paderborn–Bielefeld RB74 route ([NordWestBahn](https://www.nordwestbahn.de/de/ostwestfalen/unsere-linien/linie/rb-74-senne-bahn)).
- Station: Paderborn Nord — another city boarding point for the RB74 ([NordWestBahn](https://www.nordwestbahn.de/de/ostwestfalen/unsere-linien/linie/rb-74-senne-bahn)).
- Nearest airport: Paderborn-Lippstadt Airport — Located in Büren within the district. DB Regio Bus advertises an approximately 20-minute S60 journey from Paderborn Hauptbahnhof to the airport ([airport location](https://www.airport-pad.com/en/flights-journey/parking-overnight-stay/access-to-the-airport/), [airport bus](https://www.dbregiobus-nrw.de/angebot/busverkehre/kreis-paderborn)).

## Weather & seasons

- Winter: 2.5 °C, 70 mm rain a month, 1.8 h sun a day
- Spring: 9.4 °C, 62 mm rain a month, 5.2 h sun a day
- Summer: 17.6 °C, 84 mm rain a month, 6.3 h sun a day
- Autumn: 10.2 °C, 70 mm rain a month, 3.2 h sun a day

Expect cool, often damp winters and mild summers, with rain possible throughout the year. Bring waterproof layers for everyday travel rather than planning around a reliably dry season. Spring and summer suit exploring the district on foot or by bicycle; Schloss Neuhaus's Schlosssommer programme continues from May into October ([regional tourism](https://www.paderborner-land.de/deu/paderborner-land/paderborn.php)).

## Culture & language

Catholic traditions are especially visible during Libori, which combines religious ceremonies and processions with a fair, markets and cultural events. It is a useful introduction to the city's local identity ([City of Paderborn](https://www.paderborn.de/tourismus-kultur/veranstaltungen/libori.php)).

For student evenings out, the university's business-informatics student council maintains a guide to local pubs and cocktail bars. That gives a more concrete picture of the social scene than assuming a large-city club circuit; start with Paderborn city when comparing places to live ([student pub guide](https://www.fsrwinfo.de/kneipenfuehrer)).

English-language support is available through Paderborn University's International Office and other university contacts, but this should not be taken as a guarantee that every everyday interaction can happen in English ([university language policy](https://www.uni-paderborn.de/fileadmin/international/studierende-international/Recommendations_for_Action_Regarding_the_Use_of_Language_and_Multilingualism_at_UPB_EN.pdf)). Aim towards B1–B2 German as a practical goal for independence and a wider job search, rather than treating it as a universal admission requirement. For example, dSPACE explicitly asks for good German for its advertised internship and thesis opportunities ([dSPACE student guidance](https://www.dspace.com/en/pub/home/career/students.cfm)).

## Local food

- **Paderborner Brot**: Local bread is part of the traditional Libori meal, served alongside butter, cheese and ham ([Libori-Gilde](https://libori-gilde.de/historie/)).
- **Westfälischer Schinken**: Westphalian ham is another regional food served at the city's traditional Libori meal ([Libori-Gilde](https://libori-gilde.de/historie/)).

## Events

- **Libori** (Late July into early August): Paderborn's church and public festival brings together processions, fairground attractions, markets and culture; the city's 2026 edition ran from 25 July to 2 August ([official festival information](https://www.paderborn.de/tourismus-kultur/veranstaltungen/libori.php)).
- **Schlosssommer** (May–October): An annual programme of cultural events in the baroque garden at Schloss Neuhaus ([regional tourism](https://www.paderborner-land.de/deu/paderborner-land/paderborn.php)).

## Places to see

- **Pader springs** (Nature): The river's springs emerge in central Paderborn, close to the historic city sights ([City of Paderborn](https://www.paderborn.de/tourismus-kultur/sehenswuerdigkeiten/Sehenswuerdigkeiten_in_PB.php)).
- **Schloss Neuhaus** (Castle): A former residence of Paderborn's prince-bishops, with Weser Renaissance architecture, a baroque garden and adjoining parkland ([regional tourism](https://www.paderborner-land.de/deu/paderborner-land/paderborn.php)).
- **Heinz Nixdorf MuseumsForum** (Museum): A hands-on museum in Paderborn exploring information technology, from writing and calculating machines to computers and robots ([HNF](https://www.hnf.de/en/home.html)).
- **Wewelsburg** (Museum and castle): A triangular castle above the Alme valley in Büren. Its museums examine the former prince-bishopric and the castle's Nazi-era history through the Wewelsburg 1933–1945 Memorial Museum ([district museum](https://www.wewelsburg.de/en/)).

## FAQ

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

It is worth considering if you want a university setting with access to countryside. For a straightforward start, compare accommodation near your actual campus: Vogeliusweg directly adjoins Paderborn University, while FHDW has a separate campus beside the Pader ([Vogeliusweg](https://stwpb.de/wohnen/vogeliusweg-paderborn/), [FHDW](https://www.fhdw.de/en/paderborn-campus)).

### Is there a university in Paderborn district?

Yes. Paderborn University is in Paderborn, and the Fachhochschule der Wirtschaft also has a campus in the city ([Paderborn University](https://www.uni-paderborn.de/en/studies/international-office/degree-students/live-in-paderborn-and-on-campus/finances), [FHDW campus](https://www.fhdw.de/en/paderborn-campus)).

### Is student housing easy to find in Paderborn?

Do not assume you can secure a room immediately. The Studierendenwerk advises residence waiting times of one to two semesters depending on demand and availability, so search for private accommodation at the same time ([Studierendenwerk housing](https://www.studentenwerk-pb.de/wohnen/)).

### How much should I budget to study in Paderborn?

The university's general planning estimate is approximately €1,210 per month, although your actual rent and spending will vary ([living-cost guide](https://www.uni-paderborn.de/en/studies/international-office/degree-students/live-in-paderborn-and-on-campus/finances)). Its winter 2026/27 semester contribution is €351.15 ([current enrolment information](https://www.uni-paderborn.de/studium/international-office/degree-students/formalitaeten-und-services/immatrikulation/)).

### How long does the train from Paderborn to Bielefeld take?

Typical direct RB74 journeys between the main stations take about 54 minutes in the published timetable. Add time for travel to your destination beyond the station and check for service changes ([RB74 timetable](https://download.transdev.de/transdev/uploads/nwb/schedule/1067/rb-74-senne-bahn-bielefeld-hbf-hovelhof-paderborn-hbf.pdf)).

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

Verified routes include university assistant posts and technical, commercial or engineering-related student opportunities at dSPACE and BENTELER. Availability and language requirements depend on the role ([university vacancies](https://www.uni-paderborn.de/zv/4-4/stellenangebote/stellenangebotewhk-shk), [dSPACE](https://www.dspace.com/en/pub/home/career/students.cfm), [BENTELER](https://career.benteler.com/en/career-worldwide/germany/)).

## Sources

- [Paderborn district background](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paderborn_(district))
- [District council: towns and municipalities](https://www.kreis-paderborn.de/kreis_paderborn/der-kreis-paderborn/staedte-und-gemeinden/)
- [Paderborner Land Route: towns and landscapes](https://www.paderborner-land-route.de/pbl-route/staedte-und-gemeinden/index.php)
- [Paderborner Land: Paderborn sights and events](https://www.paderborner-land.de/deu/paderborner-land/paderborn.php)
- [City of Paderborn: sights](https://www.paderborn.de/tourismus-kultur/sehenswuerdigkeiten/Sehenswuerdigkeiten_in_PB.php)
- [FHDW Paderborn campus](https://www.fhdw.de/en/paderborn-campus)
- [Studierendenwerk housing and waiting times](https://www.studentenwerk-pb.de/wohnen/)
- [Studierendenwerk residence prices](https://stwpb.de/wohnen/wohnformen-und-preise/)
- [Peter-Hille-Weg 11 residence](https://stwpb.de/wohnen/paderborn-peter-hille-weg-11/)
- [Vogeliusweg residence](https://stwpb.de/wohnen/vogeliusweg-paderborn/)
- [Mersinweg 4 residence](https://stwpb.de/wohnen/mersinweg-4/)
- [University housing search guide](https://www.uni-paderborn.de/studium/wohnen)
- [University international-student housing advice](https://www.uni-paderborn.de/studium/international-office/degree-students/leben-in-paderborn-und-am-campus/wohnmoeglichkeiten)
- [University living-cost estimate](https://www.uni-paderborn.de/en/studies/international-office/degree-students/live-in-paderborn-and-on-campus/finances)
- [University enrolment and semester contribution](https://www.uni-paderborn.de/studium/international-office/degree-students/formalitaeten-und-services/immatrikulation/)
- [dSPACE careers](https://www.dspace.com/en/pub/home/career.cfm)
- [dSPACE student opportunities](https://www.dspace.com/en/pub/home/career/students.cfm)
- [BENTELER Germany locations and careers](https://career.benteler.com/en/career-worldwide/germany/)
- [BENTELER student careers portal](https://career.benteler.jobs/go/Studierende-%26-Berufseinsteiger/3198401?locale=de_DE)
- [University assistant vacancies](https://www.uni-paderborn.de/zv/4-4/stellenangebote/stellenangebotewhk-shk)
- [PaderSprinter timetables and journey planner](https://www.padersprinter.de/fahrplaene/)
- [NordWestBahn RB74 route](https://www.nordwestbahn.de/de/ostwestfalen/unsere-linien/linie/rb-74-senne-bahn)
- [RB74 timetable for 2025–2026](https://download.transdev.de/transdev/uploads/nwb/schedule/1067/rb-74-senne-bahn-bielefeld-hbf-hovelhof-paderborn-hbf.pdf)
- [Deutschlandsemesterticket validity](https://www.vrr.de/tickets-tarife/deutschlandticket/semesterticket/)
- [DB Regio Bus: Paderborn district and airport connection](https://www.dbregiobus-nrw.de/angebot/busverkehre/kreis-paderborn)
- [Paderborn-Lippstadt Airport access](https://www.airport-pad.com/en/flights-journey/parking-overnight-stay/access-to-the-airport/)
- [City of Paderborn: Libori](https://www.paderborn.de/tourismus-kultur/veranstaltungen/libori.php)
- [Student council pub guide](https://www.fsrwinfo.de/kneipenfuehrer)
- [Libori-Gilde: traditional meal and regional foods](https://libori-gilde.de/historie/)
- [Heinz Nixdorf MuseumsForum](https://www.hnf.de/en/home.html)
- [Wewelsburg district museum](https://www.wewelsburg.de/en/)
- [Paderborn University language policy](https://www.uni-paderborn.de/fileadmin/international/studierende-international/Recommendations_for_Action_Regarding_the_Use_of_Language_and_Multilingualism_at_UPB_EN.pdf)
- [Commons: Schloss Neuhaus photograph](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Paderborn_SchlossNeuhaus.jpg)
- [Commons: Paderborn town hall photograph](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Rathaus,_Paderborn.jpg)
- [Commons: Wewelsburg photograph](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Wewelsburg_im_herbstlichen_Morgenlicht.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/paderborn-district. Last updated November 2026. [How we research](https://whereismyuni.com/study-in/how-we-research).