# Study in Rheinisch-Bergischer Kreis district, North Rhine-Westphalia

> Rheinisch-Bergischer Kreis is a rural district (Landkreis) in North Rhine-Westphalia with 284,273 people (Destatis, 31 Dec 2024). There is no university in Rheinisch-Bergischer Kreis district itself; the nearest is ifs Internationale Filmschule Köln in Köln, about 14 km away. Summers average 17.8 °C and winters 3.1 °C, with about 1,223 mm of rain a year (DWD, 1991–2020).

Rheinisch-Bergischer Kreis is a district of commuter towns, wooded hills and historic landmarks east of Cologne.

## Key facts

| Fact | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 284,273 | Destatis, 31 Dec 2024 |
| Area | 437.32 km² | Destatis |
| Universities in the district | 0 | Where Is My Uni? catalogue |
| Nearest university | ifs Internationale Filmschule Köln, Köln (14 km) | Where Is My Uni? catalogue |
| Mean temperature | 10.3 °C (summer 17.8 °C, winter 3.1 °C) | DWD 1991–2020 |
| Rain | 1,223 mm a year | DWD 1991–2020 |
| Sunshine | 1,572 hours a year | DWD 1991–2020 |

## About Rheinisch-Bergischer Kreis district

Rheinisch-Bergischer Kreis lies east of Cologne, where the metropolitan area meets the Bergisches Land. Bergisch Gladbach is its administrative centre; the district also includes smaller towns and rural communities such as Wermelskirchen, Overath, Rösrath and Odenthal. [District background](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rheinisch-Bergischer_Kreis)

Its character combines industrial history with countryside: the Alte Dombach museum explores Bergisch Gladbach’s papermaking heritage, while Altenberger Dom preserves the history of a former Cistercian abbey. These are useful starting points for understanding the area beyond its role as a place to commute from. [LVR museum](https://www.lvr.de/industriemuseum/papiermuehle-alte-dombach/ausstellungen/dauerausstellung/), [Altenberger Dom-Verein](https://www.altenbergerdom.de/)

- **Bergisch Gladbach**: The district’s administrative centre, with an S11 connection to Cologne. [District background](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rheinisch-Bergischer_Kreis), [S11 timetable](https://www.vrr.de/fileadmin/user_upload/pdf/fahrplan_und_mobilitaet/S-Bahn-Linienplaene_2026/S11.pdf)
- **Wermelskirchen**: A local employment location where OBI offers headquarters apprenticeships and dual study opportunities. [OBI](https://jobs.obi.de/cluster/ausbildung-zentrale/8d24b66d-f36a-5f41-ba00-6f50e70cc6b6?contentItemId=job-cluster)
- **Rösrath**: A town on the RB25 corridor; check current disruption notices before planning a regular commute. [RBK Mobil](https://www.rbk-mobil.de/aktuelle-meldungen-rb25)
- **Overath**: Another RB25 railway town, with connecting buses including the route to Bensberg. [RBK Mobil](https://www.rbk-mobil.de/aktuelle-meldungen-rb25)
- **Odenthal**: The municipality containing Altenberg and its landmark former abbey church, Altenberger Dom. [Altenberger Dom](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Altenberger_Dom)

## Nearest universities

There is no university listed within the district in Where Is My Uni?’s current catalogue; nearby options are in Cologne, including TH Köln, ifs Internationale Filmschule Köln, Hochschule für Musik und Tanz Köln and katho. Treat this as a potential commuting base: Bergisch Gladbach has the S11, while Bensberg and Refrath have Stadtbahn line 1 towards Cologne, including Deutz. Check the journey to your actual campus before choosing accommodation. [S11 timetable](https://www.vrr.de/fileadmin/user_upload/pdf/fahrplan_und_mobilitaet/S-Bahn-Linienplaene_2026/S11.pdf), [KVB line 1](https://www.kvb.koeln/haltestellen/showline/1/1/) It may suit students who prefer countryside access and are comfortable organising their social life around commuting. Local dual study opportunities also exist, including OBI programmes in Wermelskirchen. [OBI](https://jobs.obi.de/cluster/ausbildung-zentrale/8d24b66d-f36a-5f41-ba00-6f50e70cc6b6?contentItemId=job-cluster)

- **ifs Internationale Filmschule Köln** (Köln) — 14 km away, 3 courses
- **Hochschule für Musik und Tanz Köln** (Köln) — 18 km away, 54 courses
- **Katholische Hochschule Nordrhein-Westfalen - Catholic University of Applied Sciences** (Köln) — 18 km away, 22 courses
- **Kolping Hochschule** (Köln) — 18 km away, 13 courses
- **Technische Hochschule Köln - University of Applied Sciences** (Köln) — 18 km away, 102 courses

## Housing

Approach the district as a private-rental search rather than assuming a ready supply of student accommodation. A reliable district-wide measure of student-room availability was not established. Bergisch Gladbach publishes a 2026 Mietspiegel for assessing comparable rents, but its underlying survey excludes furnished accommodation, so it should not be treated as a furnished student-room price guide. [City housing information](https://www.bergischgladbach.de/Dienstleistung.aspx?dlid=1961), [Mietspiegel methodology](https://www.rheinische-immobilienboerse.de/upload/2026_Dokumentation_Bergisch_Gladbach_1671.pdf)

**How to find a place**

- Search WG-Gesucht, ImmoScout24 and Immowelt using individual town names, rather than only Cologne. TH Köln recommends these portals and considering well-connected surrounding towns. [TH Köln housing advice](https://www.th-koeln.de/en/international_office/accommodation_54136.php)
- Compare addresses near Bergisch Gladbach station with those near line 1 in Refrath or Bensberg; test the full journey to your campus before arranging viewings. [S11 timetable](https://www.vrr.de/fileadmin/user_upload/pdf/fahrplan_und_mobilitaet/S-Bahn-Linienplaene_2026/S11.pdf), [KVB line 1](https://www.kvb.koeln/haltestellen/showline/1/1/)
- Use the city’s free Mietspiegel to assess an ordinary apartment offer, and ask separately what heating, utilities and internet will cost. [Bergisch Gladbach Mietspiegel](https://www.bergischgladbach.de/Dienstleistung.aspx?dlid=1961)
- If you are also considering living near your Cologne campus, check Kölner Studierendenwerk eligibility and apply early. It accepts students from institutions including TH Köln, HfMT Köln and katho, but warns that residence places are limited. [Kölner Studierendenwerk](https://www.kstw.de/wohnen/)

## Cost of living

Do not budget on the assumption that living outside Cologne automatically means a cheaper room: a comparable local student-rent figure was not verified. For transport, the standard Deutschlandticket costs €63 per calendar month in 2026 and covers second-class local and regional transport; it excludes ordinary IC, EC and ICE journeys. Check your university’s semester-ticket arrangements before buying a separate subscription. [VRS Deutschlandticket](https://www.vrs.de/tickets/ticketsortiment/deutschlandticket) Compare accommodation using the total monthly cost, including utilities and any additional travel needed to reach the station.

## Jobs & employers

Verified local employers span biomedical technology, food manufacturing and retail headquarters functions. Miltenyi Biotec has its headquarters campus in Bergisch Gladbach and describes student jobs, internships and thesis opportunities; KRÜGER has food and beverage operations in the same town. OBI offers apprenticeships and dual study in Wermelskirchen. These are useful employers to monitor, although an established student programme does not guarantee a suitable vacancy at every location. [Miltenyi location](https://www.miltenyibiotec.com/DE-en/about-us/careers/hr-contact.html), [Miltenyi student opportunities](https://www.miltenyibiotec.com/DE-en/about-us/careers/job-profiles.html), [KRÜGER locations](https://www.krueger-group.com/krueger-group/standorte/), [OBI](https://jobs.obi.de/cluster/ausbildung-zentrale/8d24b66d-f36a-5f41-ba00-6f50e70cc6b6?contentItemId=job-cluster)

- Temporary production work: Miltenyi includes production among its student-job departments; filter openings by location. [Miltenyi](https://www.miltenyibiotec.com/DE-en/about-us/careers/job-profiles.html)
- Research and development student work, internships and degree projects for relevant science or engineering students. [Miltenyi](https://www.miltenyibiotec.com/DE-en/about-us/careers/job-profiles.html)
- Purchasing and human-resources student support roles, also identified in Miltenyi’s student opportunities. [Miltenyi](https://www.miltenyibiotec.com/DE-en/about-us/careers/job-profiles.html)

- **Miltenyi Biotec** (Biotechnology and biomedical technology): Its headquarters campus is in Bergisch Gladbach. The company develops solutions for biomedical research and cell and gene therapy. [Headquarters](https://www.miltenyibiotec.com/DE-en/about-us/careers/hr-contact.html), [Company careers](https://www.miltenyibiotec.com/DE-en/about-us/careers.html)
- **KRÜGER GROUP** (Food and beverage manufacturing): Lists Krüger GmbH & Co. KG and several other group businesses at Senefelderstraße in Bergisch Gladbach. Its local careers listings include technical and logistics apprenticeships. [Locations](https://www.krueger-group.com/krueger-group/standorte/), [Careers portal](https://www.krueger-group.com/karriere/stellenangebote/)
- **OBI** (Home-improvement retail and headquarters services): Its headquarters training programme includes Wermelskirchen opportunities in office administration, IT and dual study. These are structured training routes, rather than casual student jobs. [OBI training and study](https://jobs.obi.de/cluster/ausbildung-zentrale/8d24b66d-f36a-5f41-ba00-6f50e70cc6b6?contentItemId=job-cluster)

## Getting around

The S11 connects Bergisch Gladbach with Köln Hbf in approximately 20 minutes on the published timetable; allow additional time between home, station and campus. [S11 timetable](https://www.vrr.de/fileadmin/user_upload/pdf/fahrplan_und_mobilitaet/S-Bahn-Linienplaene_2026/S11.pdf) Stadtbahn line 1 connects Bensberg and Refrath with Cologne, including Deutz and Neumarkt. [KVB](https://www.kvb.koeln/haltestellen/showline/1/1/) Rösrath and Overath use the RB25 corridor, but, checked in November 2026, the district transport site reports restrictions and cancellations continuing until 12 December 2026. Check live journeys before committing to a commute. [RBK Mobil](https://www.rbk-mobil.de/aktuelle-meldungen-rb25) The Deutschlandticket covers local buses, Stadtbahn, S-Bahn and regional trains in second class. [VRS](https://www.vrs.de/tickets/ticketsortiment/deutschlandticket)

- Station: Bergisch Gladbach — S11 terminus and connection towards Cologne. [Timetable](https://www.vrr.de/fileadmin/user_upload/pdf/fahrplan_und_mobilitaet/S-Bahn-Linienplaene_2026/S11.pdf)
- Station: Rösrath — RB25 corridor; check current restrictions. [RBK Mobil](https://www.rbk-mobil.de/aktuelle-meldungen-rb25)
- Station: Overath — RB25 and connecting buses; check current restrictions. [RBK Mobil](https://www.rbk-mobil.de/aktuelle-meldungen-rb25)
- Nearest airport: Cologne Bonn Airport — The nearby airport connection includes bus 423 from the Bensberg corridor towards Köln/Bonn Flughafen in the published 2026 stop timetable. Check the current itinerary before travelling. [VRS route information](https://www.vrs.de/his/haltestelle/de:05378:31550)

## Weather & seasons

- Winter: 3.1 °C, 123 mm rain a month, 1.8 h sun a day
- Spring: 10 °C, 80 mm rain a month, 5.4 h sun a day
- Summer: 17.8 °C, 99 mm rain a month, 6.6 h sun a day
- Autumn: 10.3 °C, 106 mm rain a month, 3.4 h sun a day

Expect rain throughout the year, cool and often grey winters, and generally mild summers with occasional hot days. Waterproof layers are useful for walking to stations and spending time outdoors. Spring and summer give you longer evenings for exploring; autumn brings wetter paths and shorter days. The nearby weather station is a regional guide rather than a forecast for every town or hillside.

## Culture & language

Local social life has a strong association and festival element: Bergisch Gladbach’s Stadt- und Kulturfest brings together local organisations, music and dance groups. Carnival also reaches individual neighbourhoods, with separate processions in Bensberg, Refrath and central Gladbach. [City festival](https://www.bergischgladbach.de/stadt-und-kulturfest-2026.aspx), [Local carnival coverage](https://in-gl.de/karneval-bergisch-gladbach-2025-2026/)

For a student, joining a local club or attending these events is a practical way to meet people beyond campus. If frequent late-night university socialising is a priority, check your return connections carefully before choosing a home outside Cologne.

Plan to use German for housing enquiries, everyday administration and local social activities; do not assume that English will be available everywhere. As a practical learning goal, aim for B1 for everyday independence and continue towards B2 for more demanding workplace communication—this is advice, not a universal admission or employment requirement. VHS Bergisch Gladbach offers German courses at several levels. [VHS German courses](https://www.vhs-gl.de/kurse/kategorie/Deutsch/152) Local carnival language also includes dialect expressions, but newcomers should prioritise standard German. [Carnival coverage](https://in-gl.de/karneval-bergisch-gladbach-2025-2026/)

## Local food

- **Bergische Kaffeetafel**: A substantial regional spread combining coffee, breads, sweet toppings and savoury accompaniments, traditionally served with a Dröppelmina coffee pot. It is more of a shared meal than a quick coffee break. [Das Bergische](https://www.dasbergische.de/uebernachtung-und-einkehr/essen-und-trinken/bergische-kaffeetafel)
- **Bergische Waffeln**: Regional waffles traditionally served with hot cherries and cream, or rice pudding with cinnamon and sugar. [Das Bergische](https://www.dasbergische.de/uebernachtung-und-einkehr/essen-und-trinken/bergische-kaffeetafel)
- **Hefeblatz**: A yeast loaf that forms part of the traditional Bergische Kaffeetafel alongside darker breads and toppings. [Das Bergische](https://www.dasbergische.de/uebernachtung-und-einkehr/essen-und-trinken/bergische-kaffeetafel)

## Events

- **Bergisch Gladbach Stadt- und Kulturfest** (September; the verified 2026 edition ran from 11–13 September.): An annual town-centre festival with live music, local organisations, markets and the StadtLauf running event. [City programme](https://www.bergischgladbach.de/stadt-und-kulturfest-2026.aspx)
- **Altenberger Adventsmarkt** (Advent; the published 2026 dates are 4–6 December.): A recurring Christmas market beside Altenberger Dom and Haus Altenberg, featuring crafts and musical performances. [Das Bergische](https://www.dasbergische.de/event/altenberger-adventsmarkt-2026)

## Places to see

- **Altenberger Dom** (Historic church): The Gothic former abbey church in Odenthal-Altenberg is a major local landmark. Despite its name, it was not a bishop’s cathedral. [Altenberger Dom](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Altenberger_Dom)
- **Papiermühle Alte Dombach** (Museum): This LVR industrial museum in Bergisch Gladbach explains handmade and industrial papermaking in a former paper mill beside the Strunde. [LVR](https://www.lvr.de/industriemuseum/papiermuehle-alte-dombach/ausstellungen/dauerausstellung/)
- **Schloss Bensberg** (Palace): A Baroque former hunting palace in Bergisch Gladbach’s Bensberg district, now used as a grand hotel. Treat it as an architectural landmark rather than assuming it operates as a public palace museum. [Schloss Bensberg](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schloss_Bensberg)
- **Große Dhünntalsperre** (Nature): A drinking-water reservoir with designated walking routes through the surrounding landscape. Stay on authorised paths: entering the water and leaving the paths in the protected zone are prohibited. [aqualon visitor guidance](https://www.aqualon-verein.de/erlebnis/)

## FAQ

### Is Rheinisch-Bergischer Kreis a good place to live as a student?

It can suit students who want countryside access and are comfortable commuting to Cologne. Start by checking homes near Bergisch Gladbach’s S11 or the line 1 stops in Bensberg and Refrath against your actual campus journey. [S11 timetable](https://www.vrr.de/fileadmin/user_upload/pdf/fahrplan_und_mobilitaet/S-Bahn-Linienplaene_2026/S11.pdf), [KVB line 1](https://www.kvb.koeln/haltestellen/showline/1/1/)

### Is there a university in Rheinisch-Bergischer Kreis?

Where Is My Uni?’s current catalogue lists no university within the district. Its nearby options are in Cologne, including TH Köln, ifs Internationale Filmschule Köln, Hochschule für Musik und Tanz Köln, katho and Kolping Hochschule.

### How do I get from Rheinisch-Bergischer Kreis to Cologne?

From Bergisch Gladbach, the S11 takes approximately 20 minutes to Köln Hbf on the published timetable; Bensberg and Refrath have Stadtbahn line 1. Rösrath and Overath are on the RB25 corridor, where restrictions are reported through 12 December 2026. [S11](https://www.vrr.de/fileadmin/user_upload/pdf/fahrplan_und_mobilitaet/S-Bahn-Linienplaene_2026/S11.pdf), [KVB](https://www.kvb.koeln/haltestellen/showline/1/1/), [RB25 updates](https://www.rbk-mobil.de/aktuelle-meldungen-rb25)

### Is Rheinisch-Bergischer Kreis cheaper than Cologne?

A reliable like-for-like student-room comparison was not verified, so savings should not be assumed. Use Bergisch Gladbach’s Mietspiegel as an apartment-rent reference and compare actual offers including utilities and travel. [City Mietspiegel](https://www.bergischgladbach.de/Dienstleistung.aspx?dlid=1961)

### What student jobs can I look for in Rheinisch-Bergischer Kreis?

Miltenyi Biotec is a local employer to check for student opportunities in production, research, purchasing and human resources. Its student programme also includes internships and degree projects; check each vacancy’s location and requirements. [Student opportunities](https://www.miltenyibiotec.com/DE-en/about-us/careers/job-profiles.html), [Bergisch Gladbach headquarters](https://www.miltenyibiotec.com/DE-en/about-us/careers/hr-contact.html)

### Are there student residences in Rheinisch-Bergischer Kreis?

No student residence within the district was confirmed for this guide. Students attending eligible Cologne institutions can also investigate Kölner Studierendenwerk accommodation outside the district, but places are limited. [Residence directory](https://www.kstw.de/wohnen/wohnheime/), [Eligibility and applications](https://www.kstw.de/wohnen/)

## Sources

- [Rheinisch-Bergischer Kreis — geographical background](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rheinisch-Bergischer_Kreis)
- [Bergisch Gladbach — Mietspiegel information](https://www.bergischgladbach.de/Dienstleistung.aspx?dlid=1961)
- [Bergisch Gladbach 2026 Mietspiegel methodology](https://www.rheinische-immobilienboerse.de/upload/2026_Dokumentation_Bergisch_Gladbach_1671.pdf)
- [TH Köln — housing advice](https://www.th-koeln.de/en/international_office/accommodation_54136.php)
- [Kölner Studierendenwerk — housing eligibility and applications](https://www.kstw.de/wohnen/)
- [Kölner Studierendenwerk — residence directory](https://www.kstw.de/wohnen/wohnheime/)
- [VRR — S11 timetable 2026](https://www.vrr.de/fileadmin/user_upload/pdf/fahrplan_und_mobilitaet/S-Bahn-Linienplaene_2026/S11.pdf)
- [KVB — line 1 stops](https://www.kvb.koeln/haltestellen/showline/1/1/)
- [RBK Mobil — RB25 disruption updates](https://www.rbk-mobil.de/aktuelle-meldungen-rb25)
- [VRS — Deutschlandticket price and validity](https://www.vrs.de/tickets/ticketsortiment/deutschlandticket)
- [VRS — Bensberg corridor airport bus timetable](https://www.vrs.de/his/haltestelle/de:05378:31550)
- [Miltenyi Biotec — headquarters and HR contact](https://www.miltenyibiotec.com/DE-en/about-us/careers/hr-contact.html)
- [Miltenyi Biotec — careers and business activities](https://www.miltenyibiotec.com/DE-en/about-us/careers.html)
- [Miltenyi Biotec — student jobs, internships and theses](https://www.miltenyibiotec.com/DE-en/about-us/careers/job-profiles.html)
- [KRÜGER GROUP — locations](https://www.krueger-group.com/krueger-group/standorte/)
- [KRÜGER GROUP — careers portal](https://www.krueger-group.com/karriere/stellenangebote/)
- [OBI — headquarters apprenticeships and dual study](https://jobs.obi.de/cluster/ausbildung-zentrale/8d24b66d-f36a-5f41-ba00-6f50e70cc6b6?contentItemId=job-cluster)
- [LVR — Papiermühle Alte Dombach](https://www.lvr.de/industriemuseum/papiermuehle-alte-dombach/ausstellungen/dauerausstellung/)
- [Altenberger Dom-Verein](https://www.altenbergerdom.de/)
- [Altenberger Dom — location and history](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Altenberger_Dom)
- [Schloss Bensberg — history and present use](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schloss_Bensberg)
- [aqualon — reservoir recreation and water protection](https://www.aqualon-verein.de/erlebnis/)
- [Das Bergische — regional Kaffeetafel and food](https://www.dasbergische.de/uebernachtung-und-einkehr/essen-und-trinken/bergische-kaffeetafel)
- [Bergisch Gladbach — Stadt- und Kulturfest 2026](https://www.bergischgladbach.de/stadt-und-kulturfest-2026.aspx)
- [Das Bergische — Altenberger Adventsmarkt 2026](https://www.dasbergische.de/event/altenberger-adventsmarkt-2026)
- [Bürgerportal Bergisch Gladbach — carnival 2025/2026 archive](https://in-gl.de/karneval-bergisch-gladbach-2025-2026/)
- [VHS Bergisch Gladbach — German courses](https://www.vhs-gl.de/kurse/kategorie/Deutsch/152)
- [Wikimedia Commons — Schloss Bensberg photograph](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Schloss_Bensberg,_Bergisch_Gladbach-40088.jpg)
- [Wikimedia Commons — Altenberger Dom photograph](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Altenberg_Dom_NW_115_P1050830_20200726.jpg)
- [Wikimedia Commons — Große Dhünntalsperre photograph](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Gro%C3%9Fe_Dh%C3%BCnntalsperre.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/rheinisch-bergischer-kreis-district. Last updated November 2026. [How we research](https://whereismyuni.com/study-in/how-we-research).