# Study in Soest district, North Rhine-Westphalia

> Soest is a rural district (Landkreis) in North Rhine-Westphalia with 300,297 people (Destatis, 31 Dec 2024). It has 2 universities: South Westphalia University of Applied Sciences (Soest), Hamm-Lippstadt University of Applied Sciences (Lippstadt). Summers average 18 °C and winters 3 °C, with about 745 mm of rain a year (DWD, 1991–2020).

Soest is a Westphalian district of historic towns, university campuses, farmland and lakeside escapes, with student bases in Soest and Lippstadt.

## Key facts

| Fact | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 300,297 | Destatis, 31 Dec 2024 |
| Area | 1,328.64 km² | Destatis |
| Universities in the district | 2 | Where Is My Uni? catalogue |
| Nearest university | South Westphalia University of Applied Sciences, Soest (7 km) | Where Is My Uni? catalogue |
| Typical student rent | €357.14 per month — Warm rent listed for Kasernenweg 7 in Soest by Studierendenwerk Dortmund on its undated residence page, checked November 2026. The page lists single apartments and two-person shared flats without separate prices; this is a residence price, not a town-wide average. | [source](https://www.stwdo.de/wohnen/wohnanlagen/kasernenweg-7) |
| Mean temperature | 10.3 °C (summer 18 °C, winter 3 °C) | DWD 1991–2020 |
| Rain | 745 mm a year | DWD 1991–2020 |
| Sunshine | 1,593 hours a year | DWD 1991–2020 |

## About Soest district

Kreis Soest combines the fertile farmland of the Hellweg Börde with the hillier landscape towards the Sauerland. Soest is the district seat; Lippstadt is its largest town. Think of it as several distinct towns and rural communities rather than one continuous urban area. ([District background](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kreis_Soest))

Soest’s old town is known for half-timbered houses, green sandstone churches and surviving fortifications. Lippstadt adds contemporary light installations beside its waterways, while the Möhnesee reservoir offers a different setting for a day away from campus. ([City of Soest](https://www.soest.de/tourismus-wirtschaft/stadtportrait-und-stadtgeschichte), [Lippstadt light promenade](https://www.lippstadt.de/kultur-tourismus/kunst-und-kultur/lichtpromenade), [Möhnesee tourism](https://www.moehnesee.de/de/neusta-pois/staumauer-moehnesee))

- **Soest**: The district seat has a historic centre with green sandstone churches and walkable sections of its old fortifications. ([City of Soest](https://www.soest.de/tourismus-wirtschaft/stadtportrait-und-stadtgeschichte))
- **Lippstadt**: The district’s largest town, with a light-art walking route along its waterways. ([District background](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kreis_Soest), [City of Lippstadt](https://www.lippstadt.de/kultur-tourismus/kunst-und-kultur/lichtpromenade))
- **Werl**: A pilgrimage town whose Marian basilica is built from local green sandstone. ([District tourism](https://www.tourismus-kreis-soest.de/de/neusta-pois/wallfahrtsbasilika-werl))
- **Warstein**: An industrial employment location where Infineon develops and manufactures power semiconductors. ([Infineon](https://www.infineon.com/regional/warstein/about-us))

## Universities

The district has university campuses in both Soest and Lippstadt: South Westphalia University of Applied Sciences in Soest and Hamm-Lippstadt University of Applied Sciences in Lippstadt. Start your housing search in the town where your course is taught. ([South Westphalia housing guidance](https://www.fh-swf.de/de/studieninteressierte/studienvorbereitung/wohnen/wohnen_1.php), [HSHL student information](https://www.hshl.de/en/studying/information-about-your-studies/)) The RB89 connects the two towns with Hamm and Paderborn, making rail commuting an option; allow separately for travel between the station and campus. ([Eurobahn](https://www.eurobahn.de/linieninformationen/rb-89/)) This is worth considering if you prefer a smaller campus-town setting and are happy to organise social life around fellow students and local activities.

- **South Westphalia University of Applied Sciences** (Soest) — 4 courses
- **Hamm-Lippstadt University of Applied Sciences** (Lippstadt) — 2 courses

## Housing

Do not assume that a smaller town means an immediately available student room. Studierendenwerk Paderborn, which operates accommodation in Lippstadt, publishes a general waiting time of one to two semesters across its housing service; this is not a Lippstadt-specific guarantee. Apply early and search privately alongside your application. ([Studierendenwerk Paderborn](https://www.studentenwerk-pb.de/wohnen/))

**How to find a place**

- For Soest, apply through Studierendenwerk Dortmund. South Westphalia University states that residence places are allocated directly by the operator. ([University housing guidance](https://www.fh-swf.de/de/studieninteressierte/studienvorbereitung/wohnen/wohnen_1.php))
- For Lippstadt, use Studierendenwerk Paderborn’s online housing application and private-room portal. Follow its instructions to reconfirm your interest every 60 days so your application remains active. ([Studierendenwerk Paderborn](https://www.studentenwerk-pb.de/wohnen/))
- Search WG-Gesucht and Der Patriot’s Wochentip classifieds for Lippstadt. HSHL also identifies a campus noticeboard beside the lockers in building L2.1-E00. ([HSHL accommodation guide](https://www.hshl.de/assets/01-Studieren/International-Office/Internationale-Studierende/1.1-Accommodation-Search-in-Germany-final.pdf))
- For additional Soest options, consult the university’s housing page, which names the privately operated Apartmenthaus Westfalenweg and Soester Altstadt-Appartements. ([University housing guidance](https://www.fh-swf.de/de/studieninteressierte/studienvorbereitung/wohnen/wohnen_1.php))

**Student residences**

- [Kasernenweg 7, Soest](https://www.stwdo.de/wohnen/wohnanlagen/kasernenweg-7) (Studierendenwerk Dortmund): Furnished single apartments and rooms in two-person shared flats near the campus. ([Official residence page](https://www.stwdo.de/wohnen/wohnanlagen/kasernenweg-7))
- [Unionstraße, Lippstadt](https://www.studentenwerk-pb.de/wohnen/wohnformen-und-preise/) (Studierendenwerk Paderborn): Furnished individual rooms in two-person shared flats with a shared kitchen and bathroom. ([Official accommodation details](https://www.studentenwerk-pb.de/wohnen/wohnformen-und-preise/))

## Cost of living

A concrete housing benchmark is the €357.14 monthly warm rent published for Kasernenweg 7 in Soest. ([Studierendenwerk Dortmund](https://www.stwdo.de/wohnen/wohnanlagen/kasernenweg-7)) For transport, the standard Deutschlandticket costs €63 per month in 2026. ([RLG](https://www.rlg-online.de/abos-tickets/deutschlandtickets/deutschlandticket/)) Before buying it separately, check your enrolment package: HSHL includes a Deutschlandsemesterticket in its semester contribution. ([HSHL](https://www.hshl.de/en/studying/information-about-your-studies/)) Budget separately for food, health insurance, your deposit and any utilities excluded from the rental agreement. There is insufficient comparable local evidence here to quantify savings against a large German city.

## Jobs & employers

The district offers industrial and technical employment alongside business services. Infineon’s Warstein site explicitly offers internships, working-student positions and thesis opportunities; FORVIA HELLA also maintains student recruitment routes. These are useful starting points for relevant experience alongside an applied-sciences degree. ([Infineon careers](https://www.infineon.com/careers/our-locations/warstein), [FORVIA HELLA student careers](https://www.hella.com/en/Career/Students-Graduates-264/)) HSHL’s job portal lets you search for part-time work, internships and project or thesis placements by subject or location. ([HSHL job portal](https://www.hshl.de/studieren/studierende/beratung-und-ansprechpersonen/career-service/jobportal/))

- Working-student positions in automotive-company departments through FORVIA HELLA; its student page explains that working-student recruitment is handled through avitea. ([FORVIA HELLA](https://www.hella.com/en/Career/Students-Graduates-264/))
- Working-student roles and technical internships at Infineon’s Warstein site. ([Infineon](https://www.infineon.com/careers/our-locations/warstein))
- Business-service working-student roles through Delta Business Service in Warstein, whose student recruitment page also provides a speculative-application route. ([Delta Business Service](https://dbs-gruppe.de/karriere/studierende/))

- **FORVIA HELLA** (Automotive lighting and electronics): The automotive supplier is based on Rixbecker Straße in Lippstadt and offers internships and working-student routes. ([Company address](https://www.hella.com/en/Legal-Notice-294/), [Student careers](https://www.hella.com/en/Career/Students-Graduates-264/))
- **Infineon Technologies** (Power semiconductors): Develops and manufactures power semiconductor modules in Warstein for applications including electric vehicles, rail transport and renewable energy. ([Warstein site](https://www.infineon.com/regional/warstein/about-us))
- **Warsteiner / Haus Cramer Group** (Brewing and beverages): The brewery group’s careers portal lists Warstein-based work and training across brewing-related production, logistics, technical maintenance and commercial functions. ([Careers portal](https://karriere.warsteiner-gruppe.de/))

## Getting around

The RB89 links Soest, Bad Sassendorf, Lippstadt and Geseke with Hamm and Paderborn. ([Eurobahn RB89](https://www.eurobahn.de/linieninformationen/rb-89/)) As timetable examples, allow about 11 minutes from Soest to Lippstadt on RB89, 18 minutes from Soest to Hamm on RB89, and 50 minutes from Soest to Dortmund on RB59; these are station-to-station times, before campus transfers. ([DB Soest timetable](https://www.bahnhof.de/downloads/schedule/Regeltafel_5876.pdf)) Lippstadt–Paderborn regional services take approximately 14–25 minutes. ([Deutsche Bahn](https://www.bahn.de/reisen/view/verbindung/lippstadt/paderborn.shtml)) The Deutschlandticket covers ordinary local buses and second-class regional trains, but generally excludes IC, EC and ICE services. ([RLG](https://www.rlg-online.de/abos-tickets/deutschlandtickets/deutschlandticket/)) For a village address, check the complete weekday and evening journey before signing a lease.

- Station: Soest — RB89, RB59 and RE11 connections. ([DB station timetable](https://www.bahnhof.de/downloads/schedule/Regeltafel_5876.pdf))
- Station: Lippstadt — regional connections towards Soest, Hamm and Paderborn. ([Eurobahn RB89](https://www.eurobahn.de/linieninformationen/rb-89/))
- Station: Werl — RB59 towards Soest, Unna and Dortmund. ([Eurobahn RB59](https://www.eurobahn.de/linieninformationen/rb-59/))
- Nearest airport: Paderborn–Lippstadt Airport and Dortmund Airport — Compare both airports against your actual address. Paderborn–Lippstadt Airport lists its distance from Lippstadt as 26 km; public transport runs via Paderborn Hbf, with the S60 airport bus taking about 20 minutes. ([Airport access](https://www.airport-pad.com/de/fluege-reisen/anreisen-parken-uebernachten/anreisen/)) Dortmund Airport can be reached using RB59 to Holzwickede and the AirportShuttle; the airport publishes separate shuttle-ticket arrangements. ([Eurobahn](https://www.eurobahn.de/linieninformationen/rb-59/), [Dortmund Airport](https://www.dortmund-airport.com/en/bus-and-train))

## Weather & seasons

- Winter: 3 °C, 58 mm rain a month, 1.8 h sun a day
- Spring: 9.9 °C, 52 mm rain a month, 5.5 h sun a day
- Summer: 18 °C, 76 mm rain a month, 6.7 h sun a day
- Autumn: 10.4 °C, 62 mm rain a month, 3.4 h sun a day

Expect cool winters, changeable spring weather and generally mild summers with occasional hot days. Rain is possible throughout the year, so waterproof layers are useful for walking or cycling to class. Spring is a good time to explore Soest’s ramparts during the blossom season. ([City of Soest](https://www.soest.de/tourismus-wirtschaft/stadtportrait-und-stadtgeschichte)) Autumn brings an especially noticeable local occasion when the Allerheiligenkirmes takes over Soest’s centre in November. ([City of Soest](https://www.soest.de/politik-verwaltung/dienstleistungen-a-z/allerheiligenkirmes))

## Culture & language

Local identity is visible in public traditions: Soest’s Allerheiligenkirmes brings fairground rides into the old town, while Werl remains a destination for Marian pilgrimage. These offer very different ways to get to know the area beyond campus. ([City of Soest](https://www.soest.de/politik-verwaltung/dienstleistungen-a-z/allerheiligenkirmes), [Werl pilgrimage basilica](https://www.tourismus-kreis-soest.de/de/neusta-pois/wallfahrtsbasilika-werl))

For meeting other students, start with organised campus activities: HSHL’s welcome programme includes an AStA get-together and pub tour. ([HSHL welcome programme](https://www.hshl.de/studieren/erstsemester/veranstaltungen-zum-studienstart/)) Lippstadt’s light-art promenade provides another evening activity. ([City of Lippstadt](https://www.lippstadt.de/kultur-tourismus/kunst-und-kultur/lichtpromenade)) Treat this as a campus-and-town social setting; a large late-night club scene should not be your main reason for choosing it.

Do not assume that an English-taught course makes everyday arrangements English-speaking. HSHL warns that rental advertisements are usually in German and some landlords speak little or no English. ([HSHL student information](https://www.hshl.de/en/studying/information-about-your-studies/)) As a practical learning target, aim for B1 German for routine conversations and work towards B2 if you want more confidence with applications and workplace communication; these are recommendations, not universal admission or employment requirements.

## Local food

- **Soester Pumpernickel**: A dark rye bread strongly associated with Soest; its long, low-temperature baking gives it a characteristic sweetness. ([Soest tourism](https://www.so-ist-soest.de/de/tourismus/wissenswertes/Jahresthemen/wissenswertes-k-l-eine-superlative.php))
- **Soester Bullenauge**: A local alcoholic speciality combining mocha liqueur with cream, particularly associated with the Allerheiligenkirmes. ([Soest tourism](https://www.so-ist-soest.de/de/tourismus/wissenswertes/Jahresthemen/wissenswertes-k-l-eine-superlative.php))

## Events

- **Soester Allerheiligenkirmes** (November): The annual old-town fair starts on the first Wednesday after All Saints’ Day and runs through Sunday, filling the historic centre with rides and stalls. ([City of Soest](https://www.soest.de/politik-verwaltung/dienstleistungen-a-z/allerheiligenkirmes))
- **Lippstädter Herbstwoche** (October): An annual town-centre fair combining rides, market stalls and community celebrations. The organiser confirms another October edition for 2027. ([Lippstadt tourism](https://www.lippstadt-erleben.de/de/veranstaltungen/highlights/herbstwoche), [Event organiser](https://www.herbstwoche-in-lippstadt.de/herbstwoche/index.php))
- **Lippstadt Altstadtfest** (May or June): An annual old-town festival with live music, street food and street performers. ([Lippstadt tourism](https://www.lippstadt-erleben.de/de/veranstaltungen/highlights/altstadtfest-in-lippstadt))

## Places to see

- **Soest old town and ramparts** (Old town): Explore the narrow streets, green sandstone churches and surviving fortifications on foot; the Osthofentor is the remaining historic city gate. ([City of Soest](https://www.soest.de/tourismus-wirtschaft/stadtportrait-und-stadtgeschichte))
- **Lichtpromenade Lippstadt** (Public art): A route of light installations beside Lippstadt’s waterways, best appreciated after dusk. ([City of Lippstadt](https://www.lippstadt.de/kultur-tourismus/kunst-und-kultur/lichtpromenade))
- **Möhnesee dam** (Lake): Visit the reservoir’s monumental dam for a change from town streets and campus surroundings. ([Möhnesee tourism](https://www.moehnesee.de/de/neusta-pois/staumauer-moehnesee))
- **Wallfahrtsbasilika Werl** (Architecture): A neo-Romanesque pilgrimage church built from local green sandstone, with prominent towers and an arcaded forecourt. ([District tourism](https://www.tourismus-kreis-soest.de/de/neusta-pois/wallfahrtsbasilika-werl))

## FAQ

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

It is worth considering if your course is based in Soest or Lippstadt and you prefer a smaller-town setting. Living in your campus town is the simplest starting point; the RB89 also links both towns with Hamm and Paderborn. ([Eurobahn](https://www.eurobahn.de/linieninformationen/rb-89/))

### Is there a university in Soest district?

Yes. South Westphalia University of Applied Sciences has a campus in Soest, and Hamm-Lippstadt University of Applied Sciences has a campus in Lippstadt. ([South Westphalia University](https://www.fh-swf.de/de/studieninteressierte/studienvorbereitung/wohnen/wohnen_1.php), [HSHL](https://www.hshl.de/en/studying/information-about-your-studies/))

### How long is the train journey from Soest to Lippstadt?

The published DB timetable shows RB89 journeys of approximately 11 minutes between Soest and Lippstadt stations. Add the journey to your campus and check live services before travelling. ([DB timetable](https://www.bahnhof.de/downloads/schedule/Regeltafel_5876.pdf))

### Is Soest expensive for students?

Studierendenwerk Dortmund lists a monthly warm rent of €357.14 for its Kasernenweg 7 residence in Soest, checked November 2026. This is a specific dormitory price, not an average private-market rent or a complete student budget. ([Residence page](https://www.stwdo.de/wohnen/wohnanlagen/kasernenweg-7))

### What student jobs are available in Soest district?

Technical internships and working-student positions are recruitment routes at Infineon in Warstein and FORVIA HELLA. Search by location and check current requirements rather than assuming a vacancy is available. ([Infineon](https://www.infineon.com/careers/our-locations/warstein), [FORVIA HELLA](https://www.hella.com/en/Career/Students-Graduates-264/))

### Can I commute from Lippstadt to Paderborn?

Yes. Deutsche Bahn lists direct regional journeys taking approximately 14–25 minutes between Lippstadt and Paderborn Hbf. Travel from the main station to your university adds time. ([Deutsche Bahn](https://www.bahn.de/reisen/view/verbindung/lippstadt/paderborn.shtml))

## Sources

- [District geography and settlement background](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kreis_Soest)
- [City of Soest: town portrait](https://www.soest.de/tourismus-wirtschaft/stadtportrait-und-stadtgeschichte)
- [City of Lippstadt: light promenade](https://www.lippstadt.de/kultur-tourismus/kunst-und-kultur/lichtpromenade)
- [Möhnesee tourism: dam](https://www.moehnesee.de/de/neusta-pois/staumauer-moehnesee)
- [District tourism: Werl pilgrimage basilica](https://www.tourismus-kreis-soest.de/de/neusta-pois/wallfahrtsbasilika-werl)
- [South Westphalia University: student housing](https://www.fh-swf.de/de/studieninteressierte/studienvorbereitung/wohnen/wohnen_1.php)
- [HSHL: student information and semester contribution](https://www.hshl.de/en/studying/information-about-your-studies/)
- [Studierendenwerk Dortmund: Kasernenweg 7](https://www.stwdo.de/wohnen/wohnanlagen/kasernenweg-7)
- [Studierendenwerk Paderborn: housing applications and waiting times](https://www.studentenwerk-pb.de/wohnen/)
- [Studierendenwerk Paderborn: accommodation types and prices](https://www.studentenwerk-pb.de/wohnen/wohnformen-und-preise/)
- [HSHL: accommodation guide](https://www.hshl.de/assets/01-Studieren/International-Office/Internationale-Studierende/1.1-Accommodation-Search-in-Germany-final.pdf)
- [RLG: Deutschlandticket price and validity](https://www.rlg-online.de/abos-tickets/deutschlandtickets/deutschlandticket/)
- [FORVIA HELLA: Lippstadt company address](https://www.hella.com/en/Legal-Notice-294/)
- [FORVIA HELLA: student careers](https://www.hella.com/en/Career/Students-Graduates-264/)
- [Infineon: Warstein operations](https://www.infineon.com/regional/warstein/about-us)
- [Infineon: careers in Warstein](https://www.infineon.com/careers/our-locations/warstein)
- [Warsteiner / Haus Cramer: careers](https://karriere.warsteiner-gruppe.de/)
- [Delta Business Service: working-student opportunities](https://dbs-gruppe.de/karriere/studierende/)
- [HSHL: job portal](https://www.hshl.de/studieren/studierende/beratung-und-ansprechpersonen/career-service/jobportal/)
- [Eurobahn: RB89](https://www.eurobahn.de/linieninformationen/rb-89/)
- [Eurobahn: RB59](https://www.eurobahn.de/linieninformationen/rb-59/)
- [DB: Soest departure timetable](https://www.bahnhof.de/downloads/schedule/Regeltafel_5876.pdf)
- [Deutsche Bahn: Lippstadt–Paderborn connections](https://www.bahn.de/reisen/view/verbindung/lippstadt/paderborn.shtml)
- [Paderborn–Lippstadt Airport: access](https://www.airport-pad.com/de/fluege-reisen/anreisen-parken-uebernachten/anreisen/)
- [Dortmund Airport: bus and rail access](https://www.dortmund-airport.com/en/bus-and-train)
- [HSHL: welcome activities](https://www.hshl.de/studieren/erstsemester/veranstaltungen-zum-studienstart/)
- [Soest tourism: local food and drink](https://www.so-ist-soest.de/de/tourismus/wissenswertes/Jahresthemen/wissenswertes-k-l-eine-superlative.php)
- [City of Soest: Allerheiligenkirmes](https://www.soest.de/politik-verwaltung/dienstleistungen-a-z/allerheiligenkirmes)
- [Lippstadt tourism: Herbstwoche](https://www.lippstadt-erleben.de/de/veranstaltungen/highlights/herbstwoche)
- [Herbstwoche organiser: current and forthcoming editions](https://www.herbstwoche-in-lippstadt.de/herbstwoche/index.php)
- [Lippstadt tourism: Altstadtfest](https://www.lippstadt-erleben.de/de/veranstaltungen/highlights/altstadtfest-in-lippstadt)
- [Wikimedia Commons: Soest Großer Teich](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Soest_Gro%C3%9Fer_Teich.jpg)
- [Wikimedia Commons: Lippstadt town hall](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Lippstadt_Rathaus_2025.jpg)
- [Wikimedia Commons: Möhnesee dam](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:M%C3%B6hnesee_Staumauer_FFSN-3934.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/soest-district. Last updated November 2026. [How we research](https://whereismyuni.com/study-in/how-we-research).