# Study in Städteregion Aachen district, North Rhine-Westphalia

> Städteregion Aachen is a rural district (Landkreis) in North Rhine-Westphalia with 582,410 people (Destatis, 31 Dec 2024). It has 2 universities: RWTH Aachen University (Aachen), Fachhochschule Aachen (Aachen). Summers average 16.2 °C and winters 1.8 °C, with about 784 mm of rain a year (DWD, 1991–2020).

Städteregion Aachen combines a university city, connected commuter towns and Eifel countryside near Belgium and the Netherlands.

## Key facts

| Fact | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 582,410 | Destatis, 31 Dec 2024 |
| Area | 706.91 km² | Destatis |
| Universities in the district | 2 | Where Is My Uni? catalogue |
| Nearest university | Fachhochschule Aachen, Aachen (9 km) | Where Is My Uni? catalogue |
| Typical student rent | €453.34 per month — Advertised monthly rent for a partly furnished 24 m² single apartment at Kastanienweg 8–14 (KaWo 3), as listed on Studierendenwerk Aachen’s undated residence page, checked November 2026. Internet has a separate resident-run tariff, and stepped rent increases apply. This is a residence example, not a private-market average. | [source](https://www.studierendenwerk-aachen.de/de/wohnen/wohnanlagen.html) |
| Mean temperature | 8.9 °C (summer 16.2 °C, winter 1.8 °C) | DWD 1991–2020 |
| Rain | 784 mm a year | DWD 1991–2020 |
| Sunshine | 1,644 hours a year | DWD 1991–2020 |

## About Städteregion Aachen district

Städteregion Aachen brings Aachen together with surrounding towns and Eifel communities, including Herzogenrath, Eschweiler, Stolberg, Monschau and Simmerath. Its urban centre sits beside the Belgian and Dutch borders ([StädteRegion Aachen](https://www.staedteregion-aachen.de/de/navigation/staedteregion/ueber-uns), [Aachen background](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aachen)).

The district offers distinctly different settings: Aachen has its cathedral and universities, Stolberg has historic streets and former industrial courtyards, and Monschau offers an old town beside the Rur. Choose your neighbourhood around your actual campus journey, especially when considering the southern countryside ([Aachen Cathedral](https://www.aachenerdom.de/ort-der-besichtigung/), [Stolberg tourism](https://www.rureifel-tourismus.de/pois/historischer-altstadtkern), [Tourismus NRW](https://www.nrw-tourismus.de/zusammenzeit/monschau)).

- **Aachen**: The university city and home of Aachen Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site ([Aachen Cathedral](https://www.aachenerdom.de/ort-der-besichtigung/)).
- **Herzogenrath**: A rail-connected option for commuting to Aachen West and Aachen Hauptbahnhof on the euregiobahn ([go.Rheinland](https://www.gorheinland.com/auskunft/linien/linie/rb-20)).
- **Eschweiler**: Its Talbahnhof and other local stops connect with Aachen through the euregiobahn network ([go.Rheinland](https://www.gorheinland.com/auskunft/linien/linie/rb-20)).
- **Stolberg**: Known for its castle, historic centre and Kupferhöfe, the former residential and industrial courtyards ([Rureifel Tourismus](https://www.rureifel-tourismus.de/pois/historischer-altstadtkern)).
- **Monschau**: An Eifel town with historic lanes beside the Rur and a traditional mustard mill ([Tourismus NRW](https://www.nrw-tourismus.de/zusammenzeit/monschau)).
- **Simmerath**: Includes Rurberg, a lakeside village with an Eifel National Park gateway ([Rurberg background](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rurberg)).

## Universities

RWTH Aachen University and FH Aachen make Aachen the natural starting point for a student housing search; FH Aachen also has a campus in nearby Jülich, so check your programme’s teaching location before choosing accommodation. Herzogenrath, Stolberg and Eschweiler offer rail connections into Aachen, while Monschau and Simmerath rely on bus links for this journey ([go.Rheinland](https://www.gorheinland.com/auskunft/linien/linie/rb-20), [ASEAG](https://www.aseag.de/fahrplan/linienfahrplaene)). This district suits students who want university life with access to smaller towns and countryside, provided they choose a workable door-to-door commute.

- **RWTH Aachen University** (Aachen) — 203 courses
- **Fachhochschule Aachen** (Aachen) — 101 courses

## Housing

Start looking early: RWTH’s student union warns that finding suitable accommodation can be difficult around the beginning of each semester. Studierendenwerk residences are popular, and applications can be submitted before admission or enrolment; a room is not guaranteed ([RWTH AStA](https://www.asta.rwth-aachen.de/beratung/wohnen/wohnungssuche/), [Studierendenwerk Aachen](https://www.studierendenwerk-aachen.de/de/wohnen.html)).

**How to find a place**

- Apply through Studierendenwerk Aachen as soon as Aachen becomes a serious study option; flexibility over move-in dates and room types improves your chances ([Studierendenwerk Aachen](https://www.studierendenwerk-aachen.de/de/wohnen.html)).
- Search WG-Gesucht, ImmobilienScout24 and immowelt alongside residence applications; RWTH’s AStA lists these for the Aachen housing search ([RWTH AStA](https://www.asta.rwth-aachen.de/beratung/wohnen/wohnungssuche/)).
- Consider a temporary sublet, advertised as Zwischenmiete, while searching for a longer contract ([RWTH AStA](https://www.asta.rwth-aachen.de/beratung/wohnen/wohnungssuche/)).
- Compare addresses near euregiobahn stops in Herzogenrath, Stolberg and Eschweiler, then check the onward journey to your teaching building before signing ([go.Rheinland](https://www.gorheinland.com/auskunft/linien/linie/rb-20)).

**Student residences**

- [Kastanienweg 8–14 — KaWo 3](https://www.studierendenwerk-aachen.de/de/wohnen/wohnanlagen.html) (Studierendenwerk Aachen): Apartments and shared flats, with study rooms and communal spaces ([official residence directory](https://www.studierendenwerk-aachen.de/de/wohnen/wohnanlagen.html)).
- [Kastanienweg 21–35](https://www.studierendenwerk-aachen.de/de/wohnen/wohnanlagen.html) (Studierendenwerk Aachen): Shared-flat rooms and apartments in western Aachen ([official residence directory](https://www.studierendenwerk-aachen.de/de/wohnen/wohnanlagen.html)).
- [Kullenhofstraße 56–66](https://www.studierendenwerk-aachen.de/de/wohnen/wohnanlagen.html) (Studierendenwerk Aachen): Accommodation directly opposite the university hospital, including rooms and family housing ([official residence directory](https://www.studierendenwerk-aachen.de/de/wohnen/wohnanlagen.html)).

## Cost of living

Housing availability deserves as much attention as the advertised price. The KaWo 3 apartment example is €453.34 monthly, with separately charged internet and stepped rent increases ([Studierendenwerk Aachen](https://www.studierendenwerk-aachen.de/de/wohnen/wohnanlagen.html)). The standard Deutschlandticket costs €63 per calendar month in 2026 and covers local and regional public transport; check your university’s semester-ticket arrangements before buying another subscription ([VRS](https://www.vrs.de/tickets/ticketsortiment/deutschlandticket)). A dependable current comparison with larger German cities was not established, so do not assume that every surrounding town will produce a cheaper total budget.

## Jobs & employers

Useful sectors to investigate include technical development, pharmaceuticals and medical research. AIXTRON lists student roles in Herzogenrath, Grünenthal operates its headquarters and manufacturing activities in Aachen, and the university hospital’s medical informatics institute describes routes into student assistant work ([AIXTRON](https://www.aixtron.com/de/karriere/stellenangebote?location=2476), [Grünenthal](https://www.grunenthal-pro.com/en/our-sites/germany), [Uniklinik RWTH Aachen](https://www.ukaachen.de/kliniken-institute/institut-fuer-medizinische-informatik/karriere/)). These are places to search, not promises of an available position.

- Software and hardware development assistance at AIXTRON in Herzogenrath ([AIXTRON careers](https://www.aixtron.com/de/karriere/stellenangebote?location=2476)).
- Laboratory characterisation and technical testing support ([AIXTRON careers](https://www.aixtron.com/de/karriere/stellenangebote?location=2476)).
- Purchasing and operations support in a technology company ([AIXTRON careers](https://www.aixtron.com/de/karriere/stellenangebote?location=2476)).
- Student research assistance in medical informatics; the institute recommends speculative applications and direct contact ([Uniklinik RWTH Aachen](https://www.ukaachen.de/kliniken-institute/institut-fuer-medizinische-informatik/karriere/)).

- **AIXTRON** (Semiconductor equipment and engineering): Its Herzogenrath careers page lists engineering, laboratory, software and student positions ([AIXTRON](https://www.aixtron.com/de/karriere/stellenangebote?location=2476)).
- **Grünenthal** (Pharmaceuticals): Aachen hosts its global headquarters, active-ingredient production, packaging and distribution activities ([Grünenthal](https://www.grunenthal-pro.com/en/our-sites/germany)).
- **Uniklinik RWTH Aachen** (Healthcare and medical research): Its Institute of Medical Informatics offers student assistant work and supervision opportunities for suitable degree projects ([institute careers](https://www.ukaachen.de/kliniken-institute/institut-fuer-medizinische-informatik/karriere/)).

## Getting around

ASEAG buses serve Aachen and surrounding communities; the RB20 euregiobahn connects Aachen with Herzogenrath, Alsdorf, Stolberg and Eschweiler ([ASEAG](https://www.aseag.de/fahrplan/linienfahrplaene), [go.Rheinland](https://www.gorheinland.com/auskunft/linien/linie/rb-20)). For the southern district, SB63 links Aachen with Simmerath and SB66 with Monschau via Roetgen. The published SB66 construction timetable shows roughly 70 minutes from Aachen Bushof to Monschau Altstadt, before any onward campus journey ([ASEAG routes](https://www.aseag.de/fahrplan/linienfahrplaene), [SB66 timetable](https://www.aseag.de/fileadmin/aseag_media/documents/Linienfahrplaene/SB66.pdf)). Aachen–Cologne takes about 55 minutes on a direct regional train in DB’s published example; check your travel date for changes ([Deutsche Bahn](https://www.bahn.de/reisen/view/verbindung/aachen/koeln.shtml)). The Deutschlandticket covers domestic local buses and regional trains, but generally not ICE, IC or EC services; check cross-border validity separately ([VRS](https://www.vrs.de/tickets/ticketsortiment/deutschlandticket)).

- Station: Aachen Hauptbahnhof — regional and long-distance services ([City of Aachen](https://www.aachen.de/aachen-entdecken/anreise/)).
- Station: Aachen West — regional stop useful for journeys into western Aachen ([go.Rheinland](https://www.gorheinland.com/auskunft/linien/linie/rb-20)).
- Station: Herzogenrath — regional rail interchange ([go.Rheinland](https://www.gorheinland.com/auskunft/linien/linie/rb-20)).
- Station: Stolberg (Rheinland) Hauptbahnhof — junction for euregiobahn branches ([go.Rheinland](https://www.gorheinland.com/auskunft/linien/linie/rb-20)).
- Nearest airport: Maastricht Aachen Airport — The closest airport listed by Aachen’s city guide is across the border in the Netherlands. A public-transport option combines the Aachen–Maastricht train with Arriva bus 30 to the terminal; allow for the transfer ([City of Aachen](https://www.aachen.de/aachen-entdecken/anreise/), [airport access](https://www.maa.nl/en/my-trip/to-and-from-the-airport/)).

## Weather & seasons

- Winter: 1.8 °C, 68 mm rain a month, 2.2 h sun a day
- Spring: 8.3 °C, 55 mm rain a month, 5.4 h sun a day
- Summer: 16.2 °C, 75 mm rain a month, 6.6 h sun a day
- Autumn: 9.3 °C, 63 mm rain a month, 3.7 h sun a day

Expect cool, damp winters, changeable spring weather and generally mild summers; keep a waterproof layer handy throughout the year. The supplied climate reference comes from upland Roetgen, so treat it as regional guidance rather than an exact description of central Aachen. Summer brings the Sommerbend, while late autumn turns toward the Christmas markets in Aachen and Monschau ([Öcher Bend](https://www.bend-aachen.de/), [Aachen Tourist Service](https://www.aachen-tourismus.de/en/service/faq/), [City of Monschau](https://www.monschau.de/tourismus/weihnachtsmarkt/)).

## Culture & language

Local identity includes Öcher Platt, Aachen’s traditional dialect, and festivals such as the Öcher Bend fair. Aachen also has several theatres, including the Grenzlandtheater and DAS DA Theater ([Aachen background](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aachen), [Öcher Bend](https://www.bend-aachen.de/)). For regular student evenings, Aachen is the practical base; if you live outside it, plan the journey home as carefully as the journey to class.

The smaller towns have their own character: Stolberg’s Kupferhöfe reflect its industrial past, while Monschau’s historic streets and mustard-making tradition offer a different weekend setting ([Rureifel Tourismus](https://www.rureifel-tourismus.de/pois/historischer-altstadtkern), [Tourismus NRW](https://www.nrw-tourismus.de/zusammenzeit/monschau)).

If you plan to study in English, check your programme’s language requirements separately and build conversational German for life outside class. English alone should not be your plan for finding work, dealing with landlords or communicating with authorities: the Federal Employment Agency specifically identifies German as helpful in these situations ([Federal Employment Agency](https://www.arbeitsagentur.de/en/working-in-germany/german-language-skills)). Aachen’s traditional dialect is Öcher Platt; focus your learning on standard German ([Aachen background](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aachen)).

## Local food

- **Aachener Printen**: Spiced gingerbread-style biscuits, available in hard and soft versions and with different coatings ([Aachen background](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aachen)).
- **Monschauer Senf**: Mustard from Monschau’s historic mill, which produces traditional and flavoured varieties ([Tourismus NRW](https://www.nrw-tourismus.de/zusammenzeit/monschau)).
- **Poschweck**: A traditional Aachen Easter yeast bread with fruit and nuts ([Aachen background](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aachen)).

## Events

- **Öcher Sommerbend** (August): Aachen’s summer fair with rides and food stalls; the organiser published 7–17 August for its 2026 edition ([Öcher Bend](https://www.bend-aachen.de/)).
- **Aachen Christmas Market** (November–December): The tourist service confirms the 2026 market for 20 November–23 December ([Aachen Tourist Service](https://www.aachen-tourismus.de/en/service/faq/)).
- **Monschau Christmas Market** (Advent weekends, November–December): A market among the old town’s half-timbered buildings. The 2026 edition runs Friday–Sunday over the weekends from 27 November to 20 December ([City of Monschau](https://www.monschau.de/tourismus/weihnachtsmarkt/)).

## Places to see

- **Aachen Cathedral** (UNESCO): A World Heritage cathedral with a surviving Carolingian octagon; check the cathedral’s visitor information before going ([Aachen Cathedral](https://www.aachenerdom.de/ort-der-besichtigung/)).
- **Stolberg old town and castle** (Old town): Explore stone-built lanes beneath the castle and the historic Kupferhöfe nearby ([Rureifel Tourismus](https://www.rureifel-tourismus.de/pois/historischer-altstadtkern)).
- **Monschau old town and mustard mill** (Heritage): Combine a walk through the old town with the traditional mustard mill beside the Rur ([Tourismus NRW](https://www.nrw-tourismus.de/zusammenzeit/monschau)).
- **Rurberg** (Lake): A village within Simmerath beside the Rursee, with an Eifel National Park gateway ([Rurberg background](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rurberg)).

## FAQ

### Is Städteregion Aachen a good place to live as a student?

It offers a choice between Aachen itself, surrounding rail-connected towns and Eifel communities. For frequent campus attendance, choose accommodation around the actual journey to your teaching building; RB20 connects several surrounding towns with Aachen ([go.Rheinland](https://www.gorheinland.com/auskunft/linien/linie/rb-20)).

### Are there universities in Städteregion Aachen?

Yes. RWTH Aachen University and FH Aachen are in Aachen. FH Aachen also teaches in nearby Jülich, so confirm your programme’s campus before choosing where to live.

### Can I commute to Aachen from the surrounding towns?

Yes: Herzogenrath, Alsdorf, Stolberg and Eschweiler are served by the RB20 euregiobahn. Simmerath and Monschau have express-bus links to Aachen; include the onward campus connection when comparing addresses ([go.Rheinland](https://www.gorheinland.com/auskunft/linien/linie/rb-20), [ASEAG](https://www.aseag.de/fahrplan/linienfahrplaene)).

### How expensive is student housing in Aachen?

Studierendenwerk lists a KaWo 3 single apartment at €453.34 monthly, with separate internet charges and stepped rent increases. This is a specific residence example, not the average private rent, and availability is limited ([Studierendenwerk residences](https://www.studierendenwerk-aachen.de/de/wohnen/wohnanlagen.html), [housing applications](https://www.studierendenwerk-aachen.de/de/wohnen.html)).

### What student jobs can I find in Städteregion Aachen?

Verified routes include software, laboratory and purchasing support at AIXTRON in Herzogenrath, plus student research assistance in medical informatics at Uniklinik RWTH Aachen. Check the employers’ current requirements and vacancies ([AIXTRON](https://www.aixtron.com/de/karriere/stellenangebote?location=2476), [Uniklinik RWTH Aachen](https://www.ukaachen.de/kliniken-institute/institut-fuer-medizinische-informatik/karriere/)).

### How long does the train from Aachen to Cologne take?

A direct regional train takes about 55 minutes in Deutsche Bahn’s published example. Check your travel date, and select regional services if travelling with a Deutschlandticket ([Deutsche Bahn](https://www.bahn.de/reisen/view/verbindung/aachen/koeln.shtml), [VRS](https://www.vrs.de/tickets/ticketsortiment/deutschlandticket)).

## Sources

- [StädteRegion Aachen — regional overview](https://www.staedteregion-aachen.de/de/navigation/staedteregion/ueber-uns)
- [Aachen — general background, dialect and food](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aachen)
- [Aachen Cathedral — visitor information](https://www.aachenerdom.de/ort-der-besichtigung/)
- [Rureifel Tourismus — Stolberg historic centre](https://www.rureifel-tourismus.de/pois/historischer-altstadtkern)
- [Tourismus NRW — Monschau mustard mill and old town](https://www.nrw-tourismus.de/zusammenzeit/monschau)
- [Rurberg — location and national park gateway](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rurberg)
- [RWTH AStA — finding accommodation](https://www.asta.rwth-aachen.de/beratung/wohnen/wohnungssuche/)
- [Studierendenwerk Aachen — housing and applications](https://www.studierendenwerk-aachen.de/de/wohnen.html)
- [Studierendenwerk Aachen — residences and advertised rents](https://www.studierendenwerk-aachen.de/de/wohnen/wohnanlagen.html)
- [AIXTRON — Herzogenrath careers](https://www.aixtron.com/de/karriere/stellenangebote?location=2476)
- [Grünenthal — Aachen production site](https://www.grunenthal-pro.com/en/our-sites/germany)
- [Uniklinik RWTH Aachen — medical informatics careers](https://www.ukaachen.de/kliniken-institute/institut-fuer-medizinische-informatik/karriere/)
- [go.Rheinland — RB20 route](https://www.gorheinland.com/auskunft/linien/linie/rb-20)
- [ASEAG — local and regional bus routes](https://www.aseag.de/fahrplan/linienfahrplaene)
- [ASEAG — SB66 construction timetable](https://www.aseag.de/fileadmin/aseag_media/documents/Linienfahrplaene/SB66.pdf)
- [Deutsche Bahn — Aachen–Cologne journey examples](https://www.bahn.de/reisen/view/verbindung/aachen/koeln.shtml)
- [VRS — Deutschlandticket price and validity](https://www.vrs.de/tickets/ticketsortiment/deutschlandticket)
- [City of Aachen — arriving and getting around](https://www.aachen.de/aachen-entdecken/anreise/)
- [Maastricht Aachen Airport — public transport](https://www.maa.nl/en/my-trip/to-and-from-the-airport/)
- [Öcher Bend — summer fair](https://www.bend-aachen.de/)
- [Aachen Tourist Service — Christmas market dates](https://www.aachen-tourismus.de/en/service/faq/)
- [City of Monschau — Christmas market](https://www.monschau.de/tourismus/weihnachtsmarkt/)
- [Federal Employment Agency — German for work and daily life](https://www.arbeitsagentur.de/en/working-in-germany/german-language-skills)
- [Wikimedia Commons — Monschau panorama](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Blick_auf_Monschau.jpg)
- [Wikimedia Commons — Aachen Cathedral](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Aachen_Kaiserdom_5.JPG)
- [Wikimedia Commons — Rurberg reservoir panorama](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Panorama_Rurtalsperre,_Rursee_Rurberg,_Eiserbachsee,_Obersee_-_Luftaufnahme-0163.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/staedteregion-aachen-district. Last updated November 2026. [How we research](https://whereismyuni.com/study-in/how-we-research).