# Study in Unna district, North Rhine-Westphalia

> Unna is a rural district (Landkreis) in North Rhine-Westphalia with 393,784 people (Destatis, 31 Dec 2024). There is no university in Unna district itself; the nearest is Dortmund University of Applied Sciences and Arts in Dortmund, about 15 km away. Summers average 17.9 °C and winters 3.2 °C, with about 757 mm of rain a year (DWD, 1991–2020).

Unna is a district on the Ruhr region’s eastern edge, with industrial heritage, historic towns and rail links for student commuters.

## Key facts

| Fact | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 393,784 | Destatis, 31 Dec 2024 |
| Area | 543.21 km² | Destatis |
| Universities in the district | 0 | Where Is My Uni? catalogue |
| Nearest university | Dortmund University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Dortmund (15 km) | Where Is My Uni? catalogue |
| Typical student rent | €6.21/m² monthly basic-rent benchmark — Mean table value for Unna town flats built in 1950–1977, before adjustments for size, location and amenities. The official 2026 Mietspiegel uses July 2025 data and excludes heating and operating costs; this is not an advertised student-room average. | [source](https://gars.nrw/images/user/GA_Kreis_Unna/Mietspiegel/Mietspiegel_2026_Unna.pdf) |
| Mean temperature | 10.4 °C (summer 17.9 °C, winter 3.2 °C) | DWD 1991–2020 |
| Rain | 757 mm a year | DWD 1991–2020 |
| Sunshine | 1,556 hours a year | DWD 1991–2020 |

## About Unna district

Unna district sits on the eastern edge of the Ruhr region, with the Münsterland, Sauerland and Soest countryside nearby. It combines industrial towns with more rural surroundings ([Kreis Unna](https://www.kreis-unna.de/loadDocument.phtml?Ext=PDF&FID=3674.1597.1)). Unna is the administrative centre; other towns include Lünen, Schwerte, Kamen, Bergkamen and Werne ([district municipalities](https://www.kreis-unna.de/%C3%9Cber-uns/St%C3%A4dte-und-Gemeinden/)).

Former industrial buildings are part of everyday cultural life. Unna’s Lindenbrauerei houses cultural venues and a light-art museum, while former mining structures in Lünen and Bönen have become distinctive landmarks ([industrial heritage](https://www.kreis-unna.de/Erleben/Tourismus/Industriekultur/)). For students, the district is worth considering as a commuting base, with the choice of town and station more important than the district name.

- **Unna**: The district’s administrative centre, with the Centre for International Light Art in the former Lindenbrauerei ([Kreis Unna](https://www.kreis-unna.de/%C3%9Cber-uns/St%C3%A4dte-und-Gemeinden/), [museum](https://www.zfil.de/de/zentrum)).
- **Lünen**: A town on the Lippe with direct RB50 trains towards Dortmund and Münster ([Kreis Unna](https://www.kreis-unna.de/%C3%9Cber-uns/St%C3%A4dte-und-Gemeinden/), [eurobahn](https://www.eurobahn.de/linieninformationen/rb-50/)).
- **Kamen**: A useful location to investigate for commuting towards Dortmund or Hamm: both are served by the RE3 through Kamen ([eurobahn](https://www.eurobahn.de/linieninformationen/re-3/)).
- **Schwerte**: A town on the Ruhr whose former Rohrmeisterei pumping station now serves as a cultural venue ([Kreis Unna](https://www.kreis-unna.de/Erleben/Tourismus/Industriekultur/)).
- **Bergkamen**: An industrial location where Bayer manufactures pharmaceutical active ingredients ([Bayer](https://www.bayer.com/de-de/deutschland/standorte/bergkamen-startseite)).
- **Werne**: Home to the annual Sim-Jü fair, which takes over the town centre in late October ([Stadt Werne](https://www.werne.de/de/erlebnis/stadt-kultur-erleben/simjue.php)).

## Nearest universities

There is no university in Unna district. Nearby options include TU Dortmund, Dortmund University of Applied Sciences and Arts, ISM in Dortmund, Hochschule Hamm-Lippstadt in Hamm and Hochschule für Finanzen NRW in Nordkirchen. Treat living here as a commuting decision: reaching Dortmund Hauptbahnhof still leaves an onward journey to TU Dortmund’s campus, served by the S1 at Dortmund Universität ([TU Dortmund](https://www.tu-dortmund.de/campus/kontakt-und-anreise/)). Local housing company UKBS offers a student rent discount ([UKBS](https://www.ukbs.de/mieten/)), and the district administration offers dual-study routes combining local practical work with study elsewhere ([Kreis Unna](https://www.kreis-unna.de/Serviceportal/Karriere/Duales-Studium/)). This can suit someone who prefers a separate home base and is willing to plan campus and social journeys.

- **Dortmund University of Applied Sciences and Arts** (Dortmund) — 15 km away, 72 courses
- **International School of Management (ISM)** (Dortmund) — 15 km away, 42 courses
- **Hochschule für Finanzen NRW** (Nordkirchen) — 18 km away, 1 courses
- **TU Dortmund University** (Dortmund) — 18 km away, 263 courses
- **Hochschule Hamm-Lippstadt** (Hamm) — 18 km away, 24 courses

## Housing

Start with ordinary rental flats and shared accommodation, and compare the full journey to your campus before choosing a neighbourhood. UKBS advertises a 15% discount on its usual basic rent for students for up to four years, with proof of enrolment required when signing and annually thereafter ([UKBS](https://www.ukbs.de/mieten/)). Studierendenwerk Dortmund’s published residence list contains no accommodation in Unna district ([residence directory](https://www.stwdo.de/wohnen/wohnanlagen/)).

**How to find a place**

- Check UKBS’s rental offers and submit its prospective-tenant form; ask how the published student discount applies to the available flat ([UKBS](https://www.ukbs.de/mieten/)).
- For Unna town, contact the municipal housing service about its housing-company directory and advice. Its placement service covers certain subsidised homes and requires a Wohnberechtigungsschein; eligibility and availability need checking ([housing service](https://serviceportal.unna.de/detail/-/vr-bis-detail/dienstleistung/78894/show)).
- Use Unna town’s official Mietspiegel to assess a flat’s basic rent, then ask separately about heating, other charges and furnishing ([Mietspiegel](https://gars.nrw/images/user/GA_Kreis_Unna/Mietspiegel/Mietspiegel_2026_Unna.pdf)).
- Test each address against your actual class times and evening return journey using the VKU journey-planning services recommended by the district ([local transport information](https://www.kreis-unna.de/Mobilit%C3%A4t/%C3%96ffentlicher-Nahverkehr/)).

## Cost of living

Housing is the main area to compare carefully: UKBS’s student discount is a concrete saving, but it does not establish that every Unna address is cheaper than Dortmund ([UKBS](https://www.ukbs.de/mieten/)). TU Dortmund’s semester contribution is €339.70 for winter semester 2026/27, including a semester-ticket component ([official contribution sheet](https://www.tu-dortmund.de/storages/tu_website/Dezernat_4/Dez._4.2/Vordrucke/Im_Studium/WiSe26Merkblatt.pdf)). The standard Deutschlandticket costs €63 per month as checked in November 2026; check your university ticket before buying another subscription ([VRR](https://www.vrr.de/tickets-tarife/deutschlandticket/)). Compare warm rent, transport and any car costs together rather than assuming an outer-town address will save money.

## Jobs & employers

The district offers several distinct employment settings: retail headquarters at KiK in Bönen, logistics at Rhenus in Holzwickede, pharmaceutical production at Bayer in Bergkamen and public administration. These are useful starting points for business, logistics, science and administration-related experience ([KiK](https://unternehmen.kik.de/startseite-zentrale), [Rhenus](https://www.rhenus.group/imprint/), [Bayer](https://www.bayer.com/de-de/deutschland/standorte/bergkamen-startseite), [Kreis Unna](https://www.kreis-unna.de/Serviceportal/Karriere/Praktikum-Volontariat-Werkstudierende/)). Search specifically for Werkstudent or internship opportunities; a local employer’s presence does not guarantee a suitable vacancy.

- Commercial and administrative working-student roles at KiK’s headquarters ([KiK student jobs](https://unternehmen.kik.de/einstiegsmoeglichkeiten/studentinnen-absolventinnen/werkstudententaetigkeit)).
- Logistics internships and working-student roles; filter Rhenus opportunities by location ([Rhenus young talents](https://www.rhenus.group/career/young-talents/)).
- Student-assistant and working-student positions supporting departments of the district administration ([Kreis Unna](https://www.kreis-unna.de/Serviceportal/Karriere/Praktikum-Volontariat-Werkstudierende/)).

- **KiK** (Retail headquarters): Its European headquarters in Bönen includes functions such as marketing, accounting, IT and logistics ([KiK](https://unternehmen.kik.de/startseite-zentrale)).
- **Rhenus** (Logistics): Rhenus SE & Co. KG is based in Holzwickede; the group offers logistics, office and IT career paths ([registered office](https://www.rhenus.group/imprint/), [careers](https://www.rhenus.group/career/)).
- **Bayer** (Pharmaceutical manufacturing): The Bergkamen Supply Center produces pharmaceutical active ingredients, including steroid hormones and contrast agents ([Bayer](https://www.bayer.com/de-de/deutschland/standorte/bergkamen-startseite)).
- **Kreis Unna** (Public administration): The district administration provides internships and working-student opportunities across its departments, subject to availability ([Kreis Unna careers](https://www.kreis-unna.de/Serviceportal/Karriere/Praktikum-Volontariat-Werkstudierende/)).

## Getting around

VKU buses connect communities and railway stations; the district recommends its app for journey planning ([Kreis Unna](https://www.kreis-unna.de/Mobilit%C3%A4t/%C3%96ffentlicher-Nahverkehr/)). The RB59 takes approximately 27 minutes from Unna station to Dortmund Hauptbahnhof in the published 2026 timetable, before any campus transfer ([regional timetable](https://ekap-download.vrs.de/downloads/linien/mini-fahrplan/2026_1059_RB59.pdf?1770342817=)). TU Dortmund’s Campus Nord has its own S1 station, Dortmund Universität ([university directions](https://www.tu-dortmund.de/campus/kontakt-und-anreise/)). Kamen has RE3 services towards Dortmund and Hamm, while Lünen and Werne lie on the RB50 towards Dortmund and Münster ([RE3](https://www.eurobahn.de/linieninformationen/re-3/), [RB50](https://www.eurobahn.de/linieninformationen/rb-50/)). Deutschlandticket products cover ordinary local and regional transport; the Deutschlandsemesterticket excludes long-distance trains such as ICE and IC ([VRR](https://www.vrr.de/tickets-tarife/deutschlandticket/), [semester-ticket rules](https://www.vrr.de/tickets-tarife/deutschlandticket/semesterticket/)). Check live services, particularly for late returns.

- Station: Unna — RB59 towards Dortmund and Soest ([eurobahn](https://www.eurobahn.de/linieninformationen/rb-59/)).
- Station: Holzwickede — RB59 and an airport-shuttle connection ([eurobahn](https://www.eurobahn.de/linieninformationen/rb-59/), [Dortmund Airport](https://www.dortmund-airport.com/de/bus-und-bahn)).
- Station: Kamen — RE3 towards Dortmund and Hamm ([eurobahn](https://www.eurobahn.de/linieninformationen/re-3/)).
- Station: Lünen Hbf — RB50 towards Dortmund and Münster ([eurobahn](https://www.eurobahn.de/linieninformationen/rb-50/)).
- Nearest airport: Dortmund Airport — Reach the terminal from Holzwickede station by AirportShuttle in approximately six minutes. The adult single fare is €3 as listed in November 2026, and ordinary public-transport tickets are not accepted on this shuttle. Bus 57 also connects Unna station with the airport ([airport transport information](https://www.dortmund-airport.com/de/bus-und-bahn)).

## Weather & seasons

- Winter: 3.2 °C, 63 mm rain a month, 1.8 h sun a day
- Spring: 9.9 °C, 51 mm rain a month, 5.4 h sun a day
- Summer: 17.9 °C, 74 mm rain a month, 6.5 h sun a day
- Autumn: 10.5 °C, 65 mm rain a month, 3.3 h sun a day

Expect cool, often grey winters, changeable spring weather and generally mild summers, with rain possible throughout the year. A waterproof jacket and dependable shoes are useful for the journey between home, station and campus. Longer spring and summer days are good for exploring outdoors; autumn brings Werne’s late-October Sim-Jü fair ([Stadt Werne](https://www.werne.de/de/erlebnis/stadt-kultur-erleben/simjue.php)).

## Culture & language

Industrial heritage is a visible part of local identity: former breweries, mine structures and utility buildings now accommodate art and cultural activities ([Kreis Unna](https://www.kreis-unna.de/Erleben/Tourismus/Industriekultur/)). Unna’s Lindenbrauerei provides a practical starting point for evenings out, with events, workshops and the Schalander pub ([Lindenbrauerei](https://lindenbrauerei.de/)). Think in terms of individual venues and town festivals when planning social life here; for a student commuter, the last connection home deserves as much attention as the programme.

Werne’s Sim-Jü fair and Schwerte’s Welttheater der Straße are established occasions for joining local public life: one centres on fairground traditions, the other on theatre and performance in public spaces ([Werne](https://www.werne.de/de/erlebnis/stadt-kultur-erleben/simjue.php), [Schwerte](https://www.schwerte.de/politik-verwaltung-mitmachstadt/verwaltung/nachrichten-presseinfos/detailansicht/33-welttheater-der-strasse-ist-eroeffnet)).

Plan to learn German alongside any English-taught degree rather than relying on English for every rental, workplace or administrative conversation. As a practical goal, aim for B1 for everyday independence and work towards B2 for a wider job search; these are recommendations, not district-wide admission requirements. Werkstatt im Kreis Unna offers general and vocational German courses, with participation conditions checked individually ([local language provision](https://www.werkstatt-im-kreis-unna.de/unsere-angebote/deutsch-lernen)).

## Local food

- **Schwerter Senf**: A distinctly local mustard, ground on historic millstones using traditional recipes at Schwerte’s mustard mill ([Kreis Unna](https://www.kreis-unna.de/Erleben/Tourismus/Industriekultur/)).
- **Westfälischer Pumpernickel**: Dark bread with a slightly sweet flavour, associated with the wider Westphalian region ([NRW agriculture ministry](https://www.mlv.nrw.de/themen/landwirtschaft/ernaehrungswirtschaft/regionale-lebensmittel-und-spezialitaeten-aus-nrw/)).
- **LindenBier**: A local beer brewed at Unna’s Lindenbrauerei and served exclusively in its Schalander pub ([Lindenbrauerei](https://lindenbrauerei.de/das-lindenbier/)).

## Events

- **Sim-Jü, Werne** (Late October): The annual Simon-Juda fair fills Werne’s town centre with rides and market stalls. The confirmed 2026 edition ran from 24 to 27 October ([Stadt Werne](https://www.werne.de/de/erlebnis/stadt-kultur-erleben/simjue.php)).
- **Welttheater der Straße, Schwerte** (August): An annual outdoor performance festival bringing theatre, dance and circus arts into the town centre. The city confirmed its 2026 edition from 28 to 30 August, with admission generally free ([Stadt Schwerte](https://www.schwerte.de/politik-verwaltung-mitmachstadt/verwaltung/nachrichten-presseinfos/detailansicht/33-welttheater-der-strasse-ist-eroeffnet)).

## Places to see

- **Centre for International Light Art, Unna** (Museum): Light installations occupy the underground spaces of the former Lindenbrauerei, with works created specifically for the building ([museum](https://www.zfil.de/de/zentrum)).
- **Haus Opherdicke, Holzwickede** (Art and gardens): A moated historic house used as an art museum, with a sculpture park and views towards the Sauerland ([Kreis Unna](https://www.kreis-unna.de/Erleben/Kultur/Museum-Haus-Opherdicke/)).
- **Schloss Cappenberg, Selm** (Castle and museum): A former monastery with changing art exhibitions and a permanent exhibition about the Prussian reformer Freiherr vom Stein ([Kreis Unna](https://www.kreis-unna.de/Erleben/Kultur/Museum-Schloss-Cappenberg/)).
- **Colani-Ufo, Lünen** (Industrial heritage): An elliptical office structure designed by Luigi Colani sits on a former mine headframe at the LÜNTEC technology centre ([Kreis Unna](https://www.kreis-unna.de/Erleben/Tourismus/Industriekultur/)).

## FAQ

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

It can work well if you are comfortable commuting and choose a home with a suitable station connection. Unna town has direct RB59 trains to Dortmund, but TU Dortmund requires an onward journey to its campus ([eurobahn](https://www.eurobahn.de/linieninformationen/rb-59/), [TU Dortmund](https://www.tu-dortmund.de/campus/kontakt-und-anreise/)).

### Is there a university in Unna district?

There is no university in the district. Nearby study options are in Dortmund, Hamm and Nordkirchen; living in Unna district means planning a commute to your chosen institution.

### How do I get from Unna to TU Dortmund?

From Unna station, the RB59 takes approximately 27 minutes to Dortmund Hauptbahnhof in the published 2026 timetable. Continue by S1 to Dortmund Universität, allowing extra time for the interchange and walking to your building ([regional timetable](https://ekap-download.vrs.de/downloads/linien/mini-fahrplan/2026_1059_RB59.pdf?1770342817=), [TU Dortmund](https://www.tu-dortmund.de/campus/kontakt-und-anreise/)).

### Is Unna district expensive for students?

Costs depend on the particular flat and commute, so there is no reliable single student budget for the whole district. One documented saving is UKBS’s 15% student discount on its usual basic rent, subject to its published conditions ([UKBS](https://www.ukbs.de/mieten/)).

### What student jobs can I find in Unna district?

KiK offers working-student opportunities at its Bönen headquarters, and the district administration recruits student assistants and working students. Availability and required skills depend on the vacancy ([KiK](https://unternehmen.kik.de/einstiegsmoeglichkeiten/studentinnen-absolventinnen/werkstudententaetigkeit), [Kreis Unna](https://www.kreis-unna.de/Serviceportal/Karriere/Praktikum-Volontariat-Werkstudierende/)).

### Are there Studierendenwerk residences in Unna district?

Studierendenwerk Dortmund’s published residence directory lists accommodation in Dortmund, Hagen, Iserlohn and Soest, with none in Unna district. For a home within the district, investigate ordinary rentals and UKBS’s student offer ([residence directory](https://www.stwdo.de/wohnen/wohnanlagen/), [UKBS](https://www.ukbs.de/mieten/)).

## Sources

- [Kreis Unna: geographical setting](https://www.kreis-unna.de/loadDocument.phtml?Ext=PDF&FID=3674.1597.1)
- [Kreis Unna: towns and municipalities](https://www.kreis-unna.de/%C3%9Cber-uns/St%C3%A4dte-und-Gemeinden/)
- [Kreis Unna: industrial heritage](https://www.kreis-unna.de/Erleben/Tourismus/Industriekultur/)
- [Unna town: official 2026 rent index](https://gars.nrw/images/user/GA_Kreis_Unna/Mietspiegel/Mietspiegel_2026_Unna.pdf)
- [UKBS: rentals and student discount](https://www.ukbs.de/mieten/)
- [Unna municipal housing service](https://serviceportal.unna.de/detail/-/vr-bis-detail/dienstleistung/78894/show)
- [Studierendenwerk Dortmund: residence directory](https://www.stwdo.de/wohnen/wohnanlagen/)
- [TU Dortmund: winter semester 2026/27 contribution](https://www.tu-dortmund.de/storages/tu_website/Dezernat_4/Dez._4.2/Vordrucke/Im_Studium/WiSe26Merkblatt.pdf)
- [TU Dortmund: campus directions](https://www.tu-dortmund.de/campus/kontakt-und-anreise/)
- [Kreis Unna: public transport](https://www.kreis-unna.de/Mobilit%C3%A4t/%C3%96ffentlicher-Nahverkehr/)
- [eurobahn: RB59 route](https://www.eurobahn.de/linieninformationen/rb-59/)
- [Regional transport authority: RB59 annual timetable 2026](https://ekap-download.vrs.de/downloads/linien/mini-fahrplan/2026_1059_RB59.pdf?1770342817=)
- [eurobahn: RE3 route](https://www.eurobahn.de/linieninformationen/re-3/)
- [eurobahn: RB50 route](https://www.eurobahn.de/linieninformationen/rb-50/)
- [VRR: Deutschlandticket](https://www.vrr.de/tickets-tarife/deutschlandticket/)
- [VRR: semester-ticket coverage](https://www.vrr.de/tickets-tarife/deutschlandticket/semesterticket/)
- [Dortmund Airport: buses, rail connections and fares](https://www.dortmund-airport.com/de/bus-und-bahn)
- [KiK: headquarters in Bönen](https://unternehmen.kik.de/startseite-zentrale)
- [KiK: working-student opportunities](https://unternehmen.kik.de/einstiegsmoeglichkeiten/studentinnen-absolventinnen/werkstudententaetigkeit)
- [Rhenus: registered office](https://www.rhenus.group/imprint/)
- [Rhenus: careers](https://www.rhenus.group/career/)
- [Rhenus: internships and working-student entry](https://www.rhenus.group/career/young-talents/)
- [Bayer: Bergkamen site](https://www.bayer.com/de-de/deutschland/standorte/bergkamen-startseite)
- [Kreis Unna: internships and working students](https://www.kreis-unna.de/Serviceportal/Karriere/Praktikum-Volontariat-Werkstudierende/)
- [Kreis Unna: dual study](https://www.kreis-unna.de/Serviceportal/Karriere/Duales-Studium/)
- [Centre for International Light Art](https://www.zfil.de/de/zentrum)
- [Museum Haus Opherdicke](https://www.kreis-unna.de/Erleben/Kultur/Museum-Haus-Opherdicke/)
- [Museum Schloss Cappenberg](https://www.kreis-unna.de/Erleben/Kultur/Museum-Schloss-Cappenberg/)
- [Lindenbrauerei cultural centre](https://lindenbrauerei.de/)
- [Lindenbrauerei: LindenBier](https://lindenbrauerei.de/das-lindenbier/)
- [NRW agriculture ministry: regional specialities](https://www.mlv.nrw.de/themen/landwirtschaft/ernaehrungswirtschaft/regionale-lebensmittel-und-spezialitaeten-aus-nrw/)
- [Stadt Werne: Sim-Jü](https://www.werne.de/de/erlebnis/stadt-kultur-erleben/simjue.php)
- [Stadt Schwerte: Welttheater der Straße 2026](https://www.schwerte.de/politik-verwaltung-mitmachstadt/verwaltung/nachrichten-presseinfos/detailansicht/33-welttheater-der-strasse-ist-eroeffnet)
- [Werkstatt im Kreis Unna: German courses](https://www.werkstatt-im-kreis-unna.de/unsere-angebote/deutsch-lernen)
- [Wikimedia Commons: Schloss Cappenberg photo](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Schloss_Cappenberg_TG_20180902_01.jpg)
- [Wikimedia Commons: Unna market square photo](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Unna_Alter_Markt.jpg)
- [Wikimedia Commons: Haus Opherdicke photo](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Haus_Opherdicke_1.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/unna-district. Last updated November 2026. [How we research](https://whereismyuni.com/study-in/how-we-research).