# Study in Saale-Orla-Kreis district, Thuringia

> Saale-Orla-Kreis is a rural district (Landkreis) in Thuringia with 77,341 people (Destatis, 31 Dec 2024). There is no university in Saale-Orla-Kreis district itself; the nearest is Duale Hochschule Sachsen - Staatliche Studienakademie Plauen in Plauen, Vogtland, about 31 km away. Summers average 16.8 °C and winters -0.1 °C, with about 568 mm of rain a year (DWD, 1991–2020).

Saale-Orla-Kreis is a rural Thuringian district of small towns, forests and reservoirs, with university commuting options.

## Key facts

| Fact | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 77,341 | Destatis, 31 Dec 2024 |
| Area | 1,151.31 km² | Destatis |
| Universities in the district | 0 | Where Is My Uni? catalogue |
| Nearest university | Duale Hochschule Sachsen - Staatliche Studienakademie Plauen, Plauen, Vogtland (31 km) | Where Is My Uni? catalogue |
| Typical student rent | €6.09/m² monthly base cold rent — One reference category in the district's 2025 Mietspiegel: apartments smaller than 45 m² in multi-family buildings constructed in 1950–1991. This is a category average before location and amenity adjustments, excluding operating costs, heating and furnishing supplements; it is not an average student-room price. | [source](https://www.saale-orla-kreis.de/de/datei/anzeigen/id/46146%2C28/endfassung_mietspiegel_saale_orla_kreis_2025.pdf) |
| Mean temperature | 8.2 °C (summer 16.8 °C, winter -0.1 °C) | DWD 1991–2020 |
| Rain | 568 mm a year | DWD 1991–2020 |
| Sunshine | 1,639 hours a year | DWD 1991–2020 |

## About Saale-Orla-Kreis district

Saale-Orla-Kreis lies in southeastern Thuringia, near Bavaria and Saxony. Schleiz is the administrative centre; Pößneck is its largest town. The district takes its name from the Saale and Orla rivers. ([District profile](https://www.saale-orla-kreis.de/de/zahlen-daten-fakten.html))

The landscape changes from the fields and hills of the Orlasenke to wooded valleys and the Saale reservoirs known as the Thüringer Meer. The Dreba-Plothen ponds add a distinctive landscape shaped by fish farming. This is a place to consider if access to countryside matters more to you than living beside a university campus. ([District profile](https://www.saale-orla-kreis.de/de/zahlen-daten-fakten.html))

- **Schleiz**: The centrally located district capital and seat of the district administration. ([District profile](https://www.saale-orla-kreis.de/de/zahlen-daten-fakten.html))
- **Pößneck**: The district's largest town; its lower railway station has a direct regional service to Jena. ([District profile](https://www.saale-orla-kreis.de/de/zahlen-daten-fakten.html), [RB 28 timetable](https://www.erfurter-bahn.de/files/efb/fahrplan-pdf/ESB_Fahrplan_RB28_KBS-559_2026.pdf))
- **Neustadt an der Orla**: A town on the Gera–Saalfeld railway, with the annual Bornquas fountain festival. ([Rail timetable](https://www.erfurter-bahn.de/files/efb/fahrplan-pdf/ESB_Fahrplan_RE12-RB22_KBS%20550-555_2026.pdf), [Town festival](https://www.neustadtanderorla.de/kultur-tourismus/kultur/brunnenfest))
- **Bad Lobenstein**: A spa town associated with therapeutic peat treatments and the Thüringer Meer. ([Town website](https://www.bad-lobenstein.de/index.php))
- **Saalburg-Ebersdorf**: A reservoir destination whose Saalburg Beach hosts the SonneMondSterne electronic music festival. ([Town festival report](https://www.saalburg-ebersdorf.de/news/1/1272334/nachrichten/sonnemondsterne-2026-das-thueringer-meer-wird-erneut-zur-festivalbuehne.html))

## Nearest universities

There is no university in Saale-Orla-Kreis. Nearby study options are in Plauen, Hof, Jena and Gera. For a Jena student, Pößneck is worth investigating: direct RB 28 trains from the lower station reach Jena Paradies in about 40 minutes, before the onward journey to your teaching building. Check your actual timetable before choosing housing. ([Erfurter Bahn](https://www.erfurter-bahn.de/files/efb/fahrplan-pdf/ESB_Fahrplan_RB28_KBS-559_2026.pdf)) Local vocational routes also exist: Fliegl in Triptis advertises apprenticeships in metalworking, logistics and commercial occupations. These are separate from university enrolment. ([Fliegl](https://fliegl-trailer.de/karriere)) The district is most worth considering if you prefer a quieter home base and can make the commute work.

- **Duale Hochschule Sachsen - Staatliche Studienakademie Plauen** (Plauen, Vogtland) — 31 km away, 5 courses
- **Hochschule für angewandte Wissenschaften Hof** (Hof) — 33 km away, 53 courses
- **University of Applied Sciences Jena** (Jena) — 39 km away, 175 courses
- **Friedrich Schiller University Jena** (Jena) — 40 km away, 112 courses
- **Duale Hochschule Gera-Eisenach** (Gera) — 44 km away, 36 courses

## Housing

Start with ordinary rental apartments and local housing companies. Availability varies: AWG Wisenta in Schleiz currently reports that all its apartments are occupied or undergoing renovation and offers a waiting list, while GWG Saale-Orla provides an apartment-search service. A rural address does not guarantee an immediately available flat. ([AWG Wisenta](https://www.awg-schleiz.de/), [GWG Saale-Orla](https://gwg-saale-orla.de/))

**How to find a place**

- Search GWG Saale-Orla's listings for Pößneck, Triptis and Neustadt an der Orla, or submit a housing enquiry with your budget and move-in date. ([GWG Saale-Orla](https://gwg-saale-orla.de/))
- Contact Wohnungsgenossenschaft Pößneck for apartments in Pößneck, Triptis, Krölpa and Langenorla. Ask about cooperative membership payments as well as monthly rent. ([Housing cooperative](https://wp-poessneck.de/die-wohnungsgenossenschaft-possneck/die-wohnungsgenossenschaft-poessneck/))
- For Schleiz, ask AWG Wisenta about its waiting list rather than assuming its website has immediately available flats. ([AWG Wisenta](https://www.awg-schleiz.de/))
- For a Jena commute, check the walk or bus ride to Pößneck unterer Bahnhof before signing. This is the departure station for RB 28. ([Rail timetable](https://www.erfurter-bahn.de/files/efb/fahrplan-pdf/ESB_Fahrplan_RB28_KBS-559_2026.pdf))

## Cost of living

An illustrative 40 m² apartment at the €6.09/m² reference rate would have a base cold rent of about €244 per month, before adjustments, heating and other charges; this is a calculation, not a rental offer. ([Official rent guide](https://www.saale-orla-kreis.de/de/datei/anzeigen/id/46146%2C28/endfassung_mietspiegel_saale_orla_kreis_2025.pdf)) The standard Deutschlandticket costs €63 per month in 2026, with €66.80 announced from January 2027. Check whether your university already provides a Deutschlandsemesterticket before buying a separate subscription. ([Federal government](https://www.bundesregierung.de/breg-de/service/fragen-und-anworten/deutschlandticket-2134074)) Compare complete housing and transport costs with living near campus; a low cold rent alone is not a complete student budget.

## Jobs & employers

The district has substantial industrial employers in book production, vehicle manufacturing and pulp production. GGP Media, Fliegl and Mercer Rosenthal offer useful starting points for investigating training or career opportunities. Their presence does not establish that student-compatible vacancies are available. ([GGP Media](https://www.ggp-media.de/karriere/), [Fliegl](https://fliegl-trailer.de/karriere), [Mercer employer profile](https://www.hofer-ausbildungsmesse.de/aussteller-detail?cHash=be4576407add0c1f61c095184d13c0ee&tx_educationfair_showdetailpage%5Baction%5D=showPage&tx_educationfair_showdetailpage%5Bcontroller%5D=Exhibitor&tx_educationfair_showdetailpage%5BexhibitorId%5D=562)) For part-time work, the verified examples below provide more concrete leads.

- Supermarket assistance, shelf stocking and checkout work: Netto advertises an Aushilfe position in Gefell with flexible working-time models. ([Netto](https://www.netto-online.de/karriere/job/p6/aushilfe-m-w-d/gefell/schleizer-strasse-44/5876))
- Restaurant service: Hotel Zur Fernmühle in Ziegenrück recruits service staff and explicitly considers part-time and minijob arrangements. ([Zur Fernmühle](https://fernmuehle.de/https/-/hotel-fernmuehle-karriere-pages-dev/stellen/))
- Hotel housekeeping and room cleaning: Zur Fernmühle also recruits for cleaning duties; discuss hours and weekend availability directly. ([Zur Fernmühle](https://fernmuehle.de/https/-/hotel-fernmuehle-karriere-pages-dev/stellen/))

- **GGP Media** (Printing and book production): Produces books in Pößneck and maintains dedicated apprenticeship and internship information. ([GGP Media](https://www.ggp-media.de/karriere/))
- **Fliegl Fahrzeugbau** (Vehicle and trailer manufacturing): Based in Triptis, with recruitment for production, maintenance, logistics and commercial roles, plus apprenticeships. ([Fliegl](https://fliegl-trailer.de/karriere))
- **Mercer Rosenthal** (Pulp, biochemicals and bioenergy): Operates a pulp-production site in Rosenthal am Rennsteig. Its employer profile describes technical, laboratory and commercial apprenticeships. ([Mercer employer profile](https://www.hofer-ausbildungsmesse.de/aussteller-detail?cHash=be4576407add0c1f61c095184d13c0ee&tx_educationfair_showdetailpage%5Baction%5D=showPage&tx_educationfair_showdetailpage%5Bcontroller%5D=Exhibitor&tx_educationfair_showdetailpage%5BexhibitorId%5D=562))

## Getting around

Choose your town around the journey you need. RB 28 links Pößneck unterer Bahnhof directly with Jena; many daytime services take about 38 minutes to Jena Paradies in the published 2026 timetable. ([RB 28](https://www.erfurter-bahn.de/files/efb/fahrplan-pdf/ESB_Fahrplan_RB28_KBS-559_2026.pdf)) Pößneck oberer Bahnhof, Neustadt (Orla) and Triptis are on the Gera–Saalfeld corridor, while Bad Lobenstein is on RB 32 to Saalfeld and Blankenstein. ([RE 12/RB 22](https://www.erfurter-bahn.de/files/efb/fahrplan-pdf/ESB_Fahrplan_RE12-RB22_KBS%20550-555_2026.pdf), [RB 32](https://www.erfurter-bahn.de/files/efb/fahrplan-pdf/ESB_Fahrplan_RB32_KBS-557_2026.pdf)) KomBus provides regional buses, including line 143 between Schleiz and Plauen. Check evening, weekend and school-holiday services before committing to a commute. ([KomBus routes](https://www.kombus-online.eu/angebote/regionalverkehr/linienuebersicht/)) The Deutschlandticket covers participating local buses and second-class regional trains, but generally excludes ICE, IC and EC services. ([KomBus ticket information](https://www.kombus-online.eu/tarife/ticketuebersicht/deutschlandticket/))

- Station: Pößneck unterer Bahnhof — RB 28 towards Jena. ([Timetable](https://www.erfurter-bahn.de/files/efb/fahrplan-pdf/ESB_Fahrplan_RB28_KBS-559_2026.pdf))
- Station: Pößneck oberer Bahnhof — Gera–Saalfeld corridor; a separate station from the lower station. ([Timetable](https://www.erfurter-bahn.de/files/efb/fahrplan-pdf/ESB_Fahrplan_RE12-RB22_KBS%20550-555_2026.pdf))
- Station: Neustadt (Orla) and Triptis — regional connections towards Gera and Saalfeld. ([Timetable](https://www.erfurter-bahn.de/files/efb/fahrplan-pdf/ESB_Fahrplan_RE12-RB22_KBS%20550-555_2026.pdf))
- Station: Bad Lobenstein — RB 32 towards Saalfeld and Blankenstein. ([Timetable](https://www.erfurter-bahn.de/files/efb/fahrplan-pdf/ESB_Fahrplan_RB32_KBS-557_2026.pdf))
- Nearest airport: Erfurt-Weimar Airport (ERF), a nearby passenger-airport option — For public-transport access, travel to Erfurt Hauptbahnhof and follow the airport's tram connection via Anger to Flughafen Bindersleben. Check available flights and the complete onward journey before booking. A single closest-airport ranking for the whole district was not established. ([Airport access](https://www.flughafen-erfurt-weimar.de/reisen-aviation/an-und-abreise.html))

## Weather & seasons

- Winter: -0.1 °C, 33 mm rain a month, 2 h sun a day
- Spring: 7.8 °C, 43 mm rain a month, 5.5 h sun a day
- Summer: 16.8 °C, 70 mm rain a month, 6.9 h sun a day
- Autumn: 8.4 °C, 44 mm rain a month, 3.5 h sun a day

Expect cold, frequently frosty winters and relatively mild summers; pack warm layers, waterproof shoes and rain protection for your commute. Spring and summer offer more daylight for exploring outside class. The Plothen nature information centre opens seasonally from May, while October brings local fish-and-game menus in Dreba. ([Nature information centre](https://www.saale-orla-kreis.de/de/informationsstelle-fuer-naturschutz-und-umwelt.html), [Landgasthof Zur Linde](https://landgasthof-dreba.de/pages/topics/fisch-und-wildwochen.php))

## Culture & language

Local traditions offer a practical way into town life. Neustadt's Bornquas celebrates the historic cleaning of public fountains and still includes the appointment of a fountain master. Schloss Burgk adds exhibitions and concerts to the local cultural calendar. ([Bornquas](https://www.neustadtanderorla.de/kultur-tourismus/kultur/brunnenfest), [Schloss Burgk](https://schatzkammer-thueringen.de/objekt/schloss-burgk/))

For nightlife, distinguish special events from everyday life. SonneMondSterne brings a major electronic music programme to Saalburg, but the town itself describes a return to quiet afterwards. If frequent student club nights matter to you, investigate the campus town before choosing a rural commute. ([Saalburg-Ebersdorf](https://www.saalburg-ebersdorf.de/news/1/1272334/nachrichten/sonnemondsterne-2026-das-thueringer-meer-wird-erneut-zur-festivalbuehne.html))

Do not plan on English alone for apartment searches, administration or local employment; ask each landlord or employer what support they can provide. As a practical target, work towards B1 German for everyday independence and B2 for more demanding workplace conversations—these are recommendations, not district-wide admission requirements. The area's traditional dialect includes Südostthüringisch, so local speech may sound different from classroom German. ([Dialect background](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/S%C3%BCdostth%C3%BCringisch))

## Local food

- **Local carp**: Carp is closely associated with the Dreba-Plothen fishpond landscape; local restaurants serve fish from surrounding waters. ([Federal Agency for Nature Conservation](https://www.bfn.de/bedeutsame-landschaft/dreba-plothener-teichlandschaft), [Landgasthof Zur Linde](https://landgasthof-dreba.de/pages/topics/fisch-und-wildwochen.php))
- **Thüringer Klöße**: Thuringian potato dumplings are a regional staple; the Plothen area also has a tradition of serving them with carp. ([Thüringer Klöße](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Th%C3%BCringer_Kl%C3%B6%C3%9Fe))
- **Local game dishes**: Wild boar and venison from surrounding forests feature in the seasonal cooking described by Landgasthof Zur Linde in Dreba. ([Restaurant](https://landgasthof-dreba.de/pages/topics/fisch-und-wildwochen.php))

## Events

- **SonneMondSterne** (August): Annual electronic music festival at Saalburg Beach. The organiser advertises the next edition for 6–8 August 2027. ([Festival organiser](https://www.sonnemondsterne-shop.de/))
- **Bornquas — Neustadt fountain festival** (June): A town festival combining fountain traditions, live music and celebrations. The town lists 18–20 June for its 2027 edition. ([Neustadt an der Orla](https://www.neustadtanderorla.de/kultur-tourismus/kultur/brunnenfest))
- **Fisch- und Wildwochen at Landgasthof Zur Linde** (October): A recurring seasonal food programme in Dreba featuring fish from the local ponds and regional game dishes. ([Landgasthof Zur Linde](https://landgasthof-dreba.de/pages/topics/fisch-und-wildwochen.php))

## Places to see

- **Bleiloch reservoir** (Lake): A defining part of the Thüringer Meer, surrounded by wooded landscapes; Saalburg is one place to start exploring its shore. ([District profile](https://www.saale-orla-kreis.de/de/zahlen-daten-fakten.html), [Saalburg-Ebersdorf](https://www.saalburg-ebersdorf.de/seite/593003/anreise.html))
- **Schloss Burgk** (Castle): A castle museum above the Saale with historic interiors, art collections and a Silbermann organ in its chapel. ([Schatzkammer Thüringen](https://schatzkammer-thueringen.de/objekt/schloss-burgk/))
- **Dreba-Plothen ponds** (Nature): A historic fishpond landscape. The district's information centre at Hausteich introduces its wildlife and provides a starting point for the nature trail. ([Nature information centre](https://www.saale-orla-kreis.de/de/informationsstelle-fuer-naturschutz-und-umwelt.html))
- **Bad Lobenstein** (Spa town): Explore the spa town's park, local museum and Neues Schloss exhibitions. ([Town website](https://www.bad-lobenstein.de/index.php))

## FAQ

### Is there a university in Saale-Orla-Kreis?

There is no university in Saale-Orla-Kreis. Nearby options include institutions in Plauen, Hof, Jena and Gera; living in the district means planning a commute.

### Is Saale-Orla-Kreis a good place to live as a student?

It can suit students who prefer a quiet home base and countryside, provided the commute fits their course. Pößneck is worth checking for Jena because RB 28 provides a direct connection. ([Erfurter Bahn](https://www.erfurter-bahn.de/files/efb/fahrplan-pdf/ESB_Fahrplan_RB28_KBS-559_2026.pdf))

### How do I get from Pößneck to university in Jena?

Take RB 28 from Pößneck unterer Bahnhof towards Jena. Many daytime trains reach Jena Paradies in about 38 minutes in the published 2026 timetable; allow additional time to reach your campus and check current service changes. ([Timetable](https://www.erfurter-bahn.de/files/efb/fahrplan-pdf/ESB_Fahrplan_RB28_KBS-559_2026.pdf))

### Is Saale-Orla-Kreis expensive for students?

The official rent guide provides relatively modest base figures for some older apartments, but it is not a student living-cost survey. Compare the full rent, heating, other charges and travel costs before deciding whether living here saves money. ([Official rent guide](https://www.saale-orla-kreis.de/de/datei/anzeigen/id/46146%2C28/endfassung_mietspiegel_saale_orla_kreis_2025.pdf))

### What part-time jobs can students find in Saale-Orla-Kreis?

Verified examples include supermarket assistance in Gefell and restaurant or housekeeping work in Ziegenrück. Netto advertises flexible assistance work, while Zur Fernmühle explicitly considers part-time and minijob arrangements; availability can change. ([Netto](https://www.netto-online.de/karriere/job/p6/aushilfe-m-w-d/gefell/schleizer-strasse-44/5876), [Zur Fernmühle](https://fernmuehle.de/https/-/hotel-fernmuehle-karriere-pages-dev/stellen/))

### Can I live in Saale-Orla-Kreis without a car?

Consider a home close to a useful railway station or bus route, and test your entire weekly schedule first. The district has regional rail and KomBus services, but the route that serves one town may not help with your particular campus or work shift. ([Erfurter Bahn](https://www.erfurter-bahn.de/fuer-fahrgaeste/fahrplanauskunft/fahrplaene), [KomBus](https://www.kombus-online.eu/angebote/regionalverkehr/linienuebersicht/))

## Sources

- [Saale-Orla-Kreis district profile](https://www.saale-orla-kreis.de/de/zahlen-daten-fakten.html)
- [Official Saale-Orla-Kreis Mietspiegel 2025](https://www.saale-orla-kreis.de/de/datei/anzeigen/id/46146%2C28/endfassung_mietspiegel_saale_orla_kreis_2025.pdf)
- [AWG Wisenta Schleiz](https://www.awg-schleiz.de/)
- [GWG Saale-Orla housing](https://gwg-saale-orla.de/)
- [Wohnungsgenossenschaft Pößneck](https://wp-poessneck.de/die-wohnungsgenossenschaft-possneck/die-wohnungsgenossenschaft-poessneck/)
- [RB 28 Pößneck–Jena timetable 2026](https://www.erfurter-bahn.de/files/efb/fahrplan-pdf/ESB_Fahrplan_RB28_KBS-559_2026.pdf)
- [RE 12/RB 22 timetable 2026](https://www.erfurter-bahn.de/files/efb/fahrplan-pdf/ESB_Fahrplan_RE12-RB22_KBS%20550-555_2026.pdf)
- [RB 32 timetable 2026](https://www.erfurter-bahn.de/files/efb/fahrplan-pdf/ESB_Fahrplan_RB32_KBS-557_2026.pdf)
- [Erfurter Bahn timetable directory](https://www.erfurter-bahn.de/fuer-fahrgaeste/fahrplanauskunft/fahrplaene)
- [KomBus regional routes](https://www.kombus-online.eu/angebote/regionalverkehr/linienuebersicht/)
- [KomBus Deutschlandticket](https://www.kombus-online.eu/tarife/ticketuebersicht/deutschlandticket/)
- [Federal government Deutschlandticket information](https://www.bundesregierung.de/breg-de/service/fragen-und-anworten/deutschlandticket-2134074)
- [Erfurt-Weimar Airport access](https://www.flughafen-erfurt-weimar.de/reisen-aviation/an-und-abreise.html)
- [GGP Media careers](https://www.ggp-media.de/karriere/)
- [Fliegl careers and apprenticeships](https://fliegl-trailer.de/karriere)
- [Mercer Rosenthal employer profile at Hofer Ausbildungsmesse](https://www.hofer-ausbildungsmesse.de/aussteller-detail?cHash=be4576407add0c1f61c095184d13c0ee&tx_educationfair_showdetailpage%5Baction%5D=showPage&tx_educationfair_showdetailpage%5Bcontroller%5D=Exhibitor&tx_educationfair_showdetailpage%5BexhibitorId%5D=562)
- [Netto assistance vacancy in Gefell](https://www.netto-online.de/karriere/job/p6/aushilfe-m-w-d/gefell/schleizer-strasse-44/5876)
- [Hotel Zur Fernmühle jobs](https://fernmuehle.de/https/-/hotel-fernmuehle-karriere-pages-dev/stellen/)
- [Bad Lobenstein official website](https://www.bad-lobenstein.de/index.php)
- [Bornquas festival](https://www.neustadtanderorla.de/kultur-tourismus/kultur/brunnenfest)
- [Saalburg-Ebersdorf report on SonneMondSterne 2026](https://www.saalburg-ebersdorf.de/news/1/1272334/nachrichten/sonnemondsterne-2026-das-thueringer-meer-wird-erneut-zur-festivalbuehne.html)
- [SonneMondSterne organiser's 2027 ticket page](https://www.sonnemondsterne-shop.de/)
- [Saalburg-Ebersdorf visitor access](https://www.saalburg-ebersdorf.de/seite/593003/anreise.html)
- [Schloss Burgk visitor information](https://schatzkammer-thueringen.de/objekt/schloss-burgk/)
- [Dreba-Plothen landscape — Federal Agency for Nature Conservation](https://www.bfn.de/bedeutsame-landschaft/dreba-plothener-teichlandschaft)
- [Plothen nature information centre](https://www.saale-orla-kreis.de/de/informationsstelle-fuer-naturschutz-und-umwelt.html)
- [Landgasthof Zur Linde regional food and seasonal events](https://landgasthof-dreba.de/pages/topics/fisch-und-wildwochen.php)
- [Thüringer Klöße background](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Th%C3%BCringer_Kl%C3%B6%C3%9Fe)
- [Southeast Thuringian dialect](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/S%C3%BCdostth%C3%BCringisch)
- [Commons: Bleiloch reservoir photograph](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bleilochtalsperre_bei_Saalburg.jpg)
- [Commons: Pößneck market square photograph](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:P%C3%B6%C3%9Fneck-marktplatz-2013-004.JPG)
- [Commons: Schloss Burgk photograph](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Liesel_24-09-2011_Schloss_Burgk.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/thuringia/saale-orla-kreis-district. Last updated November 2026. [How we research](https://whereismyuni.com/study-in/how-we-research).