Universität Bielefeld

Founded in 1969, Universität Bielefeld combines the best of German university tradition with innovative research and teaching structures. Bielefeld University is located not far from the city center in green and lush surroundings. All 13 faculties and the institutes are housed on one campus and are located within a short distance of each other. This provides an ideal framework for successful study and research, supported by one of the best libraries in Germany. The central hall of the main building is a lively meeting place, with its shops and cafes, it forms an inviting center in which to chat, relax and meet people. The International Office arranges day and weekend trips, and many other events for both German and international students. ISEP participants who would like a Bielefeld student ‘buddy’ should apply for the Brother-Sister Mentoring Program before or after their arrival.

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  Main Campus

  Bielefeld, Germany Campus Website

  20,000+ on Campus

  250,000+ residents in Bielefeld

  Language(s) spoken on campus: German, English

  Situated in the heart of Germany, Bielefeld is the cultural, academic and economic center of Eastern Westphalia (Ostwestfalen-Lippe), a region of two million people. The inhabitants of Bielefeld live on the edge of the Teutoburger Forest (a unique range of low mountains) and benefit from the advantages of a modern industrial center that has the parks and open spaces of a garden city. The older part of the city, with its medieval castle Sparrenburg, reminds visitors of the city's history, while the new shopping district is designed in a contemporary style. Bielefeld offers a wide variety of cultural life with theatres, concert halls, well-known art galleries, and excellent sport and recreation facilities.

  At the university, many artistic and cultural activities take place, such as concerts, exhibitions, readings, talks and other events. Students can take part in theater groups (some of them in English), the university choir, orchestra or big band. The sports facilities offer a rich program of all kind of sports to participate in, including water sports in the indoor pool, located in the main university building. Taking part is mostly cost-free for students, however some offerings will be on a fee-paying basis (at comparatively low costs). Students and administrative staff alike participate in university events like. 

  Students and administrative staff alike participate in Nacht der Klange (Night of Sound), the Lesenacht (Readings night), the Uni Theatertagen (University Theater Days) and the Asthetik-Festival (Festival of Aesthetics). 

  Student life in Bielefeld is vibrant. Student pubs and clubs around the city offer weekly events featuring music and dancing, while local cafes provide a cozy place to relax and talk. Additionally, Bielefeld offers four movie theaters, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, an ice skating rink, a concert hall, several theater houses (which stage plays, operas and dance performances), two puppet theaters, museums and galleries. A medieval castle, a farmer’s house museum, a wildlife animal park, and multiple festivals help round out Bielefeld’s cultural activities that are open to all.

  The International Office organizes a low-cost activity program where international students can meet other students and get to know different places in and around Bielefeld. Trips to Cologne, Bremen, Bonn, Berlin, as well as to places such as the open air museum in Detmold, the 'Herforder' brewery, the theater, and activities like ice skating, hiking or barbequing are all part of the program.