Study in Detmold

Facts

74,254 Inhabitants ¹

2,677 Students ²

2 Higher education institutions ²

WELCOME TO DETMOLD

Detmold is located in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia between the cities of and . For the region of Ostwestfalen-Lippe, Detmold is quite important as it is home to numerous municipal organisations and regional authorities, courts and other public institutions.

Furthermore, it’s the economic centre of the region. A number of noteworthy businesses in the fields of metalworking, mechanical engineering and furniture-making have set up operations here. There are also several corporations which belong to that illustrious circle of “global players” and employ several thousand people.

Detmold’s location is one of its main advantages. You can be in or in just a few hours by car. And just a little further away, you can visit several neighbouring countries, like the Netherlands and Denmark.

Detmold was a royal seat for counts and princes for almost 500 years – and the city still possesses something of its former glory. The town grew around a castle, which was built in the 13th century and is situated within a park. Detmold is a town for explorers and adventurers. You can and should lose your way through the winding streets and alleyways of the historic city centre. It’s a great way to discover something new all the time.

There are many historic half-timbered buildings in Detmold. If you’ve never been in one, you should visit Adolfstrasse. Some of the people who live there are very friendly and occasionally allow tourists to take a quick peek into their rooms.

Tip

Try a “Pickert!” It’s a kind of pancake made with grated potatoes. Long ago Pickerts were what poor people used to eat. Nowadays Pickerts are served with butter, jelly, plum jam or liverwurst.

If you need a breather from your studies, we recommend taking a bike ride outside Detmold and exploring the surroundings. The Hermannsdenkmal is a very famous commemorative site. Measuring over 50 metres in height, it’s Germany’s tallest monument.

Interview

TOMÁS FROM BRAZIL

INTERVIEW WITH TOMÁS FROM BRAZIL

Tomás is 21 years old and comes from Brazil. He is enrolled for two semesters in the Architecture bachelor’s degree programme in Detmold.

Why did you decide to study in Detmold?

A professor at my university started a joint exchange programme with the institution in Detmold, and it was through this programme that I came here.

What did you expect studying in Germany would be like?

I didn’t have any real concrete expectations. Of course, I had heard that you could get a really good education in Germany – especially in Engineering. That’s why I wanted to study in Germany.

How did you prepare for your stay in Germany?

In order to participate in the exchange programme, I first had to take an English or a German test. I decided to go for English. I had learned a little German beforehand, but I quickly realised that it wasn’t good enough.

What advice can you give other students who are interested in studying in Germany?

They should definitely learn German. You can get by with English in big cities like Berlin or Cologne, but in smaller towns like Detmold, there are many times you need German.

Did you encounter any difficulties at the beginning of your stay in Germany?

I needed some time to understand how the higher education institution works – like dealing with the forms, deadlines and so forth. Fortunately there’s a person who works here in Detmold who really takes care of international students. She always helped me.

How did you find an accommodation in Detmold?

Through my exchange programme at our university, I came in contact with students who had been in Detmold before me. I was able to move into their old room in a flat share.

How do you pay for your expenses in Germany?

I get a scholarship from the Brazilian government. It pays for the cost of rent, additional expenses, tuition fees and so on.

What do you especially like about Detmold?

That most everything is close by – a short way to the university, home, the supermarket, to sports. I live in a metropolis in Brazil and have to commute a long time to get to my university. Here it’s so much faster. It saves a lot of time and allows me to concentrate more on my studies.

What do you like about Germany?

I like that it’s so centrally located in Europe. Travelling is expensive in Brazil and I hardly ever take trips to neighbouring countries. But here in Germany, I’ve already travelled to the Netherlands, Sweden, Spain and Greece – because it’s inexpensive and goes fast.

LIVING IN DETMOLD

Everything is nearby in Detmold. In just a few minutes, you can walk from the centre of town to both higher education institutions. And even if you live further away from downtown, the best way to travel is by bike. Many streets are lined with specially marked bike paths.

While strolling down the small streets in town, you’ll discover many quaint restaurants and shops.

On nice summer days, you’ll notice that Detmold is very much a student town. You’ll see dozens of students lying on blankets in the parks. Some bring their instruments and play under the open sky. Sometimes they start jamming together spontaneously, and everyone gathers around to listen.

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If you like hiking, you’ll find many trails which will take you through the Teutoburg Forest and to the top of the famous “Externsteine“. Some people feel a strong spiritual connection to these cliffs which are so massive that they gather and sleep at the base on Walpurgis Night (30 April) and at the summer solstice.

How to find a room in Detmold

Many university and college towns have dormitories or student halls, and a room there is often the most affordable accommodation. To obtain a room in a dormitory or student hall, you have to apply to your college or university’s student union (). Our ‘Find Student Hall’ function can be of practical help. You only need to make a few mouse clicks to get to the online application form. Find a room and more information about dormitories and student halls in Detmold.

Sources
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Main building of the Justus Liebig University © Nagel/DAAD

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WELCOME TO DETMOLD

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TOMÁS FROM BRAZIL

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WELCOME TO DETMOLD

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TOMÁS FROM BRAZIL

LIVING IN DETMOLD

Links

How to find a room in Detmold

Cities similar to Detmold

DORTMUNDCRAZY ABOUT FOOTBALL AND RICH IN CULTURE

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CRAZY ABOUT FOOTBALL AND RICH IN CULTURE