Rooms still available for the winter semester 25/26.
Studying in Hamburg – between the harbor, lecture halls and Hanseatic serenity
December 14, 2025
Hamburg is one of the most popular places to study in Germany – and for good reason. The city not only offers you excellent universities, but also a lifestyle that oscillates between maritime charm, cosmopolitan metropolis and student diversity. Whether you are looking for your dream degree course or are already enrolled – you can find out everything you need to know about studying in Hamburg here.
Why study in Hamburg?
Hamburg is not a city that loudly asks for attention – it convinces with substance, diversity and quality. Students here benefit from a high quality of life, lots of culture, good connections and interesting career prospects – especially in media, logistics, business, technology and environmental sciences.
This makes Hamburg a special place to study:
- Water & space: Elbe, Alster, harbor – perfect for taking a deep breath
- Wide range of courses at state and private universities
- Internationality: Many English-language degree programs & exchange programs
- Cultural diversity: music, theater, clubs, creative scene
- Bicycle-friendly infrastructure & solid public transport network with semester ticket
Whether you’re an introverted bookworm or an urban explorer – you’ll find your place in Hamburg.
Universities in Hamburg – Your academic home
Hamburg is home to numerous renowned universities with a wide range of degree courses and research fields:
The most important universities at a glance:
-
University of Hamburg
Largest university in the city with a wide range of subjects, particularly strong in the humanities and natural sciences -
HAW Hamburg (University of Applied Sciences)
Practice-oriented, future-oriented – ideal for technology, media, design -
Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH)
Specialized in engineering and technical sciences -
Hochschule für Musik und Theater
For all those who make music and the stage their profession -
Hochschule für Musik und Theater
Für alle, die Musik und Bühne zum Beruf machen
There are also several private universities such as HSBA, Macromedia and Fresenius with a focus on management, media and health.
Student life in Hamburg – Between neighborhood and coffee house
Hamburg is not loud – but it is lively. And you notice that especially in everyday life as a student:
- Cafés & bars: e.g. in Ottensen, Sternschanze, St. Pauli or Eimsbüttel
- Parks & green spaces: Stadtpark, Planten un Blomen, Elbstrand
- Culture & concerts: from Elbphilharmonie to Astra Stube
- Sport & water: rowing on the Alster, jogging on the Elbe, open-air courses
In addition, many neighborhoods are young, colorful and diverse – the perfect environment to meet new people and settle into the city.
Living in Hamburg – Difficult, but not impossible
Hamburg is popular – and that has an impact on the housing market. Rooms in shared flats and affordable student apartments are rare, halls of residence are booked up early. It gets particularly tight at the start of the semester.
Popular districts for students:
- Eimsbüttel & Schanze – central, lively, expensive
- Altona & Ottensen – charming, creative, sought-after
- Barmbek, Wandsbek & Wilhelmsburg – up-and-coming & (still) a little cheaper
If you are too late or don’t want to wait for a dormitory confirmation, you need a short-term and flexible solution.
Furnished temporary solution with comfort: smartments in Hamburg
Do you want to move in quickly, concentrate on your studies – and not spend weeks buying furniture, signing contracts or going through flat share auditions?
Then smartments in Hamburg is a clever temporary solution for students:
- Fully furnished
- All-inclusive rent (incl. electricity, heating, internet)
- Can be canceled at any time
- Central location on the Outer Alster
No queuing, no application marathon. Simply move in and find a permanent student apartment in peace – or just stay if you like it.
Conclusion: Studying in Hamburg – Nordic, relaxed, diverse
Studying in Hamburg means: quality teaching, living with style and learning in a city that is never intrusive – but has all the more to offer. Whether you are starting your first semester or moving here for your Master’s degree – Hamburg welcomes you with open, Hanseatic serenity.
And if you don’t have an apartment yet: smartments offers you an uncomplicated start to your student life – until you have found your perfect home.
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