In a nutshell, Cologne is an exciting place to be. And a very rewarding one if you know how to get the best out of it. It's an old city with bucket loads of culture and history. And there's a host of friendly locals and a large student community to share it with, making it feel like home, even if you don't speak German.
A proud beer culture, a cathedral, a yearly carnival, and charming neighbourhoods have all contributed to making Cologne a global city. As an International University of Applied Sciences student living here, you'll get the chance to try out all the things that make it a special place and stand out from all the other cities in Germany. We can't wait to show you what it has in store.
We'll cover everything you need to know about Cologne, from quick facts to a deep dive into the cafés, libraries, pubs/bars, and gyms near the IU campus in Altstadt‑Nord. Finally, we'll explore the top things to see and do in Cologne and cover some top tips for student savings in Cologne.
Don't forget to check out our guide to student life in Germany in the meantime.
To get you started, we've put together some quick facts to give you a low-down on Cologne.
With a population of just over 1 million people, including 100,000 students, Cologne is the fourth-largest city in Germany.
Located in the federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia, Western Germany, it also sits along the Rhine River.
High-speed trains reach Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam in 2–3 hours, while Frankfurt International Airport is an hour away.
Spanning over 2,000 years, including Roman origins to a long-standing role as a religious and trading centre.
While German is the official language, English is widely spoken. The local dialect, Kölsch, is also a part of the city’s cultural identity.
Students typically spend around €800–1,000 per month. It's affordable to students due to many discounts and perks, such as free public transport included in student fees.
Here are some of the best cafés close to the IU campus that have got space to study, strong WI-Fi, and good coffee.
Location: Ehrenstraße 77
This little gem constantly tops lists for best cafés in Cologne, and once you experience it for yourself, you'll understand why. With free WiFi, hand-roasted beans, and all manner of delicious brunch treats, you'll find excuses to come and study here.
Opening times - Mon 08:30–15:00 - Tue–Sun 08:30–18:00
Price range - coffee €3–4 - €10–20 per person
Proximity to campus - ~10-minute walk
Vibe - Minimalist - calm - vegetarian-friendly - outdoor seating
Location: Leonhard‑Tietz‑Straße 4
If you're missing home, this could be a good spot. It is consistently praised for its warm, welcoming, family atmosphere. But it's also serious about quality coffee and excellent service.
Opening times - Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00 - Sat 09:00–18:00 - Sun 09:00–17:00
Price range - coffee €3–4 - €1–10 per person
Proximity to campus - ~20-minute walk
Vibe - Cozy - quiet - specialty-focused - laptop-friendly - family-run atmosphere
Location: Richard-Wagner-Str. 28
It's advisable to book ahead and arrive early for this one, as it's very popular on social media. This is because the food is as much a feast for the eyes. It comes in a bit pricier than the others, but it's worth it for a stand-out brunch + study session.
Opening times - Daily 09:00–18:00
Price range - coffee €3–4 - €20–30 per person
Proximity to campus - ~10‑15 min walk
Vibe - Trendy brunch café - wood/botanical décor - often busy - visually appealing dishes - lively atmosphere
While the IU has plenty of libraries and study spaces of its own, we understand that having somewhere closer to home or a change of scenery never hurts.
Location: Universitätsstraße 33
This is the go-to library and study space in Cologne. It's got a huge collection of resources, plenty of facilities (including pianos), and lots of support. However, it can get quite busy during peak term times, so get in early.
Opening times - Mon–Fri: 08:00–00:00 - Sat–Sun: 09:00–21:00
Cost - Free entry - registration required for borrowing or accessing digital resources
Proximity to campus - ~30-minute walk
Facilities – Multiple study rooms - quiet zones - group work areas - computer terminals - extensive print and digital resources - long opening hours
Location: Hohe Str. 68-82
As the original library at Josef‑Haubrich‑Hof closed in June 2024 for renovations, an interim building was opened in Altstadt‑Nord before the new one opens between 2026 and 2028. However, it still has plenty going for it to claim a top study spot in Cologne.
Opening times – Mon: Closed - Tue & Thu: 10:00–20:00 - Wed & Fri: 10:00–18:00 - Sat: 10:00–15:00 - Sun: 13:00–18:00
Cost – Free access - borrowing is free for under‑21s and reduced for students
Proximity to campus – ~10-minute walk
Facilities – Modern and spacious reading rooms - computer stations - study desks - creative/media labs - event spaces
Location: Heumarkt 14
While this is geared towards art and media students, it's accessible to all students and is praised for its architecture and internal design. Makes for a quirky study space.
Opening times – Mon–Fri All Day (24 hours) - Sat–Sun Closed
Cost – Free to access - borrowing privileges may vary
Proximity to campus – ~20-minute walk
Facilities – Specialist art, media, and theory collection - quiet study space - architectural reading room - access to rare and experimental materials
The perfect way to unwind after a long day of studying is enjoying one of Cologne's famous Kölsch beers in a brauhaus with friends.
Location: Heumarkt 6
This iconic brauhaus is everything done right. It's authentic, it's affordable, it does kölsch right along with hearty German fare.
Opening times – Mon–Fri: 12:00–23:00 - Sat: 12:00–00:00 - Sun: 12:00–23:00
Price range – beer €2.40–2.80 per 0.2L glass - €20–30 per-person
Proximity to campus – ~10–12 min walk
Vibe – Traditional - fast-paced service - loyal local following
Location: Zülpicher Str. 18
This is an extremely popular bar among students in the busy Zülpicher Strasse. It's right in the action, very cheap, no pretension, it's open late, and it gets busy.
Opening times – Mon–Thu 18:00–02:00 - Fri–Sat 18:00–05:00 - Sun Closed
Price range – beer €2.50–4 - cocktails ~€4–6; €10–20 per-person
Proximity to campus – ~20–25 min walk
Vibe – Gritty - loud alternative music playlists - late hours - rowdy yet laid-back atmosphere
Location: Mühlengasse 1
Another traditional brauhaus serving Kölsch by Köbes waiters, complete with beautiful stained glass and wooden decor. Close to the town hall and Domplatte, but with fewer tourists.
Opening times – Mon–Thu 11:30–23:00 - Fri–Sat 11:30–00:00 - Sun 11:30–21:30
Price range – beer €2.40–3 (0.2L Kölsch) - €10–20 per-person
Proximity to campus – ~5–7 min walk
Vibe – Traditional - mix of locals, students, and travellers - friendly
Cafés, bars, and pubs are also a solid option for part-time work while you study, on top of being a great way to meet new people and practice your German.
Staying physically active is important after spending so much time in lectures, libraries, and study sessions.
Location: Breite Straße 80–90
Located on the same street as the IU campus, you can't get more convenient than this. It's also very affordable and complete with a host of facilities and equipment.
Opening times – Mon–Fri 07:00–23:00 - Sat & Sun 09:00–20:00
Cost – From ~€5.90/week (€24.90–€29.90/month) - day pass €19–€29
Proximity to campus – under 1 min walk
Facilities - High-end strength & cardio areas – wellness zone with sauna – 45+ group classes per week – functional training space – smart EGYM equipment – showers – lockers – physiotherapy access
Location: Herzogstraße 16–20
If you need a reliable option with all the amenities that's open 24/7 in a convenient location, then look no further. Make sure to sign up for one of their regular promotional offers and enjoy access to all sites.
Opening times – Mon–Sun 24/7
Cost – Regularly offer a promotional price of €19.99/month for the first 60 members per month
Proximity to campus – ~5–7 min walk
Facilities – Modern strength and cardio equipment – group training sessions – wellness and coaching options – private showers and lockers – members can train at all Kraftwerk locations
Location: Gürzenichstraße 6–16
Coming in a bit pricier than the other options, however, you get a large range of facilities from full gym access, to an indoor pool with spa and sauna. Day passes are available for relaxing treat days.
Opening times – Mon–Thu 06:30–23:00 – Fri 06:30–22:00 – Sat–Sun 08:00–20:00
Cost – from ~€54.90/month for under‑25s – day pass €25 – €15 with member invite
Proximity to campus – ~5–7 min walk
Facilities – Full gym and weights area – indoor pool – spa and sauna – group classes – yoga and aqua fitness – towel service – physiotherapy – personal training available
Outside the university bubble, Cologne has more things to see and do as an international student than you can shake a diploma at. We've highlighted some of the best:
Germany’s most visited landmark. Climb the 533 steps to the tower for views over the city and the Rhine that will knock your socks off. Bonus: entrance is free.
Iconic rail and pedestrian bridge lined with thousands of love locks. A perfect walk at sunset with panoramic views of the Cathedral.
Cologne Carnival is the city’s biggest cultural event. At the end of the winter semester, in late February, locals and students alike dress up, parade, and party for days. A true rite of passage.
The Belgian Quarter is a must-visit for university students, with lively bars and cafés around Brüsseler Platz. Ehrenfeld is Cologne’s creative hub, while Südstadt offers a more relaxed, local feel near the river.
One of Europe’s biggest LGBTQ+ parades is usually held in July. Inclusive, colourful, and a major celebration.
A must-visit for fans of modern and contemporary art. Located right by the Cathedral, Museum Ludwig houses major works by Picasso, Warhol, and Lichtenstein. Students get discounted entry.
Your mandatory Deutschlandsemesterticket allows you to use public transport throughout Germany, including buses, trams, U-Bahn, S-Bahn, and regional trains. It also includes 30 free minutes per KVB-Rad bike rental in Cologne. Simply register with your student email address in the Nextbike app or on the KVB-Rad website to activate the benefit.
University canteens (Mensas) offer hearty hot meals for as little as €2–3 with a valid student ID. They’re a top choice for budget-friendly lunches.
Many museums, theatres, and galleries in Cologne offer reduced or free entry for university students. Always carry your student card, as even private venues often grant discounts with proof.
Look out for coupon books from student unions, flyers at uni cafés, or deals on platforms like Nachtflug, MeinDeal, and Unicum. Apps like Too Good To Go also help you grab cheap leftover food from cafés and bakeries.
Cologne is a well-connected city with a healthy student population and thriving university scene. English is widely spoken, and locals are known for being patient and polite, so it's easy for international students to navigate. It's also one of the most affordable university towns in Germany.
Cologne is particularly good for those on applied sciences courses, mainly due to its strong industry links. Cologne is in one of Germany's economic heartlands, with many start-ups and companies specialising in media, science, engineering, automotive, logistics, and IT. They present opportunities through partnerships with universities and internships offering some job security for the future.
Application steps vary by university, but most non‑EU students apply through uni‑assist. You'll need to meet language requirements (C1 German for most courses or English certificates for international programmes), submit documents like transcripts, a motivation letter, and proof of finances for your visa.
Visit our FAQ page or get in touch with our Study Advisors.
