Life in Mittweida – not quite what you’d expect

Mittweida is surprising, lively and extremely affordable. But studying here has far more advantages than simply not having to work part-time all the time. Where others talk about a ‘family atmosphere’, we proudly say: ‘We’re a campus family’. Supporting one another, nailing projects together and celebrating our successes is part of our DNA.

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What is Mittweida like?

A US-style campus atmosphere in Saxony

Too far away to explore the campus for yourself? We’ll give you a glimpse!

With around 6,350 students, Mittweida University of Applied Sciences is Saxony’s largest University of Applied Sciences – and, at the same time, the state’s first official ‘university town’. No other town in Germany has such a high proportion of students per inhabitant. This shapes the town’s entire atmosphere.

A genuine campus lifestyle: our campus is reminiscent of US universities in the Midwest – only in the heart of Europe and committed to European values. All faculties, laboratories, the new library, the canteen and sports facilities are situated close together.
Sleep in instead of dealing with the stress of commuting: Whilst you’d be standing in overcrowded S-Bahn trains in Berlin, Munich or Hamburg in the morning, in Mittweida you can enjoy a relaxed breakfast and walk to your first lecture in just a few minutes.
Your playing field: If you want to make a difference, you’ll find no closed doors in Mittweida, but rather spaces, equipment and people who are keen to get involved. This applies just as much to our Formula Student team, Technikum Mittweida Motorsport, as it does to 99drei Radio Mittweida, the Protestant and Catholic student communities, the LGBTQ+ community or the HSMW’s esports teams.

Do you want free time rather than a full-time job?

Quality of life, affordable

In many big cities, half your monthly budget goes on a tiny room in a shared flat – and most of your free time is spent on part-time jobs. In Mittweida, you’ll have your mind free for what really matters: your studies, your projects and your friends.

Whether it’s a modern hall of residence right on campus through the Freiberg Student Services Organisation (€205–270), a room in a shared flat or your first flat of your own – in Mittweida you’ll find affordable accommodation straight away without having to go through a months-long application process.

Because the cost of living in Mittweida is manageable, the BAföG you apply for through the Studentenwerk Freiberg, or the money from your parents, is enough to enjoy a really good life, including parties, trips and hobbies.

Is it even possible to go out in Mittweida?

Music and parties all year round

The Mittweida Campus Festival is organised by media students on behalf of the entire HSMW.

Right in the heart of the campus, students organise weekly club nights and themed parties for fellow students at the student club; they also run their own student pub, the ‘Schwemme’, and organise one of Mittweida’s two music festivals – the House on the Hill. That alone shows that in Mittweida, there’s plenty going on if you put your mind to it.

The other festival: the Mittweida Campus Festival. The biggest highlight of the year – organised entirely by media students for the whole university. First, up-and-coming bands from the faculties battle it out, then national acts take to the huge open-air stage in front of the main building.

Speaking of the stage: every year, over 100 students stage their own musicals and plays. The performances by the Mittweida University Theatre in our professional TV studio are regularly sold out in the run-up to Christmas.

How can I stay fit whilst studying?

Sport as a counterbalance to mental work

If you’re looking for the perfect way to unwind after long lectures or an intensive study session in the library, you’ll find what you’re looking for with HSMW’s university sports programme. It offers a huge and extremely affordable range of activities to help you work off some energy or try something new. Whether you’re an ambitious amateur sports enthusiast or simply want to have fun exercising with friends: forget about run-of-the-mill standard classes! University sports in Mittweida make the most of the natural surroundings right on our doorstep and offer sports that would otherwise require a long journey elsewhere.

Indoor sports and martial arts in the university sports hall: whether it’s basketball, volleyball, badminton, yoga or martial arts such as karate and self-defence – you’ll find your regular weekly class in the university’s own sports hall.
Gym with attractive rates: The health and fitness area is a mecca for all strength-training enthusiasts at HSMW. The cardio, machine and free weights areas offer everything you need for muscle building, fitness and injury prevention. What’s more, you can train at particularly student-friendly rates. Another plus: qualified staff are on hand to support you, and a sports scientist with an A-licence in fitness training can help you create personalised training plans.
Beach volleyball and water sports: Beach volleyball, tennis and water sports bring that holiday feeling to campus. The beach volleyball courts are right on campus. During the summer term, you can arrange spontaneous matches here with fellow students. At the Kriebstein Reservoir in the Mittweidaer Aue, you’ll find canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. If you don’t want to give up playing ball games even in summer, you can use the university’s own clay tennis court.
The Mittweida Campus League: In the university’s own football league, teams from various degree programmes, faculties and mixed or single-sex halls of residence compete against one another throughout the semester at the stadium in Schwanenteichpark. Match days feature spectators, a genuine stadium atmosphere and the battle for the coveted Campus League Cup.

Competitive athletes in particular – who can study on a flexible basis as part of HSMW’s elite sports programme – get involved in university sport as coaches. Upon request, the university will even cover a proportion of the costs for coach training.

What are the transport links like?

Places to retreat to for your time out

If you ever need to clear your head, adventure is right on your doorstep.

The Mittweida outdoor swimming pool is right next to the large Schwanenteich Park, which in turn borders the campus. Just a few minutes away is the Kriebstein Dam. It’s the perfect spot for sailing, stand-up paddleboarding, relaxing summer days on the beach or the concerts on the lake stage.

The cliffs in the Zschopau Valley and the nearby slate mountains offer brilliant opportunities for climbers, mountain bikers and keen walkers.

And if you fancy venturing a bit further afield: thanks to the direct rail link, you can reach the major cities in no time at all:

Chemnitz: 15 mins by tram.
Leipzig and Dresden: 50 km away.
Prague and Berlin: at 135 km and 160 km respectively, they’re perfect for a weekend trip.

Do you need support?

We won’t leave you on your own

Your academic performance depends on how comfortable you feel. That’s why we offer you a strong safety net for all situations:

As a certified family-friendly university, we offer flexible solutions through our Social Services Office to help you balance childcare and parenting with your family life. Among other things, nursery places are available for members of the university community.
Studying at Mittweida in special circumstances provides individual support to compensate for disadvantages arising from chronic illnesses or disabilities.
The Student Services Organisation in Freiberg’s psychosocial counselling service offers free, confidential and prompt support for exam anxiety, stress or personal crises.

What is the HSMW?

Find out more

There are more than just five good reasons to study in Mittweida. The most important one: over 90 specialised degree programmes that consistently focus on practical professional skills. Because, particularly in the age of AI, it’s not just about having learnt the theory, but about successfully applying it in practice.

But your time at university is about more than just acquiring knowledge. The HSMW campus is reminiscent of a US university – a small university somewhere in the Midwest. In Mittweida, everything is within easy walking distance, so you can study more comfortably, in a more relaxed and focused way – thanks in part to affordable rents. Instead of having to finance your living costs with part-time jobs, you can make the most of the vibrant campus life.

6.350

Students

590

dedicated staff

100

Partner universities worldwide

161

Years at HSMW

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