When thinking about studying in Germany, cities like Berlin or Munich often come to mind. But upon arriving in Heilbronn to study at Hochschule Heilbronn (HHN), I discovered a dynamic, modern university environment deeply rooted in the economic fabric of one of Germany's most successful regions.

A multi-campus university in the heart of Baden-Württemberg

Hochschule Heilbronn, or HHN, is not confined to a single location. It is spread across four sites : the TechCampus in Sontheim, the Bildungscampus in the heart of Heilbronn, and two other campuses in Künzelsau and Schwäbisch Hall. I am mainly based at the Bildungscampus, an ultramodern educational hub that brings together several higher education institutions.

What is immediately striking is the contemporary architecture and state-of-the-art facilities. You can feel that investment in education is a priority here. This modernity is no accident : the university has received considerable financial support from the Dieter Schwarz Foundation, named after the founder of Lidl, who himself is from Heilbronn. This support has helped create an exceptional learning and innovation environment.

Founded in 1961 as an engineering school, the university has evolved significantly to become one of the largest universities of applied sciences in Baden-Württemberg, with over 8,000 students.

Finding housing and settling in : A well-guided process

Finding student housing can be a challenge, and it is advisable to start looking as early as possible. The university itself does not provide rooms, but it collaborates with the Studierendenwerk Heidelberg, the student services organization, which manages several residence halls. There are also many private options, from single apartments to shared flats. I am in a private student residence myself and am very well housed.

The integration of students, especially international ones, is a priority. The university organizes mandatory orientation days before the start of the semester to quickly tour the region (Heidelberg, Stuttgart, etc.), introduce the services, digital platforms, and important administrative procedures, such as registering your residence with the city hall (We received a lot of things like free pool tickets, a €50 voucher, etc.). A "Buddy Program" is also offered, connecting newcomers with local students to ease the transition and answer any questions.

Courses with a practical focus

The subjects I study, such as economics, law, B2C, or marketing, are similar to a French curriculum. However, the content is very much oriented towards international topics and current business world challenges. My classes are also taught entirely in English, and I've noticed that Germans are extremely good at English.

Student life : Between autonomy and engagement

The classroom culture is one of the aspects that can be surprising at first. In Germany, autonomy and individual responsibility are highly valued. Professors expect active participation, critical thinking, and a lot of independent work from students. The fact that students might arrive late or leave before the end of a lecture is seen less as a lack of respect and more as autonomous time management, which is quite common in large German universities.

Social life is rich and varied. Student interactions often happen within project work groups. Outside of class, the university and the city offer many opportunities. It is possible to join a multitude of student clubs or sports associations. Heilbronn's location on the Neckar river is also ideal for outdoor activities like cycling or running, which I often do.

In short, studying at Hochschule Heilbronn is much more than just an academic experience. It is an immersion into a university culture that promotes independence, international openness, and a strong connection with the professional world, all within an ultramodern setting and an economically flourishing region.

Sources

• wikipedia.org
• hs-heilbronn.de
• bildungscampus.hn
• hs-heilbronn.de
• dieter-schwarz-stiftung.de