Why do many German students attend more than one university during their undergraduate studies?

In the German higher education system, it has traditionally been a custom for students to attend two, three, or even four different universities during their undergraduate studies. This practice is driven by the autonomy of regional universities, which allows students to move between institutions to pursue their specific academic interests and take advantage of the unique strengths of each university.1

This high degree of mobility reflects a tradition of academic freedom and individuality, where students tailor their education by selecting programs across various institutions. However, it is important to note that this historical flexibility has become increasingly difficult to maintain in modern times. Due to swelling student populations and overburdened facilities, it is now all but impossible for students to move between universities as freely or take as long to complete their studies as they once did.12