Due to understaffing during the summer holidays, the University Archive's services are limited. This also applies to our reference services. Please note that the average processing time will take longer than usual.
Homepage
Welcome to the
University Archive
Established in 1995, the University Archive preserves and records Ruhr University Bochum’s (RUB) vast historic records since the institution’s origins in the early 1960’s.
On the following pages we provide information on our work, the archival holdings as well as in-house services for university members. You may also read up on the history of Ruhr University and current university and state-wide digitalization processes, in which the University Archive is involved, among other topics.
Information on requests and reference services
- Office hours
All incoming requests are processed between Monday and Thursday, from 9 am to 1 pm. The average processing time is two weeks time. In the meantime please refrain from inquiring about the status of your request; you will be notified immediately once our research is complete.
- Reference services only by prior appointment
The University Archive does not offer regular opening times for visitors. If you'd like to use our reference services, it is mandatory to first send a request via e-mail containing information about your specific research interest.
Further information on these topics can be found here. Thank you for your understanding.
RUB 60 – Built to change since 1965
20250618_ausstellungseroeffnung_built_to_change_rub60_50.jpg
RUB, Universitätsarchiv
An Exhibition by the University Archive
Location: Foyer of the University Administration Building (UV)
On the day of the campus celebration of Ruhr University Bochum's 60th anniversary on June 18, 2025 the exhibition RUB 60 – Built to change since 1965, created by the University Archive, was opened. Next to the centrally displayed architectural model, many highlights of the university's history are presented in the foyer.
Contact us
E-Mail: archiv@ruhr-uni-bochum.de
Phone: +49 234 32 19233
Instagram: @uniarchivbochum
Postal address
Ruhr-Universität Bochum
Universitätsarchiv MB 4/101
Universitätsstrasse 150
44780 Bochum
Please note the following information on how to get to the University Archive!
How to get to us
- Visitor address
Ruhr-Universität Bochum
Universitätsarchiv
Building MB, level 4, area north-west, room 103
Universitätsstraße 150
44801 Bochum
Please note: The address represents the entire campus of Ruhr University and is, therefore, not suitable to be used for navigational services. Corresponding to the following description on how to get to the University Archive you may use the following coordinates linking the central entrance at the middle of the builiding where the glass elevator is: 51°26'40.3"N 7°15'27.0"E (Open Street Map).
- The University Archive in MB building
The MB building is located in the north-western part of the campus. The University Archive is on level 4.
We recommend using the central entrance at the middle of the building where the prominent glass elevator is. This way is the most accessible entrance to the building, too. After leaving the elevator on level 4 you may find the entrance to the University Archive on the left-hand side (please ring the bell).
You may reach the University Archive also via the other entrances of the building at M-Nordstrasse or M-Südstrasse, which are not accessible, though.
- Map
The following map of Ruhr University has been edited to show the different routes on campus to the University Archive by public transport and on foot as well as by car
(Accessible) Routes to the University Archive (PDF, in German)
- By public transport
Light rail: Line U35
Stop: Ruhr-Universität | Leave the stop by taking the stairs, the escalators or elevators and follow the pedestrian bridge (Unibrücke) to your right towards the centrally located University Library (Universitätsbibliothek).
Bus:
Stop: Ruhr-Universität
PLEASE NOTE: Due to construction works all bus lines stop only at the side of Uni-Center across the pedestrian bridge (Unibrücke) as of 01/2026
Leave the bus stop via the stairs, the escalator or the elevator and follow the pedestrian bridge (Unibrücke) to your right towards the light rail station and the centrally located University Library (Universitätsbibliothek).
- On foot – accessible option
In front of the University Library building continue to your right in the direction of MA building. After passing the entrance use the elevators down one level to 01. Leave the elevator and traverse the entire building in the northern direction towards the opposite entrance (door opens automatically). Leave the building and continue to the left on M-Nordstrasse until you reach the MB building. Pass the building's northern entrance and continue to the parking lot on the left. Here you may see the central entrance with the prominent glass elevator. The doors open automatically.
- On foot
In front of the University Library building continue to your right in the direction of MA building. Alternatively to the accessible option continue via the outdoor stairs downwards in front ot the entrance doors. Follow the M-Südstraße to your left until you reach the southern entrance of MB building (doors do not open automatically). All elevators and stairs lead to level 4.
- By car
Use the coordinates mentioned above for navigational services to reach the MB building via M-Nordstrasse. The parking lot in front of the central entrance (glass elevator) is free as well as most of the surrounding parking spaces. Handicapped parking spaces are located on M-Nordstrasse in front of the northern entrance of MA and ZKF building.
Accessibility
Please note: If you have any questions concerning accessibility feel free to contact us, we’re happy to help.
How to get to us – accessible option
See the detailed description above. In a nutshell: You may reach the University Archive on level 4, MB building, via the central entrance at the middle of the building (glass elevator). The entrance doors open automativally. The University Archive's doors are locked. Please ring the bell or call us.
Amenities
The building provides wheelchair accessible restrooms (door width: 93 cm, no SOS telephone) on level 4 next to the north and south elevators.
Reference services
Please contact us with your specific research interest. Together we will discuss how using the reference services is possible and how we may support you in this process.
Apart from our digital holdings most of the University Archive's holdings consist of paper and photographic records, which are yet to be digitalized. Thus, it is only possible for us to provide digital copies or scans of analogue records to a very limited extent as part of remote services. For your visit we provide work stations with/without PC. Digitalized written records are saved as PDF/A and always provide OCR.
Further information
on accessibility on campus e. g. disabled parking spaces, assistive equipment pools and maps can be found here:
The University Archive on Serviceportal
- Please note: Serviceportal is only available for members of RUB via the campus network.
The University Archive on Instagram
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