In 1536, William I, Count of Nassau-Siegen charged Saxon educator and theologian Erasmus Sarcerius with the task of establishing a Latin school.

Here, landscaping and land improvements including irrigation techniques and the drainage of meadows were taught, so as to help enhance the yields from farmland.

Within the framework of the Bologna process, the University of Siegen implemented the Bachelor/Masters system early on, with the aim of completing the set-up of this model in all faculties during winter semester 2006–2007.

The University of Siegen offers a large variety of undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral degree programs at its four faculties in 144 fields of study.

Siegen is situated in one of the most densely forested areas in Germany and offers fine opportunities for leisure and outdoor activities.

During the semester a program including trips to nearby cities, intercultural trainings or high rope courses is offered.

Buildings are distributed across three core areas in Siegen (Haardter Berg hill, Emmy-Noether-Campus and administration based at Herrengarten).

Some 500 m south-east is the Hölderlinstraße campus, which accommodates the centre for information and media technology, the central course guidance service and a departmental library.

Artur-Woll-Haus on the eastern slope of Haardter Berg hill, which opened on 25 March 2003, accommodates the guest house and the externally funded research facilities.

Some 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) south-west of Haardter Berg, at Fischbacherberg hill is the Emmy-Noether-Campus, which, since 1999, has been home to the mathematics and physics faculties.

1 kilometre (0.62 mi) west of Haardter Berg, on the borders of the Weidenau and Geisweid districts, is the former brewery, where the art faculty is located.

Here, art students create practical work, including painting and photography, and exhibitions are held on a regular basis.