09/09/2026 | Campus News

"Allerleih" Exchange at the University

Who hasn't been there? You want to throw a party on a budget, but you don’t have the equipment—which you’d either have to buy at a high cost or rent from an agency. But what if there were a place where you could rent exactly these items easily and hassle-free—without having to make an expensive purchase or waste space in your own basement?

This is exactly where the Allerleih association comes in; it runs a lending exchange for everyday items. Allerleih e.V. is a “library of things”—a place where you can borrow all kinds of items. Since July 2026, Allerleih has now been officially represented at the university. In cooperation with the AStA, the third Kassel location was opened in the Student Union Building (Universitätsplatz 10). Items are borrowed from the “Farbkasten.” This was made possible by a dedicated team of students who set up the lending exchange on campus. The student project, in turn, received financial support through the Student Sustainability Fund. The Student Sustainability Fund is designed to enable students to implement small projects that contribute to the university’s sustainable development with as few barriers as possible. “The new lending exchange on campus clearly demonstrates the added value for the University of Kassel when good ideas and student engagement are appropriately supported,” says Dr. Jana Winter from the university’s sustainability management department.

From power drills to tents, from food processors to jukeboxes: The nonprofit association’s inventory now includes over 400 items spread across the three locations in Kassel. The selection covers various categories—with tools at the top of the list, but also camping gear, event equipment, and much more. Collective consumption can lead to significant savings in energy and greenhouse gas emissions. Fewer raw materials produced mean less waste and actively contribute to environmental and climate protection. At the same time, the association takes on a large portion of the tedious transaction costs and hurdles that are otherwise associated with traditional lending practices. Students have the opportunity to borrow items they rarely need in everyday life at a low cost, thereby saving money. “Everyone contributes what they can and want to—this makes access to high-quality goods possible regardless of financial means and thus promotes social justice,” says Florian Grotstück of the association. 

The borrowing process is incredibly straightforward: Using a digital lending catalog on the website, users can easily check in advance what’s currently available and reserve items directly. The selection consists of donated and carefully chosen items, with particular attention paid to high quality and durability so that as many people as possible can benefit from them. 

Other locations of allerleih e.V. are at the City Library (Obere Königsstraße 3) and at the Bauteilbörse (Hafenstraße 76). 

Campus hours: 

Every Thursday from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Farbkasten (Student Union, Universitätsplatz 10)