The Collegium Jenense is not only the founding site of Jena University, but was also the students' place of residence between 1558 and 1592. When the High School was elevated to university status, the Collegium church was converted into a student hall of residence with 36 rooms. Today, archaeological finds from these rooms provide a vivid picture of student housing and life within the former monastery walls.
With the restoration of the sacred space in the collegiate church in 1592, the church became a place of celebration and burial for the Salana. The numerous finds from the graves of students, academic citizens, professors and their family members provide a special insight into the burial culture at the young university.