Checklist for first semester students

When your enrollment application has been processed, you will receive your University username (B-Kennung) and an initial password to get you started. You will need your username to access our various services—for example, STiNE, on-campus Wi-Fi, and your University email address. A letter will provide you with an iTAN list for various processes. The Universität Hamburg Regional Computing Center (RRZ) will assist you with questions about your username.

At the same time, you will be provided with a payment form for the semester contribution. We will send you your proof of enrollment and your student ID via STiNE after you have submitted all required enrollment documents, your health insurance has notified Universität Hamburg about your health insurance status, and we have received your semester contribution.

You get a semester public transport pass when you enroll. You can download the ticket to your mobile phone via the HVV portal. If you have not yet paid your semester contribution, you will initially receive a preliminary semester ticket that is valid for just one month. Be sure to read the information provided.

We will send you your digital enrollment certificate via STiNE after you have submitted all required enrollment documents, your health insurance has notified Universität Hamburg about your health insurance status, and we have received your semester contribution. Find your online proof of enrollment (Online-Semesterbescheinigung) in your STiNE account under “Studying > Documents.”
This document includes a student ID. You can either print this out or save it digitally—both forms of the ID are valid. You also receive confirmation for the federal student loan scheme office (Section 9).

You must create your own password to activate your uni username (B-Kennung). For this, use your one-time password to log into the user administration and set your own new password.

You need the student e-mail address (FirstName.LastName@studium.uni-hamburg.de) for all inquiries at university institutions, for example at study or examination offices. The University will send important information to your University email address. To log in, you will need your uni username (B-Kennung). See the instructions for setting up your account.

The STiNE portal will form an important communication tool throughout your studies at Universität Hamburg. You can register for courses and exams in STiNE. (log in with your Uni username, calledB-Kennung) Important: You can forward system messages to your University email address. If you have any technical problems, call the hotline, Tel: +49 40 42838-5000 or/and use the support form.

Students can access the University’s Wi-Fi network (eduram) at many locations. This also requires your Uni username (B-Kennung). Read the instructions for Wi-Fi log-on.

Students can use printers at our libraries for cashless printing. Find all information on printing and your CopyCard, e.g., on the State and University Library (Stabi) website.

If you require your coursework or examination be digitally accessible because of a visual or hearing impairment, please contact the academic office or the Office for Students with Disabilities and Chronic Illnesses as soon as possible.

All departments offer so-called orientation modules (Orientierungseinheiten, OE) in the week before the semester starts. Find out everything you need to know about getting started at the University and your degree program. We recommend that you join the orientation offer for your degree program.  Individual orientation information

Some subject areas provide voluntary preparation offers. Ask your degree program coordinator whether theses courses are also offered for your chosen degree program.

The below tools will help you find your bearings on campus:

• Video campus tour
• Campus Navigator
• Campus map in our UHH mobile app.
• PIASTA Welcome Week tours
• AStA introduction

Even before orientation kick-off, the Welcome Week provides interdisciplinary information about getting started at University. Take this chance to learn your way around campus early on and meet international students! Go to PIASTA for information on the program and registration.

Refer to the exam and academic regulations (subject-specific regulations) Bestimmungen) if you have more questions about course requirements and your personal timetable. The academic offices in the faculties will gladly help you with any further questions about academic and exam regulations.

Create a personal timetable based on the academic regulations and register for courses in STiNE. Our course catalog is available in STiNE too. During the orientation period there is a separate registration period for first-semester students.

You will need the iTAN list to register for modules, courses, and—later in your studies—to register for exams. Find out how everything works during orientation! In case of difficulties, the academic offices in the faculties gladly help you along.

Besides subject-specific offers, Universität Hamburg provides free-time activities that promote interdisciplinary networking among students; for example, University Sports; University Music; the University theater group; PIASTA; or the various opportunities to get involved in campus politics.

If you require a room for a course to be accessible for disabled individuals, please contact the academic office and the Office for Students with Disabilities and Chronic Illnesses as quickly as possible. Your input is required to ensure that you can access the rooms for your first semester courses.

See our various tips on financing your studies. If you consider to apply for funding from the federal student loan scheme (BAföG) you should do this as soon as you have got your letter of admission because processing will take a while. Studierendenwerk Hamburg will assist you with your BAföG application and advise you on matters relating to financing your studies.

The Studierendenwerk residence halls will be occupied quickly and finding a room on the private housing market can take several months. See our overview of living options in Hamburg.

When enrolling at a German university, international students can apply for a residence permit for the purpose of university study. They must get this permit extended regularly. Use the online residence permit guide to arrange an appointment. You can access the necessary forms online. The Department of International Affairs will advise and support you with any questions about your residence permit.