Advising

Are you new to Hamburg and maybe still looking for a place to live? Do you need to apply for a residence permit? Are you wondering where to get a semester transport pass?

Do you feel a bit uncertain about what you need to do first and what you must remember?

To-Dos for New Students (PDF) provides an overview of to-dos and how to handle them when you start your studies.

To-dos in Hamburg

• accommodation in Hamburg
• registration in Hamburg
• bank account
• health insurance
• residence permits for your studies

To-dos at the University

• enrollment
• uni username
• University email address
• study plan
• First-semester events and activities

If you have any questions, contact the people and addresses listed under the respective to-dos in the PDF.

Advising sessions take place once a month on-site at PIASTA and once a month online via Zoom from 5–7 pm.

This is a free personal consultation where you can discuss your individual questions and problems concerning residency with Björn Stehn, a lawyer in this field.

Who can register for an appointment?

All Universität Hamburg students, doctoral researchers, and graduates (up to about 2 years after graduation)

What topics can I get advice on?

At the consultation, you can bring any questions you have about topics related to studies and residence law, for example, entry visas, extending residence permits, jobs and internships alongside your studies, changing your field of study, work permits and starting your career after your studies, naturalization, and much more.

How do the registration and consultation work?

• After you have registered, you will receive an email from us with the exact date and time of your advising session.  
• We offer slots on a first-come-first-serve basis.
• Be ready 15 minutes in advance of your appointment.
• Unfortunately, it is difficult to determine how long individual advising sessions take. Sometimes sessions are quicker than expected, and you can start your own session earlier. Sometimes sessions are longer, and you will need to wait. In this case, we ask for your understanding and patience.

If you cannot manage your appointment, notify us in good time so that students on the waiting list can take your slot.
You can cancel your appointment through UHH Join or by sending an email to: piasta"AT"uni-hamburg.de

Feel free to contact us if you have questions or problems at piasta"AT"uni-hamburg.de. 

Register for an appointment on UHH Join

Language: German/English

If you have questions about writing for your studies, take advantage of our individual writing consultations!

A student writing consultant from the Writing Center at Universität Hamburg is available to meet with you. You can discuss your term paper, seminar paper, bachelor’s or master’s thesis, dissertation, or any other writing project related to your studies in German or English. You can also stop by if you are just getting started; you don’t have to have already written several pages.

 How does it all work?

• Join the Zoom room during one of the sessions offered (at a time that suits you).
• You may have to wait a moment for another consultation to end.
• As soon as you enter the Zoom room, you can have a confidential conversation with the writing consultant, for example, about the structure of your paper or argument, questions related to academic writing, or writing methods.
• The consultant is also happy to give you feedback on passages from your current writing project.
• And the consultant will help you to develop a plan so that you can successfully continue on your own.

International and multilingual students and doctoral researchers in all subject areas are welcome to take part! It can be especially challenging to write in a language other than your native language for your studies. We understand that and are here to support you! Just join the Zoom meeting at one of the available times!

Register for an appointment on UHH Join

Whether at the beginning, in the middle, or at the end of your studies, there are many questions that international students may have.

How do I find my way around a German university? What are the first steps I need to take? What do I need to know when changing my field of study or doing an internship? What type of residence permit can I apply for after graduation?

You may also experience private, financial, or study-related difficulties. Or not everything about your study abroad goes according to plan.

It is important that you read up on important topics ahead of time and seek support if you have a problem.

Maybe your problem seems too small or unimportant for advising? Or you’re not sure who to turn to? If so, advising for international students is the right place for you. Simply send an email to request an advising appointment.

Advisor: Katja Grannis

Office hours: Just send an email to: international-student-support"AT"uni-hamburg.de.
Katja Grannis will reply promptly. Find lots of helpful information on the website for international students.

Target group: international students and Universität Hamburg graduates International doctoral researchers should contact the Welcome Service for International Researchers.

Language: German and English

Scholarship programs for international students and doctoral researchers

With its merit scholarship program, Universität Hamburg supports outstanding international students and doctoral researchers of all subjects and degree levels who have been socially committed and actively involved in an international context. The awarding of a merit scholarship allows recipients to concentrate fully on their studies and gives them the opportunity to develop their skills.

Degree completion grants for international students

Universität Hamburg assists its international students in successfully completing their degrees with degree completion grants.

You are entitled to funding if you

• are already enrolled at Universität Hamburg
• are not a German citizen
• are not eligible for the federal student loan scheme
• are preparing for or are in the final examination phase of your studies
• have no financial support during this phase (proof required).

Office hours and additional information: 

Scholarship programs for international students and doctoral researchers

Degree completion grants for international students

Language: German and English

Universität Hamburg’s Welcome Service supports international researchers, including doctoral researchers, who wish to stay for at least one month at Universität Hamburg.

We provide information, advice, and help with everything you need for your stay and life in Hamburg: entering Germany, health insurance, the housing search, dealing with authorities, and even looking for a suitable kindergarten.

Office hours and additional information: the Welcome Service for International Researchers

Language: German and English

The Certificate Intercultural Competence (CIC) is awarded to students at Universität Hamburg who have devoted time to intercultural issues. The CIC therefore serves as recognition of intercultural involvement and is an additional distinction for students. The certificate encompasses the areas of intercultural training, international experience, intercultural activity, and intercultural studies. During the weekly office hours, interested students can obtain information and tips on how they can acquire the CIC during their studies.

Office hours and additional information:  the Certificate Intercultural Competence (CIC)

Language: German/English

Are you interested in studying abroad during your degree program? Do you have questions like: How do I plan to study abroad? What exchange programs does Universität Hamburg offer? What kind of funding is available?

Are you still unsure what you want to do or do you have specific questions? Get all the answers  from the Outgoing Students Team in the Department of International Affairs!

The Study Abroad Team holds monthly information sessions and weekly office hours for individual advising.

Tip: Plan your trip well in advance as many programs have a long application process—more than a year in some cases!.

Office hours and additional information: studying abroad

Language: German and English