Preparing for your studies in Hamburg involves a few important steps, from finding accommodation and arranging your finances to taking care of visa and residence matters. The following resources provide comprehensive information and guidance for new students. As their content overlaps in some areas, we recommend using them according to their respective focus:

• Before Starting Your Studies – Universität Hamburg
  This is the central overview for international students preparing to start a degree program at Universität Hamburg. It brings together information on the most important steps before and after your arrival, including funding, finding accommodation, registering your address, health insurance, residence permits, the Welcome Buddy program, PIASTA Welcome Week, and orientation activities. It also provides links to relevant support services and further information. We recommend using this page as your starting point for practical questions before your arrival.
• Incoming Guide for International Students – MIN Faculty
  The Incoming Guide of the Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences (MIN), where ICSS is based, provides practical information specifically for international students at MIN. It covers topics such as preparing for your arrival, living and studying in Hamburg, health insurance, and financing your studies. The section “Financing” also includes information on university counseling services, scholarships, and funding opportunities offered by the DAAD.
• To-Do List for New Students – PIASTA 
  PIASTA is a program of the Department of International Affairs at Universität Hamburg that promotes intercultural exchange and an international campus community. It offers a wide range of social, cultural, and informational activities for all students, including the Welcome Week.
  PIASTA's To-Do List for new students provides a practical overview of the most important steps to take before and after arriving in Hamburg. It covers a range of organizational matters, including accommodation, health insurance, registration, and other preparations for starting your studies in Germany.
• First Semester Information – Campus Center
  The Campus Center is the central contact point for university-wide questions concerning your studies, including enrollment, study organization, and other administrative matters.
  The Campus Center's First Semester Information provides general guidance for students starting their studies at Universität Hamburg. It includes information on enrollment, organizing your studies, university services, and other important matters for your first semester.

For more specific information, you can also consult the following resources:

Financing your studies: 

Planning how to finance your studies is an important part of preparing for your time in Hamburg.

Universität Hamburg provides information on various funding options for international students, including scholarships and other opportunities. The Center for Academic Advising also offers consultation on questions related to financing your studies.

The Counselling Centre for Social & International Affairs (BeSI) at Studierendenwerk Hamburg also provides information and counseling on financing your studies, including options for working alongside your studies.

Accommodation: The Studierendenwerk Hamburg operates around 25 student residences and provides information and advice on finding accommodation. As finding housing in Hamburg can take some time, we recommend starting your search as early as possible.

Visa and residence matters: If you require a visa or residence permit, please start the process as early as possible. The Department of International Affairs at Universität Hamburg provides information and consultation for international students on visa and residence matters.

We recommend reviewing these resources before your arrival and keeping them as a reference during your studies at the University of Hamburg.

ICSS Buddy Program
Starting a new degree program and settling into a new city is easier when you have someone to turn to.

Through the ICSS Buddy Program, new students can be paired with a current ICSS student who can answer questions, share their experiences, and help you get settled into university and student life in Hamburg.

If you would like to participate in the Buddy Program, please get in touch with the MICSS Student Council at fsr-icss@uni-hamburg.de and include your full name and country of origin.

Your buddy can be a first point of contact for questions about everyday student life, the ICSS program, or getting settled in Hamburg.

More Buddy Programs at Universität Hamburg
In addition to the ICSS Buddy Program, Universität Hamburg offers further opportunities to connect with experienced students:

• MIN Buddy Program: The Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences (MIN) offers a Buddy Program for international students, providing an opportunity to connect with a student who can help you get familiar with the faculty and everyday student life.
• PIASTA Welcome Buddy Program: PIASTA offers a university-wide Welcome Buddy Program that connects international students with students at Universität Hamburg and supports intercultural exchange and getting settled in Hamburg.

Meet Students and Practice Languages
Another informal way to meet other students and become part of the UHH community is through PIASTA's language exchange activities. The Sprachtandem program allows you to meet a language partner and practice each other's languages, while Sprachcafés provide a relaxed setting to speak different languages and meet students from diverse backgrounds.

These activities are a great opportunity to connect with other UHH students, practice or learn a new language, and experience intercultural exchange in an informal setting.

You do not have to organize everything on your own. Universität Hamburg and its partner institutions offer a range of counseling and support services for international students.

For questions about specific topics, please make use of the services linked above. The PIASTA Welcome Week and the ICSS Orientation Week will also provide an opportunity to learn more about the university's services and ask questions in person.

If you need any further support or have questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

We look forward to welcoming you to Hamburg and ICSS!

We wish you a smooth start and all the best as you begin this exciting new chapter.