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.

We recommend reviewing these resources before your arrival and keeping them as a reference during your studies at the University of Hamburg. For more specific information, you can also consult the resources below. 

If you require a visa or residence permit, please start the process as early as possible.

a) For prospective students and enrolled students who are not in Hamburg yet, please reach out to the Center for Academic Advising if you need consultation and support with your visa process. 

b) For enrolled students who are already in Hamburg and need support with applying for a residence permit, please contact the International Student Support. 

In case of a significant visa delay, please contact your degree program coordinator. 

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

Studying at Universität Hamburg involves a semester contribution as well as costs for health insurance and living expenses. Find an overview of costs and information on funding options, including scholarships and student jobs, on the UHH Fees and Funding page.

For outstanding B.Sc. graduates interested in pursuing a research-oriented Master’s degree, the Early Admission Program offers dedicated scholarships for the M.Sc. programs Atmospheric Science, Ocean Climate Physics, and Integrated Climate System Sciences.

More information and consultation related to financing your studies is also offered by the Center for Academic Advising and the Counselling Centre for Social & International Affairs (BeSI) at Studierendenwerk Hamburg.

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.

More information and orientation on finding accommodation can be found in the incoming guides above. 

PIASTA Welcome Week offers a wide range of informational and social events for all new students at Universität Hamburg. It is a great opportunity to get to know the university, meet other students, and get your first impressions of Hamburg.

During the week before classes begin, the Student Council responsible for each degree program organizes an Orientation Event (OE) for new students. You will receive important information about your degree program and learn what you need to know for a successful start, including information on:

• course registration and organizing your studies
• the structure of the program
• important academic and administrative procedures
• university services and support opportunities
• student life and the program community

You can find more information and the current OE schedules here.

The Hello First-Semester Students event at the Audimax offers new students the opportunity to learn more about the University of Hamburg, study-related services, and various opportunities to get involved. Meet representatives from university services and student organizations, get advice on topics such as studying abroad, financing, housing, health, careers, and sustainability, and discover opportunities for volunteering, research, and student engagement. You can also explore current student job opportunities and pick up a traditional UHH welcome tote bag with information, giveaways, and vouchers.

For more information about the event, please click here. 

Classes for the Winter Semester 2026/27 begin on October 12, 2026. Make sure you have completed the necessary preparations and course registration before the start of classes. An overview of all important semester dates can be found here.

Starting a new degree program and settling into a new city is easier when you have someone to turn to. Through a Buddy Program, new students can be paired with an experienced student who can answer questions, share their experiences, and help you get settled into university and student life in Hamburg. Your buddy can be a first point of contact for questions about everyday student life, the degree program, or getting settled in Hamburg.

The University of Hamburg offers several 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.
• Program-related Buddy Programs: In some degree programs, the student council organizes an internal Buddy Program where experienced students support new first-semester students as welcome buddies during their first weeks in the new program. If such a program exists in your degree program, please contact your student council. 

Language Center at University of Hamburg (Sprachenzentrum)

The Language Center at Universität Hamburg offers free, interdisciplinary language courses for students, including courses in English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Turkish, Russian, and Chinese. Depending on the course, you can improve your general, academic, or professional language skills and earn 3 or 6 ECTS credits. A placement test is required for most courses. If you are unsure whether a language course can be recognized and included in your academic record, please contact your degree program coordinator.

For an overview of selected courses recommended for MIN students in the Winter Semester 2026/27, including courses focusing on scientific communication, climate change, academic language, and workplace communication, please see the information sheet.

More courses are available through STiNE under Extracurricular Courses → Language Center and on the Language Center’s website.

PIASTA Language Activities

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.

Looking for ways to get involved and make the most of your time at Universität Hamburg? Explore the university’s wide range of extracurricular activities, sports, cultural events, and other opportunities for student life.