Getting started at the University of Hamburg
First of all: Have fun and all the best for starting your studies!
Extensive Information for first semester students can be found here:
Important dates for the winter term 2025/26
| 15 Sep – 2 Oct | Pre-course in Mathematics (to refresh your knowledge) |
| 29 Sep – 3 Oct | PIASTA Welcome Week (info and network university-wide) |
| 1 Oct | Official start of semester |
| 3 Oct | National holiday (note that everything will be closed) |
| 6 – 10 Oct | Orientation week (info and network with your peers) |
| 10 Oct | Welcome event "Hello Erstis" (info and network university-wide) |
| 6 – 9 Oct | Guided course registration for first semester students |
| 13 – 23 Oct | Course registration: changes and correction period |
| 13 Oct | Start of regular lecture period |
Pre-course in Mathematics
Prior to the start of the semester, a pre-course in mathematics is offered and attention is recommended. This preparatory course is designed to review higher level mathematics in preparation for physics lectures, particularly with respect to the topics of functions, differential and integral calculus, complex numbers, and vector calculus. No registration is required to take the Mathematical Preparatory Course. Further information can be found here: Mathematischer Vorkurs (German only). The English webpage is currently under construction: Pre-Course in Mathematics.
Information and networking events for first-semester students
The university has a program called PIASTA, run by the Department of International Affairs. They, among other things, have offers to welcome new students. The PIASTA Welcome Week is a chance for all new students to get familiar with the campus and meet other students from all faculties and from all over the world. To register for the events during the Welcome Week follow the information provided in this link: PIASTA Welcome Week.
PIASTA also offers a Welcome Buddy Program for international students. They pair you with students in higher semesters at the University of Hamburg who volunteer to help you with your start at the university. Further information here: PIASTA Welcome Buddy Program.
In particular, we would like to draw your attention to the Orientation Week, which is particularly designed for first-semester students in the B.Sc. Earth System Physics and is organized by current higher-semester students. We will provide you with all the information regarding course registration, lectures, etc., as well as guide you through some of the steps. You will get the chance to get to know your fellow students and receive further information how the BSc program is organized. For more information on the upcoming orientation week see >Orientation week.
The university invites you to the central welcoming ceremony and information event “Hello Erstis”, where you can gather information on a broad range of topics and collect goodies, giveaways, vouchers, and much more. CampusCenter > Hello first-semester students.
Your curriculum and first lectures
You have to register for courses via STiNE, the Study Information Network of the University of Hamburg within the registration period for first-semester students. However, if you meet any problems, you still can register during the changes and correction period.
Campus life
You can find useful information about life in the city of Hamburg and at the UHH campus here: Campus life at University of Hamburg
Here is an introductory video of the UHH campus: UHH Campus tour. For a map of all departments and facilities of the University of Hamburg see below.