Organizational Matters
Information for exchange and program students
As soon as you have arrived in Potsdam or Berlin, please report your address via the Moveon Portal*. We need your German address.
*You need the login-data for the Moveon portal you have already used (please do not register again but only log in).
Please also provide your semester address in PULS!
Arriving and Living in Potsdam
Medical emergencies
University and Studies
Learning German
Arriving and Living in Potsdam
I will stay in a student residence in Potsdam. How do I get my key?
Students having paid the deposit will receive their lease agreement and keys for the dormitory room on October 1st between 10:00am and 4:00pm on Campus Am Neuen Palais. This is only valid after consultation with the Studierendenwerk West:Brandenburg.
If you are not yet in Potsdam on October 1, please contact your responsible Studierendenwerk officer by mail and discuss how to get your lease and key.
Information for tenants of the residence halls of Studierendenwerk West:Brandenburg
I live in the student residence in Potsdam. How can I activate Internet access?
In this document you will find a detailed description of how to conclude the contract for the Internet. You can do this shortly before your arrival, so that the Internet is immediately available to you when you move in. Further details can be found on the website of the University of Potsdam.
Do I have to register with the authorities?
If you live in Potsdam, you can register with the residents' registration office through the International Office . However, if you arrive later than April 3, you need to do this on your own. Information can be found on our website.
Detailed information on how to apply for a residence permit to the Foreigners Registration Office can be found on our website.
University and Studies
How do I activate my UP account and what do I need it for?
The central university account (UP account) is your personal identification for access to a number of IT services, such like:
- Webmailbox und Mail.UP
- PULS
- WLAN (eduroam)
- Moodle
- Box.UP
- E-Learning Plattform Moodle.UP
- Media.UP
- VPN
- ZOOM
- and many more
Before using it for the first time, you must activate your account on the Account.UP website. However, this is only possible after your semester fee has been received!
Follow the steps for account activation. Please make sure to enter the same data as in your identity card/passport.
How do I get my PUCK and what do I need it for?
The PUCK (Potsdam University chip card) will be given to you by the International Office upon appointment. It serves as:
- Student identification card
- Library card
- Electronic wallet – copy card and printing in the computer rooms run by ZIM; cashless payment in the dining halls and cafeterias
What to do if your PUCK is stolen or lost, how to use it as a money card and other topics can be found on our website.
Attention: From summer semester 2024, the PUCK will no longer be used as a semester ticket!
Semester ticket
Where can I get the Germany Semester Ticket?
The "Deutschlandsemesterticket" (Germany Semester Ticket) is a digital ticket and must be activated via the Campus Portal from VBB: https://abo.ride-ticketing.de/app/login?partnerId=045a70117ef42fe5aa09cdcb8d01fb3b
How do I log in to the Campus Portal?
After successful authentication with your date of birth and matriculation number, the ticket can be used.
For what period is the new Germany Semester Ticket valid?
The Germany Semester Ticket is valid from October 1st, 2025 till March 31, 2026.
Where can the Germany Semester Ticket be used?
The ticket is valid nationwide for local public transportation, based on the regulations of the Germany Ticket.
How can I find transport connections that can be used with the Germany Semester Ticket?
www.vbb.de/deutschland-ticket-fahrinfo/
How can the Germany Semester Ticket be retrieved?
The Germany Semester Ticket is issued only as an electronic ticket – optionally as a wallet or web ticket.
What should be noted during ticket inspection?
An official photo ID must be presented when using the ticket. A printout of the QR code will not be accepted!
Which further documents do I need and how do I get my info folder?
You will receive your info folder with other important documents from us in a personal handover. For this you need to book an appointment. Among other documents you will find your iTAN list, which you will need for booking courses in PULS.
How do I find courses?
How do I register for courses?
You can find a video tutorial with German subtitles here.
Here you can find a handout with further information on course enrollment here.
Whom can I contact if I have questions regarding the content of courses or my timetable?
The departmental exchange coordinators as well as the faculty tutors are at your disposal. Make sure to attend the meeting with your departmental exchange coordinator before the start of the lecture period.
Learning German
German courses at the Zessko
Only for the beginner course you do not need a placement test. Otherwise you have to take a placement test online and can then register for a course within the enrollment period. Detailed information can be found on the Zessko website.
The German courses at the Zessko are not for students of German Philology.
Courses for students of German Philology
There are special courses for exchange students of German Philology. Detailed information about the courses and registration will be given at an information event on October 8, 2025 at 14:00 am at the Campus Am Neuen Palais, Building 8, Room 0.58.
Language tandem at the Zessko
You can find detailed information about the language tandem on the Zessko website.