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Organizational Matters

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Photo: Matthias Friel

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 April 2 between 10:00am and 4:00pm on Campus Am Neuen Palais. This is only valid after consultation with the Studentenwerk Potsdam.

If you are not yet in Potsdam on April 2, please contact your responsible Studentenwerk officer by mail and discuss how to get your lease and key.

Information for tenants of the residence halls of Studentenwerk Potsdam.


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 book an appointment for the “Einwohnermeldeamt (Bürgerservice)” (please see info mail from International Office). Please book your appointment as described in this email. We will let you know on which day exactly and what time your appointment will take place.

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

Attention: From summer semester 2024, the PUCK will no longer be used as a semester ticket!

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.


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?

Here you can find a handout with further information on course enrollment.


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.


Only relates to exchange students

Can I still cancel or postpone my studies at the University of Potsdam?

You can submit a request  to withdraw your enrollment at the University of Potsdam via the MoveON portal until 30.04.2024.

Insofar as you wish to postpone your stay, be sure to have your home university or scholarship provider nominate you again in time for the next semester.

A direct refund of the complete semester fee is not possible. It is also not possible to postpone the paid semester fee to the next semester. Refunds are made through 2 applications:

1: Refund of the part of the Student Union fee

In order to get back the amount for the Student Union fee (50 euros), you must submit the application for refund before the start of the semester, i.e. by 31.03.2024 at the latest.  For the refund, fill out this application and send it directly to the Studentenwerk. Also send them the confirmation of withdrawal from enrollment, which you receive from the International Office.

2: Refund of the part for the semester ticket

You can have the amount of the semester ticket (176,40 euros) refunded directly by the AStA. To do so, fill out this application and send it by mail or e-mail directly to the AStA of the University of Potsdam. This is also possible in April and May. Also send them the confirmation of withdrawal from enrollment, which you receive from the International Office.

Only relates to exchange students


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 03.04.2024 at 2:00 pm at the Campus Am Neuen Palais, Building 9, Room 2.06


Language tandem at the Zessko

You can find detailed information about the language tandem on the Zessko website.