The first days at university raise many questions. At the UP.START orientation day, you will get to know your campus, meet students in higher semesters, student councils, and central contact points, and pick up all the important tips for a successful start in Potsdam.
Date: October 5, 2026 Time: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Place: Griebnitzsee Campus | Building 6 & Area in front of Building 1 | Location map (PDF)
Schedule and Registration
All presentations, workshops, and the information fair will take place in Building 6 on Griebnitzsee Campus; you can find the Market of Opportunities in the area in front of Building 1. Just drop by and ask your questions during the workshops, events, or at the information booths. If registration is required, this will be clearly indicated in the attached event program.
The following overview lists all the events of the day.
If you find a note at the selected event indicating that registration is requested, then be sure to send an email or register at the appropriate place before attending.
UP International Rallye! Join the UP International Rally! Explore the international diversity of our university by visiting the booths of different UP units and answering a question at each one. A gift awaits you at the International Office booth once you've completed the tour! Details on how to participate are available at the International Office booth.
Seminar room S16
Bürgerservicecenter: Um- und Anmeldungen
Institution: Landeshauptstadt Potsdam | Team Bürgerservicecenter Registration: no Target group: Bachelor and Master students / Employees Language: German
🌐 Kick-off: Welcome to the University of Potsdam! A warm welcome to the University of Potsdam! Get to know your new academic home, make your first connections, and receive important information about the orientation day UP.START for your studies. We look forward to seeing you!
Speakers: Robert Meile, Stephanie Sumner & Dr. Peter Kostädt Registration: no Target group: Bachelor's and Master's students / international students Language: German/English
🌐 How to Mensa New to university, new campus, new surroundings—and then your first time at the canteen? Especially at the beginning, it can all feel like quite a lot to take in at once. How does choosing your meal work? How do you pay? And what actually happens to the tray when you’re done? Our canteen team will show you, step by step in 20-minute sessions, how a visit to the canteen works. That way, your first visit to the canteen won’t be a leap into the deep end, but a great start to your everyday student life. Start: 10:00, 10:20, 10:40 a.m.. The last slot will take place in English.
Format: How-to Institution: Studierendenwerk West:Brandenburg Speakers: Mensa team | Josephine Kujau Registration: no Target group: First semester students Language: German / English
Lecture Hall H07
Herzlich willkommen an der Universität Potsdam Welcome meeting for students with a vocational qualification
Format: Welcome meeting Institution: Central Student Advisory Service Speaker: Vera Yu Registration: yes, at vera.yuuuni-potsdampde Target group: Students with a vocational qualification Language: German
Seminar room S23
Erste*r an der Uni - Und jetzt?
Format: Workshop Institution: Central Student Advisory Service Speakers: Sharon Wieries & Elisa Grebs Registration: no Target group: Bachelor's and Master's students Lanuguage: German
Meeting point in front of Building 5
🌐 Tour of the library Join us for a tour with pointers and insider tips for navigating the library -- your lifeline as a student. (Duration: max. 15 minutes)
Format: Tour Institution: University Library Speaker: Ulrike Ziler Registration: yes (max. 40), here Target group: Bachelor's and Master's students Language: German / English
Training room in the library, building 5
Bibliotheksworkshop: Der die das! Wieso weshalb warum…
Format: Workshop Institution: University Library Speaker: Ulrike Ziler Registration: yes (max. 15), here Target group: Bachelor's and Master's students Language: German
Central Meeting point (outdoors)
🌐 Outdoor Netwalk Outdoor Netwalk as an interactive workshop.
Format Workshop Institution: Center for Teaching Quality Development (ZfQ) Speaker: Nicole Körner Registration: no Target group: female students, trans, intersex, and non-binary people Language: German / English
Lecture hall H05
Mit der Uni Potsdam ins Ausland
Format: Lecture with Q&A Institution: International Office Speaker: Larisa Subasic Registration: no Target group: Bachelor's and Master's students Language: German
Lecture hall H02
🌐 International students: support and services for academic orientation Session for international students regarding support services and academic orientation at the University of Potsdam.
Format: Info session Institution: Central Student Advisory Service Speaker: Nadežda Hoffmann Registration: no Target group: Bachelor's and Master's students (international) Language: English
Seminar room S27
🌐 Healthy Studying – Overcoming Procrastination, Boosting Productivity, and Managing Your Time Workshop on productivity, time management, and effective strategies for overcoming procrastination while studying.
Format: Workshop Institution: Feel Good Campus Speaker: Jule Seiffert Registration: no Target group: Bachelor's and Master's students Language: English
Initiate. Create. Impact. – Studentische Projekte im Studium
Format: Workshop Institution: Center for Languages and Key Competences (Zessko) Speaker: PD Dr. Ljuba Kirjuchina Registration: no Target group: Bachelor's students Language: German
Seminar room S14
Einführungsveranstaltung Stundenplanbau
Format: Workshop Institution: Central Student Advisory Service Speakers: Tobias Schatz, Elisa Grebs & Nadja Fischer Registration: yes (max. 50), at studienstartuuni-potsdampde Target group: Bachelor's students (except Law) Language: German
Seminar room S19
Zwischen Campus und Care-Arbeit: Studieren mit Familien- und Pflegeaufgaben
Format: Informational event Institution: Central Student Advisory Service & Equal Opportunity Coordination Office Speakers: Ulrike Sträßner & Lina Knorr Registration: no Target group: Bachelor's and Master's students Language: German
Lecture hall H04
How to Money Money
Format: Lecture Institution: Studierendenwerk West:Brandenburg Speaker: Josephine Kujau Registration: no Target group: Bachelor's and Master's students Language: German
Seminar room S27
Gesund Studieren - Anti-Prokrastination
Format: Workshop Institution: Feel Good Campus Speaker: Jule Seiffert Registration: yes, link will follow shortly Target group: Bachelor's and Master's students Language: German
Lecture hall H01
🌐 Prepare to work in Germany. What you need to know
Format: Lecture Institution: Career Service & UPtransition Speakers: Anne Klinnert & Alica Bremer Registration: no Target group: Bachelor's and Master's students (international) Language: English
Seminar room S13
Speak Science! Grundlagen für deinen ersten wissenschaftlichen Vortrag
Format: Lecture Institution: Center for Languages and Key Competences (Zessko) Speakers: Alicia Jänsch & Annika Hörmann von Hörbach Registration: yes (max. 30), at vortragscoachinguuni-potsdampde Target group: Bachelor's students Language: German
Lecture hall H06
Fremdsprachenlernen am Zessko - hochschulspezifisch, handlungsorientiert, UNIcert®-akkreditiert
Format: Lecture Institution: Center for Languages and Key Competences (Zessko) Speaker: Olga Holland Registration: no Target group: Bachelor's and Master's students Language: German
Seminar room S17
🌐Learning German at the Zessko - for international Students Presentation on German language learning opportunities at Zessko, followed by a question and answer session.
Format: Presentation Institution: Center for Languages and Key Competences (Zessko) Speaker: Christoph Lehker Registration: no Target group: Bachelor's and Master's students Language: English
Seminar room S15
Schreiber-Ich erkunden
Format: Workshop Institution: Center for Languages and Key Competences (Zessko) Speaker: Ariane Wittkowski Registration: no Target group: Bachelor's students Language: German
Lecture hall H03
Psychisch fit im Studium starten und bleiben mit Motivation und Flow
Format: Workshop Institution: Central Student Advisory Service | Mental Health Counseling Speakers: Vera Yu & Sophia Simonis Registration: no Target group: Bachelor's and Master's students Language: German
Seminar room S26
Hochschulsport Potsdam - Sport und mehr!
Format: Lecture Institution: Academic Sports Center Speaker: Julia Schoenberner Registration: no (max. 30) Target group: Bachelor's and Master's students Language: German
Meeting point in front of building 5
🌐Tour of the library Join us for a tour with pointers and insider tips for navigating the library -- your lifeline as a student. (Duration max. 15 minutes)
Format: Tour Institution: University Library Speaker: Ulrike Ziler Registration: yes (max. 30), here Target group: Bachelor's and Master's students Language: German / English
Seminar room S12
Ich packe meinen Rucksack für’s Studium
Format: Workshop Institution: Central Student Advisory Service Speakers: Bettina Hertrich & Magdalena Vock Registration: yes (max. 25), at studienstartuuni-potsdampde Target group: Bachelor's and Master's students Language: German
Griebnitzsee Campus | Building 6 (Exception: Market of Opportunities)
Reflect. Connect. Transform. – Interkulturelle Kompetenz als gesellschaftliche Haltung
Format: Workshop Institution: Center for Languages and Key Competences (Zessko) Speaker: PD Dr. Ljuba Kirjuchina Registration: no Target group: Bachelor's and Master's students Language: German
Lecture hall H04
🌐 How to Money Money – for International Students Looking for a student job in Germany? In this interactive session, you'll learn what international students need to know before starting a job. We'll explain the most important rules and requirements, share practical tips for working while studying, and show you how the Studiwerk's Job Placement Service can support you in finding a suitable student job. Practical, interactive, and with plenty of time for your questions.
Format: Workshop Institution: Studierendenwerk West:Brandenburg Speaker: Josephine Kujau Registration: no Target group: Bachelor's and Master's students (international) Language: English
Lecture hall H03
Deine Uni. Deine Rechte. Deine Anlaufstellen.
Format: Lecture Institution: Equal Opportunity Coordination Office (KfC) Speaker: Christina Wolff Registration: no Target group: Bachelor's and Master's students Language: German
Lecture hall H02
Was machste dann damit?! Berufsorientierung von Anfang an mitdenken.
Format: Workshop Institution: Career Orientation for Students of the Humanities Speakers: Jessica Assel & Stephanie Sumner Registration: no Target group: Bachelor's and Master's students Language: German
Seminar room S15
Best-of der Schreibmethoden
Format: Workshop Institution: Center for Languages and Key Competences (Zessko) Speaker: Ariane Wittkowski Registration: no Target group: Master's students Language: German
Seminar room S17
🌐 Sprachentandems und Sprachcafés Beyond Language Courses: Introduction to tandem partnerships and informal language learning opportunities.
Format: Presentation Institution: Center for Languages and Key Competences (Zessko) Speaker: Steffen Skowronek Registration: no Target group: Bachelor's and Master's students Language: German / English
Seminar room S13
Talk Smart! Dein Toolkit für Rhetorik und nonverbale Kommunikation
Format: Workshop Institution: Center for Languages and Key Competences (Zessko) Speakers: Alicia Jänsch & Annika Hörmann von Hörbach Registration: yes (max. 30), at vortragscoachinguuni-potsdampde Target group: Bachelor's students Language: German
Training room, Library, Building 5
🌐 Library workshop: One of these things is not like the other… Interactive workshop in English about dream libraries, services, and essential campus library knowledge.
Format: Workshop Institution: University Library Speaker: Ulrike Ziler Registration: yes (max. 15), here Target group: Bachelor's and Master's students Language: English
Lecture hall H01
Mit Nachteilsausgleichen durchs Studium (Austausch, inklusiv Studieren)
Format: Lecture/Discussion Institution: Central Student Advisory Service Speakers: Robert Meile & Dr. Lucas Mielke Registration: no Target group: Bachelor's and Master's students Language: German
Seminar room S27
🌐 Studying healthily - Study, Work and Insurance Essential information for students on balancing academics, employment, and insurance requirements.
Format: Informational event Institution: Feel Good Campus Speaker: Jule Seiffert Registration: no Target group: Bachelor's and Master's students Language: English
Lecture hall H06
🌐 Study abroad with the University of Potsdam
Format: Lecture with Q&A Institution: International Office Speaker: Elisabeth Borsdorf Registration: no Target group: Bachelor's and Master's students Language: English
Meeting point in front of building 5
🌐 Tour of the library Join us for a tour with pointers and insider tips for navigating the library -- your lifeline as a student. (Duration max. 15 minutes)
Format: Tour Institution: University Library Speaker: Ulrike Ziler Registration: yes (max. 40), here Target group: Bachelor's and Master's students Language: German / English
Griebnitzsee Campus | Building 6 (Exception: Market of Opportunities)
Format: Presentation Institution: Academic Sports Center Speaker: Julia Schoenberner Registration: no (max. 30) Target group: Bachelor's and Master's students Language: German
Seminar room S14
Einführungsveranstaltung Stundenplanbau
Format: Workshop Institution: Central Student Advisory Service Speakers: Tobias Schatz, Elisa Grebs & Nadja Fischer Registration: yes (max. 50), at studienstartuuni-potsdampde Target group: Bachelor's and Master's students Language: German
Seminar room S27
Gesund Studieren - Studium, Arbeit & Versicherung
Format: Informational event Institution: Feel Good Campus Speaker: Jule Seiffert Registration: yes, link will follow shortly Target group: Bachelor's and Master's students Language: German
Seminar room S17
Deutsch lernen am Zessko - für internationale Studierende
Format: Presentation Institution: Center for Languages and Key Competences (Zessko) Speaker: Christoph Lehker Registration: no Target group: Bachelor's and Master's students Language: German
Seminar room S18
🌐 English for Academic and Specific Purposes Courses @ Zessko English for Academic Purposes and subject-specific English courses at Zessko.
Format: Lecture Institution: Center for Languages and Key Competences (Zessko) Speaker: Steffen Skowronek Registration: no Target group: Bachelor's and Master's students Language: English
Lecture hall H03
Studieren mit Stipendium
Format: Lecture Institution: Central Student Advisory Service Speaker: Dr. Marlies Reschke Registration: no Target group: Bachelor's students Language: German
Lecture hall H05
🌐 Starting and Staying Mentally Fit in Your Studies with Motivation and Flow
Format: Workshop Institution: Central Student Advisory Service | Mental Health Counseling Speakers: Vera Yu & Sophia Simonis Registration: no Target group: Bachelor's and Master's students Language: English
Meeting point in front of building 5
🌐 Tour of the library Join us for a tour with pointers and insider tips for navigating the library -- your lifeline as a student. (Duration max. 15 minutes)
Format: Tour Institution: University Library Speaker: Ulrike Ziler Registration: yes, here Target group: Bachelor's and Master's students Language: German / English
Griebnitzsee Campus | Building 6 (Exception: Market of Opportunities)
Information Fair | 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Building 6 Foyer
Welcome to the University of Potsdam’s information fair – the central point of contact for anyone who wants to find out more about the university’s wide range of offers and services! This is a unique opportunity to get in direct contact with representatives of the central institutions and ask all your questions about your studies, our services, and support options.
Information Fair Participants
Academic Sports Center
European Digital UniverCity (EDUC)
Career Service
Feel Good Campus
Center for Information Technology and Media Management (ZIM)
Inclusive Organization of University Studies - Study with Health Impairments / Chronic Conditions
Center for Languages and Key Competences (Zessko) – Key Competences
Industry and Business Partnership
Center for Languages and Key Competences (Zessko) – Languages
International Office (plus Buddy program)
Center for Languages and Key Competences (Zessko) – Language Tandems, Language Café, Language Learning Counseling
Nightline Potsdam
Center for Languages and Key Competences (Zessko) – Presentation Coaching
Potsdam Graduate School
Center for Languages and Key Competences (Zessko) – Writing Assistance Program (supported by the Writing Assistance for International Students)
Potsdam Transfer
Center for Teacher Training and Education Research (ZeLB)
State Capital of Potsdam - Citizen Service
Central Student Advisory Service (plus Mental Health Counseling, AWO Addiction Counseling and Brandenburg Study Orientation Network and STEM)
UNIshop
Confidants of the University of Potsdam
University Library
Equal Opportunity Coordination Office
University Society Potsdam e.V.
Erasmus Student Network Potsdam
West:Brandenburg Association for Student Affairs
Market of Opportunities | 12:00 noon – 4:00 p.m. | Area in front of Building 1
Welcome to the “Market of Opportunities” – the perfect starting point for all new students who want to actively shape campus life! Here, you have the unique opportunity to connect directly with university groups, student councils, clubs, and cultural institutions from Potsdam, get to know exciting initiatives, and find the group that perfectly matches your interests.
Market of Opprtunities Participants
ADFC - Young Cyclists
Barriere:frei:zeit
Belvedere Pfingstberg
Brandenburgischer Pädagogen-Verband
Chöre
Das Minsk
Deutsches Rotes Kreuz (DRK) - DRK e.V.
English Drama Group
Erasmus Student Network Potsdam (ESN)
ESG Evangelische Studierenden Gemeinde Potsdam
Feminist Law Clinic
Filmmuseum
FSR Anglistik und Amerikanistik
FSR Cognitive Science - Embodied Cognition
FSR Geschichte
FSR LER
FSR Musik
FSR Wirtschaft-Arbeit-Technik
Gewerkschaft Erziehung und Wissenschaft (GEW)
Hans Otto Theater
Hochschulgruppe der Jungen Europäischen Förderlist:innen Berlin-Brandenburg (JEF-BB)
Hochschulgruppe des Deutschen Gewerkschaftsbundes (DGB) an der Universität Potsdam
Stiftung Preußische Schlösser und Gärten Berlin-Brandenburg
Studis gegen Rechts
StudyTutors
UNICEF Hochschulgruppe Potsdam
UNISONO Potsdam
Universitätssportverein Potsdam e. V.
Urania Planetarium
VKS Knochenmarkspende
Waschhaus
WEISSER RING
Wortgefechte – Hochschul-Debattierclub Potsdam
Zentrum für Hochschulsport
Child Care
Do you need childcare? We are happy to assist you! Childcare will be available in the family room and, if necessary, on the outdoor area in front of it. Please contact the persons directly in the family room: Griebnitzsee, Building 1, Room 0.25 (outer wing parallel to the train tracks, next to the passage to the cafeteria).
