+++ The website is currently being revised. We are making every effort to ensure that the updated information will be available by February 14, 2025 at the latest - i.e. with the changeover to the new campus management system of the University of Potsdam (PULS). Thank you for your understanding! +++
Potsdam University’s Chip Card (PUCK)
Information on the Semester Ticket for the Summer Semester 2024
From the summer semester 2024, the semester ticket will be abolished in its current form and the nationwide uniform Deutschlandsemesterticket (DST) will be introduced exclusively in digital form. This means that the PUCK can no longer be used as a ticket from the summer semester 2024. However, the PUCK must still be validated in order to have a valid semester card.
You can find more information about the Deutschlandsemesterticket on the Student Union / AStA website.
First Issue of the PUCK | Replacement chip card | Charging Stations | Validation Stations | Validation Times | Lost Cards | Safekeeping and & Handling | Contact | FAQ
All University of Potsdam students receive a chip card (PUCK) that serves as their student ID. Your PUCK has the following functions:
- Student ID with security features as the owner’s proof of identity
- Library card
- Copy and print card
- An electronic wallet for small amounts to make payments in dining halls, cafeterias, and libraries
- Key for locking systems
The personal data stored on the card include your name, your student registration number, and a photo.
You can add money to your electronic wallet at one of the charging stations located at the three university campuses.
First Issue of the PUCK
After your payment, your Potsdam University’s Chip Card (PUCK) will be issued and delivered by post. The envelope contains:
- Potsdam University’s Chip Card (PUCK)
- Information about the activation of your University account
- TAN-list (PULS- Potsdamer Universitätslehr- und Studienorganisationsportal)
- Access to this portal will allow you to print certificates of enrollment, register for classes, etc.
The PUCK is sent automatically after enrollment.
Please be patient and wait for the delivery of the PUCK. In this period we have our peak workload, but we do our best to send out all documents promptly.
Please understand that the documents cannot be collected personally.
EXCEPTIONS
Exchange and non-degree seeking students will get the PUCK due to organizational matters personally at the International Office.
Information on replacement chip card
I’ve lost my PUCK card, or it was stolen. What do I need to do?
My PUCK is defective or worn out, and cannot be used. What should I do?
Charging Stations
Charging stations for adding money to your electronic wallet can be found at the following locations:
- Campus Am Neuen Palais, House 8, in front of the secretary’s office of the ZIM (the entrance is to the right of the cafeteria) - shopsystem
- Campus Am Neuen Palais, Dining Hall (Mensa) 1ST FLOOR – girocard
- Campus Griebnitzsee, Dining Hall (Mensa) - girocard
- Campus Griebnitzsee, House 5 (Library) - shopsystem
- Campus Golm, Dining Hall (Mensa) - girocard
- Campus Golm, House 18 (Library/IKMZ) - shopsystem
At the shopsystem of the University of Potsdam you can pay with mastercard, maestro, girocard and VISA for adding money to your electronic wallet. Contactless payment is also possible.
Assistance for students with disabilities: If you require assistance in recharging your chip card, please contact the secretary’s offices of the ZIM or the tutors working in the computer pool.
Validation Stations
The validity period for your chip card can only be updated at one of the validation stations at the following locations and times:
- Campus Am Neuen Palais, House 8, in the hallway outside the rooms 0.66/0.69 (ZIM - Computer Pool)
Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM - Campus Golm, House 8, room 0.10 (ZIM - Computer Pool)
opening hours: opening hours of the Computer Pool - Campus Golm, House 14a, Foyer,
Monday through Friday from 6:30 AM to 9:30 PM - Campus Griebnitzsee, House 1, GF, room 1.01 (central printers/copiers/scanners room)
Monday through Friday from 6:30 AM to 9:00 PM - Campus Griebnitzsee, House 5, entryway to the University Library
see hours of operation for the library
You can make changes to your address via the PULS-Portal. Please remember to take your card after completing your transactions!
Validation Times
Winter Semester (Re-registration period June 15 through July 15)
Starting on July 1, you may use the validation stations to update the validity period of your PUCK. You can print your enrollment certificates and your confirmation of periods of study as well as change your address through the PULS-Portal. The printed certificates contain a verification key that enables any public authority to verify your records.
Summer Semester (Re-registration period January 15 through February 15).
Starting on February 1, you may use the validation stations to update the validity period of your PUCK. You can print your enrollment certificates and your confirmation of periods of study as well as change your address through the PULS-Portal. The printed certificates contain a verification key that enables any public authority to verify your records.
Lost Card
In order to minimize the damage to both the student and the University of Potsdam in the event of loss or theft, please contact the PUCK Service Point by phone or email immediately to have your PUCK card blocked.
Return of remaining balances on the Potsdam University's Chip Card PUCK
If your PUCK card is lost, stolen or otherwise damaged, the remaining credit on the chip card is not lost. If you have a replacement issued at the PUCK Service Point, please inform them that there was still credit on the PUCK.
If you have applied for a replacement via PULS and there is still credit left on the chip card, please inform us by mail (puckuuni-potsdampde). The PUCK Service Point will let you know what you need to do next.
After de-registration, the payment function of PUCK can no longer be used. However, repayment of the remaining balance can then be requested within the semester following de-registration. To do so, you must submit an application for repayment of the remaining balance in PULS under "My Functions" - "Submit Applications". The application will be processed by the PUCK Service Point as soon as the PUCK card has been received by the Student Administration Center/ Office of Student Affairs / International Office.
The repayment will be made by bank transfer by the Association for Student Affairs (Studierendenwerk West:Brandenburg) or, if desired, by cash payment during the opening hours of the Association for Student Affairs (Studierendenwerk West:Brandenburg), Bursary, Babelsberger Strasse 2, 14473 Potsdam.
Submit the application for repayment of the remaining balance together with your application for de-registration. This is because you will no longer have access to PULS from the last working day (Monday - Friday) before the day your de-registration goes into effect. If you want to submit an application after de-registration, please contact the PUCK Service Point directly.
Safekeeping & Handling
Your PUCK card is a high-tech device. We recommend careful handling to ensure its functionality. You should take special care not to damage the microchip located on the card.
Please avoid the following:
- Bending the card (can break the antenna),
- Slight yet permanent curving of the card, or exposing it to high temperatures (causes problems in imprinting the data on the thermochromatic strips during validation),
- Soiling and scratching the surface of the card, as well as other physical damages (damage to the thermochromatic layer, the laminate, and the labeling),
- Chemical effects (such as those caused by washing the card).
You should always keep your PUCK card in a protective sleeve to ensure that it enjoys a long life. Be sure when selecting a protective sleeve that it does not contain plasticizers, which can damage the card, for example by fading the photo on your PUCK card.
If your PUCK card becomes unusable due to improper handling, then you will have to pay for the issuance of a replacement card.
Personal Office Hours
| Tuesday | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM | |
| Thursday | 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM | |
Important Links
- (§ 3 e-mail account and Potsdam University chip card)
- (§ 4 No. 2 Administrative fees)
- Information on Imprint (PDF, 108 KB)