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Starting your studies

Events, contacts and information for when you start your studies

To ensure a good start to your studies, you can find contacts for your subject, gain an overview of important dates at the start of the semester and begin preparing your timetable here.

Please note that some linked pages are only available in German. In such cases, please contact the responsible unit directly for further information.

Before the semester starts

The checklist for the start of your studies offers guidance and handy hints for the first steps you need to take, as well as links to further information. The checklist video shows you what you need to do before the semester starts.

In order to activate your university username and further online services, you will need your student ID number* (see below) and your activation code (will be sent automatically by e-mail or post). Enter both in the Identity Management system (IDM): https://idm.hhu.de/sspr/public/activate. You will then receive your university username and can define a password. 
You can find a step-by-step guide in this explanatory video.

*If you applied online via the HHU application portal, you can find your student ID number via the website https://digstu.hhu.de (see video).
If your enrolment was not completed via the HHU application portal, your student ID number will be sent to you by post.

Once you have activated your university username, you can download various certificates and documents (e.g. to obtain “BAföG” financial support) from the DigStu website at https://digstu.hhu.de. We explain how in this video.

You can find the dates for courses in the winter semester 2026/27 under the links provided.

Preparatory courses in chemistry, computer science, mathematics and physics (HHU):

  • Starting in September (from 14th Sept.2026) Please register in advance.
  • Registration is possible from 13th of july onwards.
  • Dates and registration  

OMB+ Online Mathematics Bridging Course (HHU):

Please note: You can find information on obtaining a travel pass to cover the preparatory course period under the point “Travel pass”.

Further free preparatory courses offered by other providers/universities (mostly provided only in German language):


Online “Preliminary Course – Natural Science 101” (Ruhr University Bochum):

Online preparatory course for study programmes related to computer science (OPEN vhb – Bavarian virtual university/University of Würzburg):

Various online preparatory courses in mathematics in the ORCA.nrw digital learning portal:

Online “Preliminary Course – Latin for Students of Humanities” (Ruhr University Bochum):

 

Dates for the placement tests for the winter semester 2026/27:

French placement test (register in advance):

Spanish placement test (register in advance):

Japanese placement test for students with prior knowledge (register in advance):

Integrative Linguistics:

  • Please refer to the individual languages
  • You can find important information on mandatory language placement tests here.

Media and Culture Studies:

  • Language Placement Tests: Starting on the 13th of october 2026. The placement test is required for enrollment in language courses for students with prior knowledge. More Information here. 

Transcultural Humanities:

Musicology:

 

Safety:

  • The safety card provides all the important information and emergency phone numbers at a glance.
  • You'll also find practical information here about the campus accompaniment service, troubleshooting services and more.

Orientation

Regular touch points:

The International Office aims to help international students settle in and to find their way around when they start their studies, for example by providing helpful tips and support.

Online Preparation Session for international students: 9th september 2026, 11.00 am to 12.30pm german time. Follow this link to enter the Webex-online-session!

The International Office offers e.g. a Welcome Event on 11th november 2026 (please register). 

The International Office also offers regular information events (e.g. a Q&A session with the Düsseldorf Immigration Office), meet-ups for international students and much more.

You can find the International Office events here.

You can find more information about studies for international students here.

You can also obtain information about language courses via this page.

Since 01.04.2024: the HHU Card is your German semester ticket for public transport. It is therefore valid on public transport throughout Germany! The costs are covered by the semester fee.

Information on which services are included can be found here. The Verkehrsverbund Rhein-Ruhr (Transport association) also provides a binding overview here.

Are you still waiting for your HHU Card at the start of the semester? If your enrollment has already been completed, you can apply for a provisional semester ticket at the SSC. This is valid from 01.04. (SoSe)/ 01.10. (WiSe).  Please send an e-mail to studierendenservice(at)hhu.de. 

 

 

 

IDM, ILIAS, and MFA—Does it all sound like Greek to you?! Here’s a quick guide to the most important IT portals for your studies:

  • IDM - Activate your university ID and HHU Card; manage your personal information (password, email address)
  • Digstu - Various self-service options, such as printing a certificate of enrollment, updating contact information, and submitting applications
  • Student Portal - Access to the course catalog and ILIAS, as well as exam registration and results
  • HIS-LSF - Electronic course catalog, including course registration
  • ILIAS - E-learning platform for accessing course content and lectures
  • Eduroam - Wi-Fi everywhere on campus (set up via easyroam)
  • MFA & VPN - for accessing university services off campus
  • Roundcube - for checking your university emails (required)

Instructions and further information can be found on the ZIM website.

Apps can provide valuable assistance in various situations during student life. Here are a few helpful apps you can use during your studies at HHU:

  • First-year student guide app for information and important dates at the start of and during your studies
  • eduroam for WLAN access on campus and at many other universities, too
  • Webex as a video conferencing tool
  • Nextbike for discounted cycling on and around the campus

Your stomach is rumbling and you haven’t charged your canteen card? No problem! You can top up your card easily online via the Ventopay website. 

 

During the first semester

Student Services offers open consultation sessions for first-year students in addition to the Academic Advice Service.
We can help you with any questions relating to starting your studies, learning and personal organisation or put you in touch with the right contact person.

Simply drop by – you do not need to register. You can find more information here.

Take advantage of the support services to develop your information skills and get to know the learning spaces on campus:

Having trouble finding study groups? Use the Student Advisory Service's “Study Buddy Exchange” (German only) to connect with other students for studying!

There are many wonderful things to discover at HHU and in Düsseldorf! Find some inspiration for exploring the university and the city here. 

It’s easier to study with others. Here are a few ways to network with other students:

It’s not easy to cover all your costs during your studies, particularly with rising prices. We want to help you find ways to make savings so you have more money left in your wallet at the end of the month.

Take a look at the saving tips checklist for the start of your studies provided by Heinrich the hare!

Always well informed

Could you be eligible for the Studienstarthilfe? This is a separate funding instrument within the German Federal Training Assistance Act (BAföG) aimed at first-year students who receive social benefits, are under the age of 25 at the beginning of their course of study, and are enrolling at a higher education institution in Germany, another EU member state, or Switzerland for the first time.
Before starting your studies, please review the eligibility requirements and application procedure here.

There are various advisory services relating to financing your studies that you can take advantage of:

You can find further information and helpful links relating to studying with disabilities or chronic illnesses below.

You can also find information on the BBST website about the open meet-ups for students with AD(H)D and on the autism spectrum.

Are you caring for children or relatives while studying? The following contact points offer support:

HHU Düsseldorf offers students and prospective students numerous counselling and supportive services.

With our counselling guide StudyWell, we make your search easier and you can find the right contact point in just a few steps! Unfortunately currently only available in german, but we are working on it!

To help you get off to a good start in Düsseldorf

Information relating to the topic of housing:

Welcome to Düsseldorf! Explore your (new) place of residence – there’s so much to do and even more to see and experience!

Mobility:

  • Public transport – as a student of HHU, your options for getting around are (almost) unlimited with the NRW travel pass.
  • Nextbike: Students at universities and colleges participating in the scheme can cycle at discounted rates.
  • Barrier-free access in Düsseldorf: You can find tips and suggestions for enjoying barrier-free access to the city here. Wheelmap.org offers a special map to help you find city locations accessible by wheelchair.

Leisure time

  • Want to experience some culture? You are definitely in the right place to do just that in the cultural city of Düsseldorf. What’s more, you can take advantage of countless student discounts!
  • Want to explore the leisure scene in Düsseldorf? The Living in Düsseldorf page on the HHU website provides a good overview.
  • The Düsseldorf event calendar provides information on sports, music, flea markets and many other events.
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