Important information on all study programmes, such as the times for welcome events and introductory sessions.
Starting to study
This checklist offers preliminary guidance and handy hints for the first steps you’ll need to take, along with links to further information. Alternatively, you can take a look at this checklist video [DE].
See below for the times for the preparatory courses being offered in the summer semester 2023.
Preparatory courses in chemistry, computer science, mathematics and physics (HHU):
- Start in september. Please register in advance (from February 13th)
- Times and registration [DE]
Precourse mathematics for medical students (HHU):
- winter semester only
- More information [DE]
Intensive French language preparatory course (at A2/B1 level) (HHU):
- Start only for the winter semester in September. Please register in advance.
- More information [DE]
Intensive Italian language course for university preparation (A2/B1 level) (HHU):
- Start only for the winter semester in September. Please register in advance.
- More information [DE]
Intensive Spanish language preparatory course (A2/B1 level) (HHU):
- Start only for the winter semester in September. Please register in advance.
- More information [DE]
Online preparatory course in mathematics OMB+ (HHU):
- Any time
- More information [DE]
Other free preparatory courses from other providers / universities
Online preparatory course "Grundlagen der Naturwissenschaften" (Ruhr Uni Bochum):
- Any time
- More information [DE]
Online preparatory course in informatics (virtuelle Hochschule Bayern/Uni Würzburg):
- Any time
- More information [DE]
Online preparatory courses in mathematics on the ORCA.nrw digital learning portal:
- Any time
- More information [DE]
Online preparatory course "Latein für Geisteswissenschaften" (Ruhr Uni Bochum):
- Any time
- More information [DE]
Particularly at the start of your studies, you’re bound to have countless questions. You’ll find answers here, or in the information for first-year students for your chosen subject (factsheet) where you’ll also find the contact details for the responsible academic advising service. In addition, we can answer your individual questions during the office hours specifically for first-year students.
Academic advising for students (overview)
Do you have questions about your studies? See here for an overview of the advising services offered by the Student Services Centre and other offices at HHU.
Welcome to the HHU campus!
Student life involves far more that “just” attending lectures.
Familiarise yourself with your university and take advantage of the wide range of opportunities – you’ll undoubtedly find offers that pique your interest!
See below for just a small selection:
Preliminary guidance:
- The university IT Services - First steps for new students
- HHU guide for first-year students (Ersti-Guide): All information about starting your studies in one single app. HHU Ersti-Guide App (in German language - DE)
- HHU Campus ABC: An orientation to the uni lingo used at HHU
- Campus map: Overview maps and directions
- Explore the campus from home: Virtual campus tour (in German language - DE)
- How to activate your university identifier: Instructions [DE]
- Student ID: About the HHU-Card
- Overview of online services (e.g. study portal, emails, digital learning): Settling in at the university [DE]
- How to access HHU’s Wi-Fi network: Instructions [DE]
- Digital learning at HHU: Tips und tricks
- The University and State Library (ULB) Düsseldorf: Website and support services
- Lunch and coffee to-go: Canteens and cafeterias [DE]
- Financing of studies: BAföG (financial aid) and scholarships [DE]
- Student accommodation: "Studierendenwerk" [DE]
Support and advice:
- Orientation and assistance for first-year students from the Student Services Department
- Orientiation tutorials [DE]: Helpful support for the start of studies
- Studying at home [DE]: Tips for the online semester
- Virtual advising and counselling services of the Student Services Department [DE]
- Groups , courses, worhshops [DE] for a successful start to your studies
- "1st Generation @hhu" - for first-year students who are the first in their families to take up university studies
- Information for our exchange/ERASMUS students
- Want to go abroad?: Then our International Office can glady assist
- Studying while caring for a child and/or family member: Family Support Center
- Studieren with disabilities/chronic illness: Support and information [DE]
Social media:
- The Students Services Department on social media: Instagram and Twitter (all channels in German lanugage [DE])
Studying online
Good preparation is key!
HHU intends to offer as many in-person courses as possible in the winter semester 2022/23. However, due to the current incidence rate and the continuously changing regulations, unfortunately it is difficult to predict at the moment whether this will actually be possible.
Therefore, we’ve compiled a list of links for you to various tips and techniques for studying online.
The university IT Services - First steps for new students
Studying at home [DE]: Managing your time, organising your studies, staying motivated, remaining balanced
Technology for studying at home: How-to guide – tips and tricks for digital learning
Tips for Webex [DE]: Various video tutorials
HHU’s university and state library – also known as the ULB or BIB [DE]: Digital and on-site services
Centre for Information and Media Technology (ZIM) [DE]: Help with online accounts, software, the study portal, course catalogue and much more
Welcome to Düsseldorf!
Explore your (new) place of residence – there’s so much to do and even more to see and experience!
- Registering, re-registering, dealing with authorities – online and offline at the local citizens' bureau [DE]
- The Municipal Immigration Office [DE] handles “bureaucratic matters” for our international students
- More than just a roof over your head – Studierendenwerk halls of residence [DE]
- Mobility – thanks to the NRW Semester Ticket [DE], your options for getting around are (almost) unlimited for you as a HHU student
- Check the Stellenwerk job portal for the details of the latest job openings and internship offers
- Want to experience some culture? [DE] You’re definitely in the right place to do just that in the cultural city [DE] of Düsseldorf. What’s more, you can take advantage of countless student discounts!
- Want to explore Düsseldorf’s leisure scene? HHU’s web page on living in Düsseldorf provides a good overview.
- Düsseldorf's event calendar [DE] includes sport, music, flea markets and countless other events.
- Barrier-free access to Düsseldorf: See here for tips and suggestions to ensure you can access our city during your time here. Wheelmap.org [DE] offers a map specifically to search for and find wheelchair accessible locations.
The brochure on advising services [DE] provides an overview of all services available at HHU, the University of Applied Sciences Düsseldorf and Düsseldorf University Hospital.
For a smooth start at HHU!
The International Office's Welcome Programme aims to help international students settle in and to find their way around, for example by providing helpful information on starting their studies.
The International Office offers a Welcome Evening for international students. More information
Welcome to the HHU!
See below for further information and helpful links for students with a disability or chronic illness.
- Officer for Students with Disabilities and Chronic Illnesses [DE]: Offers and advising services
- Overview of the lecture theatres with information on accessibility
- Barrier-free access to Düsseldorf: See here for tips to ensure the best possible access for you during your time in Düsseldorf. Wheelmap.org [DE] offers a virtual map of wheelchair accessible locations in the city.