Starting your studies

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 summer semester 2024 under the links provided.

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

• Starting in September. Please register in advance (from 12th February 2024).
• Dates and registration

OMB+ Online Mathematics Bridging Course (HHU):

• At any time
• Please note: For economics students, participation is a prerequisite for registering for the exam in the compulsory module "BV00 Introduction to Economics/Mathematics I".
• More information
   

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:

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

• At any time
• More information

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

• At any time
• More information

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

• At any time
• More information

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

• At any time
• More information

Here you can find information to help you settle in on campus:

Orientation

• HHU first-year student guide app: Everything you need to know about starting your studies in an app
• HHU Campus ABC: Finding your way through the maze of University-specific terms
• Campus maps: Overview maps and directions
• Take a fun discovery tour of the campus: Campus rally
• Explore the campus from home: Virtual campus tour
• Orientation tutorials: Support tutorials
• Orientation when you first arrive: 1st Generation @hhu
• Study counselling

IT systems and access:

• Activate your university username: Guide
• Student ID card: HHU card
• Overview of online services (e.g. student portal, e-mails, e-learning): Arriving at university
• WLAN access: Information and guide
• Digital studies at HHU: Tips & tricks

Regular touch points:

• Lunch and coffee to go: Canteens and cafeterias
• University and State Library: Website and support services

The feel at home programme offered by 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. The International Office offers e.g. a Welcome Evening. 

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

Among other things, you can also access language courses via this page. 

In principle, the following applies: the HHU card is your travel pass for public transport. You can find information about everything it includes here. 

Are you still waiting for your HHU card at the start of the semester? If your enrolment has already been completed, you can get a temporary travel pass issued at the SSC. This is valid from  1st April (Summer semester) / 1st October (Winter semester). Send an e-mail to . 

Are you already attending a preparatory course at HHU before start of the semester?  It is possible to apply for a preparatory course travel pass via the General Student’s Committee (AStA) if your enrolment has already been completed. Alternatively, you can check whether a DeutschlandTicket (a monthly ticket covering travel on regional public transport throughout Germany) would be worthwhile for you. Please note that this ticket involves taking out a subscription, which you explicitly need to terminate when you no longer need it.

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
• redy app offered by the Düsseldorf public transport company Rheinbahn to enable you to upgrade your travel pass to a DeutschlandTicket
• 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. 

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.

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

• Student representatives
• General Student’s Committee (AStA) events 
• University sports association 
• University choir 
• Events on campus
• Events offered by the Studierendenwerk student support service organisation

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!

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

• Information on funding under the Federal Training Assistance Act (Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz – BAföG) and alternatives
• Finding Scholarships
• Budget advice service offered by the General Student’s Committee (AStA)

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

• Commissioner for Students with Disabilities or Chronic Illnesses/service and offers provided by the Commissioner and the Counselling Centre
• Overview of lecture theatres and information on accessibility
• Barrier-free access in Düsseldorf: You can find tips on enjoying barrier-free access to the city here. Wheelmap.org offers a virtual map of city locations accessible by wheelchair.
• BlindSquare app: App to help blind and partially sighted students find their way around the campus.
• Euro keys: For the use of access platforms on campus. Accessible toilets are also fitted with Euro key lock systems.

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

• Family Support Centre advisory service
• The social services offered by the Studierendenwerk student support service organisation.

In the advisory services brochure you can find an overview of all offers on campus at Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf University of Applied Sciences and University Hospital Düsseldorf.

If certain parts of your studies take place online, it’s important that the technology works. You can find links to help you with this here:

• Studying at home: Managing your time, organising your studies, staying motivated, remaining balanced
• The Centre for Information and Media Technology (ZIM): Assistance when you arrive at university and answers to questions relating to accounts, software, student portal, course catalogue and much more
• Tips on Webex: Various video tutorials and instructions in the wiki
• University and State Library (ULB): Digital and on-site services

Information relating to the topic of housing:

• Student accommodation: Halls of residence offered by the Studierendenwerk student support service organisation
• Registration, notification of changes of address, dealing with authorities – online and offline at the Citizens’ Office
• The Municipal Immigration Office is responsible for handling “bureaucratic matters” for our international students
• Information on certificates of eligibility for housing and housing allowance
• New, modern ways of living together: Intergenerational living

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.