Programmes and services to help you get started with your studies
Dear First-semester students,
Welcome to winter semester 2020/21 at HAW Hamburg!
On this webpage you'll find important information about starting your studies. Regular coronavirus-related updates are available on the Corona updates page.
If you still have questions, feel free to get in touch by using our contact form.
The HAW Hamburg Student Center wishes you success in your studies!
FAQs about starting your studies
I've been admitted to HAW Hamburg. What do I need to do to accept my study place?
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If your degree course takes part in the dialogue-oriented service procedure (Hochschulstart), you first need to accept the offer at hochschulstart.de (this is the case for most Bachelor's degree courses; for others you can ignore this step).
Now you can accept the offer online via myHAW. You will also find the letter of acceptance as a downloadable PDF in your myHAW application account. This letter explains which documents we need you to send us so that we can enrol you. You will also find the bank account number for payment of the semester contribution.
How will the start of studies in winter semester 2020/21 be different as a result of the corona pandemic?
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Although the winter semester will officially begin on 1 September 2020 as usual, the lectures will start later this time around. Our Coronavirus updates page is updated on a regular basis. Please be sure to read the answers to the questions 'When does winter semester 2020/21 begin?' and 'How will winter semester 2020/21 be organised?'
Your department will also let you know how the orientation week will be organised given the current situation.
Where do I get my certificate of enrolment and the documents I need for the BAFöG (student financial assistance) office?
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In the semester documents you receive by mail directly following your enrolment you will find information about accessing your myHAW account, which you can then use to log in as a student. Under 'My degree' and 'Study services' you will find the downloadable certificate of enrolment and the certificate for your BAFöG application.
When and where do I get my semester ticket and student ID card (chip card)?
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The Student Admissions and Registration Office will send you your semester ticket and other important information once you have enrolled. Please be sure to let us know your new address as soon as possible if you move in the interim. You can use our contact form to do this.
The ticket you receive in the mail is temporary and is valid for two months. You will need to exchange it for a student ID card (chip card) at the Chip Card Services Office at Stiftstraße 69, room 77, as soon as possible. This chip card will be your student ID card and your semester ticket for the duration of your studies.
Where do I find my course catalogue?
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Please go to your degree course page (overview of courses) and click on the the 'Students' tab. There you'll find lots of important information related to your degree, including the course catalogue.
When and where do the preliminary courses for the technical degree courses take place?
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You can find information about our preliminary courses under the 'Students' tab on your degree course's webpage.
The viaMINT online learning environment provides supplementary video-based interactive preliminary courses (in German only). You can use them to prepare independently for your studies.
Where can I find information about my orientation week?
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You can find information about your orientation unit here. You will also receive information via email from your department.
When and where can I find my course timetable?
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Some degree courses post the timetables for the first semester on the course webpage (you can find an overview here) under the 'Students' tab. You will also be given your timetable during your department's orientation week, which kicks off your studies.
Where do I find information about the first-semester tutorials?
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You can find information about the first-semester tutorials, which are organised by the First-Year Orientation Team, here.