Impact of the coronavirus pandemic on students

Last update: 15 July 2022

The responsible offices at Universität Hamburg are intensively preparing for the upcoming winter semester. They are developing plans based on expert recommendations, including those from the German government’s panel of experts for a scenario-based plan (PDF, accessible); this envisions 3 core scenarios (levels I, II, III) dependent upon the pandemic’s development and state and federal legal conditions. The plan for level I applies until further notice.

Last update: 15 July 2022

Currently, we do not foresee that proof of 3G will be required.

Last update: 15 July 2022

In accordance with the current scenario, a medical mask (covering nose and mouth) is recommended in closed rooms at Universität Hamburg. We urge vulnerable people (e.g., those with preconditions, who are unvaccinated, etc.) to wear a well-fitted FFP2 mask to protect themselves.

Last update: 15 July 2022

All scenarios continue to highlight general basic protective measures to protect against infection: keep your distance, observe coughing and sneezing etiquette, wash hands, wear masks, and ventilate rooms—known in German as the “AHA+L” rule.

Last update: 15 July 2022

For vulnerable students, including those at risk of variants generally deemed mild, individual protective measures should be taken where possible. If affected students cannot take part in in-person teaching, examinations, or laboratory exercises, they may apply for compensation for disadvantages. More information is available from the Office for Students with Disabilities and Chronic Illnesses.

Last update: 15 July 2022

Most summer semester courses predominantly took place in person. A few courses were also offered digitally or in hybrid form when the subject or teaching approach was suitable.

Last update: 31 March 2022

No. Currently, no proof of 3G is required. This also renders the Campus Pass, for which students had to register in Winter Semester 2021/22, unnecessary.

Last update: 15 July 2022

In closed rooms at Universität Hamburg, we recommend wearing a medical mask (covering nose and mouth). We urge vulnerable people (e.g., those with preconditions, who are unvaccinated, etc.) to wear a well-fitted FFP2 mask to protect themselves.

Last update: 4 May 2022

As specific protective measures vary from class to class, students will be informed by the respective teaching staff.

The University has also taken comprehensive hygiene measures. Disinfectant dispensers have been placed in all highly frequented reception areas at all University locations. Rooms used by many people, such as bathrooms, are cleaned regularly.

To protect against infection, observe the general coughing and sneezing etiquette and maintain personal hygiene—especially with regard to regular (and correct) handwashing. You should maintain distance to others outside classes. This also applies to queues and groups of people (e.g., in front of elevators). People with current respiratory infections may not enter University premises.

Wherever possible, avoid physical contact with other employees, students, and patrons.

Last update: 4 May 2022

Regular ventilation is important for reducing the risk of infection. The duration, nature, and frequency of such ventilation depends on the methods available, the duration of the event in question, and the use of the space.

• Rooms with windows should be aired out several times per hour by ventilating crosswise and/or by opening windows fully.
• If possible, do not use rooms without a mechanical ventilation system and with windows that cannot be opened by design or for other reasons.

Last update: 14 April 2022

Students are no longer required to notify the University if they contract COVID-19. Contact tracing is not being conducted. We strongly recommend that you use the federal government’s Corona-Warn-App. You can use it anonymously to warn people you have come into close contact with if you test positive for COVID-19.

Last update: 31 March 2022

If classes take place in hybrid or digital form, teaching staff will duly inform their students about formats and resources. The digital tools for teaching are already well established—for example, the various learning platforms such as CommSy and OpenOLAT. Contact the Regional Computing Center (RRZ, in German) if you have technical questions.

Read the Instructions for Using the Zoom Video Conference System of 30 July 2021 if using the Zoom videoconferencing system.

Last update: 15 July 2022

The Campus Center at Alsterterrasse 1 is open for students. You need to make an appointment. However, you will still be able to clarify most of your questions in writing or via telephone. You can get advice online or on site.

Visit the web pages of the Campus Center for all current information on services for students and applicants.

Last update: 4 May 2022

If individual measures cannot be identified to enable students to attend, for example, in-person teaching, examinations, or laboratory exercises, affected students may apply for compensation for disadvantages. More information is available from the Office for Students with Disabilities and Chronic Illnesses (website in German only).

Last update: 6 October 2021

Students with questions on how to accommodate their family commitments can contact the Family Office.

Last update: 4 May 2022

Yes. The libraries are open and workspaces can also be used.

In general, much library material is available online (eBooks and eJournals) and can thus be accessed by students where and when they wish. To conduct a literature search, use Katalogplus. This lists all print and electronic media.

International students at Universität Hamburg who have not entered the country can use the University’s digital library services via VPN or with an “e-only status.” You can use the library system even if you do not yet have a residence permit. See the FAQs on the State and University Library Carl von Ossietzky (“Stabi”) pages or the student council (“AStA”) pages for international students (in German).

Last update: 1 April 2022

Find the latest information on the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) pages.Studierendenwerk Hamburg provides information on the federal student loan scheme (BAföG) and relevant advice services in its own FAQ.

Last update: 15 August 2022

People entering Germany from abroad must inform themselves about the current requirements regarding testing, providing proof of a negative test, vaccination, or recovery, and quarantining in their federal state.

For a list of regions with a virus variant, see the pages of the Robert Koch Institute. This list is subject to change at short notice. Immediately before you depart for Germany, check to see if the countries you have stayed in the 10 days prior have been deemed regions with a virus variant. See the Federal Ministry of Health website for more information.

Before entering University premises, staff and students must inform themselves about the requirements established by the City of Hamburg and conduct themselves accordingly. See the FAQs for all information about the hygiene rules for studying in person at Universität Hamburg.

Last update: 19 April 2022

Students who are planning to study abroad or are already staying abroad should keep themselves informed of the situation at their destination and/or in their host country. Register with Elefand, the Federal Foreign Office’s electronic record of Germans abroad. Before they travel, international students should contact their local registration office for foreigners.

Erasmus+ students can find further information on planned or active mobility projects in the Department of International Affairs FAQ.

Last update: 13 December 2021

To extend your residence permit before it expires, submit all required supporting documents via the City of Hamburg’s residence permit online service.

Your permit remains valid until the registration office makes a decision on your application (presumption of law pursuant to Section 81 subsection 4 of the Act on the Residence, Economic Activity and Integration of Foreigners in the Federal Territory [Residence Act]). Probationary certificates in paper form are now being issued again. If you leave the territory of the Federal Republic of Germany without a valid residence permit or probationary certificate, you may not simply return.

Please check any recent changes online.

Contact the Campus Center if you have more questions. In urgent cases, email the advising service for international students(international.student.support.uhh"AT"uni-hamburg.de) directly.

Last update: 23 August 2021

In principle, it is possible to begin in-person studies at a later date. Ask your academic office about delayed entry to the country, and arrange an individual study plan.

International students at Universität Hamburg who have not entered the country can use the University’s digital library services via VPN or with an “e-only status.” You can use the library system even if you do not yet have a residence permit. See the FAQs on the State and University Library Carl von Ossietzky (“Stabi”) pages or the student council (“AStA”) pages for international students (in German).

Last update: 12 March 2021

Generally, students are not obliged under examination law to complete their studies within the regular period of study. The regular period of study does not place any requirements on students on the part of the University; rather, it requires the University to design degree programs and curricula in such a way that students can complete their studies within the regular period of study (cf. Section 53 subsection 2 of the Hamburg higher education act [Hamburgisches Hochschulgesetz, HmbHG]). The HmbHG allows for consequences for students only if they have long exceeded the regular period of study.

Universität Hamburg has informed all students that they will not be held to account for delays to the course of their studies that result from the coronavirus pandemic. The duration of the pandemic has resulted in delays to the course of studies, particularly practical courses that cannot be conducted digitally, which may mean that it is no longer possible for students to complete their studies in the standard period of study.

Last update: 15 July 2022

We recommend wearing a medical mask (covering nose and mouth) for in-person examinations. We urge vulnerable people (e.g., those with preconditions, who are unvaccinated, etc.) to wear a well-fitted FFP2 mask to protect themselves.

Last update: 28 January 2022

If you are unable to attend an in-person examination due to being in quarantine as a result of a coronavirus infection, you must explain your reason for withdrawing from the examination. In this case, the same rules apply as with other illnesses. You must provide the relevant proof of your need to quarantine (quarantine certificate or doctor’s note). Also, take note of the requirements of your degree program. The examination will not be assessed as an examination attempt. In principle, you will have to wait until the next round of examination dates to take the examination.