FAQs

A

Abroad

I would like to go abroad.

The International Office will support you in planning your stay abroad (for study, an internship or language courses). Our staff at the Student Service Centre will also gladly answer your initial questions.

B

BAföG (Federal Law on Support in Education)

I need money to finance my studies.

A first overview about financing opportunities is available here.

BAföG (German Federal Training Assistance Act) applications are available at the Seezeit Service Centerin the university foyer. You will find general information on the pages of Seezeit student services. Seezeit can also advise you on financing options such as student loans. The Seezeit pages also describe the conditions necessary for international students to receive BAföG assistance.

Apply for a scholarship. Research tips on finding relevant scholarships can be found here.

If you are looking for a job, please use the Career Service’s online internship and job portal. Here you can find student assistant (Hiwi) jobs, employment as a “Werkstudent”, internships as well as positions for graduates. Seezeit also maintains a board listing jobs.

”HiWi” (student assistant) jobs are popular at the departments. As an student assistant, you support academic staff in teaching and research. Watch for job ads and postings or ask directly at the departments with research the topics that you are interested in.

International students can find information at the International Office. International students with a valid residence permit or visa are usually allowed to work 120 full or 240 half days per calendar year. Please check the information included on your residence permit or visa.

I would like to apply for BAföG assistance.

BAföG (German Federal Training Assistance Act) applications are available in the Seezeit Service Centre in the university foyer. You can find additional information on the Seezeit student services pages.

Information and support

I need an appointment.

If you need an appointment at the Central Student Advisory Service or the Centre for Teacher Education, please contact the Student Service Centre (SSZ), phone: +49 7531 88-3636 or use the contact form. If you would like to schedule an appointment with the Career Service, please send an email to cs.beratung@uni-konstanz.de.

For appointments with the departmental student advisors, please contact them directly via email or visit them during their office hours. Click here for an overview. Current information is also available on the department websites.

Here is an overview of additional support services at the University of Konstanz.

Ich habe Probleme mit den Prüfungen.

An der Universität Konstanz gibt es verschiedene Angebote, die Ihnen helfen, sich auf Prüfungen vorzubereiten und diese erfolgreich zu absolvieren.

Die Zentrale Studienberatung bietet unter anderem Kurse zu Lern- und Arbeitstechniken an. Im Schreibzentrum finden Sie Unterstützung bei der Erstellung von wissenschaftlichen Arbeiten.

Sie suchen eine Lerngruppe? Auch eine Lernpartnerbörse hat die Zentrale Studienberatung im Angebot.

Stress im Studium? Probleme mit den Prüfungen? Seezeit bietet Einzelberatung und Seminare bei Prüfungs- und Lernschwierigkeiten sowie zur Bewältigung von studienbedingten Belastungen.

Auch das Kompetenzzentrum Schlüsselqualifikationen bietet Kurse an, die Ihnen die Studienorganisation erleichtern. Unter anderem können Sie Ihre Computerkenntnisse ausbauen, Ihr Zeitmanagement verbessern und lernen, mit der Stofffülle an der Universität umzugehen – so können Sie besser mit den Herausforderungen des Studiums umgehen.
Das Kursangebot finden Sie im Veranstaltungsverzeichnis LSF unter „Fächerübergreifende Angebote“.

I have a disability or suffer from a chronic disease. Whom can I contact?

You point of contacts at the university is Anna Blank and Berit Bethke. Here you will wind more information on the topic.

You can find more information on the web pages of the student service. Bei konkreten Studien- und Prüfungsfragen (z. B. Nachteilsausgleich) können Sie sich auch direkt an die jeweiligen Studienfachberater wenden.

I chose the "wrong" field of study and would like to change it.

If you are thinking about changing your course of studies and need support in finding the right one, you can contact the Student Service Centre (SSZ). They will schedule an appointment for you with the Central Student Advisory Service (ZSB).


Do you already know exactly which study programme at the University of Konstanz you would like to transfer into? You will find information on course transfers on the pages of the University of Konstanz at "Changing field of study or university".

I would like to know the difference between the Central Student Advice Service and the Advisory Service of the Department.

The advisors of the Central Student Advisory Service (ZSB) help current and prospective students with all questions regarding their studies. For example: changing your field of study or university, difficulties with studying or examinations, managing study-related stress, the question of dropping out, the transition from bachelor to master courses.
If you wish to make an appointment, please contact the Student Service Centre
(phone +49 7531 88-3636 or via contact form).

The departmental student advisory service helps you with structuring your studies, planning the next semester, credit recognition (e.g. when transferring to the University of Konstanz), exam preparation and all other questions related to your study programme. Here you can find an overview of the academic advisors with contact details. For current information please check the web pages of the departments.

Last but not least: Our International Office helps all international students to deal with all the formalities, such as visa, residence permit, health insurance, bank account, accommodation or financing options. Additionally, you can take part in programmes where you will meet German and international fellow students and get to know the academic culture at a German university. Please check the webpages of the International Office for more information and contact addresses.

Who is the right contact person to answer my question?

The Student Service Centre on level B4 is your first point of contact if you have questions on studying (phone: +49 7531 88-3636 or via contact form). Here you will be put in contact with the right contact person.

Overview of consultation services at the Universtiy of Konstanz.

Library

Are there any lockers somewhere?

Additionally, there are lockers outside and in the library as well as on the gallery (next to the coat rack). Some of these lockers can be rented for an entire semester (subject to charge). If you wish to rent a locker outside the library, please contact the facility management / lost and found (room M 534, phone +49 7531 88-2512, email). Please contact the information desk of the library (more information) if you have questions on the lockers within the library.

Usually the lockers are assigned anew at the beginning of the semester - just look out for notices.

I need a book from the library.

The library sections J and N are opened 24 hours (limited opening hours during the semester break). Your student ID card is also your library card. You can find the online catalogue on the KIM web pages. Here you can also check whether the media you require are available at the university, are on loan or can be ordered.

I need to study in peace and quiet

Please find an overview of quiet study space both within and outside the library in the "A-Z" section of the library pages.

I'm looking for a PC-work place.

You can find an overview of the PC-work places in the library on the webpates of the Communications, Information, Media Centre (KIM). Microsoft office is installed on some of the computers in the library.


There are CIP pools outside the library and some of them are reserved for students of certain departments. Please check the CIP pool websites for location, opening hours and equipment.

 

Campus Life

What else does the University offer - beside studying?

University sports, participation in the university committees or groups, university theatre, big band or orchestra to name a few. The University of Konstanz offers you many opportunities!

Here you can find an overview of life on campus.

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Print

I would like to copy, print or scan.

You can use the copiers at the university to copy, print or scan. You can collect documents you have printed with a computer on the university network at any copier with your personalised copy card. Moreover, you can send scanned documents to your email address. You can find instructions and an overview of the copier locations on the web page of the Canon Service Centers.

You can acquire a copy card in the library or at the Canon Service Centre (3 Euro deposit). In order to be able to print and scan, you need to personalise your card.

Alternatively, you may also use your “Mensakarte” (cafeteria card). Please note that the copying account has to be recharged separately, as you cannot make copies using your canteen account.

Can I print something from my mobile phone?

Yes. If your smartphone, tablet etc. can send emails, you can use it to send print jobs to a canon print centre. Please find instruction on how that works at the MobilePrint page of the Canon Printservice.

E

Email

How can I read my university emails?

You can check your emails via the web browser application Sogo using your identifier and password. You can also read and write emails via email clients such as Thunderbird. The Communications, Information, Media Centre (KIM) provides instructions.

Where do I get the access data for my email address?

After your matriculation you will receive a data sheet containing all relevant information (identifier, initial password, etc.) Please change the password to activate your account. The Communications, Information, Media Centre (KIM) provides more information. If you have problems concerning your account (forgot your password etc.), please contact the Benutzerberatung (support team) of KIM.

If you have not yet received your personal data sheet, pleas contact the Student Service Centre (SSZ).

Orientation week

When and where are the information events for new students?

Under "Einführungsveranstaltungen” (orientation events), you can find the orientation events, information sessions of the departments as well as the preparatory courses for new students.

First steps

I would like to collect my student card.

If you you begin your studies at the University of Kontanz in the winter semester 2015/2016, you can collect your student ID card starting on 01 October 2015 until 16 October 2015, Monday’s to Thursday’s between 09:30 and 14:00, and Friday’s from 13:00 at the booth in front of the Student Service Centre. Please bring your identity card or passport. After that time you can collect your student card at the Student Service Centre during the regular opening hours (level B4).


Please remember to put the current semester sticker on the back of your student card. Without the current sticker your card is invalid. You have received the sticker with your personal data sheet.
Further information about enrollment.

When and where are the information events for new students?

You can find an overview of the orientation events for first-semester students, information sessions of the departments as well as the preparatory courses for new students under information events.

What is the Studi-Ticket and where can I get one?

Stadtwerke-Studi-Ticket: It costs 52.30 €, is valid one semester in the city region Konstanz, on the ferry Konstanz-Meersburg, in the city area of Kreuzlingen "Ostwind Lokalzone" and for the "Seehas" train between station Wollmatingen and station Konstanz.
VHB-Studi-Ticket: It costs 52 €, is an upgrade to the Stadtwerke-Studi-Ticket, and is valid one semester for the entire linked transport system VHB.
You can purchase the Studi Tickets at the Seezeit shop at the university. You can find more points of sale via the listed links.

Which courses do I have to attend in the first semester?

You can find the study schedule of the majority of courses of study on the pages of the Departments. There you can find out which courses you should/have to attend in the first semester. Please also visit theinformation sessions of the Departments during the orientation week. You will get important information for the start of your studies, on compiling your class schedule etc.

Which preparatory course should I attend?

To make the start of your studies easier, the university offers several preparatory courses. The courses prepare you for the (technical) challenges of your studies. As university mathematics differs from school maths, it is particularly sensible in the natural sciences to take part in a preparatory course.


Kon'Start is aimed at German and international students, who wish to do an English course before the start of their studies and want to refine their learning and working techniques.


The webpages of your department provide more information on preparatory courses and information sessions.

F

Student Council

I'm looking for my departmental student council.

A student council represents the students in a particular department. You can contact your student council via your department or Asta.

Departmental student advisory service

Changing your field of study

I chose the "wrong" field of study and would like to change it.

If you are thinking about changing your study programme and need support in finding the right one, you can contact the Student Service Centre (SSZ) or arrange an appointment with the Central Student Advisory Service (ZSB).

You already know exactly which course at the University of Konstanz you want to do instead? You will find information on the application for changing your study programme under application.

Bicycle

Financing

I need money to finance my studies - who supports me and can answer questions on finding a job and other financing possibilities?

In the area financing my studies you will find an overview of the general financing options.

BAföG (German Federal Training Assistance Act) applications are available in the Seezeit Service Centre in the university foyer. You will find general information on the pages of Seezeit student services. Seezeit can also advise you on financing options such as student loans. The FAQ from Seezeit describe the conditions necessary for international students to receive BAföG assistance.

If you are doing well in school and university, you can also apply for a scholarship or grant. Research tips on finding relevant scholarships can be found under the question “how can I apply for a scholarship”.
If you are looking for a job, please use the Career Service’s online internship and job portal. Here you can find student assistant (Hiwi) jobs, employment as a “Werkstudent”, internships as well as positions for graduates. Seezeit also maintains a board listing jobs.
”HiWi” (student assistant) jobs are popular at the departments. As an student assistant, you support academic staff in teaching and research. Watch for job ads and postings or enquire directly at the departments with research focuses you are interested in. International students can access general information from the International Office. International students with a valid residence permit or visa are usually allowed to work 120 full or 240 half days per calendar year. Please check the information included on your residence permit or visa.

I would like to apply for BAföG assistance

BAföG (German Federal Training Assistance Act) applications are available in the Seezeit Service Centre in the university foyer. You can find additional information on the Seezeit student services pages.

How can I apply for a scholarship?

That depends. For some scholarships you can apply yourself, for others you have to be recommended. Scholarship providers select their scholars according to different criteria – please check where your profile will fit best.
You can look for relevant scholarships via the website Stipendienlotse.de.

An additional option is the Deutschland-Stipendium (Germany scholarship) at the University of Konstanz.

Which foundation is the right one for me? The Central Student Advisory Service along with the scholarship holders organize a information event on a regular basis.

It will provide interested students an overview. An overview of the upcoming events can be found in the event calendar.

Foreign languages

I would like to learn a foreign language

TheSprachlehrinstitut (SLI) (Language Institute) offers language courses in a variety of languages at basic and advanced levels. You can browse the courses in the course catalogue (Vorlesungsverzeichnis). Moreover, you can use the Self-Access Study Centre or learn a language in tandem with a native speaker.

G

Fees while you study

What else does the University offer - beside studying?

University sports, participation in the university committees or groups, university theatre, big band or orchestra to name a few. The University of Konstanz offers you many opportunities!

Here you can find an overview of life on campus.

H

Hochschulsport (University Sports)

I would like to register for a sports class.

Table tennis, curling, basketball, sailing, pilates, gymnastics, soccer, climbing, ski excursions, trekking, yoga - the university sports programme offers a wide range of sports from aerobics to zumba.

You will find the current programme on the pages of university sports. There you can also find information on how to register and on the athletics facilities. Many of the activities take place at the university athletics centre and the water sports facility in the city district Egg.

I

Computer Science

Informational Events

International

K

Child care

Courses

L

Lab coat

Campus Map

LSF

M

Cafeteria

Minors

I am under age – what do I have to take into account at the university?

Prospective students, who have not yet turned 18, can enrol (matriculate) themselves at the university and do not need a declaration of consent from their legal guardian (usually the parents), as you are allowed to deal with everything directly connected to your studies yourself. Besides enrolment, this applies particularly to: Collecting your student card, registering for examinations, using the library and the services of the IT Service Centre, filing applications, re-registering or exmatriculating.

These rights do not apply to other areas of life, however. As a minor you are not allowed to:

  • sign a rental contract for a room in the halls of residence or a privately rented apartment
  • sign contracts on financing your studies
  • conclude travel contracts or register legally binding e.g. for a planned excursion which will last several days

For these things you need the consent of the legal guardian.

Moreover, the prohibitions and guidelines of minor protection and the protection of minors in the media apply. These apply independently of the consent of the parents. This is why at university events (e.g. the "Erstsemesterparty" - freshmen party) minors between 16 and 18 cannot:

  • get or consume tobacco
  • get or drink alcohol (with the exception of beer, wine and sparkling wine)
  • stay longer than midnight without being accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

In addition, they must not get access to media that might be harmful to young persons.

N

Grade printout

I need a transcript of records

You can print your transcript of records yourself via StudIS. If you need an official printout with university seal for an application or the like, please contact the examinations office of your department.
If you are an international student, please ask the International Office for your transcript. Here you can find out what you need to do.

O

Orientation examination

Examination regulations, plan of study: Why do I need that?

The examination regulations are the framework of your studies. It determines which courses, exams and other academic performance assessments you have to complete, the time period in which to do so, whether an internship is compulsory and so forth.


A plan of study identifies a hypothetical course of study. You can find it on the pages of the corresponding departments.
Courses often times have to be taken in order. Thus it makes sense to attend certain courses in the prescribed order. Some courses are only offered during the summer or winter semester. Please bear that in mind when planning your studies. The plan of study is usually a recommendation that you can adapt to your own needs.
Please be aware that you are usually not able to reschedule any orientation examinations.

What is the orientation examination?

The orientation examination will help you to determine whether you have chosen the right field of studies for yourself. As a rule, you should have taken the orientation examination by the third semester. Please check with your department or your examination regulations to find out which academic performance assessments are part of the orientation examination.

Orientation week

When and where are the information events for new students?

Under "Einführungsveranstaltungen” (orientation events), you can find the orientation events, information sessions of the departments as well as the preparatory courses for new students.

Which preparatory course should I attend?

To make the start of your studies easier, the university offers several preparatory courses. The courses prepare you for the (technical) challenges of your studies. Since school mathematics is usually not the same as university mathematics, it is often helpful to take part in a preparatory course.
Preparatory course for all first-year students:
Kon'Start is aimed at German and international students, who wish to complete an English course before the start of their studies and who want to refine their learning and working techniques.

The overview and the pages of your departmentprovide more information on preparatory courses and information sessions.

P

Returnable bottle

Where can I drop off my bottles with refundable deposit at the university?

Those bottles that you have purchased at the university can be returned to the Seezeit booth in front of the cafeteria (level A5) at mid day.

Internship experience

I would like to complete an internship.

The Career Service supports you in finding an internship (job and internship database) as well as with organising your application documents.
Some departments offer internship databases.
Please refer to your examination regulations to check if you are required to complete a mandatory internship. Inform yourself about the modalities behind having your internship recognised.

Examinations

I have problems with examinations.

The University of Konstanz offers several programmes to support you in preparing for examinations and passing them successfully.
The Central Student Advisory Service (ZSB)offers courses on the learning and working techniques. The Writing Centre supports all students in furthering their writing competence.
Are you looking for a study group? The Central Student Advice Service also offers a study partner search engine (Lernpartnerbörse).
Stress during your studies? Problems with examinations? The Seezeit student service offers one-on-one consultation and seminars on examination and learning difficulties as well as on coping with study-related stress.
The Centre for Key Competencies also offers courses to help you with organising you studies. For example, you can expand your computer skills, improve your time management and learn how to deal with the wealth of material at the university. This will help you meet your study challenges.
You can find the available courses in the LSF online course catalogue under "interdisciplinary offers".

Do I have to register for examinations?

The conditions of the departments, the Centre for Key Competencies and the Language Institute vary. You can usually register yourself via StudIS. Please consider the application periods of the corresponding institutions.

What is the orientation examination?

The orientation examination will help you to determine whether you have chosen the right course of studies. As a rule, you should have taken the orientation examination by the third semester. Please check with your department or your examination regulations to find out which academic performance assessments are part of the orientation exam.

R

IT Service Centre

WiFi

You will find information on WLAN access on the pages of the IT Service Centre. For personal support please contact the support team of the IT Service Centre in V517 (Mon-Fri | 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.)

Help, my computer has gone haywire

If your computer does not do what it is supposed to do, you can contact the support team of the IT Service Centre (V517 | Mon-Fri 10:00 - 17:00) or write an email to support@uni-konstanz.de that describes your problem.

On the web pages of the IT Service Centre you can also find many step-by-step instructions, e.g. for setting up WLAN.

How can I access the university services from home?

Via remote access you can access the university services from your home PC too. This way you are able to access databases and documents that are available only within the university network from home.

Re-registration

V

Visa

Discounts

Which social benefits and discounts can I get as a student?

Studi ticket, international student card, discount in the cinema, and, and, and.

Here is an overview of social benefits for students.

W

Hall of residence