Before your arrival
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These are the things you need to take care of as an exchange student before your arrival in Darmstadt/Dieburg:
1. Visa
As an international exchange student, you may need a visa to enter Germany, depending on where you're from. The Federal Foreign Office's overview tells you whether you need one or not visa. More information can also be found in our visa section.
2. Accommodation
Darmstadt offers plenty of housing options, from student residence halls to private apartments. Finding a place to stay for only one or two semesters can be a little tricky - but we‘re there to help you. You'll find an overview of all the options and application processes on our Accommodation page.
3. Classes & Learning Agreement
In Germany, the final course catalog is available online rather late compared to other countries. At h_da, the course catalog for the winter semester does not post online before 1 September, the course catalog for the spring semester is usually not available before 1 March.
Even though you will not be able to select your final classes before these dates, you familiarize yourself with the classes that were taught at h_da during the last two semesters - and start preparing your (Erasmus) Learning Agreement.
Classes in September and March
Please note that some classes begin during our Welcome & Orientation weeks (in September and March). These comprise German as a Foreign Langauge courses (4 credits) as well as the course "Studying in Germany and Liking it" (2.5 credits). In order to take part in a German as a Foreign Language class, you're required to take a placement test. We'll send you all the details you need by email.
Classes during the semester
All other classes take place during the regular lecture period. This applies to the classes at your h_da department. You will sign up for these in September, or March, respectively.
4. Online get-together
Before your arrival in Darmstadt/Dieburg, we will meet up online to discuss the following aspects of your exchange semester(s) with us:
- the things you need to take care of once you‘re in Darmstadt
- the document you need for your final enrollment at h_da
- the types of health insurance plan that are accepted at h_da (for students from overseas & Turkey)
Our online meeting is also a great way to meet your fellow exchange students for the first time! After the meeting, your exchange semester will suddenly feel much realer and more palpable.
Our online meeting will take place in June/July for those of you coming to Darmstadt for the winter semester as well as in January/February for those of you starting their studies with us in March. You will be invited by email.
5. Enrollment at h_da
After our online meeting, you will be required to prepare your final enrollment documents. For your final enrollment, we need:
- a confirmation from a health insurance provider accepted at h_da
- your payment of the semester contribution
Health Insurance
In Germany, only people with sufficient health insurance coverage can be enrolled as students. This is why we are required by law to check your insurance status before you can complete your final enrollment at h_da. Your German health insurance presumably starts on 1 April (in summer) or 1 October (in winter).
Please note that receiving a Letter of Acceptance does not mean you’re enrolled at h_da. Enrollment takes place in two steps:
- Pre-enrollment on the basis of your Letter of Acceptance
- Final enrollment in person – will take place after your health insurance plan has been checked (and you have paid the semester contribution)
The following providers are not accepted for enrolment: Care Concept • CISI (Cultural Insurance Services International) • Dr. Walter • educare24 • Guardme • Mawista • VELA • other (private) insurances
If you are over 30 years old, different health insurance rules apply to you (private health insurance may still be accepted).
Please take a look at the type of health insurance coverage that is required to be enrolled at h_da.
Semester contribution
The semester contribution is to be sent to h_da's bank account before your arrival in Darmstadt/Dieburg (i.e. in August, or February). Do not send any money to h_da's bank account before receiving our email! Please also note that exchange students pay a reduced semester contribution (excluding the administrative part of the contribution).
- Students from Europe or the EEA typically have a SEPA bank account from which the semester contribution can be easily sent to h_da's bank account
- Students from other countries should check and compare online multi-currency providers such as Wise, Revolut or N26. Wise, for example, regulates their payments into the Europe through Belgium's National Bank, i.e. within Europe itself. This means that Europen laws apply here.
By paying the semester contribution you receive an official student status in Germany. This has many advantages:
- discounts for certain places and events (e.g. h_da canteen, movie theater, theater, parties etc.)
- the right to apply for a roon in a student residence hall
- a so-called semester ticket ,i.e. a travel pass valid in busses, trams and local trains all over Germany (valid from October and April, respectively)
Start of the exchange semester
The start of your exchange semester is the beginning of September (for winter semesters), or March (for spring semesters), respectively. We will tell you the exact date well in advance. We expect you to be in Darmstadt/Dieburg on the specific date we tell you.
Meetup App
Our Welcome & Orientation Days as well as the events offerend during the semester will be announced through our Meetup group called "h_da exchange students". Please download the Meetup app (for Android or iOS) and create a user account using your real name and using the Latin alphabet. We'll send you the pass code for the group via email.
Four campuses
h_da has four campuses: Three are located in Darmstadt, one is located in Dieburg. The Dieburg campus is home to all study programs of the Media Department. A part of our Business classes too are taught at the Dieburg campus. Check out our interactive campus map!
AirLiner bus
The AirLiner Bus takes you from Frankfurt Airport to Darmstadt. See here for more information.
Classes & exams at h_da
Here you'll find an overview of the classes taught at h_da. Make sure you select the right semester. For English-taught classes, select “English“ as the “Language of instruction“. For German-taught classes, select “German“.
Please note that the course catalog for winter semesters posts online on 1 September, the course catalog for spring semester is made available on 1 March. If the semester you need hasn't posted online yet, browse the classes that were taught last winter, or spring semester, respectively. Typically, the sam classes are taught each winter semester and each spring semester.
Information for students with disabilities
You’ll find details on h_da’s Inclusion Office (website currently only in German) and who to turn to for help in any inclusion-reated matters. The following website by the EU can also provide information on h_da's support services: https://inclusivemobility.eu/
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Contact
Marina Zielke (she/her) &
Ronja Lang (she/her)
Incoming exchange students advisors
+49.6151.533-68014
+49.6151.533-60022
incoming.int@h-da.de
Office: C23, 02.10