Advice and Services

Keep track on your preparations: Our Checklists

Before arriving

  • You have applied to study abroad as an exchange student.
  • You have selected courses that you would like to take in Kassel.
  • You have completed the Learning Agreement form (Erasmus+ students only).
  • You have received your visa (if applicable).
  • You have registered for a room at one of the student halls of residence or found private accommodation elsewhere.
  • You have applied for a certificate that proves your health insurance cover in Germany (if applicable).
  • You have registered for the German language course (only if you want to).
  • You have ensured sufficient funding for your stay in Germany.
  • You have planned your journey to Kassel.
  • You have arranged an appointment for moving into your accommodation.

After arriving

  • You have registered with the Citizens' Office in Kassel/Witzenhausen.
  • You have opened your bank account.
  • You have taken out a health insurance policy (for non-EU citizens only).
  • You have applied for a residence permit at the Foreigners' Registration Office (for non-EU citizens only).
  • You have paid your semester fees.
  • You have collected your study certificate from the Admissions Office.
  • Your Learning Agreement has been signed (for Erasmus students only).
  • You have activated your UniAccount.
  • You have applied for a library card.
  • You have entered your courses on your online course list.

During the semester

  • You have taken part in the Orientation Week for international students.
  • You have taken part in the introductory session for your faculty or programme.
  • You have prepared your own timetable.
  • You have checked the International Office website for information on academic and organisational support services and campus activities.
  • You are familiar with the tutors at the International Office.
  • You know the Departmental Coordinator.
  • You know your contact person at the International Office (Marlis Fellmann).
  • You have attended the Campus Club.
  • If you want to extend your stay for another semester, you must re-register by paying the semester fees once again.

Before leaving

  • You have arranged your move out.
  • You have de-registered with the Citizens' Service Office, your health insurance company and your bank.
  • You have cancelled all other contracts, for example, with your Internet and phone provider.

Download
The checklist is also available as a PDF file that you can download:

Before arriving

  • You have applied for the degree programme of your choice.
  • You have been admitted to this degree programme.
  • You have received your visa (if applicable).
  • You have registered for a room at one of the student halls of residence or found private accommodation elsewhere.
  • You have applied for a certificate that proves your health insurance cover in Germany (if applicable).
  • You have registered for the German language course (only if you want to).
  • You have ensured sufficient funding for your stay in Germany.
  • You have planned your journey to Kassel.
  • You have arranged an appointment for moving into your accommodation.

After arriving

  • You have registered with the Citizens' Office in Kassel/Witzenhausen.
  • You have opened your bank account.
  • You have taken out a health insurance policy (for non-EU citizens only).
  • You have paid your semester fees.
  • You have collected your study certificate from the Admissions Office.
  • You have activated your UniAccount.
  • You have applied for a library card.
  • You have applied for a residence permit at the Foreigners' Registration Office (for non-EU citizens only).

During the semester

  • You have taken part in the Orientation Week for international students.
  • You have taken part in the introductory session for your faculty or programme.
  • You have prepared your own timetable.
  • You have checked the International Office website for information on academic and organisational support services and campus activities.
  • You are familiar with the tutors at the International Office.
  • You know the Departmental Coordinator.
  • You have attended the Campus Club.
  • If you want to extend your stay for another semester, you must re-register by paying the semester fee once again.

Before leaving

  • You have de-registered from the university.
  • You have arranged your move out.
  • You have de-registered with the Citizens' Service Office, your health insurance company and your bank.
  • You have cancelled all other contracts, for example, with your internet and phone provider.

Download
The checklist is also available as a PDF file that you can download:

Before arrival

  • As a PhD candidate, you have arranged (i.e. successfully applied for) supervision of your PhD project by a professor or a doctoral studies group ("Graduiertenzentrum"). As a PhD applicant, you have successfully applied tob e enrollen as an exchange student.
  • You have been admitted as a PhD applicant or candidate.
  • You have registered with the database for visiting academics and scholars.
  • You have arranged for accommodation in the International House or a students dormitory or you found an appartment on the private market.
  • You have ensured sufficient funding for your stay in Germany and you can provide evidence of this (e.g. Scholarship, work contract).

  • As a non-EU citizen but with residence in another European Country (for study/research) you do not need to apply for a German visa if you come in the framework of an EU study or research mobility for up to 12 months. We will organize the necessary confirmation, please contact the International Office of the University of Kassel (Ms. Kristin Gagelmann).

  • If applicable, you have arranged childcare or schooling for your child(ren).

  • You have applied for a certificate proving that your health insurance covers your stay in Germany (if applicable).

  • As a non EU citizen, you have taken out a health insurance policy, see EURAXESS and DeGiS for your search for a private health insurances (substitutive for the full public health insurance if you are not eligible for the public one e.g. through a working contract).

  • You have registered for the German language course (only if you want to).
  • You have planned your journey to Germany.
  • You have made an appointment to move in to your pleace in Germany.

On arrival

First orientation

Before departure

  • You have deregistered with the Citizens' Service Office.
  • You have cancelled your rental agreement in good time and you have arranged your move out with your landlord. Make sure that you get your deposit back.
  • You have cancelled all other contracts, for example, with your Internet and phone provider or your energy company.
  • You have deregistered your child(ren) from school and/or kindergarten (if applicable).
  • If you intend to return home with items liable to duty, please make sure you are familiar with the relevant customs regulations.

Before Arrival

  • You received the invitation letter from a University of Kassel professor for your teaching or research stay.
  • You have registered with the Welcome Centre.
  • You have ensured sufficient funding for your stay in Germany and you can proof it, for example by means of a scholarship.
  • You have received (if necessary) your visa and, if applicable, those of your family members as well. As a non-EU citizen but with residence in another European Country (for study/research) you do not need to apply for a German visa if you come in the framework of an EU study or research mobility for up to 12 months. We will organize the necessary confirmation, please contact the International Office of the University of Kassel (Ms. Kristin Gagelmann).
  • You have arranged for accommodation and an appointment to move in.
  • If applicable, you have first contacts for childcare or schooling for your child(ren) by intermediation e.g. of the International Office.
  • If applicable, you have applied for a certificate proofing your health insurance coverage in Germany.
  • You have registered, if interested, for a German language course.
  • You have organized your travel to Kassel.
  • If your nationality is another one than EU but you come from another European University for a research mobility: You have submitted the notification and supporting documents to the International Office of the University of Kassel in order to apply for your entrance document for Germany.
  • If you will be an employee of the University of Kassel you might care for a certificate showing that you remain in the social security system of your home country and are exempt of payments in Germany (in the EU this is the form “A1”)

On Arrival

In Kassel / Witzenhausen

Before Departure

  • You have given your notice of departure to the Citizens' Office, and terminated your German health insurance and bank account.
  • You have cancelled your lease in due time and you have arranged your move-out appointment with your landlord. Make sure that you get your deposit back.
  • You have cancelled all other contracts, for example, with your internet and phone provider or your energy utility.
  • You have deregistered your child(ren) from school and/or kindergarten (if applicable) and have given notice to the Kindergeld office if you received Kindergeld.
  • You have deregistered your car (if applicable).
  • If you intend to return home with items liable to duty, please make sure you are in accordance with the relevant customs regulations.

  • Your contact person in the International Office is Ms. Kristin Gagelmann.