Uni & Campus
Contents
Von-Melle-Park campus
The main campus of the University of Hamburg (UHH) is located at the Von-Melle-Park (VMP) in the city centre. Many faculties, libraries, the main auditorium (Audimax), cafeterias, the student council (AStA) and multiple stationery shops are located close by. It is recognizable for the small pond (Ententeich) across the main auditorium as well as for it's green space where students can relax, eat lunch or discuss their research with their classmates.
Sprachenzentrum - language center
The Sprachenzentrum is the University of Hamburg's own language center. Each semester they offer language courses of various languages for each student to participate in. Depending on your language level and the course level, they require a language test upfront. Usually you receive credit points for the language courses which you can use to fulfil the requirement of 15 CP of the extension option in your study period.
You can find the upcoming language courses for the winter semester 2020/2021 as well as detailed information on how to apply for courses here.
Libraries
In the University of Hamburg each faculty and their departments usually have their own library. The library of the Department of Informatics is located where IAS is also located, at the Informatikum. Additionally, there is the Staatsbibliothek (Stabi), the state library, which is located in the center of the university's campus. You can use the beluga catalogue or the campus catalogue to find publications for your research.
Studierendenwerk
The Studierendenwerk is the main address for study services: it presents its wide range of student services on its website in a clear structure. Services such as “Studying in Hamburg”, “Accommodation”, “Finance”, “Eating”, “Social Counselling”, “Family Service”, and “International Affairs” are now shown clearly in separate categories, allowing users to orientate themselves quickly. The tried and tested elements, e.g. the menus of the cafeterias and cafés (online or as newsletters) and the online application form for a spot at one of the Studierendenwerk’s 23 student residences, have been incorporated and will continue to be available.
PIASTA
PIASTA is an acronym for "Programm International für alle Studierende und Alumni," or international program for all students and alumni. The acronym reflects their overall aim, which is to support both German and international students.
They want to foster internationalization and intercultural exchange at Universität Hamburg. This is why their motto is: "Interkulturell entdecken, interdisziplinär lernen, informiert studieren!" In short, to discover, learn, and study in an intercultural, interdisciplinary, and well-informed fashion.
They are a 63-strong intercultural team in the Department of International Affairs at Universität Hamburg. Their mission is to support rigorous intercultural living and studies at the University. Most of their events, courses, and seminars are held by students, for students. They also have events and activities for postgraduate/PhD students and alumni. They do:
Welcome & Cultural Events to organize your life and studies during your first weeks at University of Hamburg and to enjoy diversity and culture in Hamburg, get to know people and have fun.
Seminars and Workshops to acquire core skills to help you success in your studies, your graduate work, and in your later working life.
Information and advice regarding all study-related topics and help with bureaucratic and legal questions and problems.
Schreibwerkstatt - academic writing workshops
The Schreibwerkstatt is one of the university's addresses to practice and improve your academic writing skills. Unfortunately though, the website is only in German and so are their workshops or coaching offerings.
Hochschulsport - uni sport
The Hochschulsport (in German) is a convenient way to play any kind of sport you like, take yoga classes or dance modern jazz in one of their various courses and sport meet-ups. They are located near the main campus of the university at Rotherbaum. As a UHH student, you're able to purchase a SpordCard for students for a certain amount of euros depending on when you purchase the card. Hochschulsport also offers a FitnessCard, a SwimCard. Additionally, there are many free courses which you can find under the section NoCard.
Cafeterias, cafés & student organized spaces
The University of Hamburg has multiple cafeterias, one of which is located at the Informatikum. Other than that there're two main cafeterias (Ger: Mensen) located at the UHH campus as well as a handful of cafés. Additionally, there're student organized spaces scattered across the campus and in multiple faculties. Usually the student representative committees are in the knowledge of what the student hotspots of each faculty are.
Uni choir, orchestra & stage theater
The UHH offers a few possibilities for extracurricular activities on and off campus. Some of them are
- The university's ensembles (in German; find out how to join under "mitmachen")
- The university's stage players (English language theater project)
- The university's various religious student congregations (at the end of the page)
- AStA culture courses
