Living in and around Potsdam
We know how stressful starting a new endeavor is, especially at a foreign university. Here you will be able to find some basic information all new arrivals in Potsdam should know about, both study and life related. Hopefully the resources are able to help you gather your bearings a bit but if your questions are not sufficiently answered please don't hesitate to bombard us with questions!
Enrollment
Please keep track of enrollment deadlines. Feel free to mail in questions to the responsible party if you come across glitches in the enrolment form. Please note that if you’re posting in your enrollment documents from outside of Germany, your PUCK card and related documents will not be mailed to you. You could either personally pick this up upon arrival to Potsdam, or update to a local address as and when you acquire one.
University Information
Here is the link to the important information about enrollment deadlines and the required documents:
Inofficial Checklist for Enrollment
Check out the *unofficial* checklist for documents required for the enrollment documents. (This should always be cross-referenced with the official webpages to ensure no documents are missing):
Housing
Student Housing
Studentenwerk Potsdam offers a variety of student dormitories if you are eligible to apply. The applications are highly competitive so it would be best to apply as soon as possible.
Private Housing
If you are not eligible for Studenenwerk housing or don’t get one this semester there are many Private Housing options you can consider.
Here are some quick links for private housing:
Anmeldung
Anmeldung: Anmeldung is the process of registering yourself at your given place of residence. This needs to be completed within 14 days of you moving in, but often you have to wait a bit longer to get an appointment. For those requiring a visa, you need this document prior to getting your Residence Permit.
These pages direct you to the required documents and also for booking an appointment.
Anmeldung in Potsdam (in German)
Anmeldung in Berlin (in German)
This page offers English translations and explanations of each field for both Berlin and Potsdam Anmeldung forms:
allaboutberlin.com/docs/anmeldung
Checklist
Check out the *unofficial* checklist for documents required for the banking. (This should always be cross-referenced with the official webpages to ensure no documents are missing):
Banking
Uni Potsdam Information
Refer to all available information and compare options to arrive at the best suitable banking option for you.
External Information
This website gives an insight to suggestions and documents required for opening a bank account. The required documents are also covered in the checklist offered below.
studying-in-germany.org/how-to-open-a-german-bank-account/
Checklist
Check out the *unofficial* checklist for documents required for the banking. (This should always be cross-referenced with the official webpages to ensure no documents are missing):
Visa/Residence Permit
Important Links for Obtaining your Visa
Here are the links to the Potsdam and Berlin websites for the required documents and for obtaining an appointment.
Information on the Residence Permit for Potsdam (in German)
Information on the Residence Permit for Berlin (in English or in German)
Please Note: It is important to consult the Entry and Residence Regulations pertaining to your own country of origin.
University Assistance
The University website also offers some assistance. If you require further assistance, feel free to contact the International Office. Please note, the process for Residence Permit may vary between Potsdam and Berlin.
Checklist for Obtaining a Visa
Check out the *unofficial* checklist for documents required for the visa. (This should always be cross-referenced with the official webpages to ensure no documents are missing):
Insurance
A certificate of insurance must be submitted with the documentation for enrollment at the university. The insurance requirements may differ between EU and Non-EU students, so be sure to look into that accordingly. There is further information about other kinds of Insurance here.
Public Transportation
Potsdam and Berlin are very well connected through various forms of public transport like trams, trains, buses and metro lines. Your Student Chip Card (PUCK) functions as a travel pass in most cases, the cost of which is included in the Semester Fee. Google Maps offers reliable information about public transport routes that you could take.
The official BVG app tends to have the most updated information regarding all public transport in the two cities and it also allows you to purchase tickets for your travels through it. You can download it for both Android and Apple.
DB and VBB also offer information on public transportation both on their websites and through mobile apps.. Further information is also available on the Uni Potsdam website.
Public Broadcasting Fee (Rundfunkbeitrag)
Also called TV Tax, every apartment and dormitory room must be registered to pay the public broadcasting fee of monthly 17.50 Euro. WG members can split up the fee. You can register your apartment or room with a form that you will get from your local residence registration office. For more information click here.