Information Sessions for International Students
These events will prepare you for your studies at OVGU and your stay in Magdeburg. All events are offered in English.
Studying at OVGU
Welcome to OVGU
This welcome session provides information to hel you get off to a smooth start at OVGU. Topics include enrollment, your student ID, the Deutschlandticket, the campus and welcome services such as the International Welcome Weeks, language and sports courses, the cafeteria, student initiatives and important contacts.
| Date | Time | Zoom link |
| September 3, 2025 | 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. | to be announced |
| September 24, 2025 | 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. |
to be announced |
Study Culture at OVGU
This webinar will introduce you to the academic culture in Germany and at OVGU. You will learn about teaching formats, exams and coursework, communication, e-mail etiquette, German time culture, and the academic calendar. You will also receive information on exam registration, grading, German language courses and support services to help you succeed in your studies.
| Date | Time | Zoom link |
| September 15, 2025 | 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. |
to be announced |
LSF Workshops
The LSF Workshops during the International Welcome Weeks will explain course and exam registration, Moodle and how to create your timetable.
| Date | Time | Zoom link |
| September 30, 2025 | 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. |
to be announced |
| October 9, 2025 | 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. |
to be announced |
Finding Accommodation & Living in Magdeburg
Living in Magdeburg
This session will help you settle into everyday life in Magdeburg. The first part covers arrival and housing, including public transportation using the “Deutschlandticket”, finding accommodation, registering with the Citizen’s Office, tenant obligations, broadcast fees, and practical tips on affordable furniture. The second part introduces Magdeburg itself, including cultural life, shopping, nearby attractions, and useful everyday essentials, such as the deposit system (“Pfand”) and public holidays.
| Date | Time | Zoom link |
| September 8, 2025 | 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. | to be announced |
| October 7, 2025 | 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. | to be announced |
Finding Accommodation & Detecting Fraud (Studentenwerk Magdeburg)
This presentation is organized by the Studentenwerk and the Magdeburg Police. It provides helpful tips on finding accommodation in Magdeburg and on how to detect rental fraud and scams.
| Datum | Time | Zoom link |
| September, 2025 | to be announced | to be announced |
Living in the Dormitories
The “Living in the Dormitories” information session is held by the accommodation tutors during the International Welcome Weeks. The tutors introduce their responsibilities and events, house roules and the rental contract. They will share other useful information with you, such as waste separation and emergency contacts.
| Date | Time | Zoom link |
| 10. Oktober 2025 | 10:00 – 11:00 Uhr | to be announced |
Intercultural Training
Culture in a Nutshell: Essential Germany Basics for International Newcomers
This compact workshop offers a practical introduction to German cultural standards, making the transition to university and everyday life easier. Topics include communication rules, common teamwork expectations, behavioral norms in academic and professional settings, and infuential values. The interactive session features case studies, short exercises, and time for questions.
| Date | Time | Zoom link |
| September 17, 2025 | 2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. |
to be announced |
Official Formalities in Magdeburg
First Steps in Magdeburg
The “First Steps in Magdeburg” information sessions take place during the International Welcome Weeks. They provide information on services in finding accommodation, city registration, broadcasting fees, opening a German bank account, and on the residence permit process for students at the Foreigners’ Registration Office in Magdeburg.
| Date | Time | Zoom link |
| September 29, 2025 | 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. |
to be announced |
| October 6, 2025 | 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. |
to be announced |
Applying for a residence permit for the purpose of studying (Magdeburg Welcome Service)
In this hybrid presentation, you can learn how to apply for your student residence permit, including the online application process, required documents (proof of funding, health insurance, rental contract, enrollment certificate, photo), important deadlines, and common pitfalls. The session also covers extensions and useful contacts. There will be a Q&A for in-person participants.
| Date | Time | Zoom link | Location |
| November 19, 2025 | 3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. |
to be announced |
to be announced |
Health Insurance & Healthcare in Germany
Well prepared for your studies – Health insurance in Germany (Techniker Krankenkasse)
Questions like “How do I receive the M10 notification from TK for my university for enrollment? What are the regulations for EU-students and non-EU-students regarding health insurance? How does the German healthcare system work? What can I use my insurance card for, and which benefits are covered?” will be answered in these regular information sessions.
| Date | Time | Link |
|
From July 2 to December 17, 2025 Wednesdays, every two weeks |
2 p.m. – 3 p.m. |
Registration for info session |
TK-StudyGuide (Techniker Krankenkasse)
Master your study challenges with ease. The lectures and webinars will help you build soft skills, strengthen your health, and find balance in your student life. Choose from a wide range of topics, such handling constant changes, concentration and flow in stressful times, social anxiety, effective learning, loneliness, exam anxiety, crisis management, mental resilience or work-study balance.
Registration for TK-StudyGuide webinars
Advice on campus
Every Wednesday, Building 01 (CWC)
Landing Page
Financing & Working as a Student
Finances & Work Essentials for International Students
This seminar provides information on living expenses and study costs in Magdeburg, and regulations for working while studying. The seminar introduces the Financial Advice Service of the Studentenwerk Magdeburg and the International Career Service at OVGU.
| Date | Time | Zoom link |
| October/November, 2025 | to be announced | to be announced |
How to Work in Germany (Studentenwerk Magdeburg & BemA)
This seminar provides an overview of the rights and obligations of international students in the German labor market, including part-time jobs, internships etc. It also covers the standards of German employment contracts, remuneration, protection against dismissal, working hours, labor protection, the regulations of the Foreigners’ Registration Office and important contacts.
| Date | Time | Zoom link |
| November, 2025 | to be announced | to be announced |
Scholarship Talk for Students (Studentenwerk Magdeburg)
At the digital information event, representatives from Studentenwerk Magdeburg, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, and the Scholarship Compass advisory center of the Stiftung der Deutschen Wirtschaft will show how diverse scholarships are and provide contact information for any questions about the application process.
| Date | Time | Zoom link |
| November, 2025 | to be announced | to be announced |