Enrollment & Start of Studies

Essential steps to begin your journey as an enrolled student at KLU

Welcome to Student Services!

Prepare for your study start with valuable information on enrollment, pre-arrival considerations, and the Welcome Week.

We are here to ensure a smooth transition and provide support on:

  • Visa issues, residence registration, and permits
  • Enrollment process & accommodation support
  • Health insurance and banking setup
  • Extracurricular activities & student clubs
  • Confirmations, transportation tickets, and Student IDs
  • Access to free, confidential psychological services

For any non-program and non-career related assistance, contact the Student Services team at studentservices@klu.org.

Enrollment: Choose your program

Congratulations on signing your study contract! Your next step toward becoming a student at KLU is enrollment. To complete this process, you need to provide some information on KLU's application portal. Also, we need some personal documents that you can upload in the portal - the same portal where you submitted your application. Please also upload all required personal documents for enrollment there.

For more information and details on what to submit, simply select your degree program on the right.

For any questions or assistance with enrollment, feel free to reach out to our Student Services Team via studentservices@klu.org. We are here to help!

BSC/MSC students

Preparation Program students

MBA/SuMO students

Exchange students

Most Important Pre-Arrival Information

In the following, you will find essential information to help you prepare for your studies and ensure a smooth transition. We will cover key details to support you before you arrive, including pre-arrival tasks and things to keep in mind for your first few days. With this information, you will be set up for a great start and know exactly what to do before and on arrival. You will find helpful information about your study start, including details about Welcome Week, steps to take before and after arrival, and tips for finding accommodation/living in Hamburg.

Welcome Week

The Welcome Week is the week prior to the first week of the academic semester. It consists of many essential information sessions and fun events. All activities have been designed to helping new students prepare starting their studies at KLU. Details can be found here.

Accommodation

Finding the right type of accommodation is a challenging task. Accommodation in Hamburg is both hard to find and comparatively expensive. KLU supports you in finding suitable accommodation, but does not offer on-campus housing. Find more information here.

Health Insurance

Health insurance is mandatory for all students in Germany and one of the most important requirements for enrollment. In Germany there are two types of health insurance: public and private insurance. Details and more information on how to apply for German health insurance can be found here.

Visa, Registration & Residence Permit

In Germany, registering your address (Anmeldung) at the local authorities is a crucial first step for newcomers. It must be done within 14 days of moving in. Following this, non-EU citizens need to apply for a residence permit at the Foreigners' Office. More information here.

Your KLU Starter Guide

From paying tuition to marking important semester dates and exploring the campus, this section is your guide to understanding the structure and support available throughout your academic journey. Our services connect you to essential resources, whether you are joining one of the many student clubs, navigating tuition payment, or learning about the semester ticket that covers your local transport.

Student Services (studentservices@klu.org)
...questions about visa, Welcome Week, semester ticket, health insurance, accommodation

Program Management (program@klu.org)
...questions about course selection, quarter structure, lecture material, syllabus, course information, German language courses

Career Services (recruit@klu.org)
...questions about internship, career skills course

International Office exchange@klu.org
...questions about acceptance letter, Erasmus, partner universities


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If you would like to connect with more than 500 KLU students, you can join our Facebook group „Students at THE KLU“. (please answer the questions to gain entry) You may also take the opportunity to chat with KLU students to get a first glimpse of the student experience at KLU!

KLU provides comprehensive guidance through its Pre-Arrival Webinars, which cover essential topics such as visas, health insurance, accommodation, and enrollment. These online sessions are designed to assist you in the early stages of your journey before commencing your studies at KLU in September, ensuring you remain organized and well-prepared as the busy Welcome Week approaches.

This initiative supports you from admission through enrollment and up to your arrival in Hamburg, offering valuable insights into various aspects relevant to your academic preparations. 

A registration link will be sent to you via email in advance of the sessions.

As a BSC/MSC degree student at KLU you will receive a HVV semester ticket (Deutschlandticket) for public transportation. 

The Deutschlandticket is digital and valid nationwide. It can be used for unlimited travel on all regional trains such as RB, RE, and S-Bahn, as well as on public transportation services like buses, trams, and subways in participating states, transit associations, and transport companies, according to their respective conditions and coverage areas.

This semester ticket is an additional benefit provided by KLU and is not included in your tuition fees. The ticket is provided to KLU program students at no extra cost. Please note that exchange students need to pay 50 Euros per semester for the ticket.

How do I get my ticket?
You will receive access to the digital ticket a few days before the semester will start (by the start of the semester at the latest). The ticket is valid as of September 01.

Please note that MBA & exchange students do not receive a semester ticket.

Tuition fees payment (degree students): How does it work?

Payment schedule
Your tuition fees are split into two installments per year, with deadlines falling on August 31 and January 15. Just keep an eye out for those invoices popping into your KLU email inbox from our accounting team.(accounting@klu.org)

Important note: Please be aware that the invoice for your first semester will be issued after you begin your studies, due to standard accounting procedures. However, the payment deadline remains August 31. To ensure timely payment, kindly initiate your transfer via Flywire before this date. The invoice will confirm the receipt of the payment once processed.

Payment methods

Our preferred mode of payment? Flywire, all the way! It is quick, it is easy, and you can find the correct link on our website or here: https://www.klu.org/flywire/. In rare cases where Flywire is not an option, bank transfers can be arranged. Please get in touch with us: studentservices@klu.org.

Payment confirmation
Our accounting team does not send out individual payment confirmations. But fear not - if there are any hiccups with your payment, you will hear from us.

Please find the amount of your tuition fees and payment details in your payment plan in our application portal. Of course, each invoice will also show the exact amount you will have to pay.

KLU bank details
Bank name: Hamburger Sparkasse (HASPA)
Bank address: Grindelallee 53, 20146 Hamburg, Germany
Name of account holder: Kühne Logistics University gGmbH

IBAN: DE79200505501001227469
BIC: HASPDEHHXXX

MyKLU
MyKLU is KLU's study portals where you can check your grades, download enrollment certificates & current transcripts as well us update your address and contact details. Please login with your personal account to see all information (your login details will be sent via email by the end of August). Of course our IT Team will help you with your first login during the IT session in the Welcome Week.

Moodle
 Before starting at KLU you can already use our intranet portal Moodle for all pre-arrival questions. As of the start of your studies you will also have access to Student Services’ on-campus services as well as all other service departments, e.g. for downloading your lecture material. To do so please login with your personal account to see all information (your login details will be sent via email by the end of August). Of course our IT Team will help you with your first login during the IT session in the Welcome Week.

Campus Calendar
With the campus calendar you will be able to check for

  • semester dates (lecture periods, exam weeks, semester break,…)
  • academic deadlines (registration deadline for your semester abroad, submission deadline for your thesis,…)
  • campus events (lecture series, events organized by the student clubs, yearly events such as the Graduation Ceremony, Start-Up Day, Open Days,…)

We would like to encourage you to regularly check the Campus Calendar in order to make the best of your KLU experience. KLU offers quite a number of events during the year, be it teaching related or extracurricular. These events are great opportunities to network, broaden one’s mind and bring the KLU community closer together. The calendar is supposed to help you not to miss out on these dates and of course to facilitate organizing and structuring your studies successfully. 

(Please note that you will not be able to see your schedule in the Campus Calendar. Kindly continue using your lecture calendar for this purpose.)

Once on campus you will receive an email from campus.calendar@klu.org offering to share a calendar with you. Of course our IT Team will help you with the implementation of the campus calendar during the IT session in the Welcome Week.

You need an overview about the beginning of semester or the semester breaks? Simply check the FAQ section on KLU's website. Scroll to the question: "Is there an overview about the semester dates/breaks (academic calendar)?"

IT login credentials
About two weeks before your course begins, check your personal email inbox. You will receive an email with your IT login credentials, which you need to use to activate access to KLU's portals.

IT equipment:
Having reliable IT equipment is essential for keeping up with assignments, participating in online classes, and managing projects. Here is a breakdown of what you will need:

  • Laptop: The main choice is between a Mac or a Windows PC (PC). Both options are viable, so it depends on your preference. Macs offer excellent performance, build quality, and integration with other Apple devices. However, there might be compatibility issues with certain software programs, especially those specific to certain courses (like engineering, IT, or finance). PCs generally offer greater flexibility in this regard and often work seamlessly with a wider range of academic software.
  • Microsoft 365 License: You will receive a Microsoft 365 (M365) license from KLU, giving you access to a suite of essential productivity tools like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneDrive for cloud storage.
  • Portable Storage: Although you wil have cloud storage through OneDrive, having an external hard drive or USB flash drive can be useful for offline backups or if you need to share files on campus.

Calculator
If you already want to purchase a calculator before the start of your studies or if you already have a calculator, please make sure that KLU's calculator regulations are observed.

Where a calculator is required for the completion of an examination, students may use only one of the following, non-programmable models:

- Texas Instruments TI-30eco
- Casio FX-991 ES Plus
- Texas Instruments TI-30XPROMV Multiview

Please find more information here.

In Germany, enrollment certificates are typically issued at the beginning of a course of study. At KLU, we aim to prepare these certificates in August already (valid from September 1). 

Once you receive your IT login credentials, you will be able to download your enrollment certificates directly from the MyKLU portal.

If you need proof of your upcoming studies at KLU before receiving your enrollment certificate, please don’t worry. Most institutions - such as banks, student housing providers, health insurers, and government authorities - understand that official enrollment documents are only available after studies begin. It is generally acceptable to submit them after the official start date. In the meantime, you can use your certificate of admission as temporary proof that you will soon be a KLU student.

Please note that you will only receive your enrollment certificate once all required documents have been submitted.

Student clubs play an importantrole in helping students  integrate into the university community. As newcomers navigate the often overwhelming transition from high school to higher education, clubs provide a welcoming environment that fosters social connections and personal growth.
Joining a student club allows students to meet peers who share similar interests, whether those interests lie in academics, hobbies, or cultural backgrounds. This shared foundation often leads to friendships that can last throughout university and beyond. By participating in club activities, students can engage in meaningful interactions, making it easier to break the ice and form connections in a larger campus environment.
Furthermore, clubs often organize events, workshops, and social gatherings that not only enhance students’ university experience but also encourage a sense of belonging. These events provide opportunities for students to collaborate, share ideas, and learn from one another, enriching their educational journey.
In addition to social benefits, student clubs often focus on professional development. Many clubs invite guest speakers, host networking events, or offer workshops that equip students with skills relevant to their fields of study. This aspect not only bolsters students’ resumes but also helps them feel more connected to their academic and career aspirations.

Check KLU's student clubs already now: all current clubs can be found here. See if there is something for you and if not, you can of course start your own club after arrival!

Even though you do not need to speak German for your studies, you may want to learn some German for your everyday live in Hamburg. KLU offered German courses in the past, however, it is decided every summer anew whether German classes will take place in the following semester or not. Therefore, unfortunately, we cannot give any information on this until shortly before the start of the fall semester. For more information please get in touch with ourProgram Managers (program@klu.org).
KLU Gym

KLU has its own small but well-equipped gym. The membership fee is €15 per month with a minimum membership of three months starting with the 1st of each month.

Moreover, KLU cooperates with Hochschulsport Hamburg. With Hochschulsport Hamburg you can experience a diverse range of sports opportunities. With over 200 courses available throughout the city, there is something for everyone. In addition to these courses, students can access three fitness centers and enjoy special rates at two local swimming pools. For more information, visit: www.hochschulsport-hamburg.de

KLU provides lockers for students to securely store their belongings during the day. These lockers are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis and are available as long as space permits. 

Students can use them for personal items, books, or anything else they may need to keep safe while on campus. If all lockers are occupied, students may need to wait until one becomes available.

Students can check locker availability at the reception desk on the ground floor. The staff there can provide information on current locker availability and assist with the assignment process if there are open lockers.

You can find FAQs about your study time on KLU’s website 

More helpful initial information about preparing for your studies in Germany can be found in this brochure from the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service).


Getting started in Germany

Preparing to study abroad in Hamburg is an exciting journey, and as you anticipate your arrival, it is natural to have many questions about the steps you need to take beforehand. While the first few days in a new city and university can be exhilarating, they can also feel a bit overwhelming. To make this transition smoother, let’s break down the essential steps you should follow to ensure you are ready to start your studies confidently.
A German bank account is usually necessary for students who are staying in Germany for a longer period of time. For exchange students who are staying in Hamburg for a rather short time, it is optional.

Please note that you need to have registered in Hamburg, before being able to open a bank account.

It is recommended for program students to open a German account at a bank because with a bank account you can make transfers to other accounts with no additional charge. If you need to transfer an amount without a bank account (pay in cash at a local bank), an extra charge of up to € 6 needs to be paid.

For opening a bank account an enrollment certificate and registration certificate from the local registration office need to be presented. Most banks have special offers for student bank accounts without an account fee.

You usually do not have to pay a fee for setting up a usual bank account. The monthly “costs” for German bank accounts are the same as nearly all bank accounts in Germany are free of charge for students. A usual bank account has no restriction for withdrawing (sometimes the limit for withdrawing money from cash machines is about € 500 a day).

Banks near KLU campus
  •     Deutsche Bank (Überseeboulevard 4-10, 20457 Hamburg)
  •     Hamburger Sparkasse- HASPA (Am Kaiserkai 1, 20457 Hamburg)
  •     Commerzbank (Am Sandtorkai 23-24, 20457 Hamburg)
  •     Postbank (Am Sandtorkai 44, 20457 Hamburg)

If you are an international student from outside the EU, you will need to demonstrate to the German authorities (when applying for a student visa) that you have sufficient funds to support yourself. One common way to do this is by setting up a Blocked Account. Several providers offer this service.

A blocked bank account allows you to deposit a specific amount of money, which is then held securely. Funds from this account are released to you in fixed monthly installments, ensuring you have a steady income to cover living expenses throughout your stay.

More information can be found here.

We strongly recommend signing up for liability insurance if you haven't already. Liability insurance protects you from claims arising from incidents like personal injuries or property damage.
Please note that KLU does not provide liability insurance for students and does not cover any damage claims. Liability insurance plans are widely available from various providers, starting at approximately 40 EUR per year. We are unable to recommend specific insurers or arrange coverage on your behalf, so all students must secure adequate insurance coverage independently.

The internet portal transparent-beraten.de checked 86 tariffs for students from 33 insurance providers. The test winners with the grade "very good" cost between 60 and 95 Euro per year.

The Studierendenwerk Hamburg has some more more information here.

Prepaid card
If you are an exchange student and are staying only a few months in Germany, it might be wise to choose a prepaid card. Also, if you want to be able to quit the contract every month and to get better deals or to stay flexible, prepaid is very good!

Prepaid brings the basics like a phone number, calls and texts billed per minute or per text. In Germany, SIM cards are sold separately from the phone. So you have to be sure to have your phone “unlocked” before you come to Germany. Otherwise, you cannot use it with a German mobile phone plan.
Prepaid packages are available for around 10 EUR and can be bought in phone company stores as well as in many supermarkets. If you would like to buy a sim card there, you will have the opportunity to buy it at “Lidl” or “Aldi” supermarket, for example. You will be able to reload it by buying credit over the counter. Apart from that “Blau”, "Fraenk" and “Congstar” have good deals and offer the e-sim as well, starting from 8€ a month and you can order and pay online.

Please be aware that German telephone companies are required to ask customers for ID (German ID Card/passport/temporary ID papers) when buying a prepaid SIM.

Contract
If you are a KLU degree student staying for more than a year and you need mobile internet as well as a new phone, you’d could opt for a contract. You might get a good deal, however, you need to quit the contract within time. For international students it definitely makes sense to purchase a mobile phone card from a German provider. Staying in touch with friends and family will be much cheaper this way. In case you would like to enter into a contract, there are three main phone operators in Germany: “Deutsche Telekom”, “O2” and “Vodafone”. They have similar prices and are all trustworthy.
Another opportunity is to buy a Lebara Germany Sim Card at a kiosk. Just look out for the blue Lebara sign below the shop sign. More information can be found here.


Additionally, please be aware that German telephone companies are required to ask customers for ID (German ID Card/passport/temporary ID papers) when buying a phone/signing a mobile phone contract.

Students in Germany may work up to 20 hours per week during lecture periods in order to be considered as students within the social security system. The 140 full (8 hours) and 280 half workdays (4 hours) without permit are not affected by mandatory internships or the completion of theses at a company (see below for more info).

Please be aware that it is usually not possible to finance your whole studies with a student job. Try to find jobs during the lecture-free periods so that working does not affect your studies. We recommend that students work no more than 10-15 hours per week to ensure that there is enough time for studying.

Students in Germany can generally earn up to €538 per month tax-free. If you earn more than this you will have automatic tax deductions from your salary. Student contributions are normally lower than the usual ones.

Even if you work, you are insured as a student, not as an employee. That means that you pay the reduced student tariff (this applies to students up to the age of 30/until the 14th subject-related semester).  If you work more than 20 hours per week, you may have to pay different health insurance contributions. Please clarify this with your employer before signing a contract.

For working during lecture-free periods, there are different regulations. If a job is limited to the lecture-free period, students are allowed to work more than 20 hours per week. Short-term jobs are usually (up to 3 months or 70 working days) exempted from social security contributions (or students get back the taxes they have paid at the end of the year via the income tax return). Student Services can issue a confirmation about the lecture-free period if needed. For jobs that are limited for the lecture-free period students do not have to pay any additional health insurance contributions, even if they work more than 20 hours a week.

Anyone who works more than 20 hours per week during the lecture periods will be considered as an employee under social security law and then would have to pay contributions to health, pension and unemployment insurance schemes.

Hamburg, Germany’s second-largest city, is a vibrant blend of historic charm and modern dynamism, making it an excellent place for students. From its picturesque canals and iconic harbor to its cultural scene, Hamburg offers countless opportunities to learn, explore, and connect. 

Exploring the City  
Start your journey in the heart of Hamburg: the Altstadt (Old Town). Visit the stunning Rathaus (Town Hall) and stroll along the nearby Alster Lake, a tranquil spot perfect for a study break. The Elbphilharmonie offers affordable student tickets to its world-class concerts.  
For a dose of history, the Speicherstadt, the world’s largest warehouse district, showcases the city’s maritime legacy. Don’t miss the International Maritime Museum or a boat tour through Hamburg’s countless waterways.  


Culture and Entertainment 
Hamburg’s student-friendly neighborhoods, like Schanzenviertel and Karolinenviertel, are buzzing with cafes, bars, and affordable restaurants. The Reeperbahn, known as the city’s nightlife hub, offers a mix of clubs, live music venues, and theaters.  

For a quieter escape, explore Hamburg’s many parks, such as Planten un Blomen, where you can enjoy peaceful green spaces and evening fountain light shows.  

Building Connections  
Hamburg hosts a diverse community, making it easy to meet people from around the world. Join student organizations, attend cultural events, or explore local traditions, like the Fischmarkt (fish market) on Sunday mornings. 

Practical Tips  
- Learn some basic German phrases, though many locals speak English.  
- Embrace the weather - Hamburg is known for its rain, so invest in a good umbrella!  
- Keep an eye out for student discounts at museums, theaters, and public transportation.  

studentservices@klu.org +49 40 328707-175

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Last modified: Wednesday, 25 September 2024, 1:06 PM