Getting off to a good start
Welcome to Münster University!
Starting your studies always brings some changes and there are all kinds of new things anyway: So that no one loses the overview when starting their studies, this page bundles the most important information for first-year students.
Orientation events for first-semester and transfer students
The faculties of the University of Münster host orientation events for first-semester and transfer students at the beginning of each semester. These are offered as individual information seminars or as part of a larger programme of orientation events. We definitely recommend taking part! The Student Advice and Counselling Centre (ZSB) can provide you with further details and dates. The central welcome for all first-year students takes place at the start of the winter semester, and first-year students from the summer semester are also cordially invited. Then the first-year students of both semesters also get their "Ersti-Bag".
Orientation events for first-semester and transfer students [de]
Preliminary courses for first-semester students (winter semester)
Preparatory courses are conducted in various faculties to compensate for the differing levels of knowledge among new students. The aim is to make the transition from school to university easier. The preliminary courses usually take place in September ahead of the winter semester.
Search and find
University map
Although the University of Münster has no central campus, you can reach most facilities and institutes on foot, by bike or bus. Our University map shows you where each building is located.
View map of the University of MünsterInstitutions A-Z
Institutions A-Z is a database of all facilities of the University with their respective contact data. A link redirects you to the institute's corresponding website and another shows you its location on the University map.
Search for Institutions A-ZPerson search
Email addresses and telephone numbers of many members of the University of Münster from various faculties and administration can be found here.
Use the Person searchStudy organisation
In the SelfService (portal) of the University of Münster, you can manage the organisational aspects of your studies. For example, you can submit various applications and download certificates, the semester ticket and the semester ticket for cultural events. You also coordinate your re-registration for the following semester via the portal. Another major section comprises the apps for planning the semester and the degree plan. This includes, for example, the course catalogue with the registration function for courses and examinations.
Visit the SelfService (portal)Student intranet
The intranet for students provides an overview of central service facilities as well as counselling and support offers and much more. Among other things, the home page provides quick access to important services of the university. These include the SelfService (portal) and the IT portal of the university.
Visit the intranet for studentsOverview of the faculties
The University of Münster is comprised of 16 faculties. Together they form the structural foundation of the University.
FacultiesAccommodation search
Every student who studies in Münster needs a place to live. While some prefer sharing a flat (WG) with other students , others choose to rent a room in a student hall of residence. You can find offers of accommodation in various magazines and Internet portals.
Overview of accommodation offersStudying with a disability
To ensure that all students have an equal chance to achieve academic success, we feel it is important to provide consultation which is tailored to students’ needs. In addition to our comprehensive range of advice services, the Disability and Access Resource Centre provides extensive information on handicapped accessibility, technical support and assistance with developing individual solutions.
More informationStudying while raising a child
Students raising a child have to be well-organised and know how to multitask. The University of Münster supports student parents with clarifying financial and legal matters, obtaining childcare and finding inexpensive accommodation.
Overview of servicesInternational students
International students are very welcome at the University of Münster! Whether you come to study for one semester at the University or to pursue an undergraduate or graduate degree – the right information and support for your studies and life in Münster is available for all international students.
Overview of services for international studentsFirst steps
Are first steps always the hardest? Not necessarily! To help you gain orientation at the beginning of your studies, various facilities of the University of Münster provide helpful advice to first-semester students:
University Library (ULB)
The University Library (ULB) is one of the central facilities of the University of Münster – a place you are sure to encounter as a first-semester student. Your University student ID is also your ULB user card. You only have to activate your library user card once. For an introduction to our libraries and the services they offer, we recommend attending a training session.
CIT
The CIT is the University's central service provider for communication and information technology. It is responsible for assigning University email address to all first-semester students and ensuring that sufficient computer pools are available. The CIT also offers software courses.
Important CIT information for first-semester studentsStudent Advice and Counselling Centre (ZSB)
The Student Advice and Counselling Centre (ZSB) is the place to go prior to and during your studies for information and advice in matters related to choosing, taking up and completing a degree programme. The ZSB staff provide support when dealing with personal, academically-related difficulties, and also offer psychological consultation.
Visit the ZSBUniversity Sports – Keeping your mind on the move
Academic life can be exhausting and challenging at times. The best way to reduce stress is to take a University Sports course. The University Sports programme offers a multifaceted, inexpensive, needs-based selection of high-quality fitness opportunities with some 120 different types of sport, tours, continuing education courses, tournaments and international sporting events.
View the University Sports programmeStudent dining
There's a saying in Germany that goes "You can't learn well on a full stomach". On the other hand, you can't learn well when you're famished either. At the dining halls (Mensen) and bistros operated by the Student Support Services (Studierendenwerk), you will find a wide variety of meals and snacks every day.
View the menus at the University dining halls and bistrosSemesterticket
With your Semesterticket, you can take all the buses in Germany for free. You can also use your Semesterticket to ride the trains for free. The Semesterticket is not valid on high-speed trains (IC and ICE).
Semester ticketDates
Orientation events
The faculties of the University host introductions and week-long orientation programmes for first-semester students. Not only do these events introduce you to the city, but also help you get to know your fellow students. The Student Advice and Counselling Centre (ZSB) provides an overview of the upcoming events.
Overview of orientation events [de]Preliminary courses for first-semester
The Faculties of Mathematics and Computer Science, Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy offer preliminary courses designed to balance the different levels of knowledge of first-year students. Courses usually take place in September of the respective winter semester.
Overview of Preliminary Courses for First Semesters [de]Semester dates and holidays
When does the semester begin, when does it end? This is important information for planning ahead.
Overview of the semester dates and holidaysOnline event calendar
In our online event calendar, you can find the dates of all upcoming events at the University of Münster, e.g. lectures, conferences, congresses, music performances, plays and sporting events.
View the event calendarUniversity Sport Dates
There's a lot going on in college sports. Important events or registration deadlines for the sports courses can be found on the university sports page.
To the university sports calendar [de]Stay in the know
Exciting things are always happening at the University of Münster. Interesting lectures are held, research findings are presented, new degree programmes are launched, new exchange programmes and courses are offered. If you want to stay on top of things, there are several news and media channels you can subscribe to: