Welcome to Heilbronn University!

With these tips for a successful start to your studies, the Central Student Advisory Service aims to make your transition into university life a little easier. From planning your studies—such as finding accommodation and funding your education, to creating your timetable and more—here you'll find helpful advice, information, and relevant contacts.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to get in touch with us!

Let’s get started!

Are you an international student?

Tip 1

Plan your studies

Funding your studies

Before your first lectures begin, it’s important to consider whether—and how—you will finance your studies.
You should plan ahead and apply for student funding in good time—whether through BAföG, a scholarship, or a student loan. Some students receive financial support from their parents and top it up with part-time work. You can find useful information and advisory services on student finance here:

If you are looking for a part-time job to support yourself during your studies—such as a working student role, a HiWi (student assistant) position, or something else—you can find information and job listings here:

Accommodation

If you haven’t yet found somewhere to live, there are various options for finding accommodation in Heilbronn. You might consider renting a room in a student hall of residence, a private flat, or a shared house (flatshare).

Semester Travel Pass

The HNV semester ticket, including the weekend and evening travel regulations, will be fully discontinued from 1 September 2024.

With the D-Ticket JugendBW, you can use local public transport across Germany until the age of 27, provided you either live in Baden-Württemberg or your university is located there. From the age of 21 onwards, students must present proof of enrolment or student status each semester.


Students aged 27 and above can purchase the Deutschlandticket starting from the winter semester 2024/25.


If you have any questions about tickets or need the relevant application forms, please get in touch with the AStA.

Tip 2

Get to Know Your Location

Campus Studium
Familiarise Yourself with Your Place of Residence and Leisure Activities

A successful start to your studies begins with good orientation – and that includes getting to know your surroundings. Becoming familiar with your place of residence and the local area will help you settle in more quickly and save valuable time. Before long, you’ll know where to find key places such as the local council office (for registering your address), the campus, supermarkets, or bus stops – making it easier to plan your daily routes.

You’ll also discover leisure opportunities such as parks, cafés, and sports facilities that can enrich your university life. This sense of familiarity will help you feel at home sooner and allow you to concentrate fully on your studies.

We’ve gathered some useful information about your location here. As you continue to explore according to your own interests and needs, you’ll uncover even more opportunities in your town or city.

Tip 3

Arriving at Your Campus

Deutschlandkarte mit Anfahrtsskizze nach HHN
Be Ready to Start: Know Your Campus and Set Up Your Accounts!

It’s important to know which campus you belong to and how it is organised. Once you’re familiar with this, you can collect your student ID card, find out where your lectures and seminars will take place, locate the library – and, of course, discover where the cafeteria and dining hall are. Ideal spots to enjoy a meal and connect with fellow students. We also recommend finding out where the key support and service offices are located. Campus maps (see below) will help you with this!

You have access to our eLearning platform, ILIAS. Here you can register for courses, access teaching materials, book appointments, and use many other features to help you in your daily university life. For first-year students, HHN offers exclusive introductory sessions for ILIAS.

If you want to find suitable literature for your studies or additional study spaces, feel free to use the libraries. It’s convenient to have quick access to literature and a quiet atmosphere to study! Take part in (virtual) tours to make your start easier:


Last but not least: set up your email account, university Wi-Fi, and explore the eCampus. Here you will find, among other things, your enrolment certificate and information about semester fees.

Preparation Courses

Your studies are starting, and you want to prepare in maths or programming?
These course offerings will support you!
Sometimes studies can get challenging, so make use of the additional support services available throughout your studies.

Tip 4

Create Your Timetable

Uhr und Bücher vor einer Tafel
Step by Step:

To study successfully, it’s essential to stay on top of your timetable. At the start of each semester, you’ll create your new timetable by selecting the courses you plan to attend during that term.

To help structure your studies, we recommend closely reviewing your Study and Examination Regulations (SPO).
The General Section gives you an overview of your degree structure, key deadlines, resit options, and more.
The Specific Section contains everything relevant to your particular degree programme: which courses to take during the foundation and advanced stages, when the practical semester takes place, how ECTS credits* are distributed, and other useful guidance.

* ECTS credits: European Credit Transfer System
These reflect the estimated time and workload typically required to complete individual modules, courses, or academic activities.

Tip 5

Keep an Overview!

Eine Studentin hält mit der linken Hand Mappen und formt mit der rechten Hand ein Optimal-Geste.

To stay organised and keep a clear overview, it’s helpful to attend induction events, take part in your degree programme’s activities, and create your timetable. Make a list of your key contacts and note the rooms where your courses are held.

Using a weekly or semester planner helps you keep track of all your appointments.

During your studies, you will work independently, remind yourself of deadlines, and proactively reflect on and assess where you may need support or wish to deepen your knowledge. Therefore, make use of offerings on topics such as learning strategies, time management, and advanced subjects that are relevant to you personally.

Get folders to keep all relevant documents in one place for easy access. Use tools to create structure.

Current events and study-relevant deadlines, such as exam registration, can be found on the following pages:


The Central Student Advisory Service provides a semester planner each term that covers all study-related topics. In addition to the listed dates, such as exam registration deadlines, you can add your own individual appointments. This way, you get an overview of the entire semester.

Printed semester planners are available on campus—in the AStA office, in your freshers’ welcome packs, and on flyer racks.


Everything you need to know about exams—from registration and withdrawal to resits and compensations—can be found here:

Tip 6

Support Services for Starting Your Studies and More

Mann mit Kinderwagen beim Gespräch

Starting your studies marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in your life. Navigating the unfamiliar world of university can be challenging. Heilbronn University offers a wide range of support services designed not only to help you get started but also to accompany and support you throughout your entire degree.

Whether you have questions about everyday student life, require general assistance, or find yourself in a particular life situation, the services at HHN are available to support your individual needs and circumstances.

Tip 7

Study Successfully with Positive Mindset

Auf einem Zettel steht groß "I Can't do it". Eine Schere schneidet das Papier so, dass daraus "I Can do it" wird.

The right mindset plays a crucial role in academic success. With confidence and positive thinking, you’ll be better equipped to find solutions when facing challenges. Staying open-minded helps you absorb knowledge more effectively, rather than getting stuck in negative thoughts or overthinking.

Be mindful and pay attention to your thoughts, as negative beliefs can affect your emotions and behaviour. If you notice that your thoughts are holding you back, don’t hesitate to seek support from the appropriate services.

Tip 8

The Importance of Health During Your Studies

Eine Person bindet sich die Sportschuhe zu.

Health is the foundation for long-term success and well-being—especially during your studies, which are often shaped by high demands, time pressure, and new life circumstances.

By taking care of your physical and mental health from the beginning, you’ll not only be more productive and focused, but also better equipped to manage challenges and truly enjoy your time at university. If you experience any mental or physical health issues, don’t hesitate to reach out to the relevant support services at HHN—they are here to help!

Good luck with your studies!