First Steps @ OVGU
Welcome to Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg! Here, you’ll find everything you need to start your studies with confidence. Be inspired, stay organized, and embrace university life with success! With these first steps, you'll be well-prepared for your journey at OVGU.
Keep track of schedules, university updates, emails, cafeteria menus, job offers, and more. Just download and get started!
With the Germany Semester Ticket ("Deutschlandsemesterticket"), you can explore exciting cities and regions throughout Germany without extra costs.
Who can use the Germany Semester Ticket ("Deutschlandsemesterticket")?
The ticket is available to all OVGU students who have paid their semester fee.
How do I get my Germany Ticket ("Deutschlandticket")?
Follow the activation guide.
Activation is possible starting September 25th for the winter semester and March 25th for the summer semester.
Validity Period
- Winter Semester: October 1st – March 31st
- Summer Semester: April 1st – September 30th
Which means of transport can I use with the Germany Ticket ("Deutschlandticket")?
The Germany Semester Ticket ("Deutschlandsemesterticket") allows free access to public transport across Germany, including:
- S-Bahns, regional trains, and Regionalexpress trains by Deutsche Bahn and other operators
- Buses and trams in all transport networks
- Subways and integrated ferries within regional transport systems
Note: The ticket is not valid for long-distance travel (e.g., ICE, IC, EC) or special routes.
Check out these FAQ for further details.
The student ID card is your daily companion at OVGU. It serves multiple purposes:
- Student ID
- Library card
- Payment card for canteens and cafeterias
- Payment card for copy stations on campus
First Use and Validation
To activate your student ID, validate it at one of the validation stations:
- Building 01 (Campus Welcome Center)
- Building 06 (Ground floor)
- Building 26 (near Lecture Hall 1)
- Building 40 (Entrance B)
- FME Dean’s Office (Campus University Hospital / House 2)
Payment function
Load money onto your card at campus top-up machines located at central spots, such as the cafeteria or university library.
Orientation Week is your chance to get to know OVGU, your fellow students, and the city of Magdeburg. With exciting events and valuable information, it’s the perfect way to kick off your academic journey.
The intercultural student club IKUS organizes international welcome weeks, but make sure to attend the FMB orientation sessions to learn essential details about your program, examination and study regulations, and course schedules. You'll also get guidance on exam registration and creating your personal timetable.
Meet your faculty leaders, professors, exam office staff, fellow students, and student representatives (FaRaFMB). Explore the campus, labs, lecture halls, and seminar rooms.
Be part of it and set the foundation for a successful academic career!
Your OVGU account is your gateway to the university's digital network: emails, Wi-Fi, myOVGU, and more. Activate your account right after enrollment (even before classes begin!) to stay connected.
The myOVGU portal is your go-to hub for all university matters. From enrollment certificates to re-registration and personal data updates – everything is at your fingertips. Log in and get started!
The LSF portal simplifies your studies and keeps everything organized. You can create a personalized schedule, find courses, and register for exams. It also provides essential information on rooms, lecturers, and contact details.
Helpful videos (provided by other faculties):
On our e-learning platform, you’ll find essential course materials such as scripts, exercise sheets, exam advices, and more. Log in to explore the digital tools that will enhance your studies!
Fast and free internet? No problem! Connect your devices (smartphone, laptop, tablet, etc.) to the campus Wi-Fi and stay online everywhere at the university. As an OVGU student, you can easily log in using your OVGU account to access either the eduroam Wi-Fi or the OvGU-802.1X network. The URZ provides step-by-step click-through guides to help you set it up.
Your OVGU email account is your official university address. Important updates from lecturers and administration will be sent here. Check your inbox regularly to ensure you don’t miss anything!
You can also set up your OVGU email account in programs like Outlook. Step-by-step guides are available here.
When contacting university staff, always use your official OVGU email address (e.g., ) to ensure your affiliation is visible. Follow email etiquette guidelinesand always include your full name and student ID number in your signature.
Work securely and comfortably from home! With OVGU’s VPN access, you can connect to many university services, including internal documents. A must-have for productive studying!
Stay on top of deadlines, appointments, and events. From exam registration to re-enrollment, staying organized makes everything easier!
Academic Calendar
Find key dates for the current semester in the acamdemic calendar. Be sure to check the section labeled "All other faculties".
Exam Deadlines
Exam registration:
- Winter Semester: November 15th - 30th
- Summer Semester: May 15th - 31st
Exam deregistration:
- up to 3 days before the respective examination date
Re-registration
Be mindful of re-registration deadlines! Payment can be made via direct debit, bank transfer, or cash. Find detailed instructions here.
The University Library is your ultimate study companion! Register to gain access to books, eBooks, and academic articles—ideal for coursework and exam preperation.
- Fill out the registration form (only available in German)
- Submit it at the lending desk
Bring your student ID card and personal ID or passport. International students must also provide valid proof of residence.
Once registered, a user number will be printed on the back of your student ID card.
Login for the Online Library Account
Log in to view your borrowing status and update personal details.
| Name: | on the back of your student ID, next to the barcode |
| Name or password: | Your birthdate in the format DDMMYY (e.g., 110894). |
Important: Change your password to something secure as soon as possible!
Stay fit and meet new people! The OVGU sports program offers a wide range of activities—from acrobatics to Zumba, scuba diving in Croatia, skiing in Norway, and access to the on-campus fitness studio, CampusFIT. Secure your spot and get moving!
Tip: Registration opens at the start of each semester, and spots fill up fast—act quickly!
Sports Center of the OVGU (SPOZ)
The university also participates in events like the Magdeburg Corporate Relay, Magdeburg Marathon, and the Academic Bicycle Challenge.
Additionally, OVGU has partnerships with local gyms, offering discounts for students and staff.
Make the most of your time at the university to enrich your life and boost your chances of a successful future in Germany! Improving your German skills not only enhances your career prospects but also helps you connect with the culture, people, and daily life in Germany. Learning German is more than acquiring a language—it’s your gateway to new friendships, cultural understanding, and personal growth.
Why learn German?
- Career Advancement: Employers in Germany and beyond value candidates with strong language skills.
- Everyday Ease: Navigate daily life—whether at university, regarding organizational matters or socializing—with confidence.
How to get started?
- Language Center (SPRZ) at OVGU
- Courses for all levels—beginner to advanced.
- Tandem-Project at OVGU
- Practice German with native speakers while sharing your own language.
Language cafés in Magdeburg
Fun and informal settings to practice:
| Organisation | |
| IKUS | Language café |
| Auslandsgesellschaft Sachsen-Anhalt e.V. | |
| Blickwechsel Magdeburg - Interkulturelles Begegnungszentrum | German courses (website in German) |
| Library - Stadtbibliothek Magdeburg | look for "Sprachcafé" or "internationale Vorlesestunden" |
Additional Online Resources for Learning German:
Deutsche Welle - Learn German - Deutsch lernen
Need Financial Support? If you meet the eligibility criteria, you can apply for BAföG to receive financial aid for your studies. The best part? The Studentenwerk Magdeburg is here to assist you with questions or the application process. Take advantage of this opportunity and secure the support you deserve!
Secure Financial Support for Your Studies! Scholarships aren’t just for students with outstanding achievements—they’re available for a wide range of qualifications and backgrounds. Find the perfect scholarship to enjoy more financial freedom and gain access to exclusive networks. Get informed and apply now!
Scholarships at OVGU (in German)
Scholarships for international students at OVGU (in German)
Scholarships Database of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
Germany's largest Scholarship platform - myStipendium.de (in German)
