Information for First-Year Students

Academic calendar for the fall semester 2021/22:

The semester starts on 1 August 2021 and will end on 31 January 2022.

Lecture period for the fall semester 2021/22:
The lecture period starts for students in higher semesters or for first-year students in master's programs or higher semesters on 6 September 2021 and will end on 10 or 23 December 2021.

The lecture period starts for first-year students in bachelor's programs on 13 September 2021 and will end on 10 or 23 December 2021.

The academic calendar at a glance

Fall semester 2021

We are offering more in-person classes in the fall semester. In order to do so, however, everyone who wants to participate in in-person classes must be able to show a 3G proof, i.e. prove that they are vaccinated against, tested negative for or have recovered from Covid-19. We hope that the measures we have planned will allow us to keep up the in-person classes during the whole semester. However, if infection rates rise in the fall, it is generally possible that the measures to curb the spread of the coronavirus will be adapted on the state level and that we will have to switch to 2G proofs instead of 3G proofs (meaning that tests would no longer be accepted). 

In case you are not able to return to campus due to valid reasons (health-related restrictions, entry regulations etc.), we will make sure that you will be able to complete your semester.

Please follow the rules of conduct whenever you are on campus. Further information are also available in the Hygiene policy of the University of Mannheim.

Please take also note of the following: Should you experience symptoms that are typical for a coronavirus infection, please leave on-campus classes immediately and do not enter the campus again until a doctor confirms that you are not infected.

Microsoft 365 instance for students

You can use the Microsoft 365 instance for students to work with your fellow students in virtual study groups. Furthermore, this new instance enables you to use OneDrive with 1 TB of cloud storage, a cloud version of Office 365 with Word, Excel and PowerPoint, OneNote as well as Lists. On the page Microsoft 365 for students, you will find an overview of all available applications with instructions and information for activating your account.

Support in developing learning skills and study techniques

Study techniques, such as learning methods, self-management or time management strategies or knowing how to handle databases securely, help you to master the challenges of your program. The University of Mannheim offers its students various support services: In addition to a wide-ranging course program, students can also receive individual support in one-on-one sessions.

Overview about all services

E-learning course: Self-managed learning and studying from home

For succeeding in your studies, it is also important to work on your learning techniques and to develop efficient and effective learning strategies. The University of Mannheim supports its students by offering e-learning services in cooperation with Professor Stefan Münzer (Chair of Education Psychology), the Department of Educational Development & E-Learning and the Psychological Counseling Services of the Studierendenwerk (PBS).

To the e-learning course

All university members are obliged to wear medical-grade masks (single-use surgical masks or FFP2/KN95/N95 masks) wherever the hygiene policy of the university stipulated before that it was obligatory to wear cloth face masks, for example in hallways and communal areas and whenever university members cannot keep the minimum distance of 1.5 meters.  

As of this fall semester, you need a Classroom Pass in order to participate in in-person classes or to study at one of the university’s work stations. The Classroom Pass is your confirmation that you provided the University of Mannheim with a 3G proof. Further information on the Classroom Pass is available on our website.

Please follow the rules of conduct whenever you are on campus. Further information are also available in the Hygiene policy of the University of Mannheim.

Please also take note of the following: Should you experience symptoms that are typical for a coronavirus infection, please leave on-campus classes immediately and do not enter the campus again until a doctor confirms that you are not infected.

We recommend that new students come to Mannheim for their first semester. When you are in Mannheim, you can, for example, benefit from the library infrastructure. In addition, we will also be offering smaller courses on-campus for first-year students, as long as the pandemic situation allows.

If you are unable to come to Mannheim due to the coronavirus pandemic, you can also complete your semester digitally.

The schools offer various opportunities to get used to life on campus: Social events in small groups, learning groups, meetings with teachers etc.

Please visit the websites for first-year students for further information.