Tips for international students

Organizations / Recreational Activities

• The International Office and the Campus Community, with the help of the Student Buddies, regularly organize events for all international and German students. From excursions to sports events to campus events, there is something for everyone. You will be informed about the program either directly via the International Office or the newsletter for international students.
• International Student Office (ISO) of the Studierendenwerk: The ISO offers events and excursions for international students. The current program is available hier.
• Erasmus Student Network (ESN) Karlsruhe: The ESN offers events and activities, but also support with arrival, accommodation and other questions.
• Evangelische Studierenden Gemeinde Karlsruhe (ESG) and Katholische Hochschulgemeinde (KHG): Christian university groups that are always happy to welcome international students.
• The faculty-level student councils and the AStA (Student Union) organize various festivities and events. Information can be obtained via e-mail from the student councils or posters at the university. At the beginning of the semester, you can buy the pub quartet at the AStA with vouchers for discounts in many bars and restaurants. The perfect opportunity to get to know Karlsruhe and its bars.
• University sports: As a student of HKA ou can use the sports offers of the KIT. Information is available here.

Doctors in Karlsruhe

• Here in Germany you only go to the hospital in emergencys (e.g. after an accident, head injuries, with a very high fever or other life threatening symptoms). You can then also call 112.  
• In case of illnes or non-lifethreatening problems you go to a general practioner (German: Hausarzt or Allgemeinmediziner). On this website you can search doctors based on their specialication and language skills. Please always call the practice before you go by. You can also use Doctolib to look for doctors and to make appointments online. 
• If you need medical help on the weekend, on holidays or at nighttime but you are not in immediate danger, there is also a general medical hotline reachable under 116117 (Städtischen Klinikum; Franz-Lust-Straße 31, 76133 Karlsruhe).

Also worth knowing

• Karlsruhe is the city of short distances and everything is flat, so it's perfect for cycling! Where can I find a bicycle? The city of Karlsruhe organizes auctions of lost property from time to time, including bicycles. You can also get a used bike cheaply at flea markets or through the usual online portals.
• Many students in Karlsruhe live in shared apartments (WGs). Everyone has his/her own room, but kitchen and bathroom are shared. Moving into a WG yourself is a typical student experience and you can quickly make connections in the city and find new friends for life. Absolutely recommendable!
• Would you like to improve your German and teach others your language at the same time? Then sign up for the Tandem plus program. 
• Carsharing – if you ever need a car.
• Weekly markets: At the weekly markets you can find fresh and seasonal products. Here you can see when and where they take place.
• The city of Karlsruhe has annual events, e.g. city festival, Schlosslichtspiele, Christmas market, fairs. The calendar of events can be viewed here.
• The city of Karlsruhe offers an extensive international cultural program.
• Upon presentation of your Campus Card you can often receive discounts on admissions or even in stores.

Starting at HKA

Do I need a visa to study in Germany? What about health insurance? And how do I get to Karlsruhe in the first place? For answers to these and other questions about starting your studies at HKA see here.