Registration and applications are made online via the relevant programme page, or by email in some cases.

Since each summer or winter school is organised individually, the application deadlines and requirements may differ.

Depending on the program, we need the following documents from you:

• Resumé

• Statement of purpose (0.5–1 page)

• Proof of enrollment, current transcript, or academic record

• Proof of language proficiency (German and/or English)

• Copy of a valid ID document

• Confirmation from a parent or guardian (for minors)

Depending on the program, more or fewer documents may be required.

If anything is missing, we’ll let you know and you can submit it later.

The International Office at the University of Rostock strives to keep costs for participants as low as possible. Funding opportunities can be requested on an individual basis.

However, participants are generally responsible for the following expenses:

• Travel to and from the program (travel arrangements and costs are the participant’s responsibility)

• Program fee (if included in the program)

• Language course fees (if part of the program)

• Meals (in part)

• Individual leisure activities

The actual amount of the costs depends in particular on your personal travel expenses as well as your individual expenses during your stay.

Which costs can be covered?

For programs without a participation fee, the International Office at the University of Rostock will in many cases cover all or part of the following costs:

• Accommodation

• Excursions and supporting program

• Local transportation

Please note that the exact scope of services may vary depending on the summer school.

Ob du ein Visum für Deutschland brauchst, hängt von deiner Staatsangehörigkeit ab. Auf der Website des Auswärtigen Amts findest du die aktuellen Informationen.

• Find the German embassy or consulate in your country.

• Submit all the required documents for a Schengen visa there (e.g., an invitation letter from us, proof of insurance, passport).

• Allow plenty of time, as processing can take several weeks to months.

💡 Tip: Check the requirements well in advance and get detailed information from the embassy to avoid stress or last-minute problems.

• You are not permitted to enter Germany without a valid visa

• In that case, you will not be able to attend the summer school

• Please contact us as soon as possible so that we can work together to find a solution

The social programme forms part of the overall concept of the short-term programmes and is designed to promote intercultural exchange. Participation is encouraged and expected.

If you are unable to attend on a particular occasion, please let us know and tell us why.

Some of the Campi and the University of Rostock’s premises are accessible.

Unfortunately, some older buildings are not.

If you have any questions on this matter, please feel free to contact us at any time.

Wi-Fi is available on every campus and in all buildings at the University of Rostock via EDU-Roam.

Important: Please observe the regulations and rules

Wi-Fi in student accommodation is the responsibility of the respective landlords.

Rostock is located in north-eastern Germany, in the state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, close to the beautiful Baltic Sea.

Most people travel via Berlin or Hamburg. From there, Rostock can be easily reached by train or Flixbus.

From Berlin Brandenburg Airport, take the S-Bahn to Berlin Hauptbahnhof, followed by the RE 5 regional train, which takes around 2–3 hours. Alternatively, you can take the IC or Flixbus directly from the airport.

From Hamburg Airport, it takes approximately 2–2.5 hours by S1 to Hamburg Central Station. From there, continue by IC or the regional trains RE8->RE2->RE1 (due to engineering works, there is no direct connection). Alternatively, you can take the Flixbus from Hamburg Central Station (ZOB) to Rostock Central Station, via Copenhagen.

We do not recommend travelling by ferry individually, as the ferry terminal is located far from the city centre and has poor transport links.

Companies you can travel with:

Train connections and tickets: www.bahn.de

Bus connections and tickets: www.flixbus.de

💡 You are responsible for organising your own travel arrangements.

Is there a pick-up service?

The organising team plans pick-ups on a case-by-case basis depending on the programme.

For some summer schools, you will be picked up directly from Rostock Central Station and taken to your accommodation.

For other programmes, you will receive detailed instructions in advance on how to get there independently.

💡 Rest assured that you will receive all the important information well in advance of your arrival.

The following items are generally important:

• Passport/ID: You should be able to provide identification both during your trip and in Germany.

• Visa: See the section on visas for more information.

• Valid health insurance: See the section on health and liability insurance for more information.

• Cash. Even though paying by card is now routine in many stores, it may not be possible to pay without cash in small shops, snack bars, or restaurants.

• Medications: Before your trip, find out about the regulations for your medications and consult your doctor. You should carry prescription medications with a certificate and in their original packaging.

• Cell phone / smartphone: We recommend that you check your international roaming plan or have your SIM card unlocked. The best way to do this is with an eSIM, which is available from many providers.

• Adapter: Type F plugs are standard in Germany; 220V

• Clothing:

☀️ Summer in Rostock

Summer is peak season in Rostock: You can expect long days, often pleasant temperatures, and relatively little rain—even though the weather on the coast can sometimes be changeable.

That’s why we recommend:

• a wind- and rain-resistant jacket

• a warm sweater for cooler evenings

• comfortable clothing for hot, sunny days

Don’t forget your swim gear!

❄️ Winter in Rostock

Winter is a cozy time of year: Amid the clouds, rain, and occasional snow, you can enjoy the relaxed atmosphere—perhaps with a hot cup of coffee or cocoa.

Be sure to pack:

• warm clothing (e.g., sweater, scarf, hat)

• a weatherproof jacket

• sturdy, water-resistant shoes

Leave some room in your suitcase—you might want to take a few souvenirs from Rostock home with you.

You will depart on the last day of the programme or the following day.

Please note:

• You are responsible for organising and paying for your own departure

• The exact departure dates depend on the programme schedule

• You will receive information about check-out on arrival

💡 Important: If an excursion to Berlin or Hamburg takes place as part of the summer school, your departure will usually start directly from there.

Please note: If you are not leaving until the following day or are extending your stay, you are responsible for organising and paying for your additional accommodation yourself.

We recommend that you do not book your return journey until you have received all the programme details.

• If you are an EU/EEA citizen or a Swiss national (including those with a residence permit and domestic health insurance), you will usually use the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). In most cases, this is already included on your health insurance card.

💡 Please check the validity of your card before you travel and inform your health insurance provider!

• As a non-EU/EEA citizen, you will need so-called ‘incoming health insurance’ that meets the requirements of the Schengen Area (including minimum cover of €30,000 (relevant for visa purposes) and repatriation).

Popular providers include MAWISTA, Care College, Hanse Merkur and many more.

💡 Please make sure you are fully informed about this before you arrive!

• Civil liability insurance is not compulsory in most cases, but is strongly recommended. In the event of damage, you are personally liable and must cover the costs yourself. The University of Rostock accepts no liability.

💡 Please check your insurance cover (e.g. family insurance) before you arrive.

Tip: For non-EU citizens, combined insurance policies (covering both health and liability) are often available.

We usually reserve and book accommodation in

• guesthouses,

• hotels,

• or hostels.

You will receive detailed information about your accommodation in the information emails we send you before your arrival.

No!

As a general rule, you will be sharing a room with other participants to encourage international exchange.

This is something we actively encourage, as it allows you to quickly get to know new people from all over the world.

If you require a single room for medical or other reasons, please do get in touch with us, though we cannot guarantee this.

Please state your requirements as early as possible when registering and explain them briefly. The organising team will try to accommodate individual needs as far as possible.

Yes, of course, that is possible in principle. Please note the following:

• You are responsible for organising and paying for your own accommodation

• The University of Rostock will not reimburse any costs

• You will be less involved with the group

• Rostock is a tourist town. Finding accommodation at short notice is difficult and very expensive.