Before You Arrive

• Receive your letter of admission and apply for your visa early (processing can take months). Tourist visas are not valid for enrolment. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
• Arrange health insurance (see options below) and, if applicable, request an exemption from statutory health insurance. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
• Organize long-term accommodation (student dorms or shared apartments). Capacity is limited—apply early. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
• Send required enrolment documents by postal mail (email is not sufficient) and transfer the semester fee. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
• Bring approx. €600 in cash for initial costs and ensure your passport is valid (>6 months). :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

Visa & Financial Proof

Most non-EU students require a student visa. You must prove sufficient funds for one year in Germany: €11,904 total (i.e., €992/month) as of 2025 (§16b Aufenthaltsgesetz standard). Extensions in Germany may consider lower rent or a part-time job contract. Accepted proofs include: blocked account (Sperrkonto), scholarship, or formal sponsorship declaration. Always check your embassy for exact requirements. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

• Visa info: Visa Navigator (Federal Foreign Office). :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
• Embassies: Directory. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}

Cost of Living (Eberswalde)

• Monthly living costs (rent, food, insurance, etc.): ~€700–€900 (higher in Berlin). :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
• Semester fee (incl. ticket): €343.40 (as of May 2025). :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
• Opening and activating a German bank account may take 4+ weeks; bring cash for the first month. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}

Accommodation

Student Dormitories (Studierendenwerk Ost:Brandenburg)

• ~€200–€420/month (room/flat size dependent), €300 deposit, furnished, LAN/Wi-Fi via own router. Early application strongly advised. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
• Info & application: Dorms overview • Application form. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}

Shared Flats (WG) & Private Market

• Typical WG rent: €250–€450/month. Clarify deposit, notice periods, and utilities. Ask for the Wohnungsgeberbescheinigung (needed to register your address). :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
• Search ideas: HNEE Facebook group, Kleinanzeigen, wg-gesucht, local Telegram group. Beware of scams—never transfer money before verification. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}

Short-Term Options

Hotels/hostels in Eberswalde or Berlin (often cheaper but longer commute): Couchsurfing, Airbnb, Hostelworld. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}

Health Insurance

• Mandatory for enrolment and residence permit. Travel insurance is not sufficient for enrolment. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}
• Public insurance: student rate ~€130/month (to age 30 or 14 subject-related semesters). Ask the insurer to send the electronic proof directly to HNEE. :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}
• Private insurance: possible but consider long-term costs and coverage; you must request a statutory insurance exemption. Decision is irreversible during your studies. :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}
• EU/EAA students: EHIC accepted, but still request the exemption for enrolment. :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}

Exemption from Statutory Insurance

Apply before arrival via a statutory provider (e.g., BARMER, TK). They need HNEE’s sender ID H0002016 and proof of your private/EHIC coverage to issue the electronic notification to HNEE. :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}

Enrolling at HNEE

• Handled by Student Service (studieren@hnee.de). Send required documents by post (email not accepted). Exchange students follow the instructions in their confirmation. :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}

Welcome Team

Optional support in your first semester (station pick-up, local admin, campus orientation, basic daily routines). Limited capacity—register early. Contact: welcome@hnee.de. Events include intro session, welcome evening, intercultural night, and a biweekly Stammtisch. :contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}

Getting to Eberswalde

• Nearest airports: Berlin (closest), Frankfurt am Main (FRA, major international hub). Regional/long-distance connections are detailed in the Travel Guide. :contentReference[oaicite:25]{index=25}

Important Contacts & Tips

• Emergency: 112 (medical/fire), 110 (police). Non-urgent medical on-call: 116 117 • 116117.de. :contentReference[oaicite:26]{index=26}
• Shops are closed on Sundays (airports/major stations may have options). Many restaurants prefer cash—keep some with you. :contentReference[oaicite:27]{index=27}

After You Arrive – First Steps

1. Register with HNEE (Student Support Service, City Campus House 5) & pay the semester fee (cashier Tue/Thu 10:00–12:00 if needed). :contentReference[oaicite:28]{index=28}
2. Sign your rental agreement (dorm caretaker or landlord) and ensure you receive the Wohnungsgeberbescheinigung. Put your name on the mailbox. :contentReference[oaicite:29]{index=29}
3. Register your address at the Municipal Registration Office (Town Hall, Breite Str. 41–44). Check eligibility for Begrüßungsgeld (€100/year; not for short-term exchange). :contentReference[oaicite:30]{index=30}
4. Apply for your residence permit (non-EU): Immigration Office, Paul-Wunderlich-Haus, Am Markt 1 (fee ~€100). :contentReference[oaicite:31]{index=31}
5. Open/activate a bank account (student account). Activation of blocked accounts can take 4+ weeks. :contentReference[oaicite:32]{index=32}
6. Check study info & emails: Use your @hnee email, and log into EMMA, Moodle, and CampusWorks. Some programmes offer an orientation week and preparatory courses. :contentReference[oaicite:33]{index=33}

IT, SIM & Internet

• Prepaid SIMs (e.g., supermarkets) or monthly contracts with telecoms. Dorm internet setup can be tricky—ask neighbours or see Telta CityNetz. :contentReference[oaicite:34]{index=34}
• Campus Wi-Fi setup guide: HNEE WiFi • IT support: it-support@hnee.de. Platforms: EMMA • Moodle • CampusWorks. :contentReference[oaicite:35]{index=35}

Tip: Add your surname to your mailbox immediately to receive tax number and official letters without delay. Join Welcome Centre events to meet fellow students early. :contentReference[oaicite:36]{index=36}