First Steps in Halle and at the University

For our international freshmen, starting the new semester means plunging into an unknown city, into a different academic environment and teaching and learning culture.  

Formalities have to be carried out, schedules have to be drawn up and many more tasks have to be accomplished to make sure that things run smoothly. But do not worry – our welcome pages allow you to keep track. We have compiled a list of the first steps you need to take after your arrival in Halle.

The pick up of enrolment documents will be in person only.

Winter semester 2025/2026

Personal enrollment can take place during the office hours of the Enrollment Office and after prior confirmation.

Place: Infothek, Löwengebäude at the main campus

The lecture halls and buildings of Martin Luther Universität are located all over the city. Here you can find a map of the main campus locations. You can also get this map in the university shop at the market square (tourist-information).

Winter semester 2025/2026
(1 October 2025 - 31 March 2026) 

At MLU, the academic year is divided into two terms: "Wintersemester" and "Sommersemester". The winter term begins officially on 1 October and ends on 31 March. The summer term begins on 1 April and ends on 30 September. However, the lecture period only runs from mid-October until mid-February and from mid-April until the end of July. The remaining time, the so-called "vorlesungsfreie Zeit", is intended for writing papers, preparing exams or for internships, etc. Dorms are open throughout the whole year.

In Germany, the rating of study achievements is usually done with grades from "1" to "5" with one decimal place.