Stay in Lübeck
Your stay in Lübeck is an essential part of your doctoral journey. From preparing your visa and travel arrangements to settling into daily life, this section provides all the practical information you need for a smooth and successful experience. Here, you’ll find guidance on visa procedures, accommodation options, and transportation, as well as insights into life and culture in Lübeck. Whether you are organizing your first arrival or planning your next research stay, these resources will help you navigate every step of your time in Germany with confidence and ease.
Research Stay Overview
Each year, students in the Dual-Degree Program travel to Lübeck for dedicated research stays between July and September. These periods encourage collaboration, focused research, and academic exchange among all participants, concluding in a final stay devoted to thesis completion and examinations.
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Before Arrival
Prepare for your stay by organizing visa and travel arrangements well in advance. This section outlines entry requirements for different nationalities, provides guidance on visa applications, and offers practical tips for planning flights and scheduling embassy appointments to ensure a smooth start to your research stay in Lübeck.
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Accommodation
Find comfortable and affordable housing options for your research stay. The University of Lübeck provides student residences and shared apartments, while private housing may be arranged independently. Learn about what’s included, budgeting support, and important tips for securing accommodation early.
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Transportation
Lübeck and its surrounding region are easy to explore with your student semester ticket. Valid across buses, trains, trams, and ferries throughout Germany, this ticket offers convenient and cost-free public transportation during your entire stay. Learn how to activate it through the NAH.SH app before arrival.
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Daily Life
Get to know everyday life in Lübeck — from grocery shopping and dining to local customs and quiet hours. Learn how to shop sustainably, where to find international and halal products, and what to expect from Germany’s lifestyle, energy-saving culture, and waste sorting system.
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Religion and Culture
Lübeck’s UNESCO-listed Old Town offers a unique cultural atmosphere. Discover museums, festivals, and places of worship for all faiths. From exploring Gothic architecture to attending community events, your time in Lübeck will be both academically rewarding and culturally enriching.
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Research Stay
Spend your summers in Lübeck conducting focused research, meeting your supervisors, and engaging in international collaboration as part of the dual-degree exchange.
As part of the Dual-Degree Program, students complete annual research stays in Lübeck, typically from early July to the end of September. All participants are expected to be present during this time to foster collaboration and a strong academic community.
- 1st Stay: Research stay (3 months)
- 2nd Stay: Research stay (3 months)
- 3rd Stay: Final examination period (approx. 4 weeks)
These stays provide structured time for concentrated research, supervision, and academic development while strengthening international cooperation between institutions.
Before Arrival
Prepare for your stay by completing visa formalities, organizing travel, and ensuring all administrative requirements are in order before your journey to Lübeck.
Before traveling to Lübeck, it is essential to complete all necessary preparations to ensure a seamless arrival.
Visa Requirements
- EU/EEA citizens: Do not require a visa to enter or work in Germany.
- Citizens of Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the Republic of Korea, and the United States: Do not require a visa to enter Germany. However, they must apply for a residence permit for work purposes after arrival at the Aliens’ Office (Ausländerbehörde) in Lübeck.
- Citizens of other countries: Must apply for an employment visa before entering Germany. Applications should be submitted to the German Embassy or Consulate in your home country, supported by an invitation letter provided by the University of Lübeck.
Visa processing typically takes 1–3 months, so early application is strongly recommended. Appointments with German embassies should be scheduled well in advance.
Travel Arrangements
The nearest international airport is Hamburg Airport (HAM), approximately one hour from Lübeck by train. The university arranges shuttle taxis during official arrival days to assist students in reaching the campus or their accommodation directly.
Accommodation
Lübeck offers a variety of housing options tailored to research students, including on-campus dormitories, shared apartments, and private rentals. The university assists with bookings and basic necessities, ensuring comfort and convenience. Early planning is essential due to limited availability and high demand.
On-Campus Dormitory
Overview:
The most common option for students in Germany is living in a university dormitory. Accommodation will be arranged at either the University Guest House (House 80) or the UKSH Dormitory (House 73), depending on availability.
Features:
- Studio apartments approx. 17–25 m² in size.
- Fully furnished: bed, desk, chair, wardrobe, and seating area.
- Private bathroom with shower.
- Kitchenette included for light cooking.
- Shared laundry facilities in the basement.
- Linens, towels, dishes, and daily necessities provided.
- Coordinators handle all setup to ensure a smooth arrival.
Important Notes:
- Early reservation is essential; dorms fill quickly.
- Quiet hours and house rules apply.
Wohngemeinschaft (Shared Apartment)
Overview:
Shared apartments are a popular alternative for students who wish to live with peers. Typically, 3–4 students share a living room, kitchen, and bathroom while maintaining private bedrooms.
Features:
- Fully furnished shared apartments arranged by the coordinators.
- Shared common areas for social interaction.
- Separate bedrooms for privacy.
- Linens, towels, dishes, and essentials included.
Important Notes:
- Shared apartments are gender-specific.
- Single-occupancy apartments cannot be arranged by the university.
Private Accommodation
Overview:
Students may arrange their own accommodation through platforms like Airbnb or Booking.com if they prefer more independence.
Features:
- Fully furnished vacation homes or short-term rentals.
- Students handle all bookings and payments.
- University reimbursement up to €1,000 for a three-month stay.
Important Considerations:
- Contract Duration: Many apartments require 1–2 year leases; short-term rentals may be more expensive.
- Housing Market Conditions: Germany faces a housing shortage; short-term rentals are limited and costly.
- High Demand in Lübeck: Popular tourist city; book well in advance, especially in summer.
Accommodation Guidelines
Please treat your accommodation with care and respect, as if it were your own home. Maintaining a tidy and orderly living environment not only ensures your comfort but also reflects consideration for other residents and the local community. Following these guidelines will help make your stay in Germany both enjoyable and harmonious.
Ventilate Regularly
German homes generally do not have built-in air conditioning or mechanical ventilation systems. To maintain good air quality and prevent moisture buildup, it is essential to open windows wide several times a day, particularly after cooking or showering. Proper ventilation reduces the risk of mold and keeps your living space fresh and comfortable.
Keep it Clean
Regular cleaning is expected for both private rooms and shared spaces. Students must maintain cleanliness throughout their stay and ensure that the accommodation is returned in excellent condition upon departure. Paying attention to everyday upkeep, such as vacuuming, wiping surfaces, and organizing belongings, contributes to a pleasant environment for everyone in the building.
Sort Waste Properly
Waste separation is strictly enforced in Germany, and residents are expected to follow local recycling practices. Trash is typically divided into organic waste, paper, recyclables, and residual waste. If you are unsure about the correct procedure, it is important to consult the house rules or ask the landlord, ensuring compliance and minimizing environmental impact.
Save Energy
Electricity in Germany is relatively expensive, making energy conservation an important responsibility for all residents. Always turn off lights, appliances, and electronics when they are not in use. Being mindful of energy consumption not only helps reduce costs but also demonstrates respect for natural resources and contributes to a sustainable living environment.
Quiet Hours
German households observe regulated quiet hours, known as “Ruhezeiten,” which require maintaining minimal noise levels. Activities such as parties, loud music, and other disturbances are strictly prohibited during these times, usually at night and on Sundays. Always check your apartment’s specific rules to avoid complaints from neighbors or local authorities.
Cleaning & Laundry
Student apartments do not provide professional cleaning services. Residents are responsible for maintaining cleanliness and doing their own laundry. If needed, coordinators can provide contact information for reputable cleaning agencies. Costs for hired cleaning staff typically range from €40–60 per hour and must be covered by the student. Proper upkeep ensures a comfortable and hygienic living environment.
Transportation
Navigating Lübeck and Germany is easy thanks to a safe, reliable, and well-connected public transport network. From buses and trams to trains and ferries, students can travel efficiently both within the city and across the region. Your semester ticket makes exploring convenient, affordable, and stress-free throughout your stay.
Getting Here
The nearest international airport to Lübeck is Hamburg Airport, approximately one hour away by road. Emirates Airlines offers direct flights between Dubai and Hamburg twice daily, while other major carriers provide convenient one-stop connections. Upon arrival, the University of Lübeck will arrange shuttle taxis for direct transport to campus or your assigned accommodation, ensuring a smooth start to your stay.
Semester Ticket Details
The semester ticket includes second-class travel on all regional trains, public buses, trams, subways, suburban trains, and most ferries in cities such as Lübeck, Hamburg, and Kiel. Children under five travel free. Upgrades to first-class are available at ticket machines or offices. Activation requires a valid student ID, which should be prepared in advance to avoid delays.
Getting Around
Germany offers an extensive, reliable, and safe public transportation network, including trains, buses, trams, subways, and ferries. Enrollment at the University of Lübeck provides a public transport ticket valid throughout your research stay. This ticket, downloaded onto a smartphone via the NAH.SH app, grants access to most regional transport, excluding select island ferries.
Important Notes
Students who do not activate their semester ticket prior to travel must purchase tickets independently, which cannot be reimbursed. Detailed instructions for setting up the ticket are available on the university website. Ensuring your ticket is ready before departure guarantees seamless travel throughout Germany during your research stay.
Daily Life
Living in Lübeck is not just about your research—it’s also about navigating everyday life in a new city. From shopping for groceries to understanding local customs, this section provides practical tips to help you settle in comfortably and make the most of your stay.
Groceries
In Germany, most people buy their food in grocery stores. Public markets are still common, but well-stocked grocery stores are often more practical. Product offerings vary by price range:
- Discount chains: such as Lidl, Aldi, Penny, and Netto offer a smaller selection at lower prices.
- Mid-range stores: like REWE and EDEKA provide a larger selection with more emphasis on presentation, though at higher cost.
- Premium stores: such as Alnatura, Denns, or Landwege focus exclusively on organic products, offering high-quality regional goods.
Personal hygiene products, cleaning supplies, and household essentials can be found in drugstore chains such as DM, Rossmann, Budni, or Müller.
International Products
While German grocery stores carry some international items, a wider and more authentic selection can be found in “Asian Markets.” Many of these stores specialize in products from Southeast Asia, India, Turkey, or Syria.
Buying Halal
For halal products, Lübeck has a few specialized butchers. Turkish or Syrian grocery stores often provide a broader selection of halal items and may have their own butcher on-site. Always check product labels—many items contain pork or alcohol. Most ingredients are also listed in English, and vegetarian options are clearly marked.
Keep in Mind: Practical Tips
Opening Hours:
Most shops close around 8:00 PM on weekdays and reopen around 7:00–8:00 AM. Shops and supermarkets are closed on Sundays and public holidays, so plan your grocery shopping in advance.
Bring Your Own Bag:
Customers are expected to bag their own groceries, and reusable bags must be purchased or brought from home.
Return Your Bottles:
Many plastic and glass drink containers carry a deposit (Pfand). Return them to the machines at grocery stores for a voucher to use on your next purchase. Look for the Pfand logo.
Cash vs. Card:
Card payments are common, but some smaller shops prefer cash. American Express is often not accepted, so it’s wise to carry some euros.
Religion and Culture
Lübeck offers a rich cultural environment that complements your academic experience. During your stay, you can explore museums, historic landmarks, festivals, and community events, while also finding support for practicing your faith. This section provides guidance on religious facilities, cultural activities, and ways to engage with the local community.
Places of Worship
Religious freedom is an important aspect of German culture, and Lübeck is home to places of worship for all major religions. Students can find mosques, churches, synagogues, and other religious centers to meet their spiritual needs.
Islamic Centers & Mosques in Lübeck
Muslim students have several options for practicing their faith. Some of the most accessible and active locations include:
Assalam Mosque Lübeck
- Dornestraße 56–58, 23558 Lübeck
- Languages: German, Arabic
- Activities: Prayers, educational classes, women’s groups
Lübeck Islamic Center (DİTİB)
- Fleischhauerstraße 55–57, 23552 Lübeck
- Languages: Turkish, some German
- Prayers: Daily and Friday prayers
Yeni Cami (New Mosque) Bait-ul-Afiyat Mosque (Ahmadiyya Community)
- Mühlenstraße 51, entrace via Pergamentmachergang
- Languages: German
- Prayers: Regular services
Islamic Community of Lübeck e.V. (Fatih Mosque)
- Katharinenstraße 35-37, 23554 Lübeck
- Languages: Turkish, German
- Prayers: Friday (men & women), Eid (men only)
- Community: Youth programs, occasional events in German, annual funfair
Bait-ul-Afiyat Mosque (Ahmadiyya Community)
- Kaninchenborn 4a, 23560 Lübeck
- Languages Geramn:
- Prayers: Daily & Friday prayers, community-friendly
- Events: Open days, women’s café, youth programs
- Dual Degree Program
- Overview
- Your Stay in Germany
