Dear students,
Over the last few days, we have received many questions about the DeutschlandSemesterticket, which will be our new semester ticket from the start of the summer semester on April 1st. We have collected the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) and will try to answer them briefly below. If you have any further questions, please send an email to oeko@refrat.hu-berlin.de
FAQ about the DeutschlandSemesterticket
1. How do I get the DeutschlandSemesterticket?
The Germany semester ticket will be available via a link. You will find this link on Agnes at the beginning of the summer semester on April 1st. You can then use the link to log in with your HU account and download the ticket. Detailed instructions will be sent to you before the semester starts.
2. Where is the ticket valid?
Like the regular Deutschlandticket, the DeutschlandSemesterticket is valid on public transport in (almost) all of Germany, as well as in some border stations abroad and also on some long-distance trains. Current information on this can be viewed directly at the VBB (https://www.vbb.de/tickets/abonnements/deutschlandticket/allgemeines/).
3. Can I take my bicycle, dog(s), child(ren) with me on the ticket free of charge?
Unfortunately, it is no longer possible to take a bicycle with you free of charge; an additional ticket must be purchased. Dogs can travel free of charge within the VBB network area. Children under the age of 6 travel free of charge, older children are not included free of charge. Here, too, we would like to refer you to the VBB website: https://www.vbb.de/tickets/abonnements/deutschlandticket/wissenswertes-rund-um-mitnahme-1-klasse-und-mehr/
4. What are the technical requirements?
The DeutschlandSemesterticket is a purely digital ticket. You can access the ticket via all technical devices with an internet connection and store it in digital wallets, for example. The easiest way is therefore to download the DeutschlandSemesterticket to your smartphone and use it that way. Theoretically, however, it can also be accessed via tablet, laptop, etc.
5. I have got into financial difficulties due to paying the fees. Is there any help?
Yes, the student body has a social fund to reimburse students in financial difficulties for the (partial) costs of the semester ticket. You can submit an application to the semester ticket office. You can find the application forms here: https://www.refrat.de/semtix/wordpress/formulare/
Especially if you receive social benefits and are entitled to the €9 social ticket, for example, it may be worth submitting an application, as there is a good chance that you will be reimbursed. However, as each application is reviewed individually, you can always submit an application to the semester ticket office if you are currently experiencing financial problems (regardless of whether you receive social benefits or not).
The semester ticket applications are then processed during the semester and the approved grants are then paid out towards the end of the summer semester/beginning of the winter semester.
6. Do I still have to update my Campus Card?
Yes, the Campus Card must still be updated and will then have the imprint “01.04.24-30.09.24 summer semester”. This is relevant for the canteen or student discounts, for example. So basically whenever you have to prove that you are currently studying.
7. does the DeutschlandSemesterticket also apply to doctoral students?
As you may have already noticed, the group of people entitled to the semester ticket has changed with the introduction of the DeutschlandSemesterticket. Doctoral students, among others, are no longer entitled to purchase the semester ticket. We have already expressed our criticism of this several times and are trying to find a solution. However, doctoral students have also come together and formulated an open letter to the VBB and also started a petition – please share it.
Here is the open letter: https://www.refrat.de/docs/sonstiges/Offener_Brief_Promovierende.pdf
Here is the link to the petition: https://www.openpetition.de/petition/online/gegen-den-ausschluss-von-promovierenden-vom-deutschlandsemesterticket
Best,
Your SemTix Team