You’ve been admitted—fantastic news!
Here's a handy checklist to help you get started with your studies on campus in Berlin.

Please note: MAGEA can only assist with matters directly related to the MAGEA program. For general questions about admission, enrollment, housing, visas, and more, please consult the Freie Universität Berlin resources listed below.

Important Dates

Sep 15 - Oct 1	Register for German language courses
Sep 16 10:15 AM	Placement Test for Students with Prior Knowledge of Chinese This test applies to students who plan to take Chinese courses in their complementary area.
Oct 1	Central Orientation for international students
Oct 1-31	Course Registration Period
Oct 2 2:30 PM	Introductory Session for all newly enrolled students in the MAGEA program Fabeckstr. 23-25, 14195 Berlin, room 2.2059
Oct 2 4:00 PM	Meet & Greet with Graduate School of East Asian Studies (location will be provided near to the date)
Oct 6 10:15 AM	Placement Test for Students with Prior Knowledge of Chinese This test applies to students who plan to take Chinese courses in their complementary area.
Oct 9	Placement Test for Students with Prior Knowledge of Japanese This test applies to students who plan to take Japanese courses in their complementary area. Note: The registration period starts September 1 and ends October 7, 2025.
Oct 10	Deadline to indicate preferences for courses with limited spots
Oct 13	Start of classes
Oct 28 6:00 PM	Enrolment ceremony of the Department of History and Cultural Studies
Oct 8, 15, 22, 29 10-11:00 AM	Online Office Hours – Collective FAQ Session Welcome to ask all your questions in regard to course selection

Checklist for Starting Your MAGEA Studies

1. Check the MAGEA Website

• Visit the MAGEA program website to learn about the program, courses, faculty, events, and more.

2. Complete Your Enrollment

• Confirm your place by responding to your admission letter before the stated deadline.

• Pay any required enrollment fees on time.

• Submit all additional enrollment documents by the deadline.

3. Set Up Your Student Accounts

• Activate your university email, student portal account, and any other required online accounts.

4. Arrange Housing

• Explore housing options in Berlin such as student dorms, shared flats, or private rentals.

• Apply as early as possible—housing is in high demand!

5. Get Settled in Berlin

• Organize your travel to Berlin.

• Move into your housing.

• Complete any residency registration as required.

• Open a German bank account if necessary.

• Create and activate your Campuscard for public transport.

• Make sure you can access your university email and accounts before orientation.

• Use only your @fu-berlin.de address for all communication within Freie Universität.

6. Learn About Courses and Regulations

• Read the study and examination regulations.

• Browse the course catalog and select courses that fit your modules.

• Note any special registration procedures (e.g., German language courses at the language center).

• Familiarize yourself with the code of conduct.

7. Attend Orientation Events

• International students: join the central orientation from October 1 in the Audimax, Henry Ford Building, Garystraße 35, 14195 Berlin.

• Attend the MAGEA program introduction on October 2, 2:30–3:30 PM.

• Join the MAGEA online office hours on October 8, 15, 22 or 29 10:00–11:00 AM (online) to meet students from other cohorts and ask you MAGEA specific questions.

8. Set Up Campus Technology Access

• Connect to the university WiFi network (eduroam).

• Set up remote access via VPN or the ZEDAT proxy if needed.

• Watch the “Introduction to Campus Management” video.

9. Register for Courses

• Registration runs from October 1 – October 31, 2025.

• For limited-capacity courses (usually all MAGEA courses), indicate your preferences by October 10, 2025.

• You can only register directly for MAGEA courses through Campus Management.

• Check your course allocation by October 11, 2025.

• From October 11–31, register for any remaining free spots.

• Monitor course status for any changes or cancellations.

• Withdraw from courses you don’t need (before October 31) to free up spaces.

• Check your enrollment in Blackboard (Freie Universität’s learning platform). If you’re not listed, contact the course instructor. Course materials and communication are handled exclusively via Blackboard—ensure you have access to all your courses.

10. Begin Classes

• Classes start the week of October 13, 2025—be there from day one!

Important Links

• MAGEA Course Catalog for Winter 2025
• Freie Universität Berlin: General Information for New Students
• International Students Arrival Guide
• Campus Management Introduction Video
• Code of Conduct

For any MAGEA-specific questions or concerns, please contact global-east-asia@geschkult.fu-berlin.de.

For general questions about admission, enrollment, housing, visas, etc., please refer to the Freie Universität Berlin resources.