HCU card
The HafenCity Universität (HCU) Hamburg offers their students a HCU card which serves as:
- Personal student ID
- Library card
- HVV SemesterTicket
- for printing and copying
- for cashless payment in the cafeteria and mensa
It is valid for the duration of your degree programme at the HCU.
You only have to update (validate) your HCU card every semester after successful re-register, because the functions of the HCU card are limited to one semester.
You will receive the HCU card at the earliest at the start of your studies. After successful enrolment, you will initially receive a provisional paper semester ticket by mail. This provisional semester ticket is valid for three months.
To collect the HCU card, please bring your provisional semester ticket and a valid proof of identity with you.
Accepted proof of identity are the following valid documents:
- Identity card
- Passport
- Residence permit
The HCU card can only be handed over to you if you present all requested documents.
Validating means updating your HCU card for the new semester. You insert your card in one of the validation stations (in the foyer on the right under the main stairs or oh the 1st floor next to the elevator). After a successful check the card will be printed with the new validity period (end of the semester) and the semester ticket is updated.
Please check the printed details after validation. If the new details are not correct, please contact the Student Service Center.
The HCU card can only be validated if you have re-registered by paying the semester contribution on time and if there is no other reason that prevents the re-registration. You will be notified by email when you can validate your HCU card. If you do not receive an email, please contact the Student Service Center.
Your chip card is a piece of high technology therefore handle it carefully.
The HCU card cannot withstand high temperatures, misuse and unprotected carrying in the back pocket. In addition, your semester ticket is only valid with a recognizable photo and legible lettering. Use a suitable protective cover for your HCU card.
A replacement HCU card can be issued free of charge in the following cases
- Change of name
- Electronic defect with optically undamaged card
A fee of 80€ will be charged for replacement cards in the following cases
- Theft
- Loss
- Mechanical damage, deflection, crack
If you have lost your HCU card or it has been stolen, please report it to the Student Service Center immediately. To prevent misuse of your card, it must be blocked. The Student Service Center will induce it for you.
Please use the Request for a Replacement HCU card to apply for a new HCU card. Please transfer the fee to the HCU bank account for administration fees. Please indicate your student number, surname, first name and the reason "Neuausstellung HCU-Card" in the purpose.
Semester ticket
With the semester ticket you can use the buses, underground and S-railway as well as commuter trains in the hvv entire network (2nd class). When traveling with a valid semester ticket, up to three children up to the age of 14 can be taken along free of charge. Further information can be found on the HVV website.
The semester ticket is valid due to the current print on the HCU card. The end of the validity period is printed on the card by the validation. The cost of the semester ticket is included in the semester contribution.
9-euro ticket
The HCU semester ticket will be recognized nationwide as a 9-euro ticket for the months of June, July and August from June 1st, 2022. The 9-euro ticket is valid for all over Germany on local and regional public transport services.
Discussions are currently ongoing how the difference of 64.20 € can be refunded for students who have re-registered for the 2022 summer semester. As soon as a regulation has been decided, we will inform you.
The fee for the semester ticket can be refunded in the following cases:
- for health reasons, for example if you are unable to use public transport
- if you are not in Hamburg, for example on placement in another town or studying abroad
- for distance reasons, for example if you live right beside the faculty
- for social welfare reasons
Refunds for the semester ticket can be requested at “Studierendenwerk Hamburg”. The application must be submitted to Studierendenwerk Hamburg before the semester starts.
If your application for refund of the semester ticket is approved, please give the approval letter and your HCU-Card to the Infothek within the specified period. There the erasing procedure respectively the update of your HCU-Card will be executed. This can take one to two working days.
Please note that your HCU-Card must be submitted to the information desk on-time. Otherwise, the Studierendenwerk cannot be informed of the deletion or update. Please plan this in time for a stay abroad.
The Studierendenwerk will be informed of the deletion. After that you will receive the credit from the Studierendenwerk.
If you have any questions please contact the Infothek directly.
If you have been de-registered before the end of the semester, you can apply for a partial refund from the S-Bahn from the day after the de-registration.
S-Bahn Hamburg GmbH
Fahrgeldstelle
Hühnerposten 1 (Stair B, 6th floor)
20097 Hamburg
Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 06:00 pm
Email: fahrgeldstelle@deutschebahn.com
Phone: +49 (0)40 3918-50650
Please note that you need to delete the semester ticket prior you visit the S-Bahn Hamburg GmbH. In the application form for de-registration you note that you want the partial refund and send your HCU card together with the application form for de-registration to the Student Service Center. The confirmation of deletion and the HCU card will be sent to you together with the de-registration certificate.
A partial refund is not possible once the end of the validity period of the semester ticket has reached.
