
Zahra Sadeghi Lokolayeh International Student Coordinator
February 9, 2026EIIET Potsdam Campus
Your Gateway to Innovation and Serenity
Choosing to study in Potsdam isn't just about picking a university; it’s about choosing a lifestyle that balances the high-energy innovation of Germany’s "Silicon Valley" with the peaceful, regal atmosphere of a UNESCO World Heritage city.
Our Potsdam campus is located in a city defined by its dual identity. On one side, you have the historical grandeur of Prussian palaces; on the other, a cutting-edge tech hub that rivals any global city. Our facilities reflect this mix—modern, tech-forward learning spaces set against a backdrop of lush greenery. Whether you’re grabbing a coffee in our student lounge or working on a project in our high-tech labs, you’re in an environment designed for deep focus and big ideas.
Why Choose Potsdam?
Student Guide: Living Like a Local in Potsdam

1. The "Anmeldung" is Your First Milestone
Before you can get a German SIM card or open a bank account, you need to register your address.
- The Reality: Appointments at the Potsdam Bürgerservice fill up fast.
- The Tip: Check the online portal early on Wednesday mornings. Potsdam is generally a bit easier to navigate than Berlin, but don't procrastinate. You need this paper for everything!
2. Master the "Semesterticket"
Your student ID is a superpower. In Potsdam, it covers the entire VBB network (ABC Zone). This means free travel all the way into Berlin and across the entire state of Brandenburg.
- Pro Tip: Use the VBB Bus & Bahn app. It’s much more reliable than Google Maps for the regional trains (RE) that get you to Berlin in record time.
3. Eat at the "Mensa"
Don't underestimate the student cafeteria. The Mensas in Potsdam (especially the ones near the water) offer high-quality, balanced meals for €3 to €6. It’s the best way to save money while eating healthy.
4. Sunday is for "Kaffee und Kuchen"
Remember: On Sundays, all supermarkets and shops are closed. Germans take their rest seriously. Do your grocery shopping on Saturday, and spend your Sunday doing what the locals do—walking through Sanssouci Park or cycling around the lakes, followed by coffee and cake.
5. Embrace the Water
Potsdam life happens on the water. In the summer, students rent stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) or small boats to study on the lake. It sounds like a cliché, but it’s actually how people recharge here.

6. Beat "The Grey" with Vitamin D
Winter in Brandenburg can be misty and dark.
- The Survival Kit: A high-quality winter coat, a sturdy bike light (you’ll bike everywhere!), and Vitamin D supplements.
- The Reward: Christmas markets in Potsdam’s Dutch Quarter are magical, and the first spring day at the palaces makes every grey day worth it.





