From the time you re-register for the new semester, you can apply for a semester off. In principle, this is still possible up to six weeks after the start of lectures, but no longer after that.

The Studien- und Prüfungsordnung (SPO) contains your study and examination regulations. It sets out the objectives, content, requirements and structure of the MAIB programme. If you have important questions about your studies, it is always worth looking at the study and examination regulations. The study regulations regulate the general structure and course of your studies and contain important information on the teaching forms of the programme (seminars, lectures, modules, etc.). The examination regulations specify exactly which requirements and procedures apply to the examinations to be taken. At the end of the SPO you will also find a recommended study plan.

You can find the SPO on the MAIB homepage under Downloads.

Your student ID doesn't only serve as a proof that you're a student, it also has some other useful functions. The student ID card is calles Campuscard at the Freie Unviersität and Humboldt-Universität, it is called PUCK at the Universität Potsdam.

Freie Universität/ Humboldt-Universität - Campuscard:

The Campuscard combines the student ID with the Mensa card, the VBB ticket and the library card on one card.

• Checking out books at the libraries with the Campuscard
• Use of the cloakroom lockers
• Loading credit and paying at the canteen cash desks
• Paying library fees (cash or EC card) at the pay machines
• Use of printers and copying
• Use of the VBB ticket even without an identity card if the photo option has been selected

Universität Potsdam - PUCK:

The PUCK combines the student ID card with the Mensa card, the VBB ticket and the library card on one card.

• Borrowing from the libraries with the PUCK
• Top up credit and pay at the canteen cash desks
• Using printers and copying
• Paying for use of the laundry rooms in the hall of residence
• Use of the VBB ticket

In general: yes! There are plenty of different scholarships available and it's always worth looking, if you could apply for one to cover your expenses. While you don't have to pay high student fees in Germany, there are still scholarships to cover you daily expenses or costs for books, study material etc. There are a number of different offers from political foundations, social clubs and associations. Everyone should inform themselves individually about their possibilities to get a scholarship.

The following link lists some scholarship opportunities that you can take advantage of (however, the list does not claim to be complete):

https://www.fu-berlin.de/en/sites/deutschlandstipendium/index.html 

https://www.daad.de/en/study-and-research-in-germany/scholarships/ 

https://www.studying-in-germany.org/scholarships/ 

For letters of reference, please contact lecturers you trust, ideally those with whom you have already worked with.

If you have problems with your studies, there is a counselling service at each university that will be happy to help you and, if necessary, refer you to the right contact person. You can find the office hours on the respective websites.

Free University:
Phone: +49 30 838 70000 
E-mail: info-service@fu-berlin.de 
Website: https://www.fu-berlin.de/en/studium/beratung/ssc/bereiche/allgemeine-studienberatung.html 

Humboldt University:
Phone: (030) 2093-70270
E-mail: Contact form on the website
Website: https://www.hu-berlin.de/en/studies/counselling/wir1-eng?set_language=en 

University of Potsdam:
Phone: +49 331 977-1715
E-mail: studienberatung@uni-potsdam.de
Website: https://www.uni-potsdam.de/en/studium/advising-and-services/zsb 

For problems directly related to the MAIB, please contact the office: masterib@zedat.fu-berlin.de 

From the student side, the student body initiative FSI*OSI also always offers its help: fsi.osi@riseup.net 

If you want to become active in university politics, you can stand as a candidate for the MAIB student council. The election takes place during the introductory week.

The MAIB student council represents the student body in the course-specific committees of the three participating universities by sending voting members.

The student council consists of one representative per university and deputies. The student representation is the contact person for students and prospective students of the MAIB for questions from a student perspective. If you interested to get involved, its best you contact the student council directly: maib.berlin.potsdam@gmail.com