Navigating public transportation as a student at Saarland University is made easier with the Germany Semester Ticket. This digital ticket provides you with unlimited travel within specific regions and is essential for students. In this guide, I'll walk you through the process of getting your Semester Ticket, ensuring you’re well-prepared for hassle-free commuting.
Prerequisites
Before you begin, make sure you meet the following prerequisites:
- Enrollment Status: You must be currently enrolled at Saarland University. The Semester Ticket is only available to students who are officially registered for the current semester.
- Valid University Email Address: Ensure that you have access to your official Saarland University email account. This email address is crucial for verifying your identity and retrieving your digital ticket.
Step 1: Set Up a VPN (Virtual Private Network)
Before you begin, you’ll need to access the website from within Germany, even if you're currently abroad. To do this, you'll need a VPN that allows you to connect to a server in Germany. Unfortunately, most German servers are paid, but you can opt for a nearby location like France.
I recommend using the free VPN extension available on the Chrome Web Store here. This will let you connect to a Paris-based server, which should work perfectly for accessing the necessary sites.
Step 2: Access the SaarVV Website
Once your VPN is set up, you’ll need to visit the SaarVV website, which is the platform that manages the Semester Ticket for students at Saarland University. Click on this link: SaarVV Semester Ticket Info.
The Germany Semester Ticket is the successor to the previous top-up model and is now exclusively available as a digital ticket. This means that you won’t receive a physical ticket on your student ID; instead, the ticket will be accessible through an app on your phone.
Step 3: Select Saarland University
On the SaarVV website, you’ll find an option to access the background system where you can retrieve your Semester Ticket.
Step 4: Log In to Your University Account
You’ll then be prompted to log in using your Saarland University credentials. This step is crucial as it allows the university to confirm your eligibility for the Semester Ticket.
Step 5: Review, Consent, and Provide Personal Information
After logging in, you’ll see an overview of the information that will be forwarded to the SaarVV service. It’s important to review this information carefully and give your consent for your data to be forwarded. Once you agree, you’ll be redirected to a page where you must provide additional personal information.
Tip: Handling Errors
If you encounter any errors during this process, try not to translate the page using a browser tool, as this might cause issues with the form. Additionally, aim to complete the entire process in one go to avoid any potential interruptions or technical glitches.
Step 6: Install the Saarfahrplan App
Now, you’ll need to download the Saarfahrplan app on your smartphone. This app is where your digital Semester Ticket will be stored.
- For iOS: Download the app from the App Store.
- For Android: Download the app from the Google Play Store.
Once installed, register in the app under the "Tickets/Account" section, or alternatively, use an existing login if you have one.
Step 7: Retrieve Your Deutschland Semester Ticket
After setting up the Saarfahrplan app, go back to the SaarVV website and complete the process to retrieve your Semester Ticket. Make sure to use the same email address that you registered with in the Saarfahrplan app.
Upon successful retrieval, your ticket will be digitally displayed in the app starting from the date of its validity. If you purchase the ticket during the current semester, it will appear in the app by the following working day.
Step 8: Use Your Digital Ticket
Your digital Semester Ticket is now ready to be used on public transport. Just open the Saarfahrplan app and display your ticket when required. Remember that the tariff regulations and transport conditions of SaarVV apply when using your ticket.
Additional Information
If you need more details about contribution obligations, exemptions, or reimbursement for the Semester Ticket, contact the department responsible for the Semester Ticket at Saarland University. Applications for exemptions or reimbursements should also be directed to the university's respective department.