We have summarised the most frequent questions related to our refectories and cafeterias and the cashless card payment system for you here. If you cannot find the answer to your question, please get in touch with our contact persons at the refectories and cafeterias or visit our InfoPoints.
Where does the food come from?
The Studierendenwerk purchases a great deal of food from regional distributors – e.g. fresh meat and sausage products, fresh fruit and vegetables or bakery products. The Studierendenwerk exclusively uses MSC-certified items for fish dishes – i.e. products from fishing companies that meet the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) environmental standard for sustainable fishing. All the eggs used come from chickens that are not cooped up in cages. The Studierendenwerk also offers meals with organic products.
What about freshness and quality?
The Studierendenwerk pays attention to top quality and freshness in food items at all times. Meat and sausages, dairy items, bakery products and fresh fruit and vegetables are supplied daily.
Are there vegetarian and vegan dishes too?
Yes. There is an alternative vegetarian menu in each refectory every day. Vegetarian dishes are also available as optional meals every day. There is also a salad buffet or a salad dish on the menu.
In all larger refectories, you can choose between a vegetarian and a vegan option every day, including the MensaVital menu.
How do I know whether there are allergens or additives in certain products?
The 14 allergens needing to be labelled have abbreviations consisting of letters, while the additives needing to be marked are shown with numbers. Visitors to our refectories will find the markings on monitors and/or notices at each serving point every day.
If you have any questions or need some clarification, please get in touch with the responsible refectory manager on the spot.
You can find more information about allergen markings here.
How are the refectories financed?
It is the task of the Studierendenwerk to offer tasty and healthy meals to students at cheap prices. As the production costs of a meal are about three times as high as the price charged to students, the refectories cannot cover their costs. The Studierendenwerk therefore receives subsidies from the state of Baden-Württemberg to finance this shortfall.
Even if we primarily operate for students and university employees at our university catering facilities, we are delighted to welcome other visitors to our cafeterias and refectories.
Can I hire the rooms at a refectory for events?
Yes. Some refectories hire out individual rooms or the complete refectory for events. The Studierendenwerk Tübingen-Hohenheim also offers a catering service for events at its own premises or for external events and you can hire crockery at low prices.
If you are planning an event and need support in organising and holding it, please get in touch with us. You can find more information and contact partners at Events & catering service.
Can I advertise with leaflets or information stands in the refectories?
Yes. You may display and/or distribute leaflets, put up posters and set up sales and information stands on the premises at the refectories if they have been approved; fees may be charged. If you need more information and a permit, please contact our InfoPoints or the appropriate refectory manager.
You can find more information at Advertising opportunities/leaflets.
Where does the food come from?
The Studierendenwerk purchases a great deal of food from regional distributors – e.g. sausage items, fresh fruit and vegetables or bakery products. Staff at the cafeterias fill the freshly delivered rolls with various types of fresh sausage and cheese every day.
Where does the coffee come from?
The Studierendenwerk only purchases Fairtrade coffee with the Darboven brand for all its coffee machines.
How do I know whether there are allergens or additives in certain products?
The 14 allergens needing to be labelled have abbreviations consisting of letters, while the additives needing to be marked are shown with numbers. Visitors to our refectories will find the markings on monitors and/or notices at each serving point every day.
If you have any questions or need some clarification, please get in touch with the responsible refectory manager on the spot.
You can find more information about allergen markings here.
How are the cafeterias financed?
In contrast to the refectories, the cafeterias are not subsidised by the state of Baden-Württemberg, but finance themselves exclusively from the revenues that they generate. Even if we primarily operate for students and university employees at our university catering facilities, we are delighted to welcome other visitors to our cafeterias and refectories.
May I advertise with leaflets in the cafeterias?
No. You may only display and/or distribute leaflets in the refectories after receiving prior permission for this, but not in the cafeterias.
For students and employees
How and where can I top up my student/employee pass?
The simplest and easiest way to top up your card is by using Autoload. You can replenish the credit on your student/employee pass directly at the till as soon as the card credit falls below a certain set limit.
You can use the EC card to revalue your student/staff ID card at the revalue machines using an EC card in all major Studierendenwerk facilities. You do not need to enter your PIN code for this (ELV procedure). The minimum amount that can be revalorised using an EC card is €5.00, the highest amount is €50.00.
In addition, it is possible to revalue directly at certain cash registers using an EC or credit card or Google-Pay, Apple-Pay.
How do I pay with my pass?
Place your student/employee pass on the debiting device at the till – it does not matter which side you use. The amount being paid will be debited from your card in a few seconds.
The till display will show the amount of credit on your card and what is left after the purchase. You can obtain a receipt too, if you wish.
Remove your pass from the payment device and keep it safe to prevent any damage.
How does Autoload work?
You can use Autoload, the cashless card payment service, to top up the credit on your chip card at the tills in our refectories and cafeterias in conjunction with any purchase, as soon as the card’s credit falls below a set limit. This means that you will always have enough credit on your card.
We have compiled more information on Autoload for you here.
How is my data protected?
The Studierendenwerk uses a data field on the pass, which is not personalised. When you pay with your card, the system only logs the card series number, the consumer group and the validity of the card. This data does not allow the Studierendenwerk to draw any conclusions about the user.
What do I do if I loose my pass?
If you lose it, inform us immediately about the card series number so that the card can be blocked from making any further payments. Students can obtain their series number from the student secretary’s office and employees from the university’s administration department.
Unfortunately, it is not possible to refund any remaining credit from a card that has been lost, as this is an anonymous credit system comparable to cash.
What do I do if I loose my EC bank card?
Please inform us immediately about any loss of your EC bank card in order to prevent any misuse of transactions from your EC card through the pass.
Please note: It is not enough to simply block your EC card at your bank!
What do I have to do if I want to have the remaining balance of my pass paid out?
Send an e-mail to kartenzahlung [at] sw-tuebingen-hohenheim [dot] de. Our team will contact you and arrange everything else.
What do I do if my refectory card is faulty?
If your refectory card is faulty, please contact our InfoPoints/tills.
We will transfer any remaining credit to a new card or refund the amount a few days later. Unfortunately, if the card is physically damaged, the deposit cannot be refunded.
What do I need to do if my pass is no longer valid?
Students need to update the expiry date at the university self-service terminals. You can update the date on your card after you have renewed your registration using the “Renew card date” menu item. If it has not been updated, the guest price will automatically be debited when you make a payment in a refectory.
What do I do if the card reader displays the 220, 448, 620 errors or the “Löschkarten” status?
The error was caused by removing the card too quickly during the last payment/topping up transaction.
Place your card on the device that caused the error once again. If you no longer know which device caused the error, please contact our staff at the InfoPoints or tills.
What do I do if the card reader displays the 439 error?
Your card has been blocked, because topping up the chip card has caused debts for the Studierendenwerk, as there was not enough credit in your bank account to cover the transaction.
Any arrears can be settled cashless at the InfoPoints or tills or by making a bank transfer to the Studierendenwerk. You card will then be unblocked again.
KSK Tübingen
IBAN: DE56 6415 0020 0000 2679 22
BIC: SOLADES1TUB
Intended purpose: Chip card series no. + name
Do you have any other questions about card payments?
We have compiled a list of other questions and answers on the matter of cashless payments for you in our FAQ list. We will be happy to answer any questions at our InfoPoints or if you phone 07071/29-73830.
For external students, pupils & guests
Who is eligible for a refectory card?
Where can I get hold of a refectory card?
You can obtain a refectory card:
How much does a refectory card cost?
You can obtain a refectory card for a deposit of EUR 5. When you return the refectory card, you get the deposit back and any possible credit on the card at our InfoPoints/tills.
How and where can I top up my student/employee pass?
The simplest and easiest way to top up your card is by using Autoload. You can replenish the credit on your student/employee pass directly at the till as soon as the card credit falls below a certain set limit.
You can use the EC card to revalue your card at the revalue machines using an EC card in all major Studierendenwerk facilities. You do not need to enter your PIN code for this (ELV procedure). The minimum amount that can be revalorised using an EC card is €5.00, the highest amount is €50.00.
In addition, it is possible to revalue directly at certain cash registers using an EC or credit card or Google-Pay, Apple-Pay.
How do I pay with my pass?
Place your student/employee pass on the debiting device at the till – it does not matter which side you use. The amount being paid will be debited from your card in a few seconds.
The till display will show the amount of credit on your card and what is left after the purchase. You can obtain a receipt too, if you wish.
Remove your pass from the payment device and keep it safe to prevent any damage.
How does Autoload work?
You can use Autoload, the cashless card payment service, to top up the credit on your chip card at the tills in our refectories and cafeterias in conjunction with any purchase, as soon as the card’s credit falls below a set limit. This means that you will always have enough credit on your card.
We have compiled more information on Autoload for you here.
What do I do if I lose my refectory card?
You can obtain a new refectory card under the same conditions as the previous one.
It is not possible to refund any remaining credit balance on the card, as the card is not personally issued to you for data protection reasons. This is anonymous credit, which is comparable to cash.
What do I do if I lose my EC bank card?
Please inform us immediately about any loss of your EC bank card in order to prevent any misuse of transactions from your EC card through the pass.
PLEASE NOTE: It is not enough to simply block your EC card at your bank!
What do I have to do if I want to return the refectory card and have my remaining credit + deposit paid out?
Send an e-mail to kartenzahlung [at] sw-tuebingen-hohenheim [dot] de. Our team will contact you and arrange everything else.
What do I do if my refectory card is faulty?
If your refectory card is faulty, please contact our InfoPoints/tills.
We will transfer any remaining credit to a new card or refund the amount a few days later. Unfortunately, if the card is physically damaged, the deposit cannot be refunded.
What do I do if my refectory card is no longer valid?
Students from other universities can have the validity of their card extended at the InfoPoints/tills, provided that they provide evidence of their status. You can continue to pay with your refectory card in our refectories without extending it, but you then pay the guest prices.
What do I do if the card reader displays the 220, 448, 620 errors or the “Löschkarten” status?
The error was caused by removing the card too quickly during the last payment/topping up transaction.
Place your card on the device that caused the error once again. If you no longer know which device caused the error, please contact our staff at the InfoPoints or tills.
What do I do if the card reader displays the 439 error?
Your card has been blocked, because topping up the chip card has caused debts for the Studierendenwerk, as there was not enough credit in your bank account to cover the transaction.
Any arrears can be settled cashless at the InfoPoints or tills or by making a bank transfer to the Studierendenwerk. You card will then be unblocked again.
KSK Tübingen
IBAN: DE56 6415 0020 0000 2679 22
BIC: SOLADES1TUB
Intended purpose: Chip card series no. + name
Do you have any other questions about card payments?
We have compiled a list of other questions and answers on the matter of cashless payments for you in our FAQ list. We will be happy to answer any questions at our InfoPoints or if you phone 07071/29-73830.
How is my data protected?
The Studierendenwerk uses a data field on the pass, which is not personalised. When you pay with your card, the system only logs the card series number, the consumer group and the validity of the card. This data does not allow the Studierendenwerk to draw any conclusions about the user.
What can I do if I have forgotten my card or do not have enough credit on my card and am already standing in a queue?
If you have registered for Autoload, you will be asked at the checkout if you want your chip card to be automatically upgraded when you make a purchase and fall below the set limit. Thanks to Autoload, you always have enough credit on your card and no longer have to remember to revalue your card before making a purchase.
Without Autoload, you can top up your card at the revaluation machines using your EC card.
In addition, you can top up your card directly at certain cash registers using an EC or credit card or Google Pay, Apple Pay.
What do I do if the card reader displays the 220, 448, 620 errors or the “Löschkarten” status?
The error was caused by removing the card too quickly during the last payment/topping up transaction.
Place your card on the device that caused the error once again. If you no longer know which device caused the error, please contact our staff at the InfoPoints or tills.
The card reader shows the error 217 or 218. What do I need to do?
Reason: the card is broken or has a technical fault. If you are using a refectory card, contact the InfoPoints/tills. Your remaining credit will be transferred to a new card or refunded a few days later. If the damage is external, you will have to pay the deposit again.
If you are using a student or employee pass, please first contact our InfoPoints/tills and then your university. The contact address for student passes is the student secretary’s office and for employees your university’s administrative offices. The credit on your faulty card can only be credited or refunded a few days later.
What do I need to do if my pass/my refectory card is no longer valid?
Users of the refectory card need to provide ongoing evidence of their entitlement at one of the InfoPoints and the expiry date will then be extended.
Users of a student pass need to update the expiry date at the self-service terminals in the universities. You can update the date on your card after you have renewed your registration using the “Renew card date” menu item.
What happens if I am unable to extend the validity of my card?
If your card is no longer valid, the guest price will automatically be debited for payment at the refectory. The expiry date will be printed on your student pass each time that you update it at a self-service terminal. The date stored on the card chip may be different from the date printed on it.
Guest cards are valid without any restrictions and do not need to be extended.
How can I determine whether my card is valid or not?
Please contact our members of staff at the InfoPoints/tills. The stored expiry date can be read there. You can also obtain information about the expiry date stored on the card at the self-service terminals in the universities.
What do I do if the card reader displays the 439 error?
Your card has been blocked, because topping up the chip card has caused debts for the Studierendenwerk, as there was not enough credit in your bank account to cover the transaction.
Any arrears can be settled cashless at the InfoPoints or tills or by making a bank transfer to the Studierendenwerk. You card will then be unblocked again.
KSK Tübingen
IBAN: DE56 6415 0020 0000 2679 22
BIC: SOLADES1TUB
Intended purpose: Chip card series no. + name
What do I need to do if my chip card is blocked because of outstanding payments?
Any outstanding payments can be settled cashless at our InfoPoints/tills or by making a bank transfer to the Studierendenwerk.
Bankverbindung:
Kreissparkasse Tübingen
Kto.-Nr. 267 922
BLZ 641 500 20
BIC: SOLADES1TUB
IBAN: DE56641500200000267922
Intended purpose: Chip card series no. + name
How and where can I check what has been debited from my card?
You can have your transactions displayed at the EC topping up machines. Our members of staff at the InfoPoints can print out the last transactions on your card, if necessary.
What do I do if no sums of money have been transferred to my card?
Please contact our members of staff at the InfoPoints/tills.
Payment
We have used the closing time to change our system to cashless payment. Instead of the cash revaluation we were used to, we now offer a new service for revaluing student/staff ID cards or canteen cards. Direct payment by EC or credit card is also possible.
