What this article is about:
Are you a first-year student and is your first semester about to begin? You’re no doubt looking forward to all the new experiences that lie ahead. But alongside that excitement, it’s perfectly normal to feel a bit unsure, to face organisational challenges and to wonder exactly what to expect as a first-year student.
Below, we’ve put together some practical tips for first-year students, checklists to help you get started with your studies, and guidance on navigating the organisational chaos. The most important thing to remember is: you’re not alone, and nobody has to know everything from day one!
6. Health insurance or visa: Another important point that is crucial to your status as a student is your health insurance and – if you’re from another country – your visa. This is because you cannot enrol without proof of adequate health insurance.
7. Sorting out your finances: How will I pay the tuition fees? Am I eligible for BAföG? Are there any scholarships I can apply for? Should I look for a part-time job? You should address these questions well in advance.
8. Your accommodation: If you’re moving to another city to study, you should start looking for a flat or a shared flat early on via websites such as WG-Gesucht, ImmoScout or ImmoWelt. Some universities, such as SRH Campus Heidelberg, also offer places in student halls of residence.
9. Stay mobile: Many universities offer a cheap or even free term ticket. If this isn’t the case, you can use your student ID to check whether you’re eligible for a Deutschlandticket or discounted monthly or annual tickets for local public transport. This will ensure you can get to university.
10. Important deadlines and dates: Make a note of the dates and times of all events in the first week, find out by when you need to register for various things, and check the upcoming events on your university’s website.
As your degree progresses, you’ll become more and more confident. You don’t need to know everything in advance – a lot of things will become clearer as time goes on. However, some information is particularly helpful for first-year students.
Exploring the campus: If possible, you should have a look around your university campus before your first day. Set aside an afternoon to explore the campus. That way, you won’t have to start your first day with a frantic search for the right buildings. Find out where your faculty is located and ask for directions to the lecture theatres and seminar rooms, the library and key offices such as the Examinations Office.
Feel free to just wander about a bit, soak up the atmosphere in the canteen, familiarise yourself with the dining and shopping options around the campus, or even start discovering your future favourite spot for relaxing breaks between classes.
Clarifying exam topics: Another tip for first-year students is to look into topics such as exam registration, the module handbook and the examination regulations before the semester begins. Once the semester is underway and you’re busy with course content and getting to know new people, it’s easy for these matters to fall by the wayside.
So make a note in advance of when and how you need to register for your first exams – it’ll save you valuable time and stress later on.
✨☐ Enrolment completed
✨☐ BAföG, scholarship or other funding options checked and applied for
✨☐ Accommodation sorted
✨☐ Health insurance and any other necessary formalities sorted
✨☐ Semester ticket / Deutschlandticket checked / applied for
✨☐ University account activated
✨☐ Set up university email and read any messages received
✨☐ Student ID card / Campus Card sorted
✨☐ Noted down important deadlines and dates
✨☐ Timetable created or received
✨☐ Researched courses
✨☐ Checked access to university portals / learning platforms
✨☐ Library card sorted, if required
✨☐ Examination regulations read
✨☐ Saved the module handbook
✨☐ Got to know the campus; found the canteen and key buildings
✨☐ Contact details for enquiries noted down
Whilst in some degree programmes and at some universities the timetable is fixed from the outset, in other cases you have to put it together entirely yourself.
A distinction is often made between compulsory modules, compulsory-elective modules and elective modules. You must take compulsory modules. For compulsory elective modules, you must choose one option from a range of choices. Depending on your degree programme and university, this allows you to specialise in a particular area that interests you whilst you are still studying. Optional modules, on the other hand, can be taken voluntarily if you consider them important.
Other terms for modules that you are likely to come across include seminars, lectures, practicals and tutorials. Whilst seminars are often interactive and topics are explored collaboratively, lectures are structured so that lecturers present the material and students primarily listen and ask questions. Practical sessions or tutorials serve to practise and consolidate the application of various topics. Some degree programmes also include work placements, during which students acquire important skills for their future careers.
Introductory sessions are often offered, particularly during the first week at university. Here, you’ll learn important basics and have the chance to ask any questions you may have.
If you need to put together your own timetable, you can do so as follows:
💡Tip: Keep your timetable flexible to begin with and, where applicable, make a note of alternative elective modules that also interest you. That way, if a module turns out to be unsuitable or is already full, you’ll still have another option.
Also, make sure you don’t overload your timetable. Every course requires preparation and follow-up work. You’ll also need time for studying, presentations, literature research and other organisational tasks. So make sure to factor in breaks and free time right from the start.
If your first day at university is just around the corner, you’re bound to be feeling a bit nervous. You might be wondering what to expect, whether you’ll make a good impression, and you’re probably looking forward to meeting your lecturers and fellow students. Don’t worry: a bit of excitement and anticipation is completely normal. Nevertheless, you can make things a bit easier for yourself by sorting a few things out in advance.
On your first official day, allow a bit more time for getting there and finding your way around. That way, you can focus on the experiences and the people, and avoid the stress of getting lost or running late.
✨ Packing list for the first day:
On the first day, there are usually various welcome events. During introductory sessions, you’ll get to know lecturers, fellow students and university staff.
If you’re feeling nervous about introducing yourself: don’t worry! Almost everyone feels that way at the start. Just be yourself and stay curious and open-minded towards the new people with whom you’ll be spending a lot of time in this next stage of your life.
There’s often an introduction to your chosen degree programme on the first day. This is where you’ll find out what to expect. Sometimes there’s even an introductory lecture where you’ll be introduced to key topics. Campus tours are also frequently offered. So make sure you wear comfortable clothes and good shoes that will allow you to walk longer distances comfortably if necessary.
You’ll also receive lots of organisational information on your first day. Make a note of this carefully as a reminder. With so many new impressions to take in, it’s easy to forget things, and you’ll be glad later on to be able to look everything up.
Many first-year students feel a bit uneasy at first at the thought of getting through their first few days at university all on their own. You might be asking yourself questions like: Will I make friends? How can I pluck up the courage to talk to someone?
A common fear amongst many freshers is feeling alone at university. Just bear this in mind: as freshers, you’re all in a similar situation to begin with.
The easiest way to strike up a conversation with others is:
If you approach others openly and create opportunities to meet people, you’ll gradually start recognising familiar faces at your university, you’ll certainly feel more at ease, and you’ll make friends at uni.
💡Important: Don’t compare yourself to others
It’s important that you follow your own path and don’t compare yourself to others. Whilst some people seem to have a large circle of friends from day one, for others it can take several months. For some, one or two close friends – whom they only get to know over time – are enough. Others, on the other hand, feel most comfortable with a larger number of casual acquaintances. Follow your own path and find out what feels right for you. Don’t let yourself be influenced by this: social media or campus TV series never show a complete and realistic picture of everyday student life. Everyone finds their own way – give yourself the time you need to do so.
Is your first day turning out to be a bit of a mess and not quite how you’d planned? Have you perhaps got lost on campus, have no idea where to enrol, are having trouble with your timetable, or didn’t understand a word of your first lecture?
Don’t worry – this is completely normal at the start and doesn’t have to end in frustration. Try to take these little mishaps as a first-year student in your stride and be kind and understanding towards yourself. Step by step, you’ll figure things out and find your feet more and more.
What helps to combat frustration in your first semester?
✨Ask questions: Fellow students and lecturers are happy to help – nobody expects you to know everything already.
✨Make use of mentoring: At SRH University, you have the option of having a mentor support you right from the start of your studies, for example.
✨Plan in breaks: If it all gets too much, taking a deliberate break is often more helpful than studying even more.
The most important organisational tools
Have you got through the first few days well and are you now really getting into the swing of student life? With a few tools and routines, you can make life easier for yourself right from the start:
| Tool | What is it for? | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Calendar | Exam dates, presentations, deadlines, special events and study sessions | Create your own calendar just for your studies |
| To-do list | Keep track of your tasks for the week | Update regularly |
| Note-taking app | Keep important information in one place rather than on loose pieces of paper | Create a folder for each module |
| University portal / learning platform | Latest information, teaching materials and timetable | Check it several times a week |
| Cloud storage | Documents stored securely and accessible anywhere | Regular backups |
You should note the following deadlines in your diary as early as possible:
💡Please note: If you miss a deadline, depending on your university and the relevant regulations, this may mean that you are unable to sit an exam or attend a module as planned. You should therefore find out about the applicable requirements in good time.
As well as your calendar of key deadlines and appointments, you can get an overview of your week. This will make your schedule clearer and more binding. Make a note of your lectures, study sessions and revision, but also set aside time for friends, sport, relaxation and, if applicable, your part-time job. Don’t fill every spare minute with tasks. Breaks and free time are an important part of your daily student life.
Starting university brings with it lots of new experiences, tasks and challenges. However, you don’t need to know everything or be perfectly organised from day one. The important thing is to get an overview, keep track of key deadlines and gradually develop routines that suit you.
Make the most of the induction sessions, get to know your university and don’t be afraid to ask questions if you’re stuck. As well as lectures and study time, make sure to plan in breaks, leisure time and socialising. Mistakes are part of the learning process and help you work out what works for you.
Don’t constantly compare yourself with others and give yourself time to settle into university life. Your aim isn’t to get off to a perfect start, but to find your own way through your studies, step by step.
