Ten tips for starting your studies

Start your studies successfully with our 10 tips.

1. Establish contacts from the beginning

Network with your fellow students and maintain these connections through your studies. This will allow you to ask questions, form study groups, and share assignments.

2. Take part in the orientation and welcome event

Especially in the first few days, dare to approach other students. At the beginning of the semester, everyone is new and this is a great opportunity to meet interesting people and rediscover yourself.

3. Don't be afraid to ask questions

Reach out to other freshmen as well as students in higher semesters, faculty and staff. Don't be intimidated if others seem to have more knowledge. Everyone starts once and everyone is willing to help you.

4. Set realistic goals and maintain a good balance

If you realize that you have too much going on at once, you can also join a voluntary language course at a later date. Student life should not be all about studying. Make time for hobbies, play sports and join interesting groups.

5. Always attend the first event of a course

You'll receive all the relevant information for the semester there, and you might secure good topics for presentations or projects.

6. Keep an eye on your schedule

Set yourself a calendar, be it digital or analog, and take care of your appointments on your own. No one will do it for you. This is the only way to keep track of events, exams and other important events.

7. Focus on Your Priorities

Read the module handbook and the examination regulations for your degree program to find out which courses you need to take, how they are weighted, and which content you should understand particularly intensively. This will also give you a better feel for what interests you personally.

8. Utilize support services and don't get discouraged

If you feel you are not getting anywhere, seek help. There are competent contact persons such as the student council, tutors, subject advisors or the general student advisor who will be happy to help you.

9. Take your time and dare to go your own way

In studies, there are many different ways to get where you want to go. It is more difficult to compare yourself with others. Use the freedom you have to find and go your own way.

10. Studying means (also) reading

One of the central tasks in studying is to research information, read and understand texts. Reading is key to acquiring knowledge and deepening your understanding of certain topics. It is important that you set your mind to it from the beginning and develop an effective reading strategy.

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