A piece of advice in advance: Here you can find the special first-semester edition of Heidelberg’s student newspaper ruprecht. Despite it being a few semester old already, it is still quite informative and definitely worth reading!
Welcome to University Life 🙂
Let’s be honest, your start at Heidelberg University probably turns out to be complicated enough as it is. And yet, it’s made even less transparent by the fact that there are myriads of different places where you can find important information on your studies. So, to simplify your life, we have put together some information on the following topics:
• Introductory Events
• Advice/Information on Studying
• Registration Procedures/Exam Regulations
• Deadlines and Dates
• Libraries and Computer Centre (URZ)
• “Everything about Studying”
• Financing
(By the way, we have deliberately left out anything re. Covid-19 here. You can find everything you need to know here).
Introductory Events
You can find an overview of all the (fresher) introductory events this winter term (WS 2022/23) here. These events are mostly organised by our 49 student associations (Fachschaften) and are probably the best way to clear up any uncertainties in advance as well as to get to know your fellow students before things actually kick off. For some subjects, there will also be special events or programme sections for students transferring from another university. So if you can make it to any of these event, be sure to don’t miss out on them! (:
Just because there might be no dates listed in the above mentioned overview, doesn’t necessarily mean that there are no introductory events. You may find helpful information on the websites of the respective institutes or study subjects. If necessary, feel free to ask around on site/at your department and look for relevant postings there. In order to find the buildings where introductions take place, this university-wide map may prove helpful.
Other than the above mentioned introductory events, there are also a lot of offers organised by the university aimed at all students. You can find out more about these offers here.
Advice/Information on Studying
If you are not sure what to study/which courses to pick, you may get advice from the Central Student Advisory Service (Zentrale Studienberatung – ZSB). If you have questions regarding your subject’s individual requirements, we recommend that you visit the respective department’s student advisory service as a contact point for subject-specific questions and questions regarding the recognition of academic achievements throughout your curriculum. Additional information can be obtained from the respective department’s student associations (Fachschaften). Information on the teacher training programme can be obtained from the AK Lehramt, the university and the IBW. Subject-specific information for Lehramt-students is also available from the student advisory service.
During the course of your studies, there may be issues – say – beyond your subject. In addition to the ZSB, the Psychosocial Counselling Centre (Psychosoziale Beratungsstelle (PBS)) des Studierendenwerks. A quick and anonymous contact point is Nightline, a student helpline where you can call in case you simply don’t know what to do anymore.
For students with disabilities and chronic illnesses, there also is a representative for disabled and chronically ill students at the university and the autonomous health department of StuRa.
In addition to the LSF or the university-wide overview of courses (Vorlesungsverzeichnis), there are annotated course catalogues (KVVs) – at least for some subjects. These catalogues contain relevant information about obtaining certificates, target groups of the courses offered and possible participation requirements, some of which may not be listed in LSF. You can usually pick up KVVs at institute libraries, the dean’s offices and institute/seminar administrations – or digitally.
Registration Procedures/Exam Regulations
Find out early about how to register for courses or exams – sometimes this is done via LSF, sometimes via subject-specific registration pages, sometimes in the respective classes. Or, such as regards internships or language courses, there may also be institution specific deadlines.
Be careful: If you happen to study several subjects, you should ask about deadlines for each of your subject(s) individually! Sometimes there are also separate regulations for each department; or module within a subject.
Early in your studies, you should read through your examination and study regulations as well as the respective module handbooks. They are legally binding and more detailed than most of the overviews distributed to you at the beginning of your studies.
Deadlines and Dates
As you continue your studies, pay attention to deadlines which determine, for example, by when you have to re-register at the end of each semester. The Central Student Advisory Service (Zentrale Studienberatung) and the Student Administration Office (Studienbüro) will answer any questions you may have in this regard.
Libraries and Computer Centre
Even in this digital day and age, it is not possible to study without books. You can get them at the university library (UB) and in your institute’s libraries (IB). You’ll need a ‘library card‘ to be able to borrow books. Said card is integrated into your campus card and you must activate it (online) beforehand. In addition, all students receive an account from the University Computer Centre (URZ) which offers numerous other services, as well.
“Everything about Studying”
You can find an overview of student groups in which you can get involved in the so-called “Jungle Book”. The Studierendenwerk also provides information about housing and job offers, canteens and the semester ticket.
You can find information regarding public transport, the semester ticket or the evening & weekend regulations either directly via VRN, or on our special semester ticket page – where we have also compiled a total of seven tips for you. It may also be helpful to know about the theatre flatrate, VRNnextbike and URRmEL.
Financing
Of course, you also have to finance your studies. You could apply for BAföG, for example. Find out what to look out for here and during the BAföG consultation hours of our social services department.
Did you know that two thirds of students (have to) work during their studies? Here you can find some information and tips on “getting a job”. The Social Office can also provide you with information about work opportunities, housing allowances, etc. If you’re e.g. looking for a part-time student job, it’s worth taking a look at the Studierendenwerk’s online job market.
(updated: September 2022)
For more (event) info, news, links and tips & tricks check out our English speaking Instagram-channel: @StuRa.HD.Eng 🙂