Are you a first semester student and already a little nervous about this new phase of your life? No problem – with the following tips for starting your studies, you can get off to a relaxed start!
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1. Talk to the student advisory service and attend the introductory days
Your first port of call for basic questions about studying is the Student Advisory Service. During your studies, it offers support when questions, problems and uncertainties arise. In addition, the Student Advisory Service will work with you to find solutions to personal and social problems or, if necessary, direct you to the right place. There are introductory days for you at Hof University of Applied Sciences. The first day is for all new students together, and on the second day there are faculty-specific events. It is also best to take part in a campus tour and explore the library. For our international students there is also the “Orientation week” offer.
2. Create your own timetable
You have to put together your own personal timetable each semester. This consists of compulsory courses, which are made up of seminars and lectures, as well as other elective modules. What is required varies from course to course. Find out what coursework you have to complete during your studies so that you can plan your timetable accordingly.
3. Find out about the student union
It is your point of contact for BAföG, student halls of residence, canteen and also offers a wide range of advisory services.
4. Get your ID card (Campus Card) and your account
You will need your CampusCard and personal access for all the facilities you use during your studies. This applies, for example, to the library, university sports and all the digital tools you need for your studies. If you have not yet received your CampusCard, please contact the Student Office in rooms A111 and A113. The personal university e-mail address is important and must be checked regularly! It is best to set it up in an e-mail client on your cell phone and check it daily!
5. Download the university apps
a) The “Ersti-App”
The “Ersti App” provides all the central information for the first semester as well as important contact persons and a calendar with the most important events and dates. Students receive the access code for the respective degree program during the induction days or from the other students on the degree program. The Ersti App also contains a detailed checklist for a successful start to your studies. This can be downloaded in advance from the following links.
German Checklist (DE)
b) The “HofUniversity App”
It supports you with the following functions, among others
- Personalizable timetable (free compilation of a timetable based on lectures from different semesters and degree courses to support your individual path through your studies)
- Information about timetable changes
- News from the university website and the university magazine Campuls
- Overview of university events
- Compilation of all semester dates
- Retrieval of module handbook and room information for a lecture
- Search for facilities, people, rooms
- Menu plan
- Easy access to university services such as Moodle
- Calendar synchronization (experimental, does not yet work on all devices)
You can get the app in the Google Playstore here…
We are also working on an IOS version. There is information about this in the ErstiApp.
The new version of the HofUniversity App is still being tested. Please send us improvement requests to androidapps@hof-university.de.
With our university app you are always up-to-date during your studies!
6. Choose your tutorials
Tutorials are events offered by students for students. They aim to pass on important information, e.g. on exam preparation, at first hand. Your tutor will provide you with valuable information on which course content is relevant to exams and what the respective lecturers attach particular importance to.
7. Visit the “Welcome Party” and make contacts
Before the regular start of the semester, we offer an extensive program as part of our introductory days (see under 1.). You should definitely take advantage of this to settle in and get to know your new fellow students. The “Welcome Party” in the Hofer Theater is also a perfect opportunity to make contacts with other newcomers.
8. Keep an overview
Studying at university is not completely different from studying at school. However, the subject matter is of course much more extensive. In addition, you are now on your own when it comes to planning your day. Therefore, always try to take notes and complete your tasks as early as possible. Make sure you have an overview of your documents in good time. Create a small folder structure so that you know where to find what you need, even in situations where you feel like everything is going over your head. Important email addresses can end up here, as can information about office hours, which should be readily available. Very important: Always make sure you back up your files as regularly as possible – especially when it comes to your work. Nothing is more annoying than losing valuable texts and thoughts.
9. Look beyond your own degree program
Exchanging ideas with students from other disciplines is important and beneficial. It is exciting to have conversations outside your own subject area. You get to know completely different perspectives on topics and are sure to make some great friends. You should also take a quiet minute to find out about the many varied student initiatives.
10. Get to know the location
Sure, studying is the most important thing. But breaks, free time and excursions are of course also part of it. That’s why you should also follow the news on our channels, which often also give you tips on how to discover and use the region. The following links can help you here:
Hofer Land (city and district of Hof)
City of Hof
City of Münchberg
City of Kronach
We wish you all the best, a great time at Hof University of Applied Sciences and every success with your studies!
