Starting your studies Starting your studies

Servus, Grüezi and hello – Who am I? And who are you?

As a first-semester student you're usually completely new at the university and haven't met any other students. The first-semester tutorials give new students the chance to get to know the students in their semester, the students from upper semesters and the university as a whole.

Everyone is always talking about the standard period of study … What modules should I take, and when? And what if something goes wrong?

Here you have the chance – together with the tutors, who are themselves in a higher semester of your degree course – to take a look at study planning in general and your own individual study plans. These are some of the typical questions: What requirements apply in the first year of studies and afterwards? Which specialisations are possible? What happens if I fail an exam?

How do I study? When do I study? Where do I study? And do I even need to study?

The first-semester tutorials aim to support students with the transition from school/apprenticeship/work to university studies. The new learning and study demands at the university play a central role here. We talk about individual study personalities, individual and group study, learning channels, various study strategies, and concentration.

Studies, job, family… How is it possible to manage everything?!

The tutorial will look at how we deal with the resource 'time'. By taking a look at how you plan your own time, you'll be able to answer questions such as these: How do I allocate my time for my studies? How and when can I find time for my friends and leisure alongside my studies (and possibly also a job)?

On avoiding procrastination

'What do I do when I'm not motivated to study?' This question and others like it can be addressed in the first-semester tutorials. We talk about getting oriented in your studies, your study goals, motivation, etc., as well as how to avoid becoming frustrated and losing your motivation.

Good grades aren't everything … but they're a lot!

How do I deal with exams? What should I do before, during and after an exam? How do I manage the material for my exam? New students have a lot of questions about exams. The first-semester tutorials provide an opportunity to ask students in higher semesters abou them and to work together on the topic of exam preparation.

Depending on the degree course, the importance of presentations and projects during your studies will vary. Especially in the Design and Media Technology departments, students have to complete this type of assignment regularly. Methods for planning and carrying out presentations and projects can be covered in the first-semester tutorials, as well as how students can obtain feedback and use this for their own development.

New in Hamburg?

There's a lot to discover for those students who are new in Hamburg. This can also be part of the first-semester tutorial.

Some possible topics: getting oriented on campus or in the city; information about accommodation, jobs, (cultural) events and services, etc. This can also take place after the actual tutorial – for example as an 'evening in the Schanze'.

'What are you going to do with your degree?' Answers to the most frequently asked questions

Under the topic 'career exploration', first-semester students have the chance to get an initial glimpse of potential future careers. Among other things, it's possible to invite graduates or guests who can talk about their work and careers. Field trips are also a possibility.

Daring to expand your horizons – What are the benefits of studying abroad during your degree?

A study stay abroad gives you the chance to expand your horizons and get international experience, among other things. The tutorial will cover the benefits of a study stay abroad and how to overcome potential hurdles as early as possible. Guests who have completed a stay abroad can be invited to share important information about planning your stay (semester abroad or internship).

A part-time job, a loan, or a scholarship? A tiresome topic

For many students, study financing is an important topic. Students can share information about student discounts and funding possibilities (BAföG, scholarships, loans, jobs, etc.) in the first-semester tutorial. More detailed information about the specific opportunities is available from the contact people and offices.

HAW Hamburg is what you make it! We have something to say!

University policy, the work of the governance bodies, and student fees can also be covered in the tutorials. Possible topics for discussion might include: How is the student government structured? How can I get involved? How are my semester contributions used?

Depending on the degree course, other degree-specific topics can also be covered. For example, in the Department of Design the tutorials cover the topic of working as a freelancer. The tutors are always open to the students' interests.