First semester at the University of Göttingen: Tips for a successful start!

First semester at the University of Göttingen: Tips for a successful start!

The University of Göttingen welcomes a new generation of students who have completed their orientation phase in the last few days. Many of the freshmen were overwhelmed by their first experience. Older students were once newcomers and now share their valuable tips for a successful start to their studies.

Marius, a senior student, mentions the importance of social contacts: “Studying is not a one-on-one battle.” He emphasizes that in times of pressure it is important to exchange ideas with others and learn together. Louis and Richard, his fellow students, emphasize that freshmen should not just be busy studying at the beginning. “Socializing is just as important,” says Louis, “because if you have friends, you can meet up after studying and share experiences.”

Tips for studying

Marie, another experienced student, advises not to overdo it at the beginning. “Sometimes it’s better just not to read a text,” she suggests, adding: “The standard period of study is overrated.” She also recommends that students explore the surrounding area and not just concentrate on the city center, as Göttingen also has beautiful nature to offer. For students who receive BAföG, she draws attention to the flexibility semester, which means they can receive subsidies if they take an additional semester.

Sarah, who is also studying at the university, convinces the freshmen to actively participate in the university community: “Take part in everything you can!” She wants to ensure that the freshmen enjoy university life to the fullest. Clara, a new student at the University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HAWK), has already taken this advice and is looking forward to the new adventure.

Master the exam phase

Another topic that the students discussed is the exam phase. Justin recommends sticking to the study plan and not scheduling all exams on the second date. Another student emphasizes the importance of registering for exams early. Remember that not all exams are offered regularly, so planning and studying early is key.

Lisa gives practical advice to the cafeteria: “Go at irregular times to avoid the long queues”. She found that peak hours are usually around twelve noon, which means you can save a lot of time just by going a little earlier or later.

Antonia talks about technological tools that students use, such as the learning software “stud.ip”. She says it can be challenging to use at first and would like more support for new users. When it comes to studying, she says flashcards are more effective for her than traditional study notes, but this approach depends on the individual learner style. In addition to learning, she also advocates not neglecting party life and recommends collecting information about events via the Instagram channel “goewasgehen”.

Student feedback highlights the importance of finding a balance between learning and social activities. Successful studies are not only the result of hard work, but also of valuable relationships that develop through exchanges with others. Life at the University of Göttingen is diverse and offers numerous opportunities for personal and academic development.