Starting with your studies
For international students, the German study system is often hard to understand. It is therefore of utmost importance that you participate in our orientation days, take part in the bridge courses and get all the information you can from our websites!
Planning and Commencing your Studies
Your Study Plan for the First Semester
The coursework to be completed in each semester is roughly defined by the examination regulations, which also set the duration of the degree programme (this is the nominal duration however - typically, in most propgrammes, students take longer to complete their degree). Students however have a certain degree of freedom in drawing up their study plan, and it is not easy for them to assess which workload is appropriate when they begin their studies.
This especially applies to international students: coming to study in a foreign country can need special support and skills, such as having to demonstrate their linguistic competence as acquired in language courses in their coursework and everyday activities. Thus international students are advised to consult with their study advisors, who can help them in drawing up a realistic plan of study for the first term. Advisors of the faculty student councils (Fachschaften) are also glad to assist new students with their study plans.
We also advise students to broaden their German language skills by participating in the upper level language courses ("Oberkurse") offered by the Language Center at RWTH Aachen University.
In their Orientation programme, the Info Service Center of the International Office (ISC) provides newly enrolled international students with basic and essential information about living in Aachen and staying at RWTH Aachen University, thus facilitating their start at RWTH Aachen University and to helping them adapt to university life. Participants also get to know about the right contact for their various concerns and enquiries. For more information, please also take a look at the documents provided ín the info box.
Introductory Sessions for New Students
During the first week of the term there are many sessions designed to help newly arrived students to make the most of their time at RWTH. For example, there are two-day introductory events preparing students for their chosen study programme. We recommend newly enrolled students to participate in these sessions as they offer the opportunity to meet and get to know supportive, experienced students in their field of study.
As part of these introductory sessions, new students are also assigned to tutorial groups led by experienced older students. These small groups are great for meeting new people and get assistance with study plans and other subject-specific concerns, such as information on exams, rules and regulations, etc. When studying at a large university such as RWTH, these tutorials are of great importance as they help students adapt to university life. For more information on introductory sessions, please also visit the web pages provided by the Student Advice Centre.
Orientation Events
Orientation Days
The International Office Info-Service Center offers all newly enrolled international students the opportunity to participate in the orientation days at the start of every semester. There students find out all they need to know to start off their studies and meet the relevant contact partners and offices at RWTH Aachen.
Orientation Weeks
Orientation events for individual courses of study are held at the beginning of the semester. Participation is highly recommended for newly enrolled students, since these events provide an opportunity to meet older students in the course of study.
Tutorials
Additionally, tutorials are part of the orientation events. These are particularly valuable at such a large university. Students get important information about their subject, schedules, or exam regulations.
Brush Up on Your German Skills
Even though you can speak good German, starting studies in German can be a big challenge - especially with regards to the language. We strongly recommend participating in one of the Language Center's German courses.
Preparational Language Courses for Studies
Language courses that prepare you for your studies are full time courses during lecture periods. The DSH courses prepare students for the Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang, or German Language Exam for University Admission, and the TestDaF courses for the German as a foreign language test. Please take note of all language admissions requirements for studies at RWTH Aachen.
German Courses Accompanying Studies
Upper-level courses are offered for students who have already completed the DSH. The upper-level courses are each two hours long and deal with linguistic problems that occur during studies. It is possible to attend more than one course. Participations is validated through certificates. The Language Center can provide additional information.
Learning German during Free Time with a Language Exchange
A language exchange can help you to regularly practice German. You will also quickly meet German students.