Information for first semester students
Great to have you here! We support you right from the start of your studies at the Faculty of Social Work.
Welcome to the Faculty of Social Work! We know that starting your studies is exciting and raises many questions. This page is your central guide to help you find your way around in the first few weeks. It brings together all the important information and links in one place. Regardless of whether you are coming straight from school, already have work experience or have found us via other routes: We want to make it as easy as possible for you to get started. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions!
Your checklist for the first few days
Here you will find the most important organisational points so that you arrive safely and can get started straight away.
- Orientationdays (OT): Taking part in the orientation days is the most important step for your start. You can find the dates and all the information you need on the "Orientation Days at the Faculty of Social Work" page.
- University account: Your central access to everything. Have you received your login details by post? Change your password now and familiarise yourself with your account.
- Ostfalia Card: Your student ID card is also your semester ticket, your payment card for the canteen and photocopier and your library card.
- Recognition of achievements: Have you already completed an apprenticeship or academic achievements? Find out early on whether you can have your achievements recognised.
Accounts and platforms
Your studies take place both on campus and digitally. These platforms are crucial for this. It's best to set everything up right at the start.
- Email (OWA): Your official mailbox for all important university information. Check this mailbox daily!
- Stud.IP: This is where you register for courses, receive learning materials and communicate with lecturers and fellow students.
- Moodle: This is another learning platform used by lecturers, but also by inter-university organisations.
- BigBlueButton: This is our video conferencing system which can be used via any browser and requires no additional software.
- WLAN (Eduroam): How to get internet access on campus and at many other universities worldwide.
- VPN access: You need VPN access to access the university network from home, for example for library databases or your personal university drive.
Plans, modules and exams
How is the programme structured and where can you find the most important information?
- Timetable: Your timetable shows you when and where your courses take place. Check it regularly as dates can change.
- Study programme and modules: What do you learn in which semester? The module handbooks give you an overview of the content of your degree programme.
- Examinations: You can find all the rules about examinations, such as registration, cancellation or certificates, in your examination regulations and on the website of the Examinations Office.
Orienteering, catering and technology
Find your way around Ostfalia in Wolfenbüttel quickly.
- Orientation on campus: Here you will find the most important addresses and facilities at a glance.
- Common room: On the top floor, in room 206, our faculty has a common room for all students. You will need your Ostfalia Card to enter.
- Room of silence: You need a moment of silence or want to pray? Our Room of Silence gives you the opportunity to withdraw and switch off. It is located on the top floor in room 207.
- Housing and living: Are you looking for a flat or a room? Studierendenwerk OstNiedersachsen rents out flats and rooms in halls of residence on and near the campus.
- Catering on site: There are several options for breaks between lectures directly on campus:
- Solferino and Solferino No. 7: These two bistros are run by the DRK and offer hot and cold meals. With your Ostfalia Card you get a student discount on certain dishes.
- Vending machines in the faculty: On the first floor of our faculty building you will find a snack vending machine and a coffee vending machine. Directly opposite room 146.
- Kitchen for students: On the top floor, in room 211, there is a kitchen for all students with crockery, cutlery, kettle and a microwave.
- Canteen: The canteen is located on "Campus Salzdahlumer Straße" and is run by the Studierendenwerk OstNiedersachsen. During the lecture period it is open from 11:15 to 14:00.
- Pool rooms and technology:
- PC pools: Two rooms with computers are available in the faculty. These are located on the top floor in rooms 222 and 223. You will need your Ostfalia Card to enter.
- Media technology: Do you need technical equipment for a project? The media technology department at the Faculty of Social Work will support you and lend you cameras and microphones, for example, and runs a podcast studio.
Help and advice
Studying also brings challenges. You don't have to face them alone. The following services are free of charge and strictly confidential.
- Learning coaching and psychological counselling: Do you feel overwhelmed, have exam nerves, procrastination or personal worries? Our learning coaches at the faculty will help you find your own way.
- Writing workshop: Do you need support with your first term paper, academic writing or your final thesis? The writing workshop will help you to successfully master your texts with workshops and individual writing sessions.
- Studying with a disability: Do you have a chronic or mental illness? Then find out about possible compensation for disadvantages in order to obtain fair study conditions.
- Student representation of interests: The Student Council (FaRa) consists of students from higher semesters and is an elected body that represents the interests of all students at the Faculty of Social Work.
Important contacts and committees
There are many contact persons at the faculty. Here are the most important ones at a glance:
- Practice Office: Your contact for all questions relating to the practical phases and the internship.
- Examinations Office: Responsible for grades, exam registrations and compliance with examination regulations.
- Equal opportunities: Your point of contact when it comes to discrimination or balancing studying and caring responsibilities.
- Organisation: Your overview of all important positions within the faculty.
Campus life
Studying is more than just lectures and exams. It is a time for new contacts, hobbies and commitment. Discover what Ostfalia has to offer!
- University sports: Find a sporty balance to your studies. The programme is varied and a great opportunity to get to know people from other faculties.
- Language Centre: Learn a new language for free or improve your skills! The Language Centre offers courses in many languages, from Spanish to Japanese. You can also sharpen your profile for your career entry with language certificates.
- AStA (General Students' Committee): The AStA is the university-wide representative body for all students. It deals with issues such as the semester ticket, university policy and offers various counselling services.
- Events: What's going on at Ostfalia? Panel discussions, readings or lectures - you can find all the current dates in the events calendar.