Last winter semester, Malin Sundermeyer and Nina Malitzki started their first semester on the Media Communication degree programme at the Salzgitter campus. Together with the Ostfalia editorial team, they have now compiled an overview with helpful tips for future first-semester students.
Preliminary courses
Nina Malitzki:
I took part in a preliminary course - that helped me a lot to get a first insight into the degree programme. You also get to know the lecturers before the actual degree programme, which takes away a lot of uncertainty. Pre-courses are also a great opportunity to make initial contacts. We formed study groups straight away with the first assignments - that makes a lot of things easier.
Malin Sundermeyer:
It's cool to get to know new people in the preliminary courses and you get a feel for the content you'll be dealing with in the semester.
Finding accommodation
Both students agree: the housing market is comparatively relaxed and the public transport connections work well. Many new shared flats are created at the beginning of the semester.
Helpful contact points are:
- common online platforms
- Notices at the university
- Information from freshers' chat groups
Freshers' events
Malin Sundermeyer:
The Freshers' Week is really important to get your bearings. You get to know lecturers, contact persons and fellow students and get a good impression of everyday life at the university. You also quickly get into important WhatsApp groups with other students - every question is answered there. And to be honest, the week really takes the excitement out of the start.
My tip: Make sure you attend the freshers' parties and AStA events!
Nina Malitzki:
The freshers' events are really important because you make lots of contacts straight away. Everyone is new, nobody knows each other - that makes it much easier to get into conversation.
I particularly remember the Freshers' Week: we were able to get to know each other quickly through games and activities - that really helped.
Getting to know fellow students
Nina Malitzki:
To make contacts, I can really recommend joining the degree programme's Ersti-WhatsApp group before the semester starts so that you don't miss any events and get in touch with the first people. I would also really take part in all the familiarisation events that Ostfalia has to offer.
In general, just be open. Everyone is in the same situation. I know it can seem intimidating, but everyone is new and wants to get to know people.
Malin Sundermeyer:
My tip: don't be afraid to speak to someone. They're all first-year students and want to get to know people. In the end, everything is much more relaxed than you think.
Lectures
Malin Sundermeyer:
It helped me to go to lectures regularly to develop a routine. I understand the material better when it's explained instead of just reading it. The small groups mean you can ask questions at any time and get actively involved. In the end, the important thing is that you really understand the material.
Everyday university life
Malin Sundermeyer:
The first exam phase was particularly exciting for me - everything was new. How do you study properly? How do the others do it?
Study groups and preparation courses really helped me. The dialogue with others is absolutely helpful. In addition, all the contact persons are very nice and supportive. And very importantly, it's completely okay to feel overwhelmed at the beginning or not yet have a permanent group of friends. Don't stress - a lot of things will develop by themselves.
Nina Malitzki:
Self-organisation at university can be overwhelming at the beginning. My tip: check your emails regularly so that you don't miss anything.
The module catalogue is also super helpful - it gives you an overview of the content and exams.
And even if it all seems quite a lot at first: You can do it!
