This page contains useful information, tips and contacts for new students.
Lectures began in winter semester 2025/26 on Monday, October 13, 2025. An overview of all relevant semester dates is available here.
As well as helping new students starting out at university, we offer a wide range of support services for the first year of study.
Our FAQs give a compact overview of the most important questions and answers for new students when starting out and during their first year at university.
All about starting out at university
First year of study
FAU offers a wide range of support services that are relevant not only for starting out at university, but also for the whole of the first year.
In the “Erstis-Inforeihe” online information sessions we, the Student Advice Center, provide information on topics that are particularly important for students in their first and second semesters of study, from “changing subject” and “having doubts about studying” to “key qualifications” and “writing at university” to “GOP” or “student life at FAU”.
Our monthly “Ersti-Sprechstunde” drop-in consultation session is one easy way to contact us and ask any questions you may have, without having to feel under pressure in any way.
Please note: The dates for events are updated regularly.
All events are held via Zoom: https://fau.zoom-x.de/j/69843552270. You do not need to register to attend.
| Name of event | Description | Date |
|---|---|---|
| All about changing subject | In this two-part presentation, we will first of all share some general information about changing subject. This will be followed by breakout sessions for each of the faculties (PHIL, MED, NAT, TF) and teaching degrees where you can find out information particular to your specific faculty. | December 16, 2025, 1 pm – 2:30 pm |
| Erstis-Sprechstunde | Drop-in consultation session via Zoom for all your questions about studying at FAU. No need to register, waiting times possible. | January 20, 2026, 3 pm – 4 pm February 10, 2026, 11 am – 12 noon March 26, 2026, 10 am – 11 am |
| Lost your bearings? First aid for doubts about studying | Do you feel that you are stuck in a crisis when it comes to studying and don’t know where to go from here? Come along to explore your options and find out what you need to bear in mind if you do decide to change subject or drop out of university altogether. | January 22, 2026, 2 pm – 3 pm |
| GOP – Important information | The first part of the event focuses on general information about the GOP. In the second part, breakout sessions allow you to find out information specific to your faculty. | February 10, 2026, 3 pm – 4:30 pm |
| Key qualifications | Information event organized by ZIWIS During this session, ZIWIS gives you information about the purpose of key qualifications, which courses you can take and where you can find information on the various courses on offer. | March 9, 2026, 2 pm – 2:30 pm |
| Student life at FAU and beyond | Information and tips from students for students | March 11, 2026, 2 pm – 3:30 pm |
This session focuses on other services at FAU that are particularly interesting for students in their first and second semesters.
| Name | Description | Date |
|---|---|---|
| In person: 10th Long Night of Writing | Like every year, the University Library is taking part in the worldwide campaign “Long Night against Procrastination”. You can look forward to a comprehensive program during the in-person event at the main library in Erlangen. | March 5, 2026, 4 pm – 11 pm |
FAQs for new students and during your first year of studies
Follow these links for answers to important questions:
