Start of the semester

Information and introductory sessions for new students

Welcome to FAU!

Starting your studies at university is a very special time. As first year students, you will experience many new things. However, there is one thing you can rely on: FAU, its institutions, faculties and partners offer a wide range of services and introductory events to help you find your feet as you start out at university. One thing you should always bear in mind: no matter what your question is, there is always an answer and someone who can help you.

You must read your e-mails from the University. They give you important information about examination dates, re-registration dates or important information from the Executive Board. To make sure that you don’t miss any important information, you can set up e-mail forwarding to redirect your e-mail to another personal account. 

How to draw up my study plan?

Introductory events and information from the faculties

Faculty of Humanities, Social Sciences, and Theology

Seminar building at Faculty of Humanities, Social Sciences, and Theology (Image: FAU/David Hartfiel))
Seminar building at the Faculty of Humanities, Social Sciences, and Theology (image: FAU/David Hartfiel))

School of Law

Juridicum
The Juridicum in Schillerstraße in Erlangen (Image: FAU)

School of Business, Economics and Society

Faculty of Medicine

Faculty of Sciences

Entrance to the Chemikum at FAU.
The Chemikum at FAU. (Image: Staatliches Bauamt Erlangen-Nürnberg)

Faculty of Engineering

The ‘Roter Platz’ at FAU Campus Erlangen (South) (image: FAU/Erich Malter)
The ‘Roter Platz’ at FAU Campus Erlangen (South)(image: FAU/Erich Malter)

Information about central institutions and services

Virtual orientation week in the orientation program (Grundlagen- und Orientierungsstudium)

Woman in videocall
Image: Colourbox.de

The Center for Applied Philosophy of Science and Key Qualifications (ZiWiS) offers an orientation week for new students as an online course. The orientation week is aimed at students of all faculties. You will receive important tips on organizing your first semester as well as practical advice for studying in general.

Further information about ZiWiS

Central welcome weeks of the Office for International Affairs

Image: Panthermedia

The Central Office for International Affairs offers welcome weeks for international students at the beginning of each semester to help you with legal formalities as well as the general onboarding at FAU. The program is open to all international students.

Further information about The Central Office for International Affairs

Student Services (incl. advisory services, student restaurants, etc.)

Student restaurant at Langemarckplatz in Erlangen
image: FAU/Student Services Erlangen-Nürnberg

All advisory services are also available for contactless appointments (video consultation/telephone/e-mail).

The student restaurants are open and offer takeaway food.

Further information about Student Services

University Library

The main University Library in Erlangen (image: FAU/David Harfiel)
The main University Library in Erlangen.(image: FAU/David Hartfiel)

The University Library offers face-to-face sessions as well as digital and virtual events: At the library, you can find a place to study, either alone or in a group, and it holds both online and face-to-face training sessions. You can also order media online and read e-books and electronic journals. The library staff are also available to give you advice and assistance at all times.

Further information about the University Library

University Sports

Students doing sport
Photo: FAU/Jonas Baumgärtel

Visit www.hochschulsport.fau.de to find out all about the various courses offered by University Sports.

Further information about University Sports

Center for Teacher Education (ZfL)

Services offered by Students’ Representatives

The students’ representatives in the Student Associations (FSI) and Student Committees (FSV) (belonging to the Students’ Representatives (Stuve) have put together some information aimed at helping new students in particular to settle into studying at FAU. The FAU Social Media Address Book has an overview of all the social media channels of the student associations.

Checklist for new students

This checklist for new students provided by our Student Advice and Career Service provides an initial overview:

  • There are lots of new things waiting for you as a first-year student at FAU. To help you find your feet, we’ve compiled some tips and information about the most important points of contact.

  • Studying abroad is one of the most exciting and informative things you can do as a student. But with being abroad, many questions come hand in hand. At FAU, we want you to know where you can ask questions and get support. Our international student Ani has some advice to make your start at FAU easier.

  • After time spent on trains and planes and cars you’ve made it – welcome to Germany! Many things will be different, but there’s no need to worry. Our experienced international students are here to give advice. With their help, you’ll find it easy to adapt.

  • Leaving school and starting university can be quite a shock, and sometimes you would like nothing better than to just pull the covers over your head and hide. Don’t worry! If you have any problems, please do not hesitate to contact the Student Advice and Career Service straightaway. The team is always happy to help.

  • Welcome to FAU! You’re ready to dive into student life. We asked the experts to share their top tips for making a successful start.

An introduction to online portals at FAU

An overview of the online portals is available here: Online platforms for organizing your studies.

A video has been produced at the Faculty of Engineering that provides a useful overview to students of all faculties of the various portals at FAU:

FAU Dialog – Join in the discussion!

The FAU Dialog offers students and staff a joint platform to shape the future strategy of FAU. All members of FAU have the possibility to discuss current developments, the University’s strategic approach and future goals with the Executive Board. The FAU Dialog covers a wide variety of topics: from site development and excellence strategy planning to the Hightech Agenda Bavaria and strategic partnerships.

Further information on the internal website (IdM-login)

Questions and contacts