Planning Your Studies And Assembling A Schedule
Admission granted, enrollment completed, formalities finished. After these first steps into the beginning of your university studies, all new students typically have a series of questions. One of the most important things for a successful start is the planning of your studies. The following key questions and tips for drafting a course plan are meant to make the beginning of your studies easier.
- How are university studies structured?
- Are their specializations?
- How and when can you choose them?
- Where and when can I get answers to questions about international and study abroad programs?
- Which regulations provide important information?
- How many semesters are planned for each segment of my studies?
- What is the next step after the bachelor’s degree or the First State Examination in Law?
- How long is the standard time for completing a degree program?
- Do university studies include mandatory internships?
- Is part-time study abroad planned?
- What kind of internship contacts are important for my later professional career, and how can I develop them?
- Which regular leisure time activities should I be aware of?
- Which requirements do I have to complete in which semester, or how many credit points have to be earned in which modules?
- Which event series or fixed course progressions do I need to keep in mind?
- How are the courses on offer structured into modules?
- Do I have to provide proof of my language competences, and if so, by when?
- Are all of the components of my studies, meaning in addition to subjects also the courses for acquiring key competences (Studiumplus) sufficiently taken into account?
- Do I have to complete internships and / or excursions during the semester or in the lecture-free period?
- Distinguish between mandatory and recommended courses.
- First include the mandatory courses.
- Pay attention to the prerequisites for each individual module.
- Please also note consequent modules.
- Please note whether a course is offered every semester or not, and whether the course is connected with lectures, seminars, tutorials or labs.
- Plan for courses that total up to about 30 credit points (CP), because independent study periods, as well as preparation and follow-up time are definitely necessary.
- Plan time for preparation and follow-up into your course schedule.
- Also take into account other personal appointments, such as time for exercise or other activities.
- Please note the dates and deadlines for registering and de-registering for courses.
- Pay attention to the distances and travel times between courses.
- Review your course schedule after the first week of classes in terms of feasibility and practicability, and if applicable, note the deadlines for withdrawing from a course.
- Also create a semester plan that includes all of the dates, deadlines and activities, such as re-registration deadlines, examinations, term papers, presentations or time to prepare for examinations.
- Check out our YouTube tutorial.
Once you have produced your course schedule, you can review it in the introductory events.
Many of the degree programs at the University of Potsdam require online registration through the PULS system (PULS-Tutorial). You can register for courses and for the performance evaluation process.
- How is the University structured?
- Where are the departments, the library, computer workstations, the language center, and public bulletin boards?
- Who is the contact person for my specific questions?
- Where are the general and subject-specific student advisory services located?
- How do I register for courses?
- Which courses can I take to acquire key competences or additional qualifications?
You will definitely not be able to find answers to all of your questions all on your own. This is why all of the departments are holding introductory events.
