Study Orientation Phase

The University of Göttingen offers various services at central and decentralised levels to ease the transition to studying in the study orientation phase. Success in studies can be determined as early as the phase of first contact between university and potential students.

Usually, InfoLine and the Central Student Advisory Service are the first central points of contact, and they work together with other institutions in the Office of Student Affairs to provide a varied portfolio of services. They offer advice services designed to simplify the decision on studying and choice of subject (e.g. student ambassadors or the Online Self Assessment), as well as measures to help with the transition to studying, such as orientation phases and pre-courses/”Propädeutika”.

At a general level, the faculties likewise offer a broad array of information and advice services through their own offices of student affairs, in some cases with very diverse measures. For instance, anyone who is seeking advice can consider their choice of a course of studies here in the relevant faculty in the light of their own interests and expectations. Advice on changing subject and/or university and the related procedures for recognition of work and grading usually takes place at a faculty level. The orientation weeks that take place just before start of semester and are supervised by the faculties and faculty student bodies are designed to ensure that all newly registered students feel welcome at the University of Göttingen and in their faculty and at the same time receive all the organisational information necessary to starting their studies. In addition they can get to know their fellow students and Göttingen itself as a place to study in a relaxed atmosphere.

All regulations and documents relevant to the studies can be accessed on the website of the University of Göttingen, enabling all potential and/or current students to obtain comprehensive information for themselves about the conditions and requirements of the degree programmes in which they are interested, as well as the details of course structures and examination work.

The University of Göttingen has developed a web-based accessibility map which clearly shows the locations and accessibility of buildings and rooms. Besides information about the rooms’ facilities and about current courses, there are numerous buttons that call up additional campus-related information. This includes information about accessibility, study-related locations, family-friendly amenities, IT infrastructure, safety on campus, catering and bus stops. The map is also available in a version designed for mobile devices and in English. Students and all other members of the university can use it to find their way easily about campus.