Starting Your Studies
Great to have you on board with us!
Starting university is a personal and unique experience – a new chapter in life that can be exciting as well as opening up a myriad of new opportunities. Embarking on your studies marks a new chapter in your life that will differ in many aspects from your usual ways of living and working. We want to help you get ready for the transition to university studies in a positive and systematic way and make sure you independently co-shape your start into your studies.
Don’t panic!? - Starting my studies at the University of Bonn
“Don’t panic!? - Starting my studies at the University of Bonn” aims to empower you across disciplines right at the beginning of your studies!
This includes comprehensive, general information across disciplines to help you successfully kick off your studies in the form of online presentations and open consultation hours as well as opportunities to get to know the Uni Bonn in a playful way on-campus or online and to connect with follow-students during a workshop!
Study Compass
Pick up your personal printed copy of the Study Compass (available in German only) at the Studying at the University of Bonn info box and other pick-up boxes containing the Study Compass now. (Google Maps).
You can also acquire a copy of the Study Compass from your responsible examination authority or your subject-specific study advisory services/degree program management during their opening/office hours.
01.
Checklist for starting your studies
What do I need to know before my studies begin? Who can help me with which questions? What are the key things I need to or should do to get off to a strong start to my studies?
02.
Subject-specific preliminary courses
Preliminary courses support new students in their transition from school to university and help close any knowledge gaps before the first semester begins. They are also a good opportunity to get to know your future fellow students.
03.
Orientation Weeks
During orientation weeks, you receive all subject-specific information as well as opportunities to settle in socially. You also get to know representatives of your degree program(s) as well as fellow students.
04.
Connecting
Together we’re less alone—and a shared study experience is also a better one!
Find out how connecting with other people is a chance to acquire valuable experience, get involved in a variety of ways and build and hone your skills!
05.
Welcoming First-Semester Students
At our Welcoming First-Semester Students event across degree programs you’ll receive an official welcome, have the chance to look into the various offerings at our University and you can get to know fellow students and departmental student councils.
06.
Study financing | Living in Bonn
You want to learn more about financial support options? We’ve put together information on topics such as BaföG and scholarships.
Interested in living and studying in the Federal City of Bonn? We’ll show you what accommodations are available and give tips about looking for an apartment.
Starting your studies interview with bonnFM
In an interview with campus radio station bonnFM, we talk about the support services offered by the Central Study Advisoryand Counseling Service (ZSB) for first-year students and all students. So: Don't panic!? Just tune in and listen! (In German language)
Bonn Study Support Program “Be strong!
“Be strong!”, the first structured study support program to be offered at the University of Bonn, launches in winter semester 2025/26. The “Be strong!” program is highly diverse, covers all phases of a degree program and will help you to find your way around your studies, acquire and consolidate specialist and methodological skills, and build up your own personal resources.
4 powers 4 you – more power(s) to you!
Our “4 powers 4 you – more power(s) to you!” program offers numerous free self-learning and on demand courses for successfully mastering studies in the areas of #SkillPOWER, #HealthPOWER, #SocialPOWER and #FuturePOWER.
RessourcenStark durchs Studium
The “RessourcenStark durchs Studium” (“Push through Your Studies”) series of workshops is designed to help you grow your skills and abilities over the long term and strengthen your resources, ensuring that your time as a student is successful and focused on your health.
Podcast "Studierendenfutter"
Our “Tips for starting university” series on timetables, learning strategies and support offers tips and tricks to help you get through your first semester! (Only available in German).
Welcome Days for international students
With the Welcome Days we would like to welcome all new students and doctoral students from abroad to Bonn and facilitate a successful start of their studies. You will find all important information on this page.
During your studies
Navigating the formalities, settling into university life, planning the start to your studies – you will find tips on ideal organization of your studies and additional information and advice here.
Counseling & service
You still have questions but don’t know who to ask? This overview will help you navigate key topics and contacts.
University life
Your studies have started, and now it’s time to discover your lovely new university city on the Rhine. Comprehensive information about university life can be found in this section.
International Study Programs in Bonn
You are an international undergraduate, postgraduate or doctoral student interested in studying at the University of Bonn? International Study Programs in Bonn can provide support and advice. Our pages contain information on the various programs and formalities involved with studying for an undergraduate, postgraduate or doctoral degree at the University of Bonn.
Study and Internship Abroad
There are many ways to make a stay abroad part of your studies: through spending a semester abroad in Helsinki, doing an internship in Chile or carrying out research for a thesis in Africa. International Outbound Mobility advises and supports you in your individual plans, while of course bearing in mind the current restrictions.
Uni Bonn to Go! Install the Actionbound app and get started.
Welcome to the University of Bonn! Take part in a virtual tour of the University by using the Actionbound app on your smartphone! Various tours as well as QuickStart instructions can be found on the Youth University Portal.
