Support during your Studies
"It's a tough galaxy. If you want to survive, you've gotta know...where your towel is."
- Ford Prefect on Informatics studies
Hi Newcomer,
have you just registered for Informatics, Information Systems or Informatics Teacher Education at the KIT? Then you are exactly right here! Welcome to the "start of studies" page of the department of Informatics. So much in advance: our goal is to prepare you for the organizational ups and downs and to make you fit for the galaxy of the Informatics course. Here are a few tips and offers to help you get started. Sounds good? Then grab your towel and off you go!
- Friends, study groups and tutors are important to be successful in your studies. Yes, going to the professor also helps if there are problems or questions. The university is a platform for exchange!
- The beginning can be difficult - maths in particular is a challenge for many. With some subjects you just have to persevere and stick with it, then sooner or later you will get into the mindset.
- Don't forget to enjoy student life too! Take a break sometime, do sports, pursue your hobbies and don't neglect your social life, but try to create a balance between university and free time.
- The hurdles of the first semester are mainly the exercise certificates, which take a lot of time. Good organization is required here and also a little help from and for others, then you can also manage the exercise sheets.
- Before the semester, you should consider attending one of the preparatory courses at the MINT-Kolleg, as you will repeat the school material a bit and above all get to know people (that is actually much more important). During the semester there are also MINT courses that are particularly helpful for the math subjects because you apply the material and learn in smaller groups (see also under “Support and Consulting” below).
Dates of the information events
| Event Series | Title | When | Where |
|---|---|---|---|
| Info Bites | Programmieren - Best Practices und Lernpartnerbörse | Tuesday, 28/04/2022; 11:30 am |
ZOOM* |
| Mentoring | Mentoring-Stammtisch | Tuesday, 10/05/2022; 7:00 pm |
ZOOM* |
| Info Bites | Ich gehe in's Ausland | Wednesday, 11/05/2022; 5:30 pm |
Building 50.34, Room 131 and ZOOM* |
| Info Bites | Balancing Act: Du bist in der Lage, es zu schaffen | Thursday, 07/07/2022; 11:35 am |
Building 50.34, Room -102 and ZOOM* |
*We will send the link to the respective event via your student mail addresses at least half an hour before the event.
eezi goIN' Info-Bites in the summer semester 2022
Who can attend: Students of Informatics, Informatics Teacher Education and Information Systems.
Where: The events either take place via ZOOM or simultaneously offline and via ZOOM. We will send the information to the respective event via your student mail addresses at least one hour before the event!
This Info Bites event will focus on the programming lecture and learning partner exchange.
In this event, Yves R. Kirschner (SDQ), part of the lecture team for the Programmieren module, will present so-called "Best Practices" for the Programmieren course. These include tips and tricks for the successful completion of the module.
The eezi team will then address the topic of "Learning groups for your studies" and arrange learning groups in the learning partner exchange.
Here, too, you will have the opportunity to ask questions in a Q&A section to get answers and advice from the people present.
The event is aimed at students who...
- would like to take the practice certificate of Programmieren and the final assignments in the WS 2021/2022.
- are looking for learning partners for Programmieren and the 1st/3rd semester.
You can find the date for the event here.
The slides of the event can be found here.
The recording of the event is available on YouTube (when available).
This orientation session is intended to provide an overview of the various study abroad options available to students of the Computer Science faculty.
This event is primarily aimed at those students who would like to apply for:
- Double Master Program in Informatics
- MINTernship
- ERASMUS+
- Overseas programs (DAAD, Freemover, ....)
In addition to the presentation of the respective application procedures and the general conditions, all questions of the students are answered here.
You can find the date for the event here.
The slides of the event can be found here.
The recording of the event is available on YouTube (when available).
Current status on the summer semester, exams and exam preparation.
This online information event is for all students who want to take exams in the summer semester.
In this lecture, the eezi team will address the following topics:
- Tips for exam preparation
- Planning and structuring the exam phase
- Tips for dealing with stress
You can find the date for the event here.
The slides of the event can be found here (when available).
The recording of the event is available on YouTube (when available).
eezi goIN' Info-Bites from previous semesters
These events were offered in previous semesters but were not repeated this semester for various reasons.
Nevertheless, all interested parties can find an overview of these events and also related materials (slides, recordings) here.
This orientation event focuses on entering the second semester of Information Systems.
In this lecture, the WI-Forum, in cooperation with the Informatics Study Program Service (ISS) and the eezi goIN' team, addresses the following topics:
- Which lectures do I listen to in the second semester?
- Tips and tricks for the respective lectures
- Orientation exams
- Possibilities in case of failed practice notes/exams
- Possibilities for support
- Corona regulations and studies
The slides of the event can be found here.
The recording of the event is available on YouTube.
This orientation event focuses on entering the second semester of Informatics.
In this lecture, the student council in cooperation with the Informatics Study Program Service (ISS) and the eezi goIN' team addresses the following topics:
- Which lectures do I listen to in the second semester?
- Tips and tricks for the respective lectures
- Orientation exams
- Possibilities in case of failed practice notes/exams
- Possibilities for support
- Corona regulations and studies
The slides of the event can be found here.
The recording of the event is available on YouTube.
This orientation course emphasizes entry into the third semester of computer science.
In this lecture, the informatics faculty in cooperation with the Informatics Study Program Service (ISS) and the eezi goIN' team addresses the following topics:
- Which lectures do I listen to in the third semester?
- SWT failed
- Orientation exams
- Possibilities for support
- Hardship applications
- Tips and tricks for lectures
- Corona regulations and studies
- and of course your questions
The slides of the event can be found here.
The recording of the event is available on YouTube.
In this virtual campus tour you can playfully get to know new fellow students as well as test your knowledge about the campus or learn something new.
The concept of this campus tour is based on the game GeoGuessr. You will be divided into small groups and have to find different places of the KIT. In doing so, you will get into exchange with other students and can spend a cozy game evening with them.
This orientation event is addressed to all students at KIT who would like to apply for a study abroad program via ERASMUS+.
Here the general conditions will be presented in addition to the application procedure and all your questions will be answered.
However, you are welcome to inform yourself in advance on our website, where all information for outgoing students has been compiled: https://www.informatik.kit.edu/erasmus_out.php.
The slides of the event can be found here.
This orientation event is intended to provide you with tips on how to start your studies as an international student at KIT.
This orientation event focuses on information and tips for the higher semesters, but of course also on your specific questions.
In this lecture, the Informatics Study Program Service (ISS) together with the eezi goIN' team and in cooperation with the informatics faculty will address the following topics:
- Q&A with Dr. Ioana Gheta (Head of ISS) and other contact persons.
- Advice for students from the eezi mentoring team on
- Thesis (B.Sc. & M.Sc.)
- Path to a Master's degree
- Master profiles
The recording of the event is available on YouTube.
This orientation event focuses on information and tips for the curriculum vitae of students of Informatics and Information Systems.
This eezi lecture will focus on preparation strategies and timing for the exam period, tips on how to manage exam anxiety and additional information about studying.
Dr. Sinz, Dr. Heinrich and students from higher semesters will address subject-specific information and tips for a successful exam period. At the end, students will have the opportunity to meet in small groups to clarify questions and find study partners for the exam phase.
You do not need to be registered for eezi to attend.
The slides of the event can be found here.
The recording of the event is available on YouTube.
"We'll talk about the bits and bites of studying - while you're biting your lunch at home!"
The world of studying sometimes has to be taken in small bites. In our new information video series we would like to talk to you about important topics and useful offers of student life. At the same time, you can enjoy your lunch break and pester us with questions out of the protection of your trusted home.
The Info-Bits are smaller videos (approx. 5 min), which deal with general tips and tricks for coping with studying. For example, topics such as exam anxiety are discussed, but also methods that lead to better learning success are presented. These videos can be found in the YouTube playlist "eezi-Bits - Studieren leicht gemacht", so that you can pick up small but valuable tips and tricks at any time.
The Info-Bites on the other hand, are a series of events for students at the KIT-Faculty of Informatics, which address specific topics or subjects. For this purpose, a certain topic is presented by the eezi goIN' team and guest speakers of the KIT are invited. It is important that these info events are held in dialogue with the students. After the lecture a question and answer session is opened where students can voice their concerns and questions about the topics.
The Info-Bites are a format for students at the KIT Faculty of Computer Science, which will take place for the 4th time starting this winter semester 2021/2022. Due to the restrictions caused by the COVID-19 virus, now for the 3rd time as an online format. This means that in addition to the detailed Info-Bits, which can be found on YouTube at any time, info events (Info-Bites) will take place via Zoom. It is important to note that these info events, except for the FAQ part, are recorded and later uploaded to YouTube.
For these Info-Bites you can set up a small (informal) lunch break between your lectures, you can make yourself a tasty snack and then join the YouTube channel of the KIT-Faculty of Informatics or Zoom. In this way, you can pick up valuable tips about "learning and studying at home".
As soon as the current situation calms down, regular meetings will take place again during the lunch break, where you can talk about selected topics. These meetings are intended for students from all semesters, so that an exchange between the differently experienced students can take place.
Current tips about working from home can be found here:
Learn and study in your home office
"Even during my master's degree, working on the Info Bits and Bites helped me gain new insights into my time and stress management."
- L.Osthof, Informatics M.Sc.
What is eezi?
The course eezi - an introduction to Informatics studies at the KIT (pronounced "easy") is aimed at newcomers to the Informatics department. This means that students specializing in Informatics, Information Systems and Informatics Teacher Education can take part in eezi.
eezi is a module that presents methodical approaches to the challenges of the course and gives the students tips for the first semester. These challenges include many common problems related to Informatics studies and within student life. On the one hand, organizational challenges are addressed, such as planning the course, on the other hand we want to discuss personal problems, e.g. stress during studies, and develop suitable solutions for these areas.
The aim is to have as much dialogue as possible with the freshmen in order to deal precisely with the personal problems, interests or questions of the new students.
The participants of eezi can expect interesting lectures on topics that can be helpful not only in Informatics but also in the general course of studies. Different topics, from time management to coping with stress, are covered. It is important to us that we respond precisely to the needs of the students so that questions are encouraged.
In the tutorials, we try to create a casual and relaxed atmosphere. It is therefore important to us not to be frontal teaching, but to interact with the students and to have frequent conversations and discussions. The main thing is that it doesn't get boring!
In addition, the tutor should be a contact person for personal problems that can be addressed outside or after the tutorial in a one-on-one conversation.
A tutor is a student from a higher semester who leads the tutorial and teaches the students the content of the module. In contrast to a teacher or professor, the tutor is closer to the student's experience, which promotes easier communication. In addition, the tutor serves as a mentor and contact person, who is the first point of contact for questions about the course or more personal problems, in order to support students individually. The tutor accompanies the students of the tutorial over the entire semester.
The eezi curriculum is divided into three lectures that are voluntary and five tutorials that take place every two to three weeks. The lectures are given by various KIT employees (including professors). The tutorials are led by students from higher semesters and are based on the material from the lecture, but supplement them with a lot of additional information. Hence, most of the material is taught in the tutorials.
In order to pass eezi and thus get the 1 ECTS point in the area of key qualifications, at least three of the five tutorials must be attended. In addition to the tutorials, there are five exercise sheets, all of which are to be handed in and assessed by the tutor (you can only pass/fail, the number of sheets is not particularly large). Furthermore, at the end of the semester, a consultation at the ISS must be attended, which is carried out individually and serves to answer questions about the course and to assess your study situation.
Registration for the module takes place via the campus portal. For the tutorials, a separate registration will be activated on the WiWi portal in the first week of the lecture. Here you can choose your eezi tutorial and other freshman tutorials by specifying your priorities. Exercise sheets are managed via the Ilias portal (see materials).
All materials used in the lectures, exercises and tutorials are made available via the Ilias system. This is also where the exercise sheets are distributed and collected. Each tutorial has its own Ilias course. The link to this course and the associated password will be published in the first tutorial.
“When I heard about the eezi module in the first semester, I initially had low expectations, but still took part. Over time I realized how important the module is for every student and tried to apply the techniques as best as I could."
- B.Rittner, Informatics B.Sc.
The "Mentoring-Stammtisch" creates the opportunity to exchange with students from higher semesters and fellow students and to discuss topics related to studying. Each Stammtisch has a few main topics. The aim is not simply to receive information, but to actively ask questions, share one's own opinions and answer questions together.
"Mentoring-Stammtische" are held regularly throughout the semester.
You can find the dates of the current events here.
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It is helpful for you to plan your bachelor's degree program and to update and adjust that planning on a regular basis. Consider regularly:
- What do I have to do?
- What is mandatory and by when must it be done?
- When are which lectures offered?
- When can I take which exam?
- What do I want to do?
- What interests me most?
- Which events would I like to attend?
- Do I want to study abroad?
- Do I want to do an internship?
- Prioritize. Duty almost always comes first.
- Do you tend to put off unpleasant but important things?
- Monitor yourself and your behavior regularly.
Structuring one's own studies:
The following tables are an offer to structure your planning and to keep an overview. Please always compare these documents with the latest version of the Modulhandbuch and the Campus Management for Students (CAS). In case of disparity, the information in the Modulhandbuch and CAS always applies.
PDF: SPO15_Informatik_Uebersicht_Studienplanung_VorlageWebseite.pdf
Excel: SPO15_Informatik_Uebersicht_Studienplanung_VorlageWebseite.xlsx
PDF: SPO19_WInfo_Uebersicht_Studienplanung_VorlageWebseite.pdf
Excel: SPO19_WInfo_Uebersicht_Studienplanung_VorlageWebseite.xlsx
PDF: Informatics with 2nd subject - SPO16_Lehramt_Uebersicht_Studienplanung_VorlageWebseite.pdf
Informatics with mathematics - SPO16_Info-Mathe-Lehramt_Uebersicht_Studienplanung_VorlageWebseite.pdf
Excel: SPO16_Lehramt_Uebersicht_Studienplanung_VorlageWebseite.xlsx
What effort is recommended during the semester:
Lectures: Frontal lecture by the lecturer (usually professor) who presents the contents of the module. Mostly illustrated with the help of a Power Point presentation or other means. To lectures there are actually always at least the slides, often also a script. In most cases, no registration is necessary, and attendance is not compulsory.
Exercises: Review and supplementation of the lecture material based on examples by the instructor (usually doctoral students of the professor). No registration necessary, no compulsory attendance. In most cases, solutions of the exercise sheets to the exercises are discussed.
Tip: It is also advisable to use non-compulsory exercise certificates, as this ensures continuous work on the material, which demonstrably leads to higher learning and examination success. It should be ensured that the entire exercise certificate is worked on and not just the sheets at the beginning of the semester when you still have the time for it.
Tutorials: Review of the material and work on exercises in small groups, supervised by a tutor who is himself a student in the higher semester. Attendance is recommended, as this is the best place to ask questions. In some modules, attendance is compulsory in the tutorial. Registration is usually done online.
Tip: Tutorials are offered for most courses. Since these are the best opportunity to ask specific questions and to exchange ideas with fellow students who already know the subject, it is recommended to attend tutorials conscientiously. If you cannot attend a tutorial, it is usually no problem to drop in at another date or another tutor.
It is not without reason that the MINT-Kolleg Baden-Württemberg offers semester-long courses on various subjects. These courses are based on the material of the lecture and work on it in a comprehensible way using small exercises. In addition, you have the opportunity to ask specific questions to the MINT lecturers, since the material is taught in smaller groups.
Tip: Who has not registered, just try it anyway directly with an e-mail to info∂mint-kolleg.kit.edu.
"I participated in the MINT-Kollegs semester-long Linear Algebra course and also in the MINT-Kollegs advanced course for the Linear Algebra 1 exam [...]. I passed all orientation exams, i.e. Programmieren, Grundbegriffe der Informatik and Linear Algebra 1." – WS2018/19 Informatics-Newcomer at the KIT
- ISS - Informatik Studiengang Service: study counselling, extension applications, change of study plan, etc.
- Fachschaft Informatik: O-Phase, student consultation hours, old exams, etc.
- Forum Wirtschaftsinformatik: O-Phase, student office hours, etc.
- ZLB - Zentrum für Lehrerbildung: Resources for students of teacher education, etc.
- ZSB - Zentrale Studienberatung: Doubts about your studies, change of study programme / university, drop-out, etc.
- Studierendenwerk: BAföG, social counselling, foreign students, studying with disabilities, finding accommodation, etc.
- SCC - Steinbuch Centre for Computing: Help centre for technical problems, account registration, etc.
- KIT-Library: Study places, online catalogue, etc.
- KIT-Informatics-Library: Study places, literature, etc.
- ATIS - Abteilung Technische Infrastruktur: e-mail services, pool rooms, multimedia rooms, software provisioning
- Start to your studies at KIT
- MINT-Kolleg Baden-Württemberg: Pre-courses, semester courses, helpdesk, advanced courses
- HoC - House of Competence: Learning/Writing Advice, helpdesk
- ZML - Zentrum für Mediales Lernen: Study courses
- Living and Studying in Karlsruhe: Information about Karlsruhe and the KIT
- ISS - Informatik Studiengangservice:Time and exchange Studies, Erasmus
- IStO - International Students Office: Consulting, support, guidance, integration measures
- IESN - International Erasmus Student Network Karlsruhe
- International Student Center: Social counselling, foreign students, studying with disabilities, finding accommodation, etc.
- Studienstart International: Welcome events, information offers, campus consultation hours, etc.
- Studienstart International - Information on ILIAS
- International Buddy-Program: International encounters, orientation at the new place of study, internationalisation at home
- Coordination office for refugees and migrants: Personal consultation hours, information evenings, integration measures
- Foreigners' Authority of the city of Karlsruhe: Residence permit, electronic residence title (eAT), establishment permit
- The ABC of KIT: English glossary for the translation of technical terms
- AStA - Allgemeiner Studierendenausschuss: Social counselling, equal opportunities, queer counselling
- PBS - Psychotherapeutische Beratungsstelle: Stress, exam nerves, loneliness
- BBC - Representative for students with disabilities and chronic illnesses
- ACCESS∂KIT - Center for Digital Accessibility and Assistive Technology
- Nightline Karlsruhe: Helpline by students for students with personal problems
- Telefonseelsorge: Helpline for students with personal problems
- Career-Service: Career entry, internship search, career advice
- AKK - Arbeitskreis Kultur und Kommunikation: General cultural events, calendar of events, workshops
- Z10: Bar, board games, etc.
- University sports at KIT
- Information about finding accommodation in Karlsruhe: