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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| EVENING TALKS | Was höre ich dieses Semester? Tipps und Tricks | Wednesday, 19/04/2023 | ZOOM* |
| International Round Table | Getting off to a good start in the semester | Wednesday, 26/04/2023; 5:45 pm |
Building 50.34; Room 131 |
| Mentoring-Stammtisch | Kennenlern-Stammtisch | Wednesday, 03/05/2023 | Building 50.34; Room 131 |
| Information Events | Programmieren Best Practices | Tuesday, 09/05/2023; 5:45 pm |
Building 50.34; Room 102 |
| Information Events | Ich gehe ins Ausland | Wednesday, 10/05/2023; 5:45 pm |
Building 50.34; Room 102 |
| EVENING TALKS | Sommer in Karlsruhe | Wednesday, 07/06/2023 | ZOOM* |
| International Round Table | Fit for Exam Phase and Returning Home | Wednesday, 21/06/2023; 5:45 pm |
Building 50.34; Room 131 |
| Information Events | How to Thesis | Wednesday, 28/06/2023; 5:45 pm |
Building 50.34; Room 102 |
*We will send the link to the respective event via your student mail addresses at least half an hour before the event.
eezi goIN' Info2Sessions in the summer semester 2023
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!
To be announced soon!
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
| Semester | Slides | Recording |
|---|---|---|
| Summer semester 2022 | 2022-04-26_MitSchwungIns2.FachsemesterWirtschaftsinformatikSS22.pdf | not available |
| Summer semester 2021 | 2021-04-10_MitSchwungIns2.FachsemesterWirtschaftsinformatikSS21.pdf | 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
| Semester | Slides | Recording |
|---|---|---|
| Summer semester 2021 | 2021-04-10_MitSchwungIns2.FachsemesterInformatikSS21.pdf | 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
| Semester | Slides | Recording |
|---|---|---|
| Winter semester 2021/2022 | 2021-10-15_MitSchwungIns3.SemesterWS2122.pdf | YouTube |
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.
| Semester | Slides | Recording |
|---|---|---|
| Winter semester 2022/2023 | 2022-11-15_ProgrammierenBestPracticesWS2223.pdf | YouTube |
| Summer semester 2022 | 2022-04-30_ProgrammierenBestPracticesSS22.pdf | not available |
| Summer semester 2021 | 2021-04-28_ProgrammierenBestPracticesSS21.pdf | YouTube |
| Winter semester 2020/2021 | not available | 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 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.
| Semester | Slides | Recording |
|---|---|---|
| Winter semester 2022/2023 | 2022-11-02_IchGeheInsAuslandWS2223.pdf | YouTube |
| Summer semester 2022 | 2022-05-11_IchGeheInsAuslandSS22.pdf | not available |
| Winter semester 2021/2022 | 2021-10-28_IchGeheInsAuslandWS2122.pdf | YouTube |
| Summer semester 2021 | 2021-04-28_IchGeheInsAuslandSS21.pdf | YouTube |
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.
| Semester | Slides | Recording |
|---|---|---|
| Winter semester 2022/2023 | 2022-11-30_Erasmus+WS2223.pdf | YouTube |
| Winter semester 2021/2022 | 2021-11-18_Erasmus+WS2122.pdf | not available |
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
| Semester | Slides | Recording |
|---|---|---|
| Winter semester 2020/2021 | not available | 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.
Guest speakers 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.
| Semester | Slides | Recording |
|---|---|---|
| Winter semester 2022/2023 | ILIAS | YouTube |
| Winter semester 2021/2022 | 2022-01-18_PrüfungsphaseStudienübersichtWS2122.pdf | YouTube |
Current status on the semester, exams and exam preparation.
This information event is for all students who want to take exams in this 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
| Semester | Slides | Recording |
|---|---|---|
| Summer semester 2022 | 2022-07-06_BalancingActSS22.pdf | YouTube |
| Summer semester 2020 | not available | 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. In most cases, the info bites are also recorded, so you can watch the presentation (without the FAQ part) afterwards on YouTube.
These info events can serve as regular meetings outside of lectures for students to talk about selected topics. These meetings are intended for students from all semesters, so that there is an exchange between students with different levels of experience.
"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.
Mentoring-Stammtische & EVENING TALKS for the summer semester 2023
Who can attend: Students of Informatics, Informatics Teacher Education and Information Systems.
Where: The Stammtische are usually held in the Info-Bau (Building 50.34), the EVENING TALKS take place via ZOOM. We will send the information to the respective event via your student mail addresses at least one hour before the event!
To be announced soon!
Mentoring-Stammtische & EVENING TALKS 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 their topics here.
At this cozy Stammtisch, students from higher semesters offer various games where you can exchange ideas with your fellow students and enjoy a relaxed evening in a pleasant atmosphere. There is also a big focus on getting to know new people.
This Stammtisch is intended for all students who have started their first modules from a Ergänzungsfach (supplementary subject) or the Wahlbereich (elective subject) this semester or who plan to do so next semester.
Among other things, it will be discussed which options are available within the framework of the Ergänzungsfach (supplementary subject) and the Wahlbereich (elective subject), which advantages and disadvantages they offer, and which subjects and modules might suit you best. In addition, the distinction between Stamm- and Wahlmodulen is discussed and tips on sensible module combinations and necessary applications are given.
This Stammtisch is aimed at all students who are at the beginning of the 3rd semester and want to get an overview of the modules offered.
It will be clarified which modules are advisable in the 3rd semester and which of them are needed to take further modules in the following semesters. Furthermore, the content and focus of the offered modules will be discussed and approaches for the more difficult modules will be suggested.
This Stammtisch focuses on both catching up on subjects that were not passed and those that were "pushed" in past semesters and are now to be completed in the current semester.
Topics addressed here include
- the integration of old lectures into the current semester schedule,
- the effective repetition of lecture content and
- support services for particularly difficult subjects,
This Stammtisch is designed to provide an overview of reasonable time management over the course of a semester and summer leisure activities to help students manage their studies more effectively and improve their work-life balance.
Here we discuss how much time to spend on lectures, exercises, tutorials and its study groups is reasonable and numerous leisure activities of various kinds are presented, including offers of the university, offers in nature, as well as cultural offers.
This Stammtisch discusses how an efficient daily routine can look like during the exam phase and how you can get used to such a routine. In addition, methods will be shown to design one's learning plan flexibly without throwing one's goals overboard. Even in the case of a failed study plan, options are suggested on how to save an exam period or how to still make the best of it.
Of course, a lively exchange is again encouraged, so that each student can choose the most suitable one for him/herself among the numerous methods.
In this EVENING TALK, many topics will be discussed around balancing possibilities besides university and a healthy approach to one's own work-life balance. We will talk about how you can "reclaim your weekends", how much time you should take for yourself in order to maintain your mental health and which kinds of activities besides university really help you. The focus on the topic of "work-life balance" is not only on the how, but also on the why.
In this EVENING TALK, the focus is on the hurdles of the exam phase and how to successfully master them. Topics such as leisure time management, procrastination and motivation to study will be addressed.
"Those who always sit here, do - but newcomers find a place here, too!"
The "Mentoring-Stammtisch" and the "EVENING TALKS" create the opportunity to exchange with students from higher semesters and fellow students and to discuss topics related to studying. Each Stammtisch / EVENING TALK 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.
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.
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: SPO22_Informatik_Uebersicht_Studienplanung_VorlageWebseite.pdf
Excel: SPO22_Informatik_Uebersicht_Studienplanung_VorlageWebseite.xlsx
The Excel file is compatible with Microsoft Excel (version 16-19) and LibreOffice Calc (with slight graphic errors).
PDF: SPO15_Informatik_Uebersicht_Studienplanung_VorlageWebseite.pdf
Excel: SPO15_Informatik_Uebersicht_Studienplanung_VorlageWebseite.xlsx
The Excel file is compatible with Microsoft Excel (version 16-19) and LibreOffice Calc (with slight graphic errors).
PDF: SPO19_WInfo_Uebersicht_Studienplanung_VorlageWebseite.pdf
Excel: SPO19_WInfo_Uebersicht_Studienplanung_VorlageWebseite.xlsx
The Excel file is compatible with Microsoft Excel (version 16-19) and LibreOffice Calc (with slight graphic errors).
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
The Excel file is compatible with Microsoft Excel (version 16-19) and LibreOffice Calc (with slight graphic errors).
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
- First Steps at KIT: Arrival and living in Karlsruhe for students from abroad
- Research Stay at KIT: Opportunities for internships, research projects and theses for international students
- 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
- MINTernship Inclusive: YouTube video about international mobility for students with disabilities
- 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
- Brücke Karlsruhe: Advice center for 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: