Published: 4 April 2022
All official announcements for the summer semester 2022 and the status of the Corona-related exceptions can be found on the TU Darmstadt website.
Freshman again?! Back to the start
Masha spent her last semester as an exchange student in the Netherlands. The majority of her courses were in person. This is how she felt during her first week:
Masha,
Data and Discourse Studies M.A.
What surprised me the most during the first week there is how nervous I was going back to studying on campus. I felt like if I was panicking! I felt so "visible", so observed, so vulnerable in a way!
“I remember when applying to TU Darmstadt I was anxious about the possibility of having to study online. I knew I can focus much better in a classroom or lecture hall and I was worried that my motivation may suffer as well.
If I am being honest, the digital format was trying at times. However, I did my best during the duration of the pandemic, making the best possible investment – in my education and thus, in my future.
I have spent the last winter semester in the Netherlands, where they offered a hybrid semester. I was lucky and most of my classes took place on campus. What surprised me the most during the first week was how nervous I was going back to studying on campus. I was almost panicking! I felt so ”visible“, so observed, so vulnerable in a way! From showing only your face on camera or even occasionally turning the camera off to being in a classroom and not in the comfort of my home in pyjamas.
I know it may sound silly, however, this experience was a throwback to my first day in school. And it was a rather tense situation. Something we barely had to worry about studying online was rather tumultuous when in person: ”How do I appear?“, ”Is it me, or is someone looking at me?“, ”Did I say something wrong?“, ”Do I act weird?“, ”Does everyone know it only I don't?“
The whole first week coming to new classes I was absolutely astonished to feel that way. This being my 8th (!!!) year of studying at a university, I didn't expect to feel like such a ”newby". All together it was just overwhelming and confusing!
I am absolutely sure that returning to the campus will be beneficial in regard to the productivity, motivation, and academic performance of our students! I hope to give you a little heads up, so you may have enough time to prepare yourself mentally. Especially because I was caught in this weird state of mind just a couple of months ago.
Important: there is always help at the university if you need it!"
Offers of support
If things aren't quite going according to plan, the Central Student Advisory and Orientation Office (ZSB) can help you in any situation. You can easily make an appointment online.
In case of an acute personal crises, you will find various contact points at the Studierendenwerk Darmstadt, which you can turn to easily, even at off-peak times an at short notice.
New on campus? Relax at these places
If all the hustle and bustle is too much for you, it's time for a little break and relaxation. That's also possible on the TU Darmstadt campus. Mia shows you the best spots for it.
Mia,
Business Administration/Industrial Engineering – specialising in Civil Engineering B.Sc.
We are all in the same boat and you are not alone with your questions! Don't be shy, there will always be someone there to help.
"Do you already know where the most important places on campus are? Whether it is about finding help or taking some time off in between lectures to relax, we will try to guide you a little.
Let’s start with the leisure in between lectures. As you might know, the campus of TU Darmstadt is scattered throughout the city. Most importantly there is the Campus Stadtmitte and the Campus Lichtwiese. If you want to get to know the places virtually, check out our Campus-Tour .
The Campus Stadtmitteis right next to the Herrngarten. This park is always a great place to relax when the sun is out! Taking a walk or sitting on the grass – we are sure you will free your mind in nature. Furthermore, you can always take a walk in the Martinsviertel, which is filled with cozy cafes. Have a cup of coffee and maybe delight yourself to a little snack during your spare time. For lunch, I recommend to go to the Mensa or Bistro . They provide a selection of meals every day. You will always find various vegetarian or vegan options – something for every taste. Moreover, there are plenty of seating all over the campus. For example, the top floor of the Karo 5 is always a neat spot to relax or even to study.
The campus Lichtwiese has the Biergarten. Here you can sit together with friends and have coffee and snacks as well. Another recommendation at campus Lichtwiese is the „Kuhle“ in the architecture building. A small student run café that is run during the semester.
If you feel a little lost on campus or there are just a lot of question marks in your head in general, you can always ask your fellow students for advice. We are all in the same boat and you are not alone with your questions! Don't be shy, there will always be someone there to help. In the main buildings, such as Karo 5 or the libraries, you will also always find TU Darmstadt staff – they are always there to help!
Let’s look forward to an amazing semester 2022!"
Kick-Off Days for international students on april 7 & 8, 2022
In the beginning of every semester, the International Student Services (ISS) organise the orientation programme Kick-Off Days. They are designed to help make the transition into life in Germany and your studies at TU Darmstadt as smooth as possible. The programme is free of charge and optional, however participation is highly recommended.
Check out the website for the event and a video with our ambassador Diego , welcoming you!
The current Kick-Off Days take place online. New international students will automatically receive the Zoom links by email.
Masha
Hey! My name is Masha and I’m doing my master’s in Data and Discourse Studies. It always takes long to explain what exactly I am studying. My program is a kaleidoscope of disciplines and methods, which are weirdly and fruitfully intertwined together. For me it is a fusion of hobby and profession: languages, history, programming, philosophy! I love it how we mix approaches trying to gain this voluminous image of our world.
Mia
Hey! My name is Mia and I’m studying Economical and Civil Engineering at the TU Darmstadt. I am very excited to give you some insights of what a student-life at TU Darmstadt looks like and hope I can help you!
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Christina from the #studentsofTUdarmstadt takes you with her on campus and shows you what her first day on site as a computer science student at TU Darmstadt looks like.