Study Culture in Germany
4 Things You Should Know!
2023/05/05
Now that the semester has started, you may be wondering how different academic life can be compared to your home country! We are here to share some tips and useful bits of information that will help you know what to expect and how to navigate the study culture at TU Darmstadt.
1. It is tradition to knock on the desks when a lecture is finished. This is to say thank you to the presenter and also to show your appreciation.
2. Independent learning. You are expected to take a proactive role in your studies and encouraged to explore your own interests and passions through self-directed study.
3. Comparatively fewer examinations throughout the semester. They mostly take place in the last week of the lecture period or towards the end of the semester. The examinations are also very content-heavy and can be quite intense to study for.
4. The semester ticket is not just for free travel. You can also use the card for student discounts all over the city, like Nordbad Darmstadt, and get free entry to the Landesmuseum (State Museum) near karo 5. It is also possible to attend performances at the State Theatre for free!
The study culture in Germany offers a unique and enriching experience. While it may be challenging at first to adjust to the differences, it is worth embracing the adventure. Take advantage of the many opportunities available to you, whether it be through exchanging ideas with fellow students, attending events, or exploring the city and its cultural offerings. We hope that these tips and information will help you settle into the study culture in Germany and make the most out of your studies.
Megan,
Student Assistant at ISS
Coming from the university system in the UK, I was always used to quite a rigid way of studying. As students we would often have meetings with our tutors to check our progress. There was also a lot less flexibility in the choice of classes that we could register for. At TU Darmstadt there has been such a wide range of courses I could select throughout the various stages of my degree. This has really allowed me to independently explore my interests and shape my own path.
Now that we have your attention
…don’t forget to take part in the Student Survey 2023 of the TU Darmstadt and contribute your opinion to various topics related to studying. You should have received the link in your student email inbox.