Starting your studies in 2025: The first semester introduction helps you get started
We welcome many new students to the HTWD for the winter semester 2025/26. The transition from school or training to university life brings with it many changes. To make the transition easier, the Student Advisory Service, the Faculties and the Student Council (StuRA) offer a comprehensive first semester orientation programme (ESE).
The ESE not only provides important information about starting your studies, but also gives you the opportunity to get to know the campus, the Faculties and the service facilities of the HTWD. It also provides an opportunity to socialise with fellow students and make initial contact with teaching staff. Together with the Student Council, each Faculty designs an individual programme that includes subject-specific appointments as well as a variety of opportunities to get to know each other - from campus tours to cinema and barbecue evenings to a pub crawl.
All first-semester students are welcomed by their Faculties on the morning of 29 September. A highlight of the week is the matriculation ceremony, which takes place on the same day at 3 pm in the Rundkino Dresden.
Participation in the first semester induction offers support in settling into everyday student life. In addition to practical advice on the use of learning resources and digital platforms, it creates the space for new contacts and networks that will enrich your studies.
Further information, meeting points and times can be found on the ESE website.
THINGS TO KNOW AT THE START OF YOUR STUDIES
Below we have compiled some tips and information to help you get started with your studies.
PREPARING FOR UNIVERSITY
In addition to the study-related offers, the Student Secretariat and the StuRa have summarised a guide with all the important information about studying in the University ABC. It is also recommended that you read the study regulations.
HOUSING
Studentenwerk Dresden is the main point of contact for students who need accommodation. Single flats or rooms in shared flats are available in the halls of residence. A number of halls of residence (e.g. Reichenbachstraße, Hochschulstraße, St. Petersburger Straße) are within walking distance of the HTWD. The WOMIKO concept - living with fellow students - is particularly interesting. Individual halls of residence are assigned to specific Faculties. This is a good opportunity to socialise with fellow students from your own year and higher semesters while still living in the hall of residence.
The following applies to all student halls of residence: If you are interested in a place in a hall of residence, please submit an online application as soon as possible.
Further information on housing
- Registration of main or secondary residence Landeshauptstadt Dresden - Housing FAQ Studentenwerk Dresden
- Please note the information on the secondary residence tax
- Living in Dresden - Website of the City of Dresden
Semester fee/Germany ticket
At the HTWD, the semester fee is due once a semester. It is divided into a fee for the student body of the HTWD (StuRa), the student union and the semester ticket/Germany ticket. Provided that all enrolment documents have been submitted in full, the semester ticket can be used from 1 September. All information and registration via the university login is available from StuRa. The booking of the yellow Mobibikes (always for the first 30 minutes) is also included. Please note the conditions for borrowing and return.
Campuscard
The student card has several functions: Visual identification, borrowing and booking in the HTWD library, access authorisation to buildings and, if applicable, laboratories, payment function for canteens and cafeterias. In addition to the physical chip card (student ID card), the digital student ID card is available in the HTWD mobile app - including the display of the current enrolment status.
Further information:www.htw-dresden.de/campuscard
FINANCING
BAföG is the best-known state subsidy for student financing. The Studentenwerk Dresden is responsible for counselling and applications.
Tips for applying for BaföG
- the BAföG rate is based on your income and assets or those of your parents/spouse and is calculated individually
- the digital BaföG application should be submitted as soon as you have been admitted/enrolled
Further financing options
- Educational loan- Recommended for advanced studies
- Scholarships - Deutschlandstipendium & Co.
- HTWD job exchange - part-time jobs, working student positions and internships
STUDY & SOCIAL COUNSELLING SERVICES
Is my degree programme right for me? What do I need to consider when starting my studies? Who can help me with problems during my studies? The HTWD and the Studentenwerk Dresden have numerous support services for all these questions.
- General student counselling
- Social and legal counselling and psychological support from Studentenwerk Dresden
- StuRa
- Equal opportunities and studying in difficult circumstances
- Study abroad
- ZID - Information on e-mail
UNIVERSITY SPORTS CENTRE
The range of sports offered by the Dresden University Sports Centre is one of the largest and most diverse in university sports in Germany. The programme ranges from classic team sports to individual sports. So if you've always wanted to try Ultimate Frisbee, aerobic boxing or bouldering, this is the right place for you. Course enrolment always takes place at the start of the semester and is announced in good time on our website and Instagram.
COMMITMENT & STUDENT PROJECTS
In most jobs, you don't just need specialised knowledge, you also need to be able to communicate and cooperate across disciplines. At our university, students can practise teamwork early on in interdisciplinary projects. This ranges from participation in various university committees and commissions, to involvement in student representatives and the Student Council (StuRa), to commitment to the university's climate protection concept or as a study guide. An overview of the following commitments can be found on our website.
HTWD wishes all first-year students a successful start to their studies!
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