Introduction and start of studies

There is not just one introductory event at the University of Kassel. Rather, there is an extensive range of different "organizers":

• On the one hand, the departments offer an official program. This type of introduction is about the subject: What is the subject about? What specializations are offered in Kassel? Which Professors and subject areas determine the content? So: be sure to attend and ask questions!
• For some (not all) degree programs and subjects, we recommend attending preliminary courses. Pre-courses are aimed at first-year students who would like to refresh their knowledge in certain subjects. The preliminary courses start before the introductory dates.
• The student councils often also offer introductory events. The student council is part of the student self-organization and deals with the specific questions of the students of a department. In terms of content, it deals with questions about the course of studies, the organization of the curriculum, learning organization and examinations. The student councils therefore offer help on how best to study this subject.
• There are also "welcome events": First semester welcome, offers for students with children, offers for international students.

Important terms explained

The Department of Mathematics and Natural Sciences offers you the opportunity to take a free preliminary course in mathematics before the start of the first semester. A total of seven different mathematics pre-courses (tailored to the respective degree program) are offered. The courses last between four and six weeks and take place before the actual start of lectures.

The Intensive 2 or Compact 1/2 preliminary course is recommended for this degree program.

Information on pre-course recommendations

Monday, October 12, 2026

Welcome by the Dean, Introduction to the Departments, and Campus Tour
Time: 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Location: Campus Center, Moritzstr. 18, Lecture Hall 5,
Speakers: Dean Prof. Dr. David Laner and department heads

The Dean will welcome all new students to the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, and the institutes will introduce themselves (approx. 1.5 hours). Immediately afterward, the student council will host a campus tour, and groups will be formed for the city scavenger hunt taking place after lunch.

Lunch
Time: 12:00–1:00 p.m.
Location: Central Cafeteria on the Holländischer Platz campus
Faculty: Student Council

Break for lunch together in the cafeteria with representatives of the Student Council.

City Scavenger Hunt Time: 1:00–6:00 p.m.
Location: Meet in front of Lecture Hall Center 1, Diagonale 1 (the plaza in front of the glass building)
Instructors: Student Council

Start of the city rally with various stations throughout Kassel, where the teams formed that morning will compete against each other and try to earn as many points as possible. The teams placing 1st through 3rd will win a gift certificate for the Irish Pub (Tuesday evening event).

Get-together with game night
Time: starting at 6:00 p.m.
Location: Wintergarten at the Gießhaus, Mönchbergstr. 5
Faculty: Student Council

In the evening, the Student Council is hosting a get-together with a game night, to which all new students are cordially invited—it’s a great opportunity to get to know your fellow students.

Tuesday, October 13, 2026

Get-to-Know-You Breakfast
Time: 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Location: Rooms 0608 and 0614, Mönchebergstr. 7 (entrance near the Gießhaus)
Organizers: Student Council

Joint get-to-know-you breakfast and award ceremony for the city rally from the previous day. Please be sure to bring your own dishes and cutlery.

Academic Organization
Time: 12:00–2:00 p.m.
Location: Lecture Hall 3, Campus Center (Moritzstr. 18)
Instructors: Robin Kreutz, Student Council

Important information on academic organization from Student Services—use of online services, library services, class schedules, advising services, and much more.

Program Introduction: B.Sc. in Civil Engineering
Time: 2:00–4:00 p.m.
Location: Lecture Hall 3, Diagonale 5
Professors: Prof. Dr. Peter Racky

Program Introduction for the B.Sc. in Civil Engineering – what is the program structure and curriculum like, what modules and specializations are available, and much more.

Irish Pub
Time: starting at 6:00 p.m.
Location: Friedrich-Ebert-Straße 25, 34117 Kassel
Faculty: Student Council

Get-together at the Irish Pub The Shamrock—let’s celebrate to our hearts’ content once again.

Wednesday, October 14, 2026

Useful Information About Your Studies
Time: 10:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Location: Lecture Hall 0117, Kurt-Wolters-Str. 3
Speakers: Student Council

At this event, the Student Council will provide tips and information about your studies. In addition, various organizations and services at the University of Kassel will introduce themselves, such as University Sports, the Language Center, and many more.

Lunch Break
Time: 12:00–1:00 p.m.
Location: Central Cafeteria on the Holländischer Platz Campus
Instructors: Student Council

Lunch break in the cafeteria with representatives of the Student Council.

Useful Information About Your Studies (Continued)
Time: 1:00–2:30 p.m.
Location: Lecture Hall 0117, Kurt-Wolters-Str. 3
Instructors: Student Council

In the winter semester 2026/27, the introductory events for your respective degree program will take place between Monday, 12.10.26 and Wednesday, 14.10.2026. Participation in the introductory events is highly recommended.

The regular courses begin on Thursday, 15.10.26

The lecture period ends on 12.02.27

Lecture-free period: 19.12.26 up to and including 10.01.27