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

What are preliminary courses?

For some degree programs and subjects, we recommend attending preliminary courses. Pre-courses are aimed at first-year students who would like to refresh their knowledge of mathematics. There are several preliminary courses. The courses last between four and six weeks and take place before the actual start of lectures. The Intensive 4 orCompact 4 courses are recommended for the elementary school teaching degree and the subjects of mathematics and general studies:

• Course recommendation
• Dates and registration

Who or what is TEACH?

TEACH stands for “Traditional First-Semester Orientation on Campus and in the Lecture Hall.” We’re a group of teacher education students from all teaching tracks and subjects who offer support to first-semester students during their exciting first days at the University of Kassel. As part of the teacher education student council, we organize the orientation days for first-semester teacher education students from a student perspective and plan informational events as well as a varied program of activities for you! We look forward to seeing you!

Thursday, October 8, 2026

City Scavenger Hunt Time: Starting at 2:00 p.m.
Location: Kurt-Wolter-Straße 3, 34125 Kassel (Glaskasten)

Explore Kassel together with other freshmen! In small groups, the rally will take you to various stops around the city, where a variety of mini-games, exciting challenges, and little surprises await you. Not only will you get to know Kassel better, but you’ll also have the chance to make new friends right away.

Friday, October 9, 2026

Campus Tour + Cafeteria Visit
Time: Starting at 11:00 a.m.
Location: Kurt-Wolter-Straße 3, 34125 Kassel (Glaskasten)

Get to know the University of Kassel campus! Together, you’ll explore the most important spots on campus, get helpful insider tips for your everyday student life, and tackle some fun mini-games along the way. To wrap things up, we’ll head to the cafeteria together.

Campus Garden Chillout
Time: starting at 2:00 p.m.
Location: Universitätsplatz 10, 34127 Kassel (Campus Garden)

Enjoy a relaxing afternoon in the Campus Garden! Over drinks and snacks, you can get to know other freshmen, ask questions about your studies, and try out games together like Viking chess, Spikeball, Frisbee, badminton, Flunkyball, or board games.

Monday, October 12, 2026

Welcome for All Teacher Education Students / General Introduction to Teacher Education Programs + Freshman Goodie Bag
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location: Moritzstraße 18, 34127 Kassel, Lecture Hall 1, Room -1139 (Campus Center)

Let’s kick off your teacher education program together! At the big welcome event, you’ll be officially welcomed to the University of Kassel, meet key contacts, and receive helpful information to ensure a successful start to your studies. Afterward, you’ll receive the TEACH welcome bags filled with cool goodies.

Small-group activities + visit to the cafeteria
Time: 12:00–2:00 p.m.
Rooms:

• L1 - Moritzstraße 18, 34127 Kassel, Lecture Hall 5, Room 1101 (Campus Center),
• L2 - Arnold-Bode-Straße 12, 34127 Kassel, Lecture Hall 4, Room 0508,
• L3 - Arnold-Bode-Straße 12, 34127 Kassel, Lecture Hall 5, Room 0506
• L4 - Georg-Forster-Straße 4, 34127 Kassel, Room 3004,
• L5 - Georg-Forster-Straße 4, 34127 Kassel, Room 2004

Kick off your exchange program together with TEACH! Grouped by your teacher education programs (L1–L5), you’ll receive practical tips and important information for the start of your studies and have the chance to ask any questions you may have. You’ll also have the opportunity to take a short break and visit the cafeteria together before moving on to the introduction to the core curriculum.

Welcome Party at the Kater Bar
Time: starting at 8:00 p.m.
Location: Friedrich-Ebert-Straße 58b, 34119 Kassel (Kater Bar)

After taking in all that exciting information, it’s time to celebrate together! At our Welcome Party at the Kater Bar on Kassel’s Fritze party mile, you can expect a great atmosphere, drink specials, and the perfect opportunity to get to know your new classmates better.

Tuesday, October 13, 2026

InfoCafé / Course Schedule Counseling
Time: 12:00 PM–4:00 PM
Location: TBD

Putting together your first class schedule can be challenging at first—we’re here to help! At the InfoCafé, you can ask any questions you have, create your class schedule together with us, and go over your plans. Snacks and drinks will be provided in a relaxed atmosphere.

Bar Hopping / Pub Crawl
Time: starting at 6:30 p.m.
Meeting point: Universitätsplatz 2, 34127 Kassel, in front of LEO Lernort

Discover Kassel’s most popular bars and pubs! During our pub rally, you’ll tackle exciting tasks and challenges as you explore the city’s best bars and pubs in small groups. To wrap things up, we’ll all celebrate together at a big wrap-up party at the Tofufabrik and bring the evening to a fitting close.

Wednesday, October 14, 2026

Lefa Creative Afternoon
Time: TBD
Location: Nora-Platiel-Straße 6, 34127 Kassel, Room 0210

Game Night
Time: starting at 6:00 p.m.
Location: TBD

Come spend a fun-filled evening with plenty of variety and a great atmosphere! You can look forward to lots of activities, including board games, Mario Kart, karaoke, “Beat the TEACH,” beer pong, and flunkyball. Get to know other freshmen and enjoy a relaxed game night together.

More detailed information about the student-organized orientation events hosted by TEACH can be found here.

Monday, October 12, 2026

Introduction to the Core Curriculum for All Teacher Education Programs
Time: 2:00–4:00 p.m.
Location: Holländischer Platz Campus, Campus Center, Lecture Hall 1

Welcome and introduction to the core curriculum
from approx. 2:00 to 2:30 p.m.
followed by program-specific tutorials
from approx. 2:30 to 4:00 p.m.

This program-specific introduction is led by experienced students. Time is also set aside to answer your questions.

We look forward to seeing you!

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