Frequently Asked Questions

Here you will find a collection of questions that we have answered quite a few times before. Before sending us your question via email, please take a quick look to see if it might have already been answered here. Thank you very much!

General questions

Where do I find my schedule?

You put it together yourself! The faculty pages provide a curriculum plan (Studienplan) where lectures are sensibly distributed across semesters. To give you a little support in your first semester, a suggested timetable is included in our “Ersti-Info” (see publications).

Do I have to register for my lectures?

For most courses, you don’t need to register at all! You simply attend the lecture. During the first week, it will be explained if and how you need to register for tutorials or how to access the course materials.

Help me, I do not have an appartment in Karlsruhe!!!

As the O-Phase sparks more joy if you do not have to leave early, we’ll try to find a place to sleep for you. Just tell us on the first day of the O-Phase. If you still have not found an appartment whilst the lectures have begun, please get in touch with soziales@asta.kit.edu as they always try to provide emergency shelter for everyone in need.

I am queer, are there any possibilities to meet other queer people?

Yes, of course! There are other queer people participating in the O-Phase, feel free to meet them. Additionally, there will presumably be another special Q-Phase for queer people.

Things to do before studying at KIT

How do I apply for the degree programme?

Please take a look at the online application and read carefully. If you have questions regarding required german language skills or if you are allowed to study just call the KIT application hotline: 0721 608 82222

I cannot code at all, do I have to worry?

It is not necessary to know how to code. Whilst it may increase your understanding, Computer Science is more than just coding awesome tools. You’ll be disappointed if you expect anything else. Your course will be held such that you can finish it without any knowledge.

I want to prepare. What can I do?

You can freshen up or improve your skills in mathematics and computer science by taking part in courses of the MINT-Kolleg called Vorkurse

Just studying one programm is boring. Can I study multiple programs at the same time?

Woah there, take a breath and step back if you’re new to studying. It is possible to do so and there are few that pull through with it. However, the majority of the students are already at full capacity with one programme. Do it at your own risk!

Technical Stuff

Which computer do I need?

You won’t need a computer, but you’ll want one. It has not to be powerful and an older one is already sufficient. You do not have to spend much. If you cannot afford one you’ll be able to use the pool rooms, for example at the Scientific Computing Center (SCC). If you are studying computer science you can get access to the pool room of the “Abteilung Technische Infrastruktur” ATIS.

Do I need a notebook?

Again, you won’t need a notebook. If you want to study or work outside or anywhere it may be advisable for you. We do not recommend getting one just for taking notes during lectures as you probably will have a script to the lectures and a notebook will just grab your attention.

Where do I get internet access/an account/etc.?

As part of your enrolment, you should have received a letter with your SCC account credentials (u-account + password). You can use this login for the Wi-Fi, the Student Portal, and the Exchange Server. Please contact the Admissions Office or the SCC if this didn’t work. As a computer science student, you can also get an account with the Technical Infrastructure Department (ATIS). Just ask your O-Phase tutors to show you the pool rooms during the orientation phase; you might even be able to get an account right then and there.

While Studying

Are there Jobs/Internships?

If you’re in need for some money or if you just want to gather some work experience there are many small jobs - on and off campus. However, we would recommend finishing the heavy mathematics exams and as well as the Orientierungsprüfung first, they have priority!

The FSMI has a moderated mailing-list you can join to be notified on jobs and internships. You can subscribe on our website.

Karlsruhe

What is the experience like at KIT?

KIT has several big campuses and some buildings all over in Karlsruhe. But you are mostly located on the Campus Süd. Next to the Campus Süd are several park areas, a big one directly at the Karlsruhe Palace in the city center, just waiting for you to study and relax in. There are flowers, trees and bushes everywhere, it’s not a grey city! There’s also a forest next by! As for the study experience, that’s always a matter of perception. KIT is great in many things such as a wide variety of lectures, the research, the location (again) and a very active student body. You can have a good time studying here - but best you see for yourself.

How is the nightlife?

There are plenty of cool and nice bars (many with beer garden during summer), discos, movie theatres… and during summer there’s the meadow next to the castle. You’ll find something that suits. Sadly during weekdays the public transport is only available until ~ 01:00 am, more on that here.

How do students live in Karlsruhe?

Most of the students are living in shared appartments or in dormatories, some are living in their own appartment. The “Studierendenwerk” manages some dorms, some are self-managed like the HaDiKo.

Where can I find an appartment or a room to rent?

There are many ways to get an appartment or a room. The “Studierendenwerk” has an appartment market page that gets regularly updated with new appartment offerings (shared and single appartments). Further, you can have a look into the daily newspaper (e.g. BNN) or have a look at the black board at the cafeteria. There is a list of student residences and contact addresses for private landlords in the Stadtwiki (city wiki).

I am living with my family not far away, can I keep living at home?

You can - but should you? Going to university marks a new chapter in your life, you should be capable to live on your own at that point. Additionally you’ll connect with many people and it is nicer if you have not to leave early because of the public transport.

Do I need a car?

Surely not. The public transport in Karlsruhe is great, most trams depart in a 10 minute cycle and cover the entire city. Most of the time riding a bike is faster as Karlsruhe is a bike-friendly city. The only times you need a car is if you are going home or if you are moving. If you still need a car, you can have a look at several “Mitfahrgelegenheit” (car pooling) pages, where people offer to give you a lift for little money. If you need a car regularly, you could consider becoming a member of Stadtmobil, the local car-sharing provider. In case you need a car for moving or such you can rent a van at the AStA side service SSV.

O-Phase

The O-Phase is an infotainment event which aims to support you to manage your first days at the university. We’ll explain you your program, show you Karlsruhe and give you opportunities to get in touch with contact persons for your course and to make your first friends after we welcomed you on Monday.

What should attend?

Everything :D We really recommend participating in the complete program, but if you can only attend to some events we recommend our welcoming and the “study programme information” (Fachbereichsinformationen, FBI), a presentation to inform you about how your programme and how studying works. If you cannot attend to those please contact us, we will pass you the important information.

Your question wasn’t answered?

Please feel free to send us your question in a mail, call us or visit us.