What is an "Ersti" / What does "Ersti" mean?

An "Ersti" is the colloquial German abbreviation for a first-semester student. It refers to students who have just enrolled at university and are completing their first semester. A synonym is "Studienanfänger" (new student).

How old is the average first-year student?

The average age of new students in Germany is statistically 21.2 years (as of 2023, source: Federal Statistical Office / Destatis). The age varies considerably by degree programme, though: bachelor's beginners are often between 18 and 20, while master's first-years are correspondingly older.

At what age are most new students?

Most new students begin their studies straight after their school-leaving exams or a gap year, so between the ages of 18 and 20. Because of prior vocational training or waiting semesters, however, there are also plenty of first-year students in their mid-20s.

What do you do during orientation week?

During orientation week, new students get to know the university, the campus and their fellow students. Typical activities include campus tours, introductions to building your timetable, ice-breaker games, pub crawls and freshers' parties.

Is orientation week mandatory?

No, orientation week is not a mandatory event at most universities. Attending is strongly recommended, though, because important organisational information is shared there and you make your first friends.

What are first-year groups?

First-year groups are usually WhatsApp, Telegram or Facebook groups set up by student councils or students. They serve to connect people, share information about starting university and arrange leisure activities.

What is a first-year meetup?

A first-year meetup is an organised get-together for new students, often hosted by the student council. The goal is to get to know each other in a relaxed atmosphere, frequently combined with games or a shared breakfast.

What are freshers' parties?

Freshers' parties are celebrations at the start of the semester organised especially for new students. They often take place in student clubs or rented venues and act as an "icebreaker" to make contacts across all year groups.

When do you build your timetable as a first-year student?

Ideally you build your timetable in the week before lectures begin, often during orientation week. In many degree programmes, tutors or the student council help with this, as the system can be complex at first.

How many first-year students are there?

Each year, roughly 400,000 to 480,000 people start studying in Germany (source: Federal Statistical Office). For the 2023/2024 winter semester, Destatis recorded around 480,500 new enrolments.

What goes into a first-year welcome bag?

First-year welcome bags are gifts that often contain vouchers, info material, stationery (pens, notepads), snacks, drinks and merchandise from sponsors or the university.

How often can you order campus bags?

The availability of campus bags depends on the provider. They are usually limited to one bag per person per semester and are often handed out directly on campus at the start of the semester.

What do students call each other?

Among themselves, students are formally referred to as "Kommilitonen" (fellow students). Colloquially, terms like "Erstis" (for beginners) or simply "people from my year" are used.

What do you call a friend at university?

A friend at university is called a "Kommilitone" (male) or "Kommilitonin" (female). The word comes from Latin ("commilito") and originally means "comrade-in-arms".

Why do Germans say "Kommilitonen"?

The term derives from the Latin "commilito", meaning "fellow soldier" or "brother in arms". Figuratively, students fight their way through their studies together ("the battle of knowledge").

Why is "Student" no longer the preferred term?

The term "Student" is increasingly being replaced by "Studierende" in order to use gender-neutral language. "Studierende" covers everyone who is currently studying, regardless of gender.

What are former students called?

Former students of a university are referred to as alumni (singular: alumnus/alumna). The term "graduates" is also common.

What do you call people with a degree?

People who have completed a degree are called academics.

What are the four types of students?

In higher-education research, students are often divided into four types based on their attitude to studying. The ambitious careerist: Focused on grades and CV. The committed idealist: Deeply interested in the subject matter and in making the world a better place. The minimalist/pragmatist: Does only as much as necessary ("a pass is a pass"). The fun-loving networker: Enjoys student life and parties more than the library.

How many corps are there in Germany?

There are around 160 corps in Germany (a special form of student fraternity). These are organised in the Kösener Senioren-Convents-Verband (KSCV) or the Weinheimer Senioren-Convent (WSC). In total, though, there are over 1,000 student fraternities of various kinds.

What are the 5 hardest degree programmes?

Because of high drop-out rates and learning intensity, the toughest degree programmes are often considered to be: Physics (heavy maths load) Mathematics (very abstract) Electrical engineering / mechanical engineering Law (extreme state examination) Medicine (enormous amount to learn)

Which is the easiest degree?

"Easy" is subjective, but degree programmes with lower drop-out rates and content perceived as "doable" are often business administration (at universities of applied sciences), social work, primary-school teaching or certain communication studies.

What is the most studied subject in Germany?

The most popular subject in Germany is business administration. It is followed by computer science, law, medicine and psychology.

Can you study medicine with a 3.0 school-leaving grade?

Yes, studying medicine is also possible with a 3.0 school-leaving grade, but it is harder. ✓ A very good result in the TMS (medical aptitude test). ✓ A completed medical apprenticeship (e.g. nursing). ✓ Studying abroad (e.g. Eastern Europe) or at private universities. ✓ The "rural doctor quota".

Are you too old to study medicine at 30?

No, you are not too old. Many start medicine as a second degree or after a long waiting period. Life experience can even be an advantage in the medical profession. You should, however, be aware of the long training period (at least 6 years plus specialist training).

Is a 1.7 a good grade for a bachelor's thesis?

Yes, a 1.7 is a good to very good grade. In the humanities the average grade is often a little better, while in the natural sciences a 1.7 is considered an outstanding result.

How long does a 40-page bachelor's thesis take?

For the pure writing process of 40 pages you should plan 4 to 6 weeks. Including literature research, structuring and proofreading, the entire processing period usually spans 2 to 3 months.

How much money does a student need per month to live?

According to the 22nd Social Survey and current BAföG rates, a student living alone in Germany needs roughly 930 to 1,000 EUR per month. The biggest items are rent (approx. 350-500 EUR), food (approx. 200 EUR) and health insurance (approx. 120 EUR).

Why are students only allowed to work 20 hours?

During lecture periods, students may work a maximum of 20 hours per week to keep their status as regular students in the social insurance system (the working-student privilege). Anyone who works more counts as an employee and has to pay full contributions to unemployment, long-term care and health insurance.

Will you be de-registered if you work more than 20 hours a week?

No, you will not be de-registered. The 20-hour rule is purely a matter of social insurance law. You merely lose the favourable working-student status and have to pay higher contributions. The university generally isn't interested in your working hours as long as your studies don't suffer.

How many Germans have no school-leaving qualification?

In Germany, around 50,000 young people (approx. 6% of an age cohort) leave school without a qualification each year. In total, around 2.5 million people in the adult population have no vocational qualification (source: education reports).

First semester guide 2026: 31+ questions for new students

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Tip: Find verified first-year WhatsApp groups in your city and connect with other first-years before orientation week even starts!

Terms & types of students

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Studying & academic performance

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Finances, work & legal matters

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General knowledge

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