Start of study
Table of contents
Important Information for First-Year Students
Orientation Week includes activities designed to help you get to know the university, the faculty, the student council, and your mentors. It consists of five full days of in-person sessions:
Orientation Week October 5–9, 2026 ( Architecture and Landscape Architecture).
Welcome Event
Dear first-year students in the Architecture and Landscape Architecture degree programs,
we are delighted that you have chosen to study at our faculty and warmly welcome you to the TUD Dresden University of Technology.
You will receive all the necessary information about your studies during the orientation week, known as ESE, which takes place full-day from Monday, October 5, featuring activities organized by the student council, through Friday, October 9, 2026. We cordially invite you to participate in this week.
Welcome by the Faculty Student Council (upper-level students):
Monday, October 5, 2026, 11:00 a.m., Japanese Palace, Dresden
Start of the Academic Year for Architecture and Landscape Architecture
Tuesday, October 6, 2026 – 10:00 a.m.
in ASB/120 (Andreas-Schubert-Bau, Lecture Hall 120)
Link to CampusNavigator
Architecture 2026/27
Download the schedule as a PDF file
+++IMPORTANT+++
On October 7, 2026, at 8:00 a.m., the orientation and access activation for the workspaces at Bamberger Straße 1 (2nd/4th floors) will take place. This applies to all first-semester architecture students, as well as all new students in the Bachelor’s program in Landscape Architecture.You have been divided into groups, which will be published here shortly before the week begins due to registration deadlines. Please be sure to have your CampusCard (student ID) and your ZIH login credentials ready on October 7, 2026, at Bamberger Straße.
Timetable
Here you will find the class schedule for the first semester.
Timetable for the 1st Semester of Architecture
You can find the assignment to the practice groups listed in the schedule on the schedule page or via this direct link: Group Assignments.
You can contact your mentor via the following OPAL course link: OPAL.
Information on Academic Organization and Technology:
For more information on the start of the program, a forum for questions, and input on the introductory project, please contact your mentor(s) or visit the OPAL course: https://bildungsportal.sachsen.de/opal/auth/RepositoryEntry/56424857602
Landscape Architecture 2026/27
Download the schedule as a PDF file
Download the schedule as a PDF file
For more information about the first-semester orientation week for Landscape Architecture, please visit the department’s website. Our orientation week begins on October 5, 2026.
Class Schedule
Here you will find the course schedule for the first semester.
Timetable for the 1st Semester of the Bachelor’s Program in Landscape Architecture
General Information on Starting Your Studies
Enrollment Ceremony
The matriculation ceremony for first-year students in the 2026–27 winter semester is scheduled for Thursday, October 8, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. The event will be offered in a hybrid format—in the Auditorium Center, as a public viewing, and via livestream.
More information about the matriculation ceremony
Materials
You will receive the most important materials for your studies from the Faculty Student Council (see below). All materials needed to begin your studies can be purchased on Tuesday after the campus tour; please bring €45 in cash.
- For more information on the sale of materials, visit the Faculty Student Council’s website.
Workrooms for the Architecture Diploma and Landscape Architecture Bachelor’s Programs
On October 7, 2026, at 8:00 a.m., the orientation and access activation for the workrooms at Bamberger Straße 1 (2nd/4th floors) will take place. This applies to all first-semester Architecture students, as well as all new students in the Bachelor’s program in Landscape Architecture.
You have been divided into groups, which—due to registration deadlines—will be published here shortly before the week begins. Please be sure to have your CampusCard (student ID) and your ZIH login credentials ready on October 7, 2026, at Bamberger Straße.
Campus Tour, Meet & Greet, Discover Dresden, and more
You can find all further information about the campus tour, the Meet & Greet, “Discover Dresden Day & Night,” and the group hike on the Student Council’s website.
Faculty StudentCouncil – First-Semester Page
Faculty Student Council
The Faculty Student Council is an elected student body representing all architecture and landscape architecture students at TU Dresden. Up to 20 members are elected annually to support and advise prospective students and current students before and during their studies.
At the start of the academic year, the Student Council organizes the sale of study materials, the campus tour, and much more.
Faculty StudentCouncil – First-Semester Page - Supply Sale
Examination Office
The Examination Office handles all examination-related matters, but also plays a major role in matters concerning BAföG or illness.
Examination Office Website
Module Descriptions
In the module descriptions, you’ll find a detailed explanation of what each module covers and what requirements must be met.
Module Descriptions for the 1st Semester of Architecture (Orientation Year)
Module Descriptions for the 1st Semester of Landscape Architecture
Semester Schedule
The semester schedule lists all important dates for the semester, such as the dates for intensive weeks and exam registration.
Download Semester Schedule for Architecture, Winter Semester 2026/27
Download Semester Schedule for Landscape Architecture, Winter Semester 2026/27
(You can find the most up-to-date semester schedule, as well as other important documents, under “Student Information”)
Technical Information
An orientation session with a Q&A will take place online via Zoom on Monday, November 9, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. The meeting link will be posted here in due course.
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OPAL
The OPAL platform is an interactive e-learning environment where course materials can be shared. -
SELMA
On the SELMA platform, you can access course materials and register for or drop modules, courses, and exams.
Here you will find detailed instructions on SELMA and how to organize your studies.Starting October 5, 2026, you can register for and drop modules and courses for the orientation year under the “Studies” > “Registration” > “Modules/Courses” section. Instructions will be provided during the ESE. If you begin your studies following the recommendations of the academic roadmap, you do not need to register for modules or courses.
Construction Site Internship
It is recommended that you complete the construction site internship before the start of your studies. Under the link, you will find contact persons for advising, the internship regulations, the list of eligible activities, information on social security and accident insurance, as well as forms.
Information on the Architecture Internship
Information on the “Plants and Construction” Landscape Architecture Internship
Central Student Information and Counseling Service and Study Service Center
Services and Support for Your Studies (German)
Services and Support Offers During Your Studies (English)
Language Training
Languages can be selected within the elective-required areas of General Qualification “AQUA.”
Here you will find a brief presentation on language training:
German
English
You can find more information about language training here: Link to language training
Campus
You can find a campus map showing all the buildings relevant to the architecture program here.
The Campus Navigator helps you find rooms and buildings at TU Dresden.
General
- Tips for your first few weeks at the university: Starting Your Studies
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An overview of the most important IT services: Information about central IT services
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UNI Cloudstore: UNI Cloudstore
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Software Procurement— List of Available Software
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Studium Generale/AQUA(General Qualifications)
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Student Services: Cafeterias, BAföG, dormitories, etc.
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SLUB: Saxon State and University Library Dresden
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Central Units of the Faculty
Computer Labs: Architecture CAD Lab, Landscape Architecture CAD Lab
Use of ZIH Virtual Machines
Workspaces: Architecture Studios -
Information on Hardware Purchases