The start of your studies is characterized by numerous new impressions, new people and new surroundings. As exciting and thrilling as this time can be, it can also be intimidating and overwhelming. It can be particularly difficult for first-year students who are starting university life without any family experience to find their way around their new surroundings. But you are not alone in this situation - after all, around 6,000 people start their studies here at TU Dresden every October. It is therefore easy to find like-minded people and friends.

They are not just great for chatting, partying or eating together in the canteen. It is also an advantage to connect with other people to study together for exams or to discuss the material you have learned in lectures. Of course, friends also offer you a safe environment in a new environment and since you are certainly not alone with your worries, fears and emotions, you have someone to talk to about private matters.

Here at the TUD, there are many different ways to find like-minded people and make friends so that no one has to be alone. You can find an overview of some of the possibilities here.

Table of contents

1. 1. 1. First semester introductory events
      2. University groups
      3. University sports
      4. Mentoring and buddy programs
      5. Participation in events

First semester introductory events

The first and also one of the best opportunities to network and make friends is the ESE, i.e. the first semester introductory events. A week of events are organized especially for your degree program where you can get to know your fellow students, i.e. the people who are studying with you. But you can not only meet other people there, you can also explore the campus and the city of Dresden. From campus tours and games evenings to club tours, there is a wide range of activities on offer, with something for every type of person. There are also events that explain the university portals, how to build your timetable or how to register for the university WiFi. Here, too, you have the opportunity to meet your fellow students and make friends.

TIPS

• Ask older students or teaching staff for help. Everyone here understands your situation, has probably also been in your position and knows only too well how you feel at the beginning of your studies.
• Talk to other first-year students. All first semester students, regardless of whether they are an academic or not, are in the same situation - new here at the TU and eager to make friends. So don't be afraid to make contacts and exchange numbers - you'll find out over time whether it's really a good fit with the other person.
• If you don't feel like you can make a connection at the beginning - just keep trying, because there are still plenty of opportunities.

University groups

The university groups here at TU Dresden offer a longer-term opportunity to meet people with the same interests on a regular basis. These are associations of students from different semesters who all pursue a common interest or goal. Not only can you network with others here, it is also an opportunity to get involved and develop new skills. The university groups cover a wide range of topics. From social and political groups to religious or musical associations, everyone can find something suitable for themselves here.

How about, for example, developing and supervising a lecture series for the SustainAbility initiative and thus bringing students closer to the topic of sustainability or planning the next demonstration for "Students against the Right" with other students? Alternatively, you can play an instrument in the TUD orchestra, sing in the choir or join one of the many student clubs on the TUD campus. If you like movies, you can choose the next film to be shown in the university cinema at the Kino am Kasten, or you can take part in a BÜHNE play yourself. You can also campaign for human rights with Amnesty International or for equal rights with FUN. Whatever you are interested in and would like to do - you will find it here at TU Dresden.

If you are now interested in the university groups, then take a look at these websites, where you will find an overview of the TUD's university groups:

• https:// www.stura.tu-dresden.de/hochschulgruppen
• https://tu-dresden.de/studium/rund-ums-studium/studentisches-engagement.

There you can also go directly to the groups themselves and find out exactly how you can participate.

TIPS

• If you are interested in something more detailed and would like to get more impressions, then take a look at the TU Dresden YouTube channel. There is a format here in which students test out a wide variety of offers
• You can also look around for working groups in which you can get involved. You can implement your own projects here

University sports

Of course, there are not only university groups here, but also university sports. Not only does this offer a balance to learning and studying, it is also another way to make friends. The University Sports Center has a huge selection of sports courses that go far beyond soccer and table tennis. There really is an exciting new sport for everyone. From acrobatics, mountain sports, martial arts and fitness to athletics, dancing, winter sports and sports games, you can find everything you've always wanted to try.

At the beginning of each winter semester, the so-called "Ersti-Sporttag" takes place. Here you can get a taste of some sports and take part. You might just find your new sport! Once you have decided on a course, you have to register for it. The semester is divided into several blocks, for which you always have to re-enrol - of course you can also try out a new sport every block.

You can find out when enrollment starts, which courses are offered and everything else you need to know about university sports on this website: https: //tu-dresden.de/dhsz/sportangebote/aktuelle-sportangebote

TIP You can also find videos on the TU Dresden YouTube channel in which students try out a wide variety of sports

Mentoring and buddy programs

Another offer from TU Dresden that you can use to get to know people and the university are the mentoring and buddy programs. Here, older students are your mentor or buddy and help you with all your questions. So not only do you get to know some of your fellow students who have also signed up for this program and with whom you are then in a group, you can also benefit from the experience of your buddy or mentor. These programs are usually mentioned during the introductory event of your degree program and you can easily sign up at the end of these events with those responsible for the program.

You can find out whether your degree program participates in these programs and further information here: https: //tu-dresden.de/studium/im-studium/beratung-und-service/tud-gemeinsam-studieren/mentoringprogramme.

TIP On this page you will also find the link to WhatsApp groups that all first-year students or all first-year students of your degree program can join. There you can exchange ideas and answer each other's questions Ersti-Gruppen WiSe 24/25

Participation in events

In order to understand the subject matter of your degree course, you should of course attend your lectures. But that's not the only reason you should go to university regularly - you can also get to know people and make friends there. Experience has shown that not all the people you meet will become your friends. There is a difference between fellow students, the people you study with, and friends you want to spend your free time with. Nevertheless, you are not alone with acquaintances or friends and that makes many a dry lecture bearable.