Find friends
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 the TUD Dresden University of Technology 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's also a great way to study for exams together or to discuss the material you've learned in lectures with other people. 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
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. Not only can you meet other people there, but you can also explore the campus and the city of Dresden. You can find out which ESE events your faculty offers using the tool on Studienstart.
- Talk to other first-year students - all first-semester students are in the same situation, regardless of whether they are an academic or not. So don't be afraid to make contacts and exchange numbers - you'll find out over time whether the other person is really a good fit.
- Even 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
University groups offer a longer-term opportunity to meet people. These are groups of students from different semesters who are all pursuing 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.
What would it be like, for example, to supervise a lecture series for the SustainAbility initiative and thus bring 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 are sure to find it here at the TUD.
Would you like to find other ways to get involved as a student? Then take a look at this page on student engagement!
- Are you interested in university groups? Then take a look at the TUD YouTube channel and watch students testing.
- You can also look around for working groups at the TUD where you can get involved.
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.
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.
- Each degree program has its own WhatsApp group. There are also special groups for first-year students or all first-year students on your degree program.
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.