Summer semester of 2020: Easing into the start of the semester
| 27. Januar 2020
The next semester is nearly upon us: We share tips and hints for a successful beginning of the semester and offer prize draws to win language and sports courses. (© University of Vienna/Barbara Mair)
University – a whole new universe? Tips, important dates and services to help you have a successful start into the summer semester of 2020.
Administrative details
The semester and the lectures start on 1 March 2020 (overview of important dates). Please note: The general admission period for the summer semester of 2020 ends on 5 February 2020. The extended admission period lasts until 30 April 2020. (Information about the admission procedure)
Getting started step by step:
1. Get familiar with the range of degree programmes available at the University of Vienna
2. Select a programme :-)
3. Check which documents you need for the admission on the website of Teaching Affairs and Student Services.
4. Activate your u:account
5. Apply for admission to your degree programme online by 5 February 2020.
6. Go to the Admission Office in the Main Building (1010 Vienna, Universitätsring 1) until 5 February 2020 and bring all required documents.
7. Create your timetable and register for courses.
8. Ready to study.
Please note: If your school-leaving certificate or higher education degree was issued in a non-German-speaking EU/EEA country, please see the information about admission requirements and periods provided on the website of Teaching Affairs and Student Services.
In order to continue your studies in the summer semester, you have to pay your tuition fees/Students’ Union fee. There are several payment options. Did you already pay your tuition fees/Students' Union fee at another Austrian university? In this case, your are automatically re-enrolled on your degree programme at the University of Vienna.
Please note: If you make a payment via online banking, credit card or payment form, it can take up to seven working days for the payment to show as paid in the account information in u:space under "Financial matters > Tuition fees/Students’ Union fee". As soon as we have received your payment, you can validate your u:card – the University of Vienna’s student ID card – for the current semester at one of the u:card terminals.
Important information for students starting their studies in the summer semester
Admission at the University of Vienna is also possible in the summer semester except for programmes with entrance examinations/aptitude tests. Aptitude tests/entrance examinations only take place if the number of applicants exceeds the number of available study places. They usually take place once a year before the winter semester starts and the results are valid for the entire academic year.
Reading recommendation: Starting my studies in the summer semester – is it possible?
The University of Vienna’s blog provides all the information you need when starting your studies in the summer semester. (© University of Vienna/Barbara Mair)
In addition, the University of Vienna provides an introductory and orientation period (STEOP) in all bachelor's and diploma programmes (Law, Catholic Theology) in the first semester. The STEOP gives students an insight into their degree programme, so that they can make up their minds whether the subject will meet their expectations and whether they can meet the programme requirements. Completing the STEOP is a prerequisite for continuing with their studies (range of degree programmes at the University of Vienna). Experienced students support new entrants to find their way through the STEOP phase as part of the STEOP mentoring (in German).
The directorates of studies and the StudiesServiceCenters inform you whether it is possible to start your studies in the summer semester.
TIP: University professors introduce themselves
What advice do they have for new entrants and what are their objectives? In the video series “Zehn Fragen an ...” (ten questions for...), academics at the University of Vienna answer questions about their work. In the Podcast of the University of Vienna, academics from a wide range of disciplines talk about their research in in-depth interviews. (© derknopfdruecker.com)
If I have questions about my degree programme, who can I ask?
The best contact points for particular questions during your studies are the StudiesServiceUnit (SSS) or the StudiesServiceCenter (SSC) as well as the students’ representatives of the relevant degree programme (e.g. for subject-related information on studies and the range of courses, the registration system, registration and de-registration deadlines, exams, recognition of exams and graduation).
The Teaching Affairs and Student Services team informs you about the admission to degree programmes, tuition fees, entrance examinations/aptitude tests and general study matters via their website, information events, contact form or by phone.
PRIZE DRAW: Already drawn!
In collaboration with the Online Shop of the University of Vienna, uni:view is offering the chance to win 1 of 3 hoodies. (© University of Vienna/Alex Schuppich)
Any questions left unanswered?
At the counselling centre of the Austrian National Union of Students at the University of Vienna you find the answers and/or the right contact details to help you with unusual queries. And: This is where you get the popular cafeteria sticker (Mensen-Pickerl, giving you a EUR 0.80 discount off every menu in the Mensa) as well as the copying sticker (reduced copy card of the Austrian National Union of Students with 220 copies for EUR 10).
The students’ representatives at the University of Vienna offer provide advice on the selection of courses, on the curriculum or the exams that have to be taken, and much more.
You can also receive support and advice at the Psychological Counselling Services: it is free, confidential and you can use it anonymously if you like.
Reading recommendation: "Es war einmal … Studienbegriffe, die es so an der Uni Wien nicht mehr gibt” (Once upon a time... German study terms that are outdated at the University of Vienna)
Immatrikulation? c.t.? Prüfungsreferat? – University life can be really complicated sometimes. Especially, if you come across unfamiliar terms. Barbara Hamp from Teaching Affairs and Student Services offers a translation aid for terms that are no longer used at the University of Vienna in the univie Blog. (© Franz Pfluegl)
How do I plan my semester?
u:find serves not only as the online course directory but also as the staff and unit directory of the University of Vienna. The course directory outlines all courses including information about the lecturers, registration procedures, e-learning and much more. Additional information about the topic of semester planning is available here.
Reading recommendation: 10 things I wish I had known before starting university
Starting and continuing your studies is sometimes tricky. Therefore, it helps to know important tricks, such as where to find the information you are looking for and who can provide assistance if you have problems. The univie blog provides tips that help you manage your studies.
Writing mentoring
Studying also means to complete various writing assignments – be it a presentation, a lab report or the synopsis of your bachelor's thesis. Students usually feel left alone and do not know where to start – but there is a remedy. Students who are trained writing mentors accompany and support writing mentoring groups in tackling these challenges on a weekly basis.
What comes after the bachelor’s examination?
For admission to a master’s programme, you need to have completed a bachelor’s (or diploma) programme in the same or a related discipline. Therefore, it is important to consider in which master’s programme you are interested already at the beginning of your studies. The Master Access Guide outlines which degree programmes you have to complete for admission to a particular master’s programme.
The blog contribution "5 steps for admission to a master’s programme" explains the most important steps for admission to a master’s programme.
Reading recommendation: “Erweiterungscurricula – Friends with benefits” (extension curricula - friends with benefits)
The University offers a wide range of extension curricula that may open up additional opportunities after completing your bachelor's programme. Barbara Hamp from Teaching Affairs and Student Services tells more about it in her blog contribution. (© University of Vienna/Barbara Mair)
Digital learning
The e-learning platform of the University of Vienna is called Moodle: On Moodle, virtual courses are set up to upload course material, allow communication between teachers and students or provide u:stream recordings. Many lecture halls at the University of Vienna are already equipped with u:stream, offering the possibility to stream courses.
Getting to know my University
Every Thursday and Saturday there are tours of the Main Building of the University of Vienna. Tickets are available at the porter's desk in the Aula of the Main Building (discounts for students: EUR 3.50 per ticket). Everyone who would rather find their way around their new place of study by themselves can borrow an audio guide from the porter.
We also recommend the guided tours of the Campus of the University of Vienna, the guided tours of women’s history at the University of Vienna, the rainbow tours on the history of homosexuality at the University of Vienna, as well as other special guided tours on a wide range of topics, such as different collections at the University of Vienna (available by prior arrangement).
TIP: Learning and chilling out
With the arrival of spring, the University of Vienna’s premises outside of lecture halls and libraries become popular meeting places. Some places that are especially popular among students are the shaded Arcaded Courtyard, offering deck chairs and a small café, the green courts of the Campus or the inner courtyard of the building on Währingerstrasse 29. A cool place to take a break during hot studying phases: the Botanical Garden of the University of Vienna. (© University of Vienna/Barbara Mair)
Researching in the University Library
With a stock of over 7.5 million books, 520,000 e-books, 75,000 e-journals, the Vienna University Library is Austria's largest library. At the same time it is also the oldest university library in the German-speaking area, dating from 1365. The reading rooms and the reference library in the Main Library in the Main Building are open on weekdays until 24:00 and until 18:00 on Saturdays, also during the semester holidays in February 2020. (Detailed opening hours)
The 40 special and department libraries stock 4.6 million books, journals, maps and other materials for teaching, research and studying.
VIDEO: “In welcher Bib lernt ihr am liebsten?” (Which library do you prefer for studying?) In addition to the Main Library, there are 40 special libraries at the University of Vienna. Students of the University of Vienna tell us, which of the special libraries they prefer for studying in a video.
Recreation: Sport and Music
Anyone wanting to sign up for one of the many low-cost sport courses and dancing classes offered by the University Sport Institute (USI) should put 19 February 2020 in their diary, as this is the day that registration starts. You can also register for the courses online. But be quick: the courses are popular and places fill up very fast. The A to Z of courses is available as of February and the actual courses start in the first week of March.
PRIZE DRAW: Already drawn!
In cooperation with the University Sport Institute (USI) in Vienna, uni:view has 3 vouchers for USI courses for the summer semester of 2020 to give away. (© Markus Fruehmann)
The Vienna University Philharmonic is looking for new members as well. There are eight choirs and two symphony orchestras, comprising more than 1,000 musicians and singers in total, of all levels and age groups. This makes the Vienna University Philharmonic one of the largest choral and orchestral communities worldwide. The repertoire ranges from classical music to pop, world music, musical and jazz. Vocal and instrumental auditions start in early March. Further details are available on the Choir and Orchestra website under the "Join us" tab.
Up to speed in languages
The Language Centre offers courses for 30 different languages (the newest being Macedonian) at different levels. It also offers ERASMUS outgoing courses and special language courses from Arabic to Turkish, e.g. Cours de français des relations internationales, English for Academic Purposes or Russian Writing Workshop. You have time until 25 February 2020 to register for standard semester courses (once a week, starting on 9 March 2020) (online course finder: "Which course suits me?"). The Language Blog features monthly contributions on the topic of language learning.
People who would like to offer lessons in their language in exchange for lessons in another language can sign up for the Language Swap Shop run by the Language Centre.
PRIZE DRAW: Already drawn!
In cooperation with the Language Centre of the University of Vienna, uni:view has a language course in the summer semester of 2020 to give away (to the value of EUR 384). (© University of Vienna/Barbara Mair)
Up to speed in IT
So that you to stay up to date with the latest developments in picture editing, website design and word processing, the Vienna University Computer Center (ZID) offers IT courses every semester. The ZID Helpdesk provides support with university-specific IT services.
Students and employees of the University of Vienna can print, copy and scan at the u:print devices. The u:print devices are marked in white-and-blue with the label u:print or u:print staff (only for employees).
Other services for students offered by the University of Vienna include: the purchase of low-cost laptops (u:book sales promotion for the summer semester: 24 February until 22 March 2020), u:account (e-mail address, web space, etc.) or using the computer rooms.
TIP: Low-cost laptops for students
The u:book sales promotion for the summer semester of 2020 runs from 24 February to 22 March 2020. (© University of Vienna/Barbara Mair)
For those who work particularly hard
Students can apply for a merit scholarship and check previous applications in u:space under "Financial matters". There are also other grants and project sponsorship opportunities. A large number of other sponsorship opportunities are listed in the Austrian Database for Scholarships and Research Grants maintained by the Austrian Agency for International Cooperation in Education and Research (OeAD).
Gaining work experience
Gaining work experience is a valuable complement to your studies. uniport, the University of Vienna's careers service, provides information about a range of jobs and placements as well as advice on job applications.
The Erasmus+ programme makes stays abroad possible.
VIDEO: Early stage researchers take the stage
Are ravens aware of their self? The video series "Bühne frei: Junge WissenschafterInnen im Porträt” (presenting... portraits of early stage researchers) presents the work of doctoral candidates at the University of Vienna. The behavioural scientist Lisa-Claire Vanhooland studies the ravens’ sense of self at the Haidlhof research station.
Students with children
Students who are also parents can use the services provided by the University of Vienna's Children's Office. These services include advice, child-minding or the Flying Nanny.
Studying with special needs
Information for students with physical or mental impairments can be found on the 'Accessible Studying' website. The Accessible Studying team is available to answer any queries about the accessibility of the university buildings or extended rights when taking exams (see also the info clip for new entrants) (e-mail: barrierefrei(at)univie.ac.at).
The University of Vienna also offers a grant for the specific support of students with impairments.
Reading recommendation: Article "Studieren mit Beeinträchtigung. Das Team Barrierefrei unterstützt!" (students with impairments: the Accessible Studying team offers support)
University life often becomes a challenge for students with physical or mental impairments. The Accessible Studying team advises and assists students with impairments and tries to prevent unnecessary obstacles before they can even occur. (© University of Vienna/Barbara Mair)
Studying further afield...
Anyone who intends to study one or two semesters abroad as part of their degree programme will find the information they need at the University of Vienna's International Office. On their website you will find information on application deadlines for ERASMUS+, Non-EU Student Exchange and many other mobility schemes.
Reading recommendation: "How to "Auslandssemester"?” (how to ‘semester abroad’)
Spending a semester in the big wide word. But how? Johanna Lehner from the International Office of the University of Vienna wrote instructions for carefully planning your semester abroad in her blog contribution.
Evaluating courses
The University of Vienna is very interested in feedback from its students and graduates. The results feed into the further development of teaching offers, the curriculum and services for students. Feedback is collected systematically via the Unit for Quality Assurance. Courses are methodically evaluated by students by means of degree programme-specific questionnaires. The feedback is analysed and forwarded to our teaching staff, the directorates of studies and the Rectorate (information video).
VIDEO: Warum ist Feedback wichtig? (Why is feedback important?)
In research, feedback is self-evident and taken for granted. By promoting an active feedback culture, the University of Vienna aims at introducing students to academic practice. Feedback from teachers given to students provides information about the current level of knowledge and therefore serves as targeted learning support. Feedback from students given to teachers, in turn, can help teachers improve their teaching.
Up-to-date information everywhere
The University of Vienna's events calendar provides an overview of university events. News from around the University of Vienna and information about current developments in academia can be found on the University of Vienna’s website, in the online magazine uni:view, on the univie Blog, on the University of Vienna's Facebook page as well as on the YouTube channel, Twitter and Instagram or the monthly Research Newsletter. (red)
TIP: Engage in social debates
Each semester the University of Vienna poses its academics a question that is of particular relevance for today’s society. The current semester question and the researchers’ answers are always made available from the beginning of the semester under semesterfrage.univie.ac.at as well as on social media under #SEMESTERFRAGE. As part of a cooperation with the daily newspaper derStandard.at, experts respond to the readers’ questions and comments. (© University of Vienna/derknopfdruecker.com)
*Conditions of participation for the University of Vienna’s online prize draws
