Support for International First-Year Students
Source: https://www.rwth-aachen.de/go/id/bibgwf/lidx/1 Parent: https://www.rwth-aachen.de/cms/root/studium/Vor-dem-Studium/~bdpsux/Internationale-Studieninteressierte/lidx/1/
A Step-by-Step to Starting Your Studies at RWTH
Copyright: © Mahdi Fakhfakh
Starting your studies at RWTH Aachen University is the beginning of an exciting journey. For international first-year students, the first semester often comes with extra challenges: adapting to a new culture, organizing daily life in Aachen, and understanding the German academic system.
To help you to get off to a good start, there is a range of support for international first-year students and we've produced this guide for a perfect start at RWTH, including orientation and onboarding, digital tools, information about the University, events for international students, and contact and support.
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- Orientation & Onboarding for International Students
- Digitaler Toolkit
- RWTH Explained Simply
- Events for International First-Year Students
- Contact and Help
Orientation & Onboarding for International Students
BeBuddy Program – Connect With a Student Mentor
The BeBuddy Program at RWTH matches international students with experienced RWTH students. Your buddy helps you with both academic and everyday life, making your start in Aachen much easier.
Welcome Week & First-Year Orientation
- Welcome Week for new international students: Meet other new international students, receive key information about studying at RWTH, and explore Aachen.
- First-year orientation Organized by the faculty student councils, this week helps you with course registration, creating your first timetable, and connecting with peers from your degree program.
Support for Late Arrivals
If you missed Welcome Week or First-Year Orientation Week due to a delayed visa or admission, don’t worry—you can still get help to make your start at RWTH a strong one:
- International First-Year Support: There are counseling services and events you can participate in throughout the semester. Join the Moodle room for international first-year students to stay up to date and be informed about upcoming events.
- Campus Life: Build your social network through language courses, sports , student initiatives, and AV (Representation of Foreign Students) events. Check the AStA Students’ Committee event calendar regularly.
- Explore RWTH on Your Own: Use the campus tour audio guide or take the University Library’s virtual tour.
Digital Toolkit for an Easy Start
First Steps for Internationals
Watch essential video tutorials and follow step-by-step guides for all administrative processes – from enrollment and health insurance to your semester ticket. Start here to make sure you don’t miss any important tasks.
International First-Year Moodle Space
Use your personalized Moodle space to access checklists, event announcements, Q&A forums, and progress tracking – all designed to help you stay organized and connected throughout your first semester.
Interactive RWTH Campus Map
Find your way around Aachen and RWTH with ease. The map highlights Welcome Week venues, study spaces, and key campus locations.
Survival Guide for International Students
A comprehensive FAQ page created by the International Student Center with practical tips on everyday life, studying at RWTH, and available student services.
Follow us on Instagram
Follow the International Office on Instagram to receive the latest news, event announcements, and helpful tips for starting your studies at RWTH directly in your feed.
RWTH Explained Simply
RWTH explained simply – by students for students
The International Office and the student councils organize events at the start of the semester and throughout the semester to help international first-year students reflect on their initial experiences at RWTH and better understand the German higher education system, for example, through topics such as university etiquette, presentation standards, study and learning culture, and study-life balance.
RWTH explained simply – through online courses
Courses such as “Basiskurs Studium – Studieneinstieg leicht gemacht” or “Studierbar” provide an overview of RWTH structures, important study terms, effective learning and organizational tips, and central counseling and support services.
In addition, this video from the Central Student Advisory Service provides an overview of support services, from academic advising in case of doubts, returning to studies after long-term illness, study training (time management, memory strategies, exam anxiety) to anonymous psychological counseling.
Academic Preparation for Your First Semester
Common questions from international students include: How do I create my timetable? How many courses should I take?
Our first-year information portal provides practical guidance on:
- Understanding examination regulations (Prüfungsordnungen)
- Reading your module handbook (Modulhandbuch)
- Following your recommended curriculum outline (Studienverlaufsplan)
- Creating a realistic semester workload
For personalized help, reach out to your academic advisor or your faculty student council (Fachschaft).
Events for International First-Year Students
Bonn Voyage! Day Trip to Bonn (March 31, 2026)
8am to 4:30pm\ \ Discover the hometown of Ludwig van Beethoven and Germany’s former capital city. Learn exciting facts about the period after World War II during an English-language tour of the Haus der Geschichte museum. Afterwards, enjoy a picnic or lunch together. Depending on the weather, we will either take a walk through the beautiful old town or spend time together doing an alternative indoor activity. If we’re lucky, the cherry blossoms will already be in bloom.
Onboarding for Degree Students (April 7, 2026, in Person)
1pm to 3pm
SuperC 6th Floor, Generali-Saal
Starting your Bachelor or Masters degree at RWTH this summer term? Our Peer Success Coaches introduce you to studying at RWTH during the Welcome Week for new international students.
No registration needed.
RWTH Explained Simply (Date to be Announced)
A practical introduction to RWTHonline, Moodle, course registration, and timetable creation for international latecomers and new international students with unanswered questions and doubts.
Contact and Help
Peer Success Coaches
Our Peer Success Coaches support you as you start your studies, give you tips on organization and orientation, and help you find your way around RWTH. Appointments can be booked directly via the appointment tool or via email.
Your Peer Success Coaches
| Copyright: © Privat Shaden Business Administration and EngineeringHi, I am Shaden! | Copyright: © Private Sofia B.Sc. Computer ScienceHi, I’m Sofia! | Copyright: © Private Ana B.Sc. Business AdministrationHi, I'm Ana! |
Feeling lost, overwhelmed, or unsure where the problem lies?
At the International Student Center, you can explore your challenges in a confidential initial consultation and find out what support works best for you.