Try before you study! Orientation studies programme at TU Braunschweig end after four rounds

Initially started with 24 students in the winter semester 2018/19, over the course of two semesters the current cohort of 77 participants took the opportunity to deal intensively with the two central questions after leaving school: Do I want to study? And if so, which degree programme suits me? True to the motto “Try before you study”. After four rounds, the orientation study programme came to an end in the summer semester of 2022.

A total of 191 participants took part in the orientation study programme and simulated studying for two semesters in a condensed form. Starting with an orientation week and campus rally, through the regular semester programme with attendance at teaching and information events as well as sports and language courses, to the conclusion with examinations and final study achievements, the trial studies hardly differed from a conventional study programme. The participants were enrolled as part of an extended guest student programme and even had access to a semester ticket.

Dr. Yvonne A. Henze, Head of the Academic Advice Service, welcomed the participants of the Orientation Study Programme 2021/22. Photo credit: ZSB/TU Braunschweig

Imparting knowledge and competences relevant to studying

Analogous to the module structure of regular degree programmes, the orientation programme was divided into six orientation fields, which, in addition to attending courses, also addressed the aspects of choosing and deciding on a degree programme that were particularly pressing for the participants. For example, various degree programmes were presented in a lecture series. In laboratory practicals and programming courses, the students were able to try out their skills.

Special attention was paid to the topic of study skills, as this is constantly the subject of academic discussions, not only at TU Braunschweig. The focus was on teaching knowledge and skills relevant to studying, such as scientific work, but also on reflecting on one’s own skills and potential.

André Völker from the Academic Advice Service (left) said goodbye to the final year of the orientation programme at the end of July. Photo credit: Dr. Yvonne A. Henze/TU Braunschweig

Positive conclusion after four years

“As the evaluations show, the students appreciated the opportunity to try out studying and the very comprehensive individual support. Many participants were able to find out what they wanted to study through the orientation study prgramme,” says Dr. Yvonne A. Henze, head of the Academic Advice Service.

At the end of July, the last orientation students at TU Braunschweig said goodbye. However, this does not end the opportunity to try things out. Prospective students can continue to make use of the other services offered by the Academic Advice Service and take advantage of the introductory Schnupperstudium and other check-in formats at TU Braunschweig.