Orientation Week at the Department of Computer Science

Computer Science freshers get to know the TU Darmstadt and their department

17.10.2017 von

During the icebreaker games, the freshers could do some networking and get in touch with their fellow students. Image: Tim Pollandt

Last week, a lot was going on in the hallways and outside of the Department building because of the annual orientation phase for new students, which takes place one week before the semester term. The orientation week at the Department of Computer Science is offered to freshers but also to international students and Masters students. The orientation week is organised by the Departmental Students` Representative Committee, which intends to support new students during the start of their studies.

Prof. Dr. Marc Fischlin, Dean for Student Affairs, welcomed the new students to the Department of Computer Science. Image: Tim Pollandt
Prof. Dr. Marc Fischlin, Dean for Student Affairs, welcomed the new students to the Department of Computer Science. Image: Tim Pollandt

The setting of this year's orientation week was composed of clanking service waggons, piles of cups, baskets full of buns, pin boards with bilingual information signs and flyers in the whole Robert-Piloty-building along with members of the Departmental Students` Representative Committee in colourful sweaters and a multitude of freshers, full of expectations. While Prof. Dr. Marc Fischlin, Dean for Student Affairs, welcomed the new students to the Department of Computer Science, departmental academic advisors Tim Neubacher and Dr. Guido Rößling provided information about study regulations and were confronted with many questions: How are the studies organised? What do I have to keep in mind if I would like to do a semester abroad? Which academic achievements are going to be accredited? How many attempts do I have if I fail an exam and is it possible to study part-time? The Departmental Students` Representative Committee put up a help desk with motivated orientation assistants, who gave advice to the new students.

Afterwards, it was time for some fun and therefore, small groups of students explored the university area, whereas various lectures and workshops were combined with funny icebreaker games and the traditional university rally. The programme was made complete with cosy breakfast rounds and lunches in the cafeteria, whereby newcomers could do some networking and get in touch with their fellow students.

We wish our new students a successful start at our Department and we would like to thank our Departmental Students` Representative Committee for the great support they provide for our freshers!

Getting to know each other at breakfast. Image: Tim Pollandt