"The first time welds us together"

Thousands of students are currently applying for a place at German universities. But how does it feel to be a first-year student? Regina Wall, Rita Sonnenberg and Rachel Hänßler began their studies at the University of Oldenburg last winter semester and report on their experiences.

Searching for rooms, finding toilets, applying for a library card and drawing up a timetable - and for the very brave - learning how to use the photocopier in the library: "To be honest, the first few weeks were pretty turbulent," says Regina, who is now in her second semester at Oldenburg. "But after a few weeks, it all became routine." Now she can no longer imagine that it was any different.

Perhaps this is also due to the fact that Regina met Rita and Rachel in the very first week. They got talking in an introductory seminar for Dutch studies and have been coping with everyday university life together ever since. Take the timetable, for example: After initially failing to organise the seminars and lectures herself, Rita quickly asked a student from a higher semester for help. Regina and Rachel also benefited. "Because we had no idea either, we simply took over Rita's timetable," adds Rachel and laughs. Literature, language and regional studies are on her timetable in the first and second semesters.

All three are studying Slavic and Dutch studies and attend the courses together. This is very practical, also because they are now good friends. Finding friends and making contacts is not difficult with so many first-semester students. "The first few years really bond you together," says Rachel. The commute to university also brings the three of them together: Regina and Rachel take the train from Wilhelmshaven every day, while Rita comes from Cloppenburg.

The students also share an enthusiasm for languages and cultures. Regina and Rita are native Russian speakers. For Rachel, this means that she has to cram a lot more Russian grammar and vocabulary. But she takes it in her stride: "I really like the course. Sure, I have to learn a lot, especially at the beginning, because the native speakers are way ahead of me. But I enjoy it."

To gain practical experience, Rachel decided to take part in an excursion to Minsk during the semester break. "The excursion will give me extra impetus to improve my Russian by then," she explains. And in a year or two, Rita and Rachel also want to spend a semester abroad in Groningen.

When planning her studies, it helps to set manageable goals. Less is more when it comes to organising your timetable. After all, you have to prepare the seminars and lectures. For the three students, this primarily means reading academic texts. "40 pages for a seminar is nothing. You need enough time to get through it all," says Regina.

The three of them also speak from experience when it comes to writing seminar papers. "Writing a scientific text is something completely new," says Rita. So her tip: "It's best to start early, go straight to the professors' office hours if you have any questions and avoid procrastination right from the start."

In addition to all the organisation and planning of their studies, the three have also noticed one thing above all: "You can only study what you really enjoy, otherwise you won't last," says Regina. The mass of new material can only be mastered with a certain amount of enthusiasm. This is also the reason why she decided to change one of her subjects: instead of Dutch Studies, she will study Philosophy from next winter semester. "I've simply realised that I'm more interested in philosophy, and now it's still early enough."

To recharge their batteries and find peace and quiet between seminars or on hectic days, the three of them like to go to the library or the Slavic Studies building. "The atmosphere there is special, it's quieter and there are Russian posters and lettering everywhere. We like that," says Regina.

When the next first-year students arrive in the winter semester, the three students will already be in their third semester. "It's hard to imagine how confusing the first few days were," says Rita, looking back. "In any case, there's only one thing to do: ask questions, talk to professors - or just talk to us."