Digital support at the start of your studies

Many first-semester students begin their studies at Friedrich Schiller University Jena at the start of the lecture period on 13 October. The Central Student Advisory Service has developed the »UniStartJena« app to help them get started.

»We know that a successful induction period has a significant impact on academic success. On the one hand, this concerns finding one's way around the degree) subject, but on the other hand it also concerns arriving in the new life situation of studying and thus often in a new environment«, explains Dr Marcus Hornung, Head of Student Affairs, the idea behind the app. »The exciting thing is that the needs of our first-semester students differ considerably. A student teacher from Erfurt goes through a different entry phase than a Colombian natural scientist on a research-oriented master's degree programme.«

The app, which is available free of charge in the Google and Apple app stores, provides new students with important information about organising their studies, financing and accommodation - all tailored to their own profile. The app uses push notifications to remind you of events or deadlines, while the satnav provides information and directions to the university locations, which are spread across the entire city.

A practical checklist contains all the important tasks that need to be completed before the start of your studies and can be personalised with your own to-dos. In the »Events« section, first-year students will find a programme tailored to their needs, which includes the central programme of the First Semester Days (1 to 10 October) as well as the respective subject-specific events and the International Office's Welcome Days.

In addition, the app offers a fresher's wiki, information on leisure activities and sports programmes as well as contact persons for questions and problems. Finally, there is also a feedback function: »After a pilot phase last summer semester, we have successively developed the app further. We have consistently implemented the feedback from our students and we welcome all incoming suggestions«, says Hornung.