Information for Beginning Your Studies

Geographisches Institut

How to Start Your Studies at Humboldt University? #

To help you get started, the faculties and institutes offer orientation events in the week before the lecture period begins. The central page Welcome to Humboldt University lists both central and decentralized offerings to ensure a smooth start to your first semester. For the Bachelor’s program with a teaching option, you are required to attend two or more of these orientation events, depending on your chosen subjects.

Orientation Days at the Institute of Geography #

Here is a brief overview of the program for the orientation days in early October:

Topics covered include:

  • Which compulsory and elective courses must be taken in the first semester?
  • How to create your timetable?
  • Which modules need to be registered for?
  • Is language training alongside studies required?
  • Introduction to the institutes and branch libraries of the University Library?
  • Assistance with setting up your HU account and information on seminar enrollment procedures?

First-Semester Mentoring #

The first-semester mentoring program offers a relaxed environment to get to know your fellow students beyond the small talk before and after lectures. You will also receive insider information and pro tips about studying geography. Together with two students from higher semesters, you discuss weekly topics relevant to your studies and have the opportunity to ask any questions or discuss problems. Your mentors are also available as first points of contact for personal issues related to your studies.

How Can I Participate? #

No official registration is required for the mentoring sessions; you can simply attend (room and time listed below).

What Topics Are Covered? #

Typically, there is a central topic each week, but the following list is not exhaustive and can be adapted to the needs and interests of first-semester students:

  • Multimedia at HU (websites, library, etc.)
  • Internships and studying abroad
  • HEX/MEX/TEX
  • Study financing and advisory services at HU
  • ÜWP and student engagement
  • Exam preparation

Mentoring Sessions in Winter Semester 2025/26 #

  • Monday 3–5 p.m., Room 0‘223 with Ann-Katrin and Gian

  • Tuesday 1–3 p.m., Room 2‘108 with Emma and Alex

Any Questions? #

If you have further questions or comments regarding the first-semester mentoring for Geography, feel free to send an email to: jonathan.busch.1@hu-berlin.de