Study start

Welcome to Paderborn University!

First-year students who have completed their enrolment can find the most important information for their start here. Regardless of whether they are starting their first semester at university fresh from school, have changed their degree programme or place of study or are coming to Paderborn University for their Master's degree.

The first days at Paderborn University

1.

Create Uni-Account

You will need a university account with your own university email address to start your studies. Please create your personal university account in advance of the orientation phase.

2.

Pre-courses

For some degree programmes, preliminary courses are held in the run-up to the degree course to refresh previous knowledge.

3.

Orientation days

To make it easier to start studying, we offer an orientation week for first-year students in the week before lectures begin. Here, everyone receives a technical and organisational introduction to their studies.

4.

Registration for events & exams

You can use our university's own campus management system PAUL to register for courses and examinations. Certain deadlines must be observed for registration and deregistration.

Important tools - always at hand

PANDA - Learning platform

PANDA is a digital learning platform of Paderborn University. PANDA is used by lecturers to provide learning content and organise learning processes. Students can also use web-based communication tools for discussions or exchanging information.

PAUL - Campus management system

PAUL is the self-administration system for students at Paderborn University. PAUL is not only used for applications, but students can also use it to register for courses, create their timetable and manage examinations.

University Library

Our university library provides students with an extensive selection of books and journals. On the library's website, students can search for reference literature and access electronic information media. Our university library also offers training courses.

Deadlines and dates

On the overview page for deadlines and dates, we have entered the duration of the semester and the lecture-free periods. Students can also find the registration periods for modules/courses and examination registration phases in PAUL.

What is what?

UPB, aqT, PAUL, UniBib, PANDA, ECTS... What does it all stand for? To make it easier for all first-year students to get started at university, we have collected and explained important abbreviations and university-specific terms.

Campus map

It is not easy to find your way around the campus, especially at the beginning. We provide a map of the entire Paderborn University to help you find your way around.

All about studying

You've made it into your degree programme. Now the actual study programme can begin. We don't leave our students to their own devices during the entire study programme and support them, for example

  • with learning techniques
  • with financing, e.g. through BAföG
  • with finding accommodation
  • with leisure activities
  • with organising the semester ticket
  • and much more

Counselling & support options

During your studies, different and individual questions arise from time to time. We do not leave these unanswered and provide the right contact person / point of contact for every concern. The AStA also offers further counselling services.

 

Central Student Counselling Service

We support prospective students in choosing a degree programme and in making their study decision. We also advise students in all phases of their studies, especially in phases of reorientation.

Central Student Counselli

International Office

We provide information about the possibilities of a stay abroad during your studies and know where you can find which information (application deadlines and procedures, internships, scholarships). We also support international students in the application process.

Learn more

Academic advisors

We provide advice on all subject-related questions and help with credit transfers. Search for the degree programme in the course offerings and then go to Contact. Here you will find the relevant contact options under "The right point of contact for every enquiry" under "Subject-related questions"/ "Credit transfer".

Study programme A - Z

PLAZ - Professional School of Education

We advise on all aspects of teacher training programmes....

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Study doubts & dropping out

We offer support in reflecting on the difficulties, determining the current situation and reorientation.

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Service Centre for Students with Disabilities (SmB)

We advise and support students with disabilities or chronic illnesses in obtaining equal opportunities in their studies by helping them, for example, to apply for compensation for disadvantages or the needs-based implementation of stays abroad and internships.

SmB

Diversity

Recognising and appreciating the different living and working conditions of its members are essential cornerstones of the value orientation of Paderborn University. Here you will find information and offers on diversity promotion and anti-discrimination.

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FamilyServiceOffice

We advise and support you with questions and concerns regarding the compatibility of studying and caring for relatives or children.

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Psychosocial counselling (PSB)

We offer counselling and support for study-related and personal problems.

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