I E - Academic Advising Service

Program tips

Choosing the right degree program

There is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to choosing a degree program. The decision is based on several individual steps that best fit your own needs. How you approach your decision and which resources you use depend on a number of factors such as any previous experience you may have and your personality. For instance, are you spontaneous or organized? More intuitive or rational?

In our experience, there are thousands of ways to approach your decision or design your studies. Our tools are designed to focus on the most common aspects we have identified over the years. You can use these to find inspiration and compare your interests with what TU Berlin has to offer.

Pick the topics below that most speak to you. They may answer questions you are currently asking yourself and help you see something differently or consider other options. You may find other resources more helpful than our suggestions, that’s ok. If you feel like you aren’t getting anywhere on your own, talking with an expert in the Academic Advising Service can help you figure things out and decide how to proceed.

Where am I in the decision-making process?

Are you just getting started and need to find your footing? Perhaps you already have a specific degree program in mind and just want to clear up a few details. These resources can help you find suitable offers in our program and fill in the gaps so that you can make a well thought out decision.

For instance, you can ask yourself the following questions:

Do I already have a good understanding of how university studies are structured and what they entail?

Am I still uncertain or worried about a few things?

Do I have an idea of how I best learn?

University, university of applied sciences, integrated degree program, or vocational training?

  • The talk “(M)Ein Studium an der TU Berlin” offers insight into everyday life at TU Berlin.
  • You can attend lectures to learn how classes work at university, online and on campus. Browse through the program!
  • Explore the campus during get-togethers, lab tours, info sessions and lectures. First lecturers open their doors on monday and during the whole week there're a lot of opportunities to get in touch with different bachelor programs. Browse through the program!
  • If you are uncertain, an advising session with the Academic Advising Service can help you identify your interests and aptitudes and whether these align with the demands and conditions of studying at university.
     

What would I like to focus on? What discipline interests me most?

Technology, business, humanities, …?

  • Figuring out which disciplines most interest you can help narrow down your choice from the over 20,000 degree programs on offer. Hochschulkompass provides more information about each discipline.
  • Our lecture “Etwas mit Nachhaltigkeit studieren” demonstrates how to find the right subject using the topic of sustainability as an example.
  • We give advice on finding out about degree programs
  • If you are unable to narrow down your area of interest, other strategies may prove useful. If you need assistance, speak with someone from the Academic Advising Service.
     

What criteria do I want to factor into my decision?

Which criteria are important to me when choosing a degree program? How would I rank these in order of importance? What is an absolute must and where am I willing to compromise?

  • Being able to answer such questions will help you find a suitable program of study. At least in theory. In practice, it can be difficult to answer this question immediately after finishing school. It requires you to know yourself well and it is possible that for some things at least, you have more of a “gut feeling” rather than something you can put into words. If you find it difficult to identify your personal criteria based on previous experience, speaking with the Academic Advising Service can help.
  • The talk “Studienwahl, aber richtig!” offers helpful insight and points to consider.

Am I familiar with the content and structure of my intended degree program?

  • In infotalks, which you can access any time, TU students share about everyday life and their experiences in different degree programs.
  • The tutorial “Studiengänge erkunden” explains how you can learn more about the different degree programs from the comfort of your home.
  • Our degree programs are also hosting a number of live offers during Study Orientation Week which provide detailed insight to studying at TU Berlin. Browse through the program!

Gathering your questions. What would you like to know and learn?

  1. Write down all your questions which remain unanswered: What do you still want to find out? How do you want to use Study Orientation Week? Are you interested in simply getting your bearings and gaining an overview or taking a detailed look at certain offers?
  2. Consider the following: Which strategy best suits you? Do you want to sample things here and there throughout the week or take advantage of specific offers? Do you need to create a plan or schedule in advance?
  3. Sampling a variety of things can be a particularly good idea if you are still uncertain which program is the best fit. Taking a closer look at certain offers can also be a strategy to help you identify what is important to you: Which keywords, topics, or other features in degree programs always catch your eye or pique your interest? 
    Keep in mind: Other universities and institutions of higher education are also participating in Study Orientation Week. If you are still trying to decide which type of institution or program is right for you, attending a variety of events can help you identify similarities or differences. Overview of Berlin universities and their programs
  4. Once you’ve done this, take a look at the most suitable programs: Which events and offers are best suited to answering your questions and could help you make a decision?
  5. If your list ends up too long, prioritize the events and questions: Which questions are fundamental and should be answered first? Which are more specific and can be asked later? Which step is most important to you now? Do you already know who to ask or where to find some of the answers to certain questions? What can you do now or take care of later? Use these offers over the coming weeks and months, not just during Study Orientation Week.

If you are uncertain or stuck, our advising offices can give you useful tips.

Program recommendations: my plan for Study Orientation Week

Depending on which of your questions are most pressing, use the recommendations below to figure out where to start.

I’m not sure if studying is the right choice for me and want to find out more.

  • We recommend: “Studieren - was ist das eigentlich?” or “Studium, ist das das Richtige?”
  • These could also be helpful: “(M)ein Studium an der TU Berlin”
  • And of course anything else that catches your eye!

I want to study but need help figuring out what to study.

  • We recommend: “Online-Tools und Tipps,” “Etwas mit Nachhaltigkeit studieren,” or the Academic Advising Service’s open video call sessions
  • These could also be helpful: Click through the events  offered by our degree programs and check out “Das Orientierungsstudium MINTgrün”
  • And of course anything else that sounds interesting!
     

There are so many things that interest me and I can’t decide what to do.

  • We recommend: Using Study Orientation Week to learn about your favorite degree programs and then to use the information you learned to narrow down your choices. The talk “Studienwahl, aber richtig!” can give you helpful tips on how to do this.
  • These could also be helpful: Our study program to try out university studies “Orientierungsstudium MINTgrün”. Speaking with the Academic Advising Service could also help.

I have selected a TU Berlin degree program. What now?

TIP: If you still have a few years until your Abitur, you can take certain university courses starting in Grade 10 through our program “Studieren ab 16.”

TIP: If you were ill for a longer period of time while in school or received academic adjustments, we recommend learning more about special requests regarding academic adjustments, accessibility, and other support services and options at TU Berlin when applying. "Studieren im eigenen Tempo" provides an overview. And you can contact Advising for Students with Disabilities and Chronic Illnesses with your questions.

I’m from outside of Germany and would like to learn what studying is like in Germany.

If you are still uncertain which offers are best for you, stop by the Academic Advising Service’s open video call sessionsin advanceor email your questions to studienberatung(at)tu-berlin.de.

Technical information

How does Zoom work?

Most of the events will be held via Zoom. TU Berlin has adapted its license to ensure it adheres with data protection regulations.

Zoom’s display on your screen and the available functions will depend on the type of event and how you join. You can download the Zoom program or app to your smartphone, tablet, or computer. Alternatively, you can attend via browser by clicking “Join from your browser.” If you choose to join via browser, we recommend using Google Chrome.

You can test your video and audio in advance using these Zoom instructions. Detailed information about the various types of events can be found below.

Attending online events with many participants, e.g. talks/lectures

Joining

  • Talks where you primarily listen and submit questions or responses via the chat function are generally held as Zoom webinars. Step-by-step instructions: Joining and participating in a Zoom webinar  
  • Events which are more interactive may be held as a Zoom meeting. Step-by-step instructions: Joining a Zoom meeting
  • Depending on the event, you will either be directly admitted to the main room or placed in a waiting room until the host admits you to the meeting.

Functions

  • In general, your microphone and camera are deactivated when you join an event.
  • You can share questions, responses or other contributions using the toolbar at the bottom of your screen. The availability of certain functions will depend on the type of event. The hosts will explain the procedure at the start of each online event. If you have questions or technical issues, use the chat.
  • You can always communicate with us in writing during an event by using the chat (speech bubble symbol) or “Questions & Answers” feature (Q&A symbol with two speech bubbles) during webinars.
  • You can also “raise your hand” (hand symbol) to indicate that you would like to say something.
  • The “Reactions” menu (smiley) allows you to raise your hand or communicate non-verbally through emojis and symbols, such as to confirm something or give applause.
  • If event settings permit, you may see a microphone and camera symbol in the bottom menu upon joining the meeting. Click on the respective symbol to activate or deactivate your device. If necessary, you can also adjust your settings by clicking on the arrow next to the symbol.
  • If you have the option to activate your microphone please observe the following: Only turn your microphone on when you are speaking. Avoid creating background noise when you are speaking. Your audio quality will also improve if you use headphones.
  • If you have the option to activate your camera, please observe the following: You are not required to turn on your camera. However, especially in smaller interactive events, it can help participants feel more comfortable when you are able to see each other.

Attending open video call sessions

Joining

  • The direct conversations held during the video call sessions require more interaction. For this reason, these sessions are held as a Zoom meeting to allow you to use your microphone and camera.
  • Step-by-step instructions: Joining a Zoom meeting
  • If there is a digital waiting room, we will individually admit you here to clarify what you need. Please note that you may need to wait briefly in case of high demand. We will do our best to keep your wait to a minimum.

Functions

  • When joining an open video call session, your microphone (and camera if available) are automatically turned off. Please click on the symbol in the menu to turn your microphone on so that we can hear you.
  • After we clarify what exactly you need, you will be sent to another room to speak with a suitable representative.
  • We keep our cameras on during video calls because we believe it is an important basis for our advising conversations. You are welcome to also turn your camera on. However, we understand if you prefer not to.

Accessibility

Information about accessibility measures for participants

If you require sign language, a speech-to-text-reporter, or an audio description, please contact Advising for Students with Disabilities and Chronic Illnesses as soon as possible so that we can organize everything.

Advising for Students with Disabilities and Chronic Illnesses can also provide information at any time about special requests to include with your application, such as if you were ill for an extended period of time during school. It also assists with other topics such as academic adjustments and inclusion support services during your studies. The event "Studieren im eigenen Tempo" provides an overview.

I’m still learning German. Are your events offered in any other languages?

International prospective students who are still learning German are invited to attend the talk “Studying at TU Berlin,” which will be held in English. You always have the option to communicate in German or English when you email our team or attend our open video call sessions. Many staff members also speak other languages such as Arabic, Danish, French, Russian, Turkish. Just ask if you would prefer one of these languages.

Academic Advising Service

studienberatung@tu-berlin.de

Building Hauptgebäude
Room H 0070
Address Straße des 17. Juni 135
10623 Berlin
Open Advising (H 0070)Tue 10:00-12:00, Thu 14:00-16:00
Advising session via ZoomWed 15:00-17:00
Additional advising sessionsby appointment via e-mail

Counseling for students with disabilities and chronic illnesses

barrierefrei@tu-berlin.de

Building Hauptgebäude
Room H 0058
Address Straße des 17. Juni 135
10623 Berlin
Open Advising (H 0070)Tue 10:00-12:00
Additional advising sessionsby appointment via e-mail
Building Hauptgebäude
Room H 0059 - H 0062
Address Straße des 17. Juni 135
10623 Berlin
Counselingby appointment via e-Mail