Questions
& answers.
Find answers to important questions about starting your studies, the Welcome Weeks and campus life in Freiberg.
General
What should I set up when I start university?
Try to activate your university login and email account early, connect to eduroam, and log in to OPAL and the TUBAF university portal. These services will become part of everyday university life, from course materials to certificates and exam registration.
START-OF-STUDIES CHECKLISTWhat do I need my student ID card for?
Your student ID is also your library card, the key for lockers in the University Library, a payment card for the Mensa and, in some cases, an access card for buildings and computer labs. You can also use it for printing, scanning and copying and often receive student discounts.
ABOUT YOUR STUDENT IDWhere can I find important dates and deadlines?
The start of semester, lecture periods, exam registration, examination periods and re-enrolment all have fixed dates. TUBAF publishes an overview for every semester. Add the exam-registration and re-enrolment deadlines to your calendar early.
DATES & DEADLINESDo I have to enrol again every semester?
You do not need to enrol from scratch, but you must re-enrol for every semester by paying the current semester contribution within the deadline. Missing re-enrolment can ultimately result in removal from the student register.
RE-ENROLMENTWhere can I get help when I am stuck?
You do not need to know the right office for every problem. The Student Administration Office helps with organisational questions, while Studentenwerk Freiberg offers social, psychosocial and BAföG advice. Its counselling services are confidential and generally free of charge.
COUNSELLING SERVICESWhen should I apply for BAföG?
Apply as early as possible. BAföG can generally only be paid from the month in which the responsible office receives your application; support is normally not paid retroactively for earlier months. Missing documents can be submitted later.
APPLY FOR BAFÖGStudies
What is OPAL?
OPAL is TUBAF’s central learning platform. Depending on the course, it provides lecture notes, exercises, videos, tests, announcements and registration for groups or courses. Search for your courses on OPAL at the start of the semester.
OPEN OPALWhere can I find my timetable?
You can find your classes in TUBAF’s course catalogue. Search by degree programme, semester, room or weekday and build your timetable. Course-specific information and short-notice changes are often posted in the relevant OPAL course.
COURSE CATALOGUEDo I need to register separately for exams?
Yes. Attending a class does not automatically register you for its exam. You must register through the self-service portal within the published registration period. Your grades will also appear there later.
EXAMS & REGISTRATIONCan I withdraw from an exam?
Yes. Under the current rules, you can withdraw without giving a reason until one week before the exam date. Withdrawal also takes place through the self-service portal. Additional rules and evidence requirements apply in cases such as illness.
EXAM INFORMATIONWhat should I do if I have problems with a module or my degree?
Ask for help sooner rather than later. Alongside lecturers and academic advisers, your Faculty Student Council is a useful first contact. Its members know many common issues, can help with organisation and may have additional module resources and practical experience.
YOUR FACULTY STUDENT COUNCILHow does the University Library work?
Your student ID lets you borrow books and other media and also opens the lockers. The University Library on Winklerstraße provides study spaces and facilities for printing, copying and scanning. Opening hours vary during the year.
UNIVERSITY LIBRARYWhat are preparatory courses, and should I attend?
Before lectures begin, TUBAF offers preparatory courses in subjects including mathematics, physics and chemistry. They refresh school knowledge and make the transition to university easier, especially if your last maths or physics class was some time ago.
PREPARATORY COURSESCampus life
How does the Mensa work?
The easiest way to pay is with your student ID. Load credit onto the card or activate Autoload so it can top up automatically when the balance is low. Regular cash payment at the till is generally not available.
The current menu is available online and through My Mensa, with vegetarian and vegan options offered regularly.
VIEW THE MENUWhere can I meet other students?
Not only in lectures: Faculty Student Councils, StuRa, student initiatives, university groups and numerous working groups organise meetings and events throughout the semester, covering everything from music and technology to culture and international activities.
DISCOVER GROUPS & INITIATIVESWhat sports are available?
The University Sports Centre offers a broad range of sports, exercise and health activities every semester, as well as informal sports meet-ups.
UNIVERSITY SPORTSWhere can I go out in Freiberg?
Alte Mensa and ErdAlchimistenClub (EAC) are two well-known student venues. They host parties, concerts, cultural activities and other student events, alongside events organised by Faculty Student Councils, clubs and initiatives.
STUDENT CULTUREIs there a university cinema?
Yes, with plenty of tradition. AG Kino screens films in the Audimax during the lecture period. The student cinema has existed for more than 70 years and still has genuine 35 mm projection equipment.
CINEMA PROGRAMMECan I join a working group or initiative?
Absolutely. TUBAF has many student groups covering technology, music, culture, sustainability, international exchange and university politics. Many campus events only happen because students organise them.
GET INVOLVEDWhere can I get coffee and meet people on campus?
Alongside the Mensa, there is a cafeteria and a café in the Library and Lecture Centre. Campus Café in the city centre is another meeting place between classes. Check the current opening hours online.
FOOD & DRINKHousing
What housing is available in Freiberg?
Studentenwerk Freiberg offers rooms ranging from single apartments to larger shared flats. Many residences are on or near campus. It also provides a service for privately offered rooms and flats.
VIEW HOUSINGWhen should I apply for a room in student accommodation?
As early as possible. Apply online through the rental portal. You do not necessarily need your certificate of enrolment when applying, but it is required before the tenancy agreement is completed. Applying early improves your chances.
APPLY FOR A ROOMWhat is already provided in a student residence room?
Rooms are furnished with at least a bed and mattress, wardrobe, desk and chair. Kitchens, bathrooms and internet are also provided, either privately or as shared facilities depending on the type of accommodation.
ROOM EQUIPMENTWhat do I need to bring?
Duvets, pillows and bed linen are normally not included. Bring crockery, pots and small appliances such as a kettle, coffee machine or microwave. In many residences you will also need your own router for Wi-Fi.
MOVING-IN CHECKLISTAre electricity, heating and internet included in the rent?
Studentenwerk residences charge an all-inclusive rent. Water, heating, electricity and internet are included, so there is no later service-charge settlement like the one common in many private tenancies.
ABOUT THE RENTDo washing machines and dryers cost extra?
A useful benefit of the residences is that the washing machines and dryers in their laundry rooms are free to use.
What if I do not get a room in student accommodation?
Do not panic. Studentenwerk Freiberg also runs a free private-room service with external offers in Freiberg. Be careful with advance payments to unknown landlords; the Studentenwerk explicitly warns about this type of fraud.
FIND PRIVATE ROOMSHow does internet work in student accommodation?
The residences are connected to TUBAF’s fast student network, and access is included in the rent. You will normally need your own router to use Wi-Fi in your room.
INTERNET IN THE RESIDENCES