This semester’s StEP is over, thank you for attending! We are currently working on finishing our supplementary Orientation Documents and hope to release them soon, so please regularly check this page if you are interested (we’ll also announce us publishing them on Discord).
And if you really enjoyed StEP, or if you want to implement changes, consider becoming a (voluntary) member of the Students’ Council and help organise it next semester.
Studierende deutschsprachiger Studiengänge, ihr findet Informationen zu eurer StEP auf der deutschsprachigen Seite.
Every semester before the start of lectures, the Students’ Council of Computer Science Programmes organizes several introductory events for new students called StEP (short for German student introductory phase), which are intended to help new students in the computer science programs get started in their studies. The StEP usually takes place the week before lectures begin.
StEP Winter Semester 2025/2026
- What? The primary introductory event for CS and related subjects, delivered to you by the CS Students’ Council.
- When? 8th — 10th October 2025 at 9am. Yes, that’s the week before lectures!
- Important: Please arrive early / on time!
- Registration? Not necessary, just turn up on time!
- For who? CS & related subjects. Bachelors & Masters. German Students & Internationals. Unsure if your specific course of study is covered? Read the FAQ below!
- Where? E2 2 (Günter Hotz Lecture Hall) You can find a map of the campus here (check the FAQ for arrival instructions).
- How long? We expect to be finished in the (late) afternoon on each day. However, we still have evening events for socialising and cordially invite all StEP participants to attend!
If you are travelling by bus or train: You have already paid for a „Deutschlandsemesterticket“ (you’ll learn about that during StEP), but you must first obtain it in order to use public transportation. Do this several working days before the StEP so that you can use it for your journey. You can find out how this works on the university’s website.
Schedule for Master and International Bachelor Students
Presentations of the English StEP are tailored towards students of Master and International Bachelor programmes. Students of German Bachelor study programmes, please attend German StEP as regulations for your programmes differ from English ones and are only covered there.
- Events
- Guest Lectures
- Internationals-only
- Framework Programme
Wednesday
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Wed, 08. Oct09:00 – 09:10WelcomeGünter Hotz Lecture Hall, E2.2
Welcome to this semester’s StEP! Here is a brief overview of the organizational details and what you can expect over the next few days.
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Wed, 08. Oct09:10 – 09:35Students' CouncilGünter Hotz Lecture Hall, E2.2
Hi! We are the CS Students’ Representative Council. We are composed of students like you and have the task of supporting students and providing a middle ground for communication between students and the university. And – we also organize the StEP!
https://fsr.saarland/ -
Wed, 08. Oct09:35 – 09:50GastronomyGünter Hotz Lecture Hall, E2.2
In this lecture we would like to show you how not to starve on campus and where you can top up your caffeine reserves.
https://www.uni-saarland.de/en/study/campus/food.html -
Wed, 08. Oct10:00 – 10:50Guest Lecture: Studying Society from Space (Prof. Dr. Ingmar Weber)Günter Hotz Lecture Hall, E2.2
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Wed, 08. Oct10:50 – 11:15AStAGünter Hotz Lecture Hall, E2.2
The General Student Committee (German: Allgemeiner Studierendenausschuss, AStA) is the central representative organ of the student body within the university. They organize events, manage the semester, provide counselling regarding work and offer support for students with problems.
https://asta.uni-saarland.de/
https://stupa.uni-saarland.de/ -
Wed, 08. Oct11:15 – 11:35Sports with KarlGünter Hotz Lecture Hall, E2.2
Here, Karl explains what sports activities are available at the university and in the city.
https://www.uni-saarland.de/en/institution/sports.html -
Wed, 08. Oct11:35 – 11:50Studierendenwerk & PPBGünter Hotz Lecture Hall, E2.2
The Studierendenwerk is an institution that you will come across often, whether at the Mensaar or in the context of getting a dormitory. We will also introduce you to the Psychological-Psychotherapeutic Counseling Center (German: Psychologisch-Psychotherapeutische Beratungsstelle, PPB): Here you can get free psychological counseling.
https://www.stw-saarland.de/en/
https://www.stw-saarland.de/en/counselling/student-counselling/ -
Wed, 08. Oct11:50 – 12:10Equal Opportunities and Diversity Management UnitGünter Hotz Lecture Hall, E2.2
The Equal Opportunities Office is the point of contact for all members of the university on the topics of equal opportunity and diversity management.
https://www.uni-saarland.de/en/administration/diversity -
Wed, 08. Oct12:10 – 12:15AnnouncementsGünter Hotz Lecture Hall, E2.2
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Wed, 08. Oct
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Wed, 08. Oct13:15 – 13:50Welcome to SaarbrückenLecture Hall 002, E1.3
Welcome to Saarbrücken! In this presentation, we will tell you everything you need to know once you arrive here – from registration at the city hall to taxes.
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Wed, 08. Oct13:50 – 14:25International Study Centre Saar (ISZ Saar)Lecture Hall 002, E1.3
The International Study Centre Saar (German: Internationales Studienzentrum Saar, ISZ Saar) is a central institution at Saarland University that helps international applicants prepare to study at the university.
https://www.uni-saarland.de/en/institution/isz-saar -
Wed, 08. Oct14:25 – 15:15Study and Exam RegulationsLecture Hall 002, E1.3
The study regulations and the examination regulations are the two central documents for your degree programme. They regulate exactly which modules you are allowed to take and how the examinations are organised. In this lecture, we explain how it all works.
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Wed, 08. Oct15:15 – 15:40Fun in SaarbrückenLecture Hall 002, E1.3
What are some fun places to visit in Saarbrücken and surroundings? Ideas how to spend your weekends and some secret tips to find your way around Saarland – that’s what you’ll find in this presentation.
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Wed, 08. Oct15:40 – 15:45AnnouncementsLecture Hall 002, E1.3
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Wed, 08. Oct16:00 – 18:00Campus TourPlatz der Informatik (in front of E1.3)
We’ll show you where to find the most important places on your new university’s campus. Unlike a school campus, ours is more akin to a “small town” and even has a few curiosities here and there. Get ready for some (un)useful facts and fun facts!
Thursday
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Thu, 09. Oct09:00 – 09:20Student BluesLecture Hall 003, E1.3
Surviving the Student Blues: Tips and tricks for managing stress and maintaining well-being throughout your academic journey.
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Thu, 09. Oct09:20 – 09:45International OfficeLecture Hall 003, E1.3
The Welcome Center of the International Office is the place to reach out to when you came here from abroad. They can provide you with guidance on how to live and work here and also the preparation of your departure after you completed your studies.
https://www.uni-saarland.de/en/international/going/international-office.html -
Thu, 09. Oct09:45 – 10:00BureaucracyLecture Hall 003, E1.3
The aim of this talk is to encourage students to adopt a zen-like attitude when dealing with German bureaucracy because, in the end, it’s just another part of the experience.
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Thu, 09. Oct10:00 – 10:20Centre for International StudentsLecture Hall 003, E1.3
The Centre for International Students (German: Zentrum für internationale Studierende, ZiS) supports students from all over the world in getting around Saarbrücken and the university. In this presentation, they will introduce themselves and present their work.
https://www.uni-saarland.de/en/global/welcome-center/intercultural-life/zis -
Thu, 09. Oct10:20 – 11:00Foreigner's OfficeLecture Hall 003, E1.3
The immigration office is responsible for issuing residence permits to international students from outside the European Union. In this presentation, Clemens explains the procedures.
In the “Immigration Office Q&A” you’ll later have the chance to ask your question. -
Thu, 09. Oct11:00 – 11:20Earning while LearningLecture Hall 003, E1.3
All you need to know about working part time, what a HiWi job is, Erasmus & Internships! For many of you, the question of a student job is highly relevant. We will tell you the options you have and the important things to consider while looking for a job.
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Thu, 09. Oct11:20 – 11:45Language CenterLecture Hall 003, E1.3
At the Language Centre, the university offers you the opportunity to take language courses free of charge (!!). We can only recommend this from our own experience!
https://www.uni-saarland.de/en/institution/language-centre -
Thu, 09. Oct12:00 – 12:45Guest Lecture: Propositions as Types or: Proving is Programming (Prof. Dr. Sebastian Hack)Lecture Hall 002, E1.3
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Thu, 09. Oct12:55 – 13:00AnnouncementsLecture Hall 002, E1.3
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Thu, 09. Oct
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Thu, 09. Oct14:00 – 15:30University SystemsLecture Hall 003, E1.3
During your university time you will get in touch with many different organizational systems: LSF, CMS and SIM are some of them. Here we will give you a small introduction into the most important functionality. How do Iregister for an exam? How do I get the immatriculation documents? Here you will find the answers.
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Thu, 09. Oct15:40 – 16:40Foreigner's Office Q&ALecture Hall 003, E1.3
During this Q&A, Clemens will answer your questions about the Foreigner’s Office.
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Thu, 09. Oct17:00 – 21:00Gamenight (Bord & Video Games)Ground floor E1.7 (“MMCI”)
After a long day of StEP, we invite you all to round off the day with a cozy games evening. We offer board games and video games, so there’s something for everyone. Of course, you are also welcome to bring your own (board) games! We sell drinks and order pizza in the evening.
Friday
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Fri, 10. Oct09:00 – 09:35How to UdSLecture Hall 003, E1.3
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Fri, 10. Oct09:35 – 10:00Study CoordinationLecture Hall 003, E1.3
The Computer Science study coordination team introduces itself and explains how you can get help there.
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Fri, 10. Oct10:00 – 10:40Theses & Research GroupsLecture Hall 003, E1.3
In this lecture, we will explain how to find a chair to write your thesis and which chairs and research groups there are at SIC.
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Fri, 10. Oct10:40 – 10:55Public TransportLecture Hall 002, E1.3
What is the best way to get to the university? Can I travel throughout Germany with my semester ticket? What about parking at the university? We answer all these questions here!
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Fri, 10. Oct11:00 – 11:10PrinterLecture Hall 002, E1.3
Printers, the machines from the underworld. We operate such a device for you. Here we explain how you can use our printer and what you should bear in mind.
https://print.fsr.saarland/ -
Fri, 10. Oct11:20 – 12:05Guest Lecture: The complexity of human learning: Technology as a solution or a threat? (Prof. Dr. Tomohiro Nagashima)Lecture Hall 002, E1.3
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Fri, 10. Oct12:05 – 12:10AnnouncementsLecture Hall 002, E1.3
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Fri, 10. Oct
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Fri, 10. Oct13:00 – 13:20PlagiarismLecture Hall 002, E1.3
You’ve never heard of plagiarism? Then you should definitely listen to this lecture! In addition to an explanation of the term, you will learn why plagiarism is bad and how it can end your studies.
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Fri, 10. Oct13:20 – 13:40Student Service Center (SSC)Lecture Hall 002, E1.3
This presentation introduces the SSC. The SSC is the link between the individual service facilities at the university and the place where you can find initial information on all study-related topics as well as support in finding your way around campus.
https://www.uni-saarland.de/en/neue-seite/studies/student-service-centre -
Fri, 10. Oct13:40 – 14:00Examination BoardLecture Hall 002, E1.3
The examination board of a degree programme is one of the most important bodies you will come into contact with during your studies. You can find out what tasks it fulfils and what you should know about it here.
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Fri, 10. Oct14:00 – 15:00Student ClubsLecture Hall 002, E1.3
Students can join various clubs. Here are a few of them. Maybe there’s something for you too!
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Fri, 10. Oct15:00 – 15:15Internet on CampusLecture Hall 002, E1.3
How do I get on the Internet (on campus)? This essential question of life is answered here.
https://www.hiz-saarland.de/studierende/ -
Fri, 10. Oct15:15 – 15:40Git, Linux, LaTeXLecture Hall 002, E1.3
At university, you will encounter all kinds of tools that are either necessary for certain lectures or can be very helpful. What they all have in common is that the learning curve can be quite steep. This makes it all the more important to start learning early! Here, we introduce you to Git, LaTeX, and Linux and explain what they are good for.
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Fri, 10. Oct15:40 – 15:50Buildings & Working RoomsLecture Hall 002, E1.3
In this presentation we will explain where you can study/work and at what times you can enter these buildings and rooms.
https://fsr.saarland/student-rooms -
Fri, 10. Oct15:50 – 16:00GoodbyeLecture Hall 002, E1.3
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Fri, 10. Oct16:30 – 19:00City TourPlatz der Informatik (in front of E1.3)
Discover the charm of Saarbrücken: A guided tour for new students exploring the city’s culture and hidden gems!
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Fri, 10. Oct19:00 – 23:59Pub CrawlTbilisser Platz
StEP is over and we end Friday with a leisurely pub crawl.
Please register via the link we show in StEP.
Welcome to Saarland University
We want to tell you everything you need about your new university, its structure, the support institutions and amenities, how to get around in Saarbrücken and – if you just arrived from abroad – some quick start tips for Germany. We hope to address all of your study-related questions and help you get started as smoothly as possible.
What can I do until then?
- Download our Orientation Documents! They can be used as a handy reference before, alongside and after the StEP.
- Important: Check if you can access your uni mail address! (!!) (!!!!!) Check and double check the contents of said mailbox every day, as you will receive important uni-related information to this mail only.
- Obtain your semester ticket!
- For Internationals (even if you haven’t arrived yet): The International Office holds a Welcome Week for international students. The presentations are hybrid, so you can attend even if you haven’t arrived yet. We strongly encourage you to participate in the Welcome Week if you come from abroad. There you will be able to receive a lot of helpful information regarding your stay in Germany. You can attend (and are strongly recommended to!) both the Welcome Week and the StEP in some days; in others they might unfortunately overlap. During the days when they overlap, we recommend you to visit the StEP, as the StEP includes information specific to your study programme, while the Welcome Week does not.
- Check out the semester overview website of the Saarland Informatics Campus.
- Note down the times of your study programme specific intro event. This event will be done alongside the StEP and is specific to your course of study. An overview over all events can be found on the semester overview website.
- Join our Discord server!
- Join our mailing list!
If you currently have more questions just write us a mail or visit our Discord.
FAQ
I am not available on the days of the StEP. Are there going to be recordings?
The StEP will be held in presence and as such no recordings will be made available.
What is the target audience for this event?
This is the introductory event for the following study programmes (both Bachelor & Master):
- Computer Science (National & International)
- Bioinformatics
- Mediainformatics
- Embedded Systems
- Cybersecurity (National & International)
- Visual Computing
- Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DSAI)
- Lehramt Informatik
If not, you can find your introductory event on the LSF or on the official website for Bachelors or Masters.
If you are a student in …
- Mathematics and Computer Science (Mathematik und Informatik)
- Wirtschaftsinformatik
- Computerlinguistik
… then you are technically not a part of the CS faculty. You are very much welcome to join, although your faculty probably offers some introductory event as well. Look it up in the LSF!
Are you an Erasmus+ student? Then the StEP is not for you! There will be a completely separate introductory event by the Study Coordination, who you will receive detailed information from.
Should I attend all presentations?
Yes, we highly recommend attending all presentations targeted at you (i.e. if you are not an international student, you can safely skip presentations marked as for internationals only). But if you are for whatever good reason busy for some hours during StEP, feel free to leave early or rejoin once you have time again – just be quiet when leaving or entering lecture halls.
Keep in mind that the published schedule is subject to change and presentations might be swapped if necessary.
For social events, feel free to only come to those that spark your interest. We aim to offer a wide selection of events, so hopefully some are up to your taste.
I have urgent questions that can’t wait till the StEP, who can I ask?
That depends on the question. If it is related to organizational things concerning your studies, you should ask your study coordinator. You can always reach out to us and fellow students on our Discord servers:
- The CS Students’ Council Discord
- The largest student-made discord: UdS Sofa
If it is something you’d prefer to ask the council in a more private manner, you can either DM us on Discord or send us a mail to our help address.
What is the difference between the StEP and the Welcome Week of the International Office?
Both are introductory events for first term students. Practically all topics will be disjoint. We strongly recommend you to attend both! This time the Welcome Week unfortunately partly overlaps with the StEP. Check out if the Welcome Week presentations will be recorded – if yes, you can watch them later.
What is the difference between the StEP and the study course specific intro events?
The StEP is the general intro event that will introduce you into all aspects of university.
Aside from the StEP, every study course has their own custom welcome event. This is usually a much smaller event (one or two hours or so) where you will be welcomed by a representative of your specific study course. These two have been planned not to overlap, so attend both 🙂
How should I get to University?
By bus
… on the bus stop “Universität Busterminal”. From there it’s a 5 minute walk to the buildings of the Computer Science department. You can review the current bus schedule at saarfahrplan.de or in the Saarfahrplan App.
Please note, to make use of your „Deutschlandsemesterticket“ you need to obtain it first.
By car
… you can park at the parking lot “Parkhaus Ost”. Please note that there might be parking fees. You can find more information here.
What does StEP stand for?
The name originates from the German version of our introductory event, which is called Studierenden Einführungs Phase (which translates roughly as „Introductory phase for students“).
How much time should I plan for? Will there be a detailed schedule?
Yes, there will be an estimated schedule here on the website. But, for the sake of transparency: Experience from previous years has shown that we will more often than not not stick to the schedule and will spontaneously postpone things here and there or end the presentations later than indicated. Therefore, please consider the timetable as a reference only!
In case you want to attend the evening events, you should plan for the whole day. The events will be announced here on the website at a later time or during the StEP.