The wide range of preparation options at the university offer first-year students an ideal opportunity to prepare for their academic journey. From orientation courses and language training to subject-specific workshops, these programmes allow students to adapt individually to the challenges of university life ahead. Targeted preparation provides students with a solid foundation for successfully embarking on their degree programmes.

Introduction to study techniques:
The Central Student Advisory Service informs students of all disciplines about study and learning techniques, contact points and support services at Paderborn University in the blog "Fit for Studying".

Brush up on specialised knowledge:
In subjects with a high proportion of maths, preparatory courses are available for first-year students to refresh their subject knowledge before the start of the lecture period:

• Pre-course in mathematics for economics degree programmes
• Pre-course in mathematics for STEM degree programmes and business informatics
• Pre-course in mathematics for prospective physicists
• Accounting for economics degree programmes
• Computer science pre-course for computer science degree programmes

Courses and examinations for Latin and Ancient Greek:
Some degree programmes require language skills in Latin and/or Ancient Greek. If you are unable to prove your language skills with your Abitur certificate, you must acquire them retrospectively. The Centre for Language Teaching (ZfS) offers a comprehensive range of courses and examinations for this purpose, which you can take advantage of before you start your studies.

Refresh your language skills or acquire language certificates:
The Centre for Language Teaching offers regular intensive courses during the lecture-free period, which can also be used before the start of your studies. In addition, language certificates such as TOEFL or DELE can be acquired, some of which are a prerequisite for enrolment. The courses are subject to a fee.

Orientation days for first-semester students
You will receive a programme-specific introduction to your degree programme during the orientation days. You will get to know your degree programme, the campus, the professors and your fellow students. You will also be informed about the course of study and the timetable.

Online courses
On the Online Open Resources NRW (OCRA) website, you can brush up on your previous knowledge in maths as well as language and text comprehension.