Into your first semester with a clear view.
A student from a higher semester of your degree programme supports you as you start at KIT. You meet every 2 to 3 weeks, from November to February.
Start your applicationWhat you talk about
Anything that comes up in your first semester. A few questions first-year students often ask, and what an answer might sound like:
1 of 6
Which problem sheets do I really have to hand in?
Check in the first lecture whether the course has a coursework requirement. If it does, every sheet counts towards being admitted to the exam. And if not, do them anyway: the exam often looks a lot like the sheets.
5th semester, Mathematics
Is a study group worth it?
Almost always. Three of you on one sheet get through it faster, and you notice sooner what you have not understood yet. Just talk to the people next to you in the first tutorial, they are usually looking too.
3rd semester, Computer Science
Is it normal not to understand everything yet?
Yes, completely. Almost everyone feels that way in the first weeks, even the people who seem confident in tutorials. What matters is that you keep at it and ask early, not just before the exam.
7th semester, Business Informatics
How do I register for exams?
Online in the student portal, usually a few weeks before the exam. The deadline is easy to miss, so we look it up together at our first meeting.
5th semester, Industrial Engineering and Management
Library or home for studying?
Try both in the first weeks. Many people work through problem sheets together in the library and revise alone at home. Fixed times matter more than the place.
3rd semester, Digital Economics
Where do I meet people in Karlsruhe?
The student council’s events for first-years are the easiest way in, then university sport or a student group. If you like, I can take you along the first time.
5th semester, Business Informatics
How your semester goes
About 45 minutes per meeting, in person or online.
Kickoff
You get to know each other and agree how often and where you meet.
Settling in
Your timetable, the courses that really count, housing and everyday life in Karlsruhe.
A first look ahead
Study groups and student assistant jobs (HiWi).
Planning for exams
Exam registration, a revision plan and what to prioritise.
Looking ahead and wrapping up
Working student jobs, internships and what comes after your degree.
After that, you decide for yourselves whether to carry on.
Plus seminars
One hour, one topic, someone who knows it well. Given by mentors and guests.
Topics, for example
- CVs and applications
- Study methods
- Working with AI
- Starting a business
Tandems are invited first, free places go to everyone at KIT.
What to expect
From us
- A mentor from your degree programme, in their 3rd semester or later
- Meetings every 2 to 3 weeks for one semester, about 45 min. each
- An event just for tandems on student assistant jobs, working student positions and internships
- Invitations to the seminars before they open to everyone
- Contact with tandems from other degree programmes
From you
- Accept your place by the deadline
- Come to the kickoff
- Keep your meetings or cancel in good time
- Give brief feedback at the end
KITE is not tutoring, not psychological counselling and not run by KIT.
How we select
This is how your application looks to us when we read it. We do not ask for grades.
MotivationA reason that sounds like you
Why would you like to take part in KITE?
Nobody in my family has been to university. During orientation week I noticed how little I know about how things work at KIT. I would like someone who tells me honestly what matters in the first semester.
GoalsTwo or three concrete points are enough
What would you like to have achieved by the end of the semester?
A regular study group for maths. Sitting the exams in Programming and Linear Algebra. Knowing whether I am more interested in software development or data science.
InitiativeA part-time job counts as much as an internship
Your experience
- Supermarket checkout, two years alongside school
- Coach of an under-11 football team
CareWe do not assess style or spelling
And overall
Do the answers address the questions, and do the details fit together?
You apply
About 15 minutes, the same form for everyone, no CV.
We read without names
We assess your answers without seeing who wrote them. Each degree programme gets a shortlist.
Mentors choose
The mentors in your degree programme read the shortlist and decide who they would like to mentor.
You hear back
About a week after the deadline, whatever the outcome.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost?
Nothing. Mentors and the organising team are all volunteers.
Is KITE run by KIT?
No. KITE is a student initiative, not run by KIT. We are independent of the faculties and the administration and do not speak for KIT. Official study advice is offered by the zib at KIT.
Which degree programmes are taking part?
You can apply for Business Informatics, Computer Science, Digital Economics, Mathematics and Industrial Engineering and Management. But a programme is only confirmed once 3 mentors from exactly that programme have signed up. As soon as that is settled for your programme, we will let you know.
What happens if I do not get a place?
If you were on the shortlist, you go on the waiting list. You are invited to our open event and the open seminars, and from your 3rd semester you can become a mentor yourself.
Anything else? Ask us directly: hallo@kite-karlsruhe.stec-online.com
Until the application deadline
Sun, 1 Nov, 23:59. You can stop at any time and continue later.