StartGut FAQ

Who is StartGut for?

StartGut is an offer for all potential students of electrical engineering, mechanical engineering and sustainable engineering who doubt if they are able to get study started without any help. Be it for subject-specific reasons (often lacking sufficient mathematics skills) or for organizational and personal reasons.

What is a pre-semester?

In the pre-semester you study only a few subjects and take additional courses in the field of mathematics. It's also about learning the best way to study and how to complete successfully your studies.

Will additional costs be incurred for me by participating in H-BRS StartGut?

The only price for taking part in StartGut is an extension of one to two semesters - but many students take anyway a little longer to complete all the exams. The additional offers do not cost anything.

What can I expect when I join StartGut at H-BRS?

You receive special support for a successful start to your studies. For this we expect from you the will to get involved in the program, that means to use not only subject-specific but also interdisciplinary offers, to study with dedication and to take responsibility for you and your studies.

When can I get into StartGut?

If you decide to receive funding from StartGut even before you start your studies, then it is best to start studying in the summer semester so that you have one semester to get to know the university and to fill the subject-specific gaps. It is also possible to enter the Abitur phase a few weeks after the start of the semester. It is also possible to enter during your Abitur phase (a few weeks after the beginning of the semester). So you will benefit from assistance in preparing for the Mathematics Abitur and have a smooth transition from school to your studies without losing time. We are available for extensive consultation and as a contact person.

How do I sign up? How do I apply for the program?

We recommend to contact us in advance, so that we can get to know each other and adivse you. Enrollment for the studies takes place in winter semester. In summer semester you can only enroll as part of StartGut. Registration for StartGut takes place firectly with us and begins with a preliminary talk. There are enough free places.

• More time for studies. Your studies are equalized in the first semesters. You focus on fewer subjects per semester.
• Additional courses.Mathematics 1 in the summer semester, connecting exercise mathematics and engineering, Studierwerkstatt (study's workshop).
• Good integration into the university. We advise you comprehensively on all matters relating to your studies, be it in terms of content, organization or personal aspects. In addition, you get to know some of your fellow students at an initial meeting, in the Studierwerkstatt (study workshop) or at the learn-excursion. Together you study and learn better.

What are the disadvantages?

If you participate in StartGut, you decide that the beginning of your studies is a bit slower than regular. This prolongs your studies. But we think it's better to study a little longer than to fail or lose control over your studies. And sometimes it is the right decision to do something else. You should decide quite early, for example, after one year, and to obtain advice. 

What is the Studierwerkstatt (study's workshop)?

The Studierwerkstatt offers a space for accompanied, subject-related self-study. You meet four times a week with other students of different semesters and work through lectures, calculates exercises, write protocols, etc. Here, emerging questions can be clarified quickly, either with other students or the lecturers. The regular rhythm helps to get on well.

If you have any further questions:

We at H-BRS StartGut are happy to hear from you. Simply write an email to startgut@h-brs.de, call or visit Room B 295 (Roberta Hodel and Nadine Marth).