9 Tips for Freshers

Welcome to the St. Pölten University of Applied Sciences!
We are happy to have you here – time to depart on your study journey.

We have 9 tips for you to help you get your bearings fast:

1. Know the most important abbreviations

Terms like CSC, ECTS, or SWS can be confusing at first:

• CIS (Campus Information System): All information pertaining to grades, timetables, and documents.
• CSC (Campus & Study Center): Your first point of contact for questions and information. And they rent out table tennis bats, too.
• eCampus: Learning platform for materials, courses, and submissions.
• ECTS: European system to measure the workload of courses. 1 ECTS credit ≈ 25 hours of work.
• JGV (“Jahrgangsvertreter*in“, class representative): Contact person for problems regarding your year/class¹.
• ÖH (“Österreichische Hochschüler*innenschaft“, Austrian Students‘ Union): Legal student representation for advice, services, and events.
• SWS (“Semesterwochenstunden”, semester periods per week): Teaching units that you spend in class.

¹ Student cohort who started the same study programme in the same year

Tip: Remember the abbreviation of your study programme early on – e.g., BMT for Media Technology.

2. Find Your Way around Campus

Every room has its own code: e.g., A.1.12 = room 12 on the first floor of building A.

If you lose your way:

• Go to the CSC: easy to find on the ground floor of building B, to the right of the main entrance.
• Campus Guide in the CIS: an interactive map that shows the locations of all rooms.

3. Make Use of the Labs and Technical Equipment

The campus offers numerous labs and studios: Radio Studio, Cyber Defense Center, Electronics Lab, Kitchen Lab, and many more. In addition, you can borrow equipment such as cameras and microphones.

Depending on your study programme and semester, you receive authorisations for and introductions to the rooms you may need – perfect for implementing your own projects and experiments. Make sure to check whether you have to book rooms in advance.

Explore the labs

4. Take Advantage of Flexible Opening Hours

The campus is accessible for students 24/7 – perfect for night owls, early risers, and anyone looking for flexibility in working on their projects.

5. Establish New Contacts

There are many opportunities to get to know students from various semesters and study programmes:

• Optional subjects: Classes across different semesters.
• Campus Media: Magazine, radio, TV – working together with lots of fun. 
• Campus Sports: Discounts on sports classes – volleyball, dancing, bootcamp, and many more.
• ÖH events: Christmas punch get-togethers, Mario Kart tournaments – ideal for networking.

6. Make Money on the Side and Gain Experiences

In search of a part-time job?
Job vacancies for student assistants are advertised regularly at the UAS – for example, for the library, in IT support, or for projects. You can find them in the Career Center.

7. Start Your International Career

A European mindset omnipresent in everyday life at the St. Pölten UAS. As part of the European University Alliance E³UDRES², you are well connected from the beginning – with people from various countries, specialisations, and realities of life.

Be it a bootcamp, hackathon, or summer school:

• You can take part in short-term formats that facilitate exchange and open up new perspectives.
• Many offers are free of charge and earn you ECTS credits as well – without the requirement of completing a semester abroad.

And by the way: If you want to get even more out of your studies, the St. Pölten UAS offers many individual creative possibilities – both internationally and on campus. Design your individual course of studies.

8. Get Support in Case of Problems

Who can help in case everything is not running smoothly:

• Study programme administrations: for study-related questions.
• CSC: for general information, documents, and organisational support.
• Ombuds Office: for advice and mediation in conflicts or complex topics pertaining to study law.
• Peers4you / “ÖH-Sozialreferat” (ÖH social welfare department): for psychological or financial support.
• “Bundesvertretung der ÖH“ (ÖH federal representation): nationwide counselling, transfer to experts, and psychosocial helpline.

9. Stay up to Date

• Studo-App: Your timetable, campus news, event calendar, and chat with colleagues – all directly on your smartphone.
• Instagram: Tips, event info, job offers, and everything to make student life easier.
• TikTok: Insights into campus life, helpful tips for St. Pölten, the way from the station to the UAS, and entertainment for breaks.

With these tips, you are well prepared – from the first lab experiments to getting to know new people. We wish you all the best for your studies and hope you have a great time!

Find more practical tips here:

• Read the story: All You Need to Know to Kickstart Your Studies
• Explore the Services for Your Studies
• Take a look at the FAQs for Students