Tips and tricks for studying online
Dear students,
The conditions for studying during the corona pandemic are different and partly new - for you as well as for the teachers. That is why we have put together a few tips and tricks that can help you, especially when learning online.
You are probably already familiar with some of the steps and tools listed here - so much the better!
Simply check the topics that are relevant to you.
We will gradually expand this web page - so be sure to check back frequently.
Introductory courses are held for everyone new to the HHU in winter term 2021/2022, taking place either virtually or in person.
Among these are the official reception of first-semester students, introductory courses by the respective faculties and courses of study, the so-called "ESAGs" organised by the students of the respective departments, and the orientational tutorials.
Die Orientierungstutorien sind Veranstaltungen, die semesterbegleitend oder in Form eines Blocks für Studienanfänger*innen angeboten werden. Sie werden nicht von „Dozierenden“, sondern von studentischen Tutor*innen des jeweiligen Fachs geleitet. Die Tutorien helfen Ihnen, sich mit dem digitalen Lehren und Lernen vertraut zu machen und schaffen auch jenseits von Präsenzveranstaltungen die Möglichkeit, Kommiliton*innen kennen zu lernen. Hier gibt es weitere Informationen und die Kontakte für die einzelnen Fächer.
The orientational tutorials are courses held throughout the semester or en bloc and are aimed at new students. They are not held by "Professors" but by student tutors from the respective course. These tutorials will help you get comfortable with digital teaching and learning, and offer a chance to get to know fellow students outside of in-person lectures and seminars. Here you can find more information and contacts regarding the respective courses (German website).
For online seminars and digital learning, access to a reliable internet connection and a suitable device (ideally a laptop or desktop device plus headset and, if applicable, webcam) is essential.
Not everyone has this equipment. In case that you do not have sufficient hardware, consult your teachers and try to find a solution together.
The HHU software portal offers various programs at affordable prices. To be able to use the licenses, either your computer must be in the HHU network or you must have installed the VPN-Client (German website). You can find more information and instructions here (German website).
You need the university ID for almost all digital services of HHU.
The matriculation number and the initial password of the registration form of the matriculation or confirmation documents are required for activation.
You can find more information and instructions on the following pages:
- What it is and how it works (German website)
- Step-by-step instructions (German website)
The HHU Card is a student ID card, canteen card, library card and NRW ticket in one. Please activate the HHU Card according to the instructions in the enclosed letter.
Without activation, the NRW semester ticket is invalid.
Here's how it works (German website).
The student portal gives you quick and uncomplicated access to important information, useful services and necessary materials for your studies. Above all, this includes exam registration and a personal overview of achievements.
You can also download study certificates from the student portal.
You need the university ID to log in. The student portal gives you direct access to other systems such as the booking of courses, the account of the ULB, the university email and the ELearning platform ILIAS without having to register again.
The "Hochschulinformationssystem Lehre Studium Forschung" (HIS-LSF) is an electronic event directory in which you can compile your individual timetable.
You can also access courses and course materials in ILIAS by registering for the course at the LSF.
This semester, many of your courses are offered on the central learning platform ILIAS. You can find the log in at the top right. Log in with your university ID and password
Under the tab "Personal desktop" you can choose "Courses and groups". Now all courses for which you registered as a member appear in the middle of your screen. In the respective courses, you will find materials and assignments.
You can access this digital teaching and learning platform of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities here.
To be able to use them, you first have to create an account. To do this, go to "Login" at the top right and select "Create new account?"
Now accept the terms of use and the data protection declaration and then enter your personal information. It is IMPORTANT that you enter your real name so that the lecturers can assign you later (BN certificates, etc.)!
On the home page, you will find an overview of the courses on offer. After you logged in with your account, you can now register in the desired course. Depending on the configuration, you will need a password that you will receive from the course management in advance. After successful registration, you can access assignments, documents, exercises etc. in this course.
In the menu on the left, you will find an overview of the courses you have taken. In the menu bar at the top right, you have access to your personal profile and messages.
Many teachers have ordered e-books for this semester, which are available from the library. To be able to access the e-books outside the campus, you have to install and activate the VPN-Client.
There is also the ULB online KIT with information on access to e-books and other digital resources.
On the ILIAS homepage you can access the “ULB Compass for Students", which offers information on using the ULB, on researching and evaluating literature and on organizing your studies (all information in German).
Via Cloud-Service Sciebo documents may be exchanged an can be commented.
Sciebo is available to all students via their university ID and password but you have to register first.
Studying online has many advantages: You can usually organize your own time, do not spend long time for commuting, and can do private work in between. On the other hand, there are also challenges: When studying from home, personal responsibility, time management and self-organization are even more important than usual. Below we have put together a few tips for you (all information in German):
Alternatively you can check out the services of the SSC here.
If face-to-face communication and direct social interaction on campus cannot happen, many things are communicated in writing. Important: Especially in the case of written online communication, it is easy to misinterpret messages because you cannot see the face and gestures of the other person. When writing it is therefore important to ask yourself whether something could be misunderstood.
Hereafter we have put together a few notes on different forms of communication.
Exams
Examinations take place under consideration of Corona measures.
You can find updated information here.
HHU tries to address all your concerns and questions about studying online.
- You can ask questions about technical issues here: Helpdesk
- You can contact student counselling, psychological counselling, student and examination administration, the International Office and the coordination office for refugees via the SSC.
- In addition, a virtual counselling centre for student counselling and psychological counselling has been set up.
- The student council offers information on its services on the council's webpage.
- The Studierendenwerk Düsseldorf offers social counselling. Here you will find support in solving social, personal and economic problems linked to your studies. This service is strictly confidential.
- Your contact person for financial counselling at the Studierendenwerk Düsseldorf is Mr. Kolberg. You will find him under submenu "Alternativen zu BAFöG und Daka".
- Studying from home with a child is a big challenge. The Familiy Support Centre offers consultations.
- The commissioner for students with disabilities and chronic illnesses offers information, advice and support.
- Information for international students.
- For career orientation the Career Service compiled a list of information.
- For general concerns that are not included in the above list, you can contact the Representative for International Relations of your respective faculty.