Tips for First-Year Students: How to get a Successful Start

Written by: Helene Ausserwöger, 25.06.2026

With your high school diploma in hand, you’re about to begin a new chapter. Studying at a university or a university of applied sciences is a rewarding and enriching experience. However, especially at the beginning, when everything is new and unfamiliar, many first-year students feel overwhelmed or lost. That’s completely normal, as starting higher education is a major transition. That’s why we’ve put together these tips for first-year students to help make your start into university life easier.

Table of Contents:

Before the semester starts: The most important Preparations

Starting university comes with many new challenges – from finding accommodation to managing your finances. With the right preparation, you can begin your first semester with confidence and ease.

Apartment, Shared Flat, or Student Residence: Which One Is Right for You?

Many students need to move out of their family home to attend university. Depending on your budget and preferences, you have three main options:

  • Private Apartment: More responsibility, higher costs, maximum independence 
  • Shared Flat (WG): Affordable, social, and household tasks are shared 
  • Student Residence: The most convenient and often the most affordable option – utilities and internet are usually included 

Start looking for accommodation well before the semester begins, as demand is especially high in university cities. Here, you can learn about the differences between shared flats and student residences, as well as the benefits of living in a STUWO student residence!

Create a Budget Plan: Keep Track of Your Income and Expenses

According to OeAD, students’ expenses average around €1,300 per month. Rent, groceries, public transport passes, study materials, and leisure activities can quickly add up. Possible sources of income are:

To learn more about the grants, scholarships, and financing options available to you, take a look at our overview of how to finance your studies in Austria.

Semester Planning – How to Stay on Top of Things

Especially at the beginning of your studies, there are many appointments, deadlines, and administrative tasks to keep track of. With good semester planning, you can create the best conditions for a smooth and successful start to university life.

Create Your Timetable & Register for Courses

You can find the recommended study plan in your degree programme’s curriculum. It shows which courses you should take in your first semester, including the mandatory STEOP (Introductory and Orientation Phase) in most cases. Register as early as possible, as popular courses fill up quickly. Registration periods often begin during the semester break. 

Tip: The Studo app can help you keep your timetable organised and easy to manage.

Student Financial Aid & Scholarships: Apply Now!

Be sure to apply for student financial aid, even if you’re not sure if you meet all the requirements. It’s always worth a try. You can usually apply for a performance scholarship in autumn and they are awarded based on your performance in the previous academic year. You can find all the details in our article about performance scholarships!

University Essentials: Student ID, Semester Pass & Cafeteria Card

After enrolling, you will receive your student ID card. Make sure to validate it once you have paid the Austrian Students’ Union (ÖH) fee, because you will need it for exams, student discounts, and access to the university library. It also allows you to purchase discounted public transport tickets, such as the KlimaTicket Austria or a semester pass. Plus, university cafeterias usually offer fresh, warm, and affordable meals. Depending on your institution, you can access these either with a cafeteria card or simply with your student ID.

During the First Few Weeks: Orientation & Social Connections

The first few weeks at university are a great chance to meet new people and get settled into student life. Make the most of orientation events, tutorials, and other activities offered by your institution to get to know fellow students, make new friends, and find your way around campus.

Make the Most of Orientation Events & First-Year Tutorials

Try to visit your university before your first lecture so you’re not rushing around looking for the right lecture hall on your first day. Many universities organise orientation events during the first week of the semester, where you can pick up lots of useful tips for first year students. You’ll find out where to get your student ID, where the cafeteria is, and much more. These events are often run by students from higher semesters, who can also share helpful advice about lecturers, courses, and exams.

Making Friends at University: How to Get Started

Making new friends as an adult isn’t always easy, but at university everyone is in the same boat! Here are some of the best ways to meet people: 

  • STEOP courses: Most students are in their first semester, so don’t be afraid to start a conversation. 
  • First-year mentoring programmes: More experienced students can help you settle into university life. 
  • Facebook groups for your degree programme: Great for finding study materials, exam tips, job opportunities, and new contacts. 
  • Tandem partners and the ESN/Erasmus Buddy Programme: Perfect for meeting international students and expanding your network.

Join a Study Group: Learning Is Better Together

Find a study group that matches your learning style. Studying together is not only more fun, but it also helps you stay motivated. Problems that seem impossible to solve on your own are often much easier when you tackle them as a team. You can prepare for exams together, support each other, and celebrate your successes along the way. Bonus tip: Share your notes with each other!

Managing Daily Life: Time Management & Motivation

University gives you a lot of freedom, but it also comes with responsibility. Our tip for first-year students: Set clear goals, stay organised, and build good study habits from the start. It’ll be much easier to stay motivated and keep track of lectures, assignments, and exams throughout the semester.

Set Goals at the Start of the Semester

Before university life gets busy, take a moment to ask yourself: Why did you choose this degree? What do you want to achieve? Is graduating as quickly as possible your priority, or would you rather spend a semester abroad? Having clear answers to these questions can help you stay focused when your motivation starts to dip. The SMART method is a great way to set effective goals and get started.

Make the Most of Your Early-Semester Motivation

As the semester goes on, assignments, presentations, and exams can pile up quickly. That’s why it’s a good idea to make the most of your motivation at the start of the semester. Give presentations as early as possible and try to get exams out of the way sooner rather than later. Check out our tips on staying motivated at university for even more advice!

Get Your Study Essentials Ready

Make sure you have the basics you need to stay organised throughout the semester: 

  • A planner or calendar app to keep track of deadlines and exam dates 
  • Notebooks, pens, and highlighters for taking notes 
  • A laptop or tablet for research, assignments, and larger projects

Enjoying Student Life – Work-Life Balance while Studying

Between lectures, study sessions, and exams, don’t forget to make time for yourself. One of the most important tips for first-semester students is to maintain a healthy work-life balance. It will help you stay motivated, manage stress, and make the most of your university experience.

Affordable Sports, Leisure & Culture for Students

University is about more than just studying! With your student ID, you can enjoy discounts at museums, cinemas, and cultural events. The University Sports Institute (USI) also offers a wide range of great sports courses at student-friendly prices – check out the most popular USI courses. If you’re looking for a change of scenery while studying, we also recommend some of the best study cafés in Vienna, Graz, and Linz.

Be Yourself: Building Your Social Circle at University

Stay true to yourself and let your personality shine! The right people will find their way into your life naturally. It’s completely okay if you’re more reserved and prefer to take your time getting to know others. You don’t need to make lifelong friends on your very first day. Create a social circle that feels right for you, and remember: throughout your studies, you’ll meet plenty of interesting people along the way.

Tips for First-Year Students: A Summary

Nobody starts university with everything figured out, and you don’t have to either. Most first-year students ask themselves the same questions, try to find their place, and need some time to settle into their new routine. That’s completely normal. 

If you follow these university tips for first years by taking care of the most important organisational tasks early on, staying open to meeting new people, and setting yourself realistic goals, you’ll already be giving yourself the best possible start. The rest will come with time – just like it does for everyone else. 

Enjoy your first few weeks, try new things, and don’t put too much pressure on yourself. University is about more than lectures and exams – it’s a time full of new experiences, friendships, and opportunities. And if you ever feel stuck, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Almost every student has faced the same challenges at some point, and many problems are easier to solve than they first seem.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions about Tips for First-Year Students

As a first year student you should start with getting organised. Register for your courses early, keep track of important deadlines, and familiarise yourself with your campus. Orientation events, mentoring programmes, and student groups are also great ways to meet people and settle into university life.

Some of the best habits include attending classes regularly, staying on top of assignments, keeping a study schedule, and taking breaks when needed. Setting clear goals and maintaining a healthy balance between studying and your personal life can also help you stay motivated throughout the semester.

The key is to stay on track and avoid leaving everything until the last minute. Attend lectures, review your notes regularly, join a study group if it helps you learn, and start preparing for exams well in advance. Don’t hesitate to ask classmates, tutors, or lecturers for support when you need it.

Set realistic goals and remind yourself why you chose your degree in the first place. Breaking larger tasks into smaller steps can make studying feel more manageable. It also helps to celebrate small achievements, stay connected with friends, and make time for activities you enjoy outside of university.

Questions?

We are happy to help!

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