Frequently Asked Questions

Studenten im Hörsaal

We would like to inform you about the frequently asked questions concerning our topic and answer them. If you cannot find that information you are looking for, please do not hesitate to contact us: info@rub2013.de.

You can also find general information about Doppelter Abiturjahrgang and the expected increased amount of first-year students here.

 

What is meant by "Doppelter Abiturjahrgang“?

In 2004 the board of education in NRW decided about a reformation of the educational system. This implied a reduction of school years until graduation. Students with the aim to graduate from school with the Abitur (A-levels) formerly had to go through 9 years of secondary school. This comparatively long period of education was reduced to a total length of 8 years with the intention to have young graduates. Subsequent to this reduction of school years, universities in NRW will face two generations of high-school graduates in 2013. This in turn will increase the amount of expected first-year university students. The Ministerium für Innovation, Wissenschaft und Forschung in NRW (MIWF, Ministry for innovation, science, and research) estimates that in 2013 there will be about 111.000 Studienberechtigte (high-school graduates with a university qualification) ready to enrol in university. Therefore there will be 19.000 additional students in NRW compared to 2012.

 

Will it be more difficult to study at RUB?

Since 2007 the universities in NRW have already built up study capacities, supported by the ministry, in order to meet the requirements of the constant increase of first-year students. Although we try to offer every student the university place he or she wants, we cannot guarantee that in every single case. Please contact our team or the International Office to learn about the most popular subjects. If there is a place problem with your first choice we can think about a suitable alternative for your time at RUB together.

 

Will lecture rooms be crowded?

No. The faculties will take care that the quality of lessons will also be sustained for the students of Doppelter Abiturjahrgang or even to improve teaching. However, each chair is dealing differently with the increased student numbers. Popular subjects already have a restricted admission (numerus clausus), which ensures a constant student number. For these subjects courses were designed that guarantee optimal conditions aimed to produce first class university students. However, we will also have subjects that provide novel courses especially designed to meet the increased student numbers. Thus additional compact courses, eLearning offers and block seminars will be introduced.

 

Will I have to change my choice of university or subject?

Maybe. Although we try to offer every student the university place he or she wants, most likely we cannot guarantee that in every single case. Please contact our team or the team of our International Office to learn about the most popular subjects. If there is a place problem with your first choice we can think about a suitable alternative subject for your time at RUB together.

 

How do you provide for the mentoring of students?

The mentoring system is handled by the chairs and thus may be quite variable among faculties. In some cases the faculty has already hired a successor if the recent chair owner will retire in a few years. In this case the position will be dually staffed during the time of the increased number of first year students. This will maintain the quality of student mentoring. Other chairs will employ extra staff and tutors who assist the professor with student mentoring. These options ensure that there is always a person available to assist you. Additionally the RUB will concentrate on blended learning concepts and e-exams.

 

Will I have a problem taking part in a course?

Generally every student has the same chance to obtain a course place. Places in seminars with limited amount of participants will be distributed based on order of application or chosen by lot. Advanced courses commonly require successful participation in certain basic courses to get a place. Please contact the lecturer or study consultant to ask about the application procedure in your field of study. There you will also learn about the general demand of course places. This allows you to properly plan your studies at the RUB.

 

Will I have a problem getting a seat at lunch or in the library?

During rush hours it will surely be crowded in the canteen. However, we try to increase capacities as soon as possible to feed all of our students. This requires the extension of the canteen to several places on campus.

Besides study halls and lecture rooms we also want to create a friendly and welcoming atmosphere at RUB. Therefore we have refurnished most of the universities’ cafeterias. Furthermore, we installed a café and a bistro next to the canteen and extended the opening hours. This shall invite students to meet their study companions and discuss recent courses or problems. Here everybody has the opportunity to purchase snacks, ice cream, and coffee. However, some warm and hearty dishes are also available.

 

Will the metro or the busses be crowded?

With increasing student numbers, the metro will of course be more crowded. The Bogestra transport services already established additional trains during rush hours upon the request of RUB. In the morning the metro is coming every 3 minutes instead of the regular 5 minute cycle. In cooperation with the city of Bochum we also work on a comprehensive mobility concept.

 

Will I have a chance to get important books in the library or will they always be out of stock?

The central library on campus and the faculty libraries are currently expanding their book stocks. Prolonged opening hours offer the chance to access the main library on Sundays and late in the evenings. The number of carrels has also been extended. In addition online media has been increased. Thereby we try to rule out any type of bottleneck in book loan or in reference copies in 2013.

In some cases however, (urgent and frequent use of standard literature) you should consider purchasing certain books for your unrestrained usage. Many standard works are offered second hand at reasonably low price. You may ask your student council office, if there is any book exchange in your faculty.

 

Who can help me with questions and problems?

We have different contact persons for different problems. With general questions concerning your stay in Germany, formalities, registration etc. you should contact the RUB International Office. The different faculty advisors can answer questions concerning your subject or field of study. Please request at the chair or faculty office and they will assist you. In advance you may refer to web pages of RUB.2013, the International Office or the RUB in general.

 

Will I get a room in the halls of residence?

The capacities of residential homes in Bochum are increased at the moment in order to meet the future demands. If you need a room in the halls of residence, you should register for that as soon as possible. Please ask the International Office for information about room capacities and registration formalities.

 

How long will it be so crowded at RUB?

Even though we predict a maximum number of first year students in 2013 and 2014, we suspect a constant increase of student numbers for the next several years. This results from the recently decided suspension of conscription and some “baby-boom” years. All plans at RUB are therefore configured for several years.