Welcome Guide
The Welcome Guide brings together the most important information for your first semester, from admission and planning the semester to online platforms, IT services and learning offers. You will receive the Welcome Guide in paper form at the orientation course or during the Welcome Weeks. This website aims to summarise the key information at a glance and provide quick and easy access to the right services and contacts.
Step by step through the first semester (page 12)
When it comes to organisation and studying, there are a few things you need to do to make sure your first semester at university is a success. Here is a checklist with the most important points.
- Complete your admission
- Order a student ID and library card
- Get your academic achievements recognised
- Plan courses and exams
- Settling in at the University – welcome to the (new) semester
- First stop – orientation event (OV)
- Get started with the introductory and orientation period (STEOP)
- Benefit from the Studienstart Plus programme
- Study regularly right from the start
- Study with peers
- Celebrate successes and learn from failure
- Keep going!
- Use the course evaluation to share your opinion
Congratulations – you have completed your first semester!
Online platforms
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u:space – the portal for your degree programme
u:space is the portal for organising your studies at the University of Vienna. Log in with your u:account to get access to all the services you will need throughout your degree programme.
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u:find – the course and staff directory
On u:find you can find all the courses on offer, as well as contact details for the University of Vienna’s departments and staff. You will also find important information about organising your studies, such as course and exam dates, which you can then export to your own calendar (iCal).
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Moodle – the e-learning platform
Moodle is the University of Vienna’s e-learning platform for students and staff. Courses are organised as virtual courses, in which teaching materials, recordings and other learning resources can be made available. For example, you may be asked to carry out exercises and hand in assignments via Moodle. Students and lecturers can exchange ideas and discuss topics via video, audio, chats and forums.
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u:ai – AI in higher education
Whether it is writing, translating, planning tasks or creating personal chatbots, AI can help you with day-to-day university life. At the same time, it is important that you use AI responsibly in your studies. With u:ai, the University of Vienna offers an AI tool with a range of features and language models. Please have a look at the information provided on the following website before using the tool.
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u:search – research tool and database
Looking for print and digital publications, such as books, magazines or articles? The Vienna University Library has exactly what you need!
IT services for students (page 22)
To use the University of Vienna’s IT services you will need your personal u:account. It consists of:
- the u:account UserID (for example: musterm99) and
- a u:account password of your choice.
Once you have been admitted to your degree programme, your u:account will give you access to IT services such as the following:
- Wi-Fi is available in all university buildings and at other educational institutions via eduroam.
- As a student you have a personal e-mail address and a mailbox. Check your e-mails regularly so you do not miss any important information. Only this e-mail address should be used to contact university departments and units, staff or lecturers.
- Microsoft 365 is free for students of the University of Vienna. Other software relevant to your studies can be purchased at affordable prices.
- Students can print, copy and scan on u:print devices.
- The u:cloud is your storage space in the University of Vienna’s ‘cloud’. You can access files you save in the u:cloud from anywhere and on any device.
- With the Zoom video conferencing system, you can hold meetings whilst sharing your screen or presentation, using a virtual whiteboard and even conducting polls.
- The ZID Helpdesk provides assistance with university-specific IT issues.
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STEOP mentoring
This mentoring offer during the introductory and orientation period will provide help with finding your way around the University and picking up some ‘insider tips’ on studying.
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Learning camp
Together with your fellow students and students from higher semesters, you will discover how to make your learning process more creative and effective.
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Writing mentoring
Do you have any questions about academic writing, academic language, structuring a text, how to use sources, etc.? Writing mentoring provides the answers you need.
Further support for students (page 24)
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u:rise – professional & career development
Here you will find a wide range of opportunities to develop various skills, such as self-organisation and work organisation, digital skills and much more.
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Staying healthy
Want to stay healthy throughout your studies with exercise, a balanced diet and mental resilience? Whether it is a sports class, nutritional advice or support during stressful periods, here you will find resources to help you stay healthy, focused and balanced throughout your degree programme.
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Accessible studying
If you have any questions about accessible studying or need support with your studies due to a physical or mental impairment, disability or illness, the Accessible Studying team can provide you with information and advice.
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Psychological Counselling Service
Studying, work and personal life can be very challenging. Here, psychologists offer psychological and psychotherapeutic support free of charge and in complete confidence.