Information for Freshers
Welcome at the Faculty of Life Sciences! On this website you will find the information you need to start your studies.
General Information
Website
General information for students - from semester dates to the examination phase - can be found on this website:
https://www.hochschule-rhein-waal.de/en/academics/students
Checklist
The checklist is an aid for completing the necessary steps before starting a bachelor's degree program at the Faculty of Life Sciences. Use the provided links and instructions for detailed information, which you can find as a PDF document in the download area or directly via this link: Checklist.
Faculty Day / Freshers' Day
Freshers' Day will take place on March 27, 2026. On this day, you will receive an overview of all important information for the start of your studies during the event "Enrolled – and what’s next?" organized by the Faculty of Life Sciences.
Daily Program - March 27, 2026
1) "Enrolled – and what’s next?" Speaker: Study Guide Laura Preisker
Unfortunately, the presentation “Eingeschrieben – und wie geht’s weiter?” / “Enrolled – and what’s next?” scheduled for Friday, March 27, has to be cancelled as the speaker has fallen ill on short notice.
At this point, it is still unclear whether the session will be rescheduled after her recovery or whether the presentation slides will be sent to you via email instead.
As soon as a decision has been made, all enrolled students will be informed immediately. For urgent questions in the meantime, please contact the Student Advisory Service or the Study Guide (once she is back on duty).
2) "Introductory Event: What is your degree program about?" Introduction to the degree program & welcome for first-semester students.
- Biological Resources: On March 27, 2026, immediately following the online lecture "Enrolled – and what’s next?" (approx. 2:30 PM). Location: Building 12 | Ground Floor | Room 010 (Prof. Platte).
- Health Sciences and Management The event will take place on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, as part of the Health Promotion and Prevention course at 9:00 AM in Building | Ground Floor (EG) | Room 008.
- Food Sciences The event will take place on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, as part of the Food Process Technology lecture at 10:15 AM in Building 05 | Floor 02 | Room 027.
Further Information Rhine-Waal University website for Freshers' Day: https://www.hochschule-rhein-waal.de/en/academics/students/welcome/freshers-day
3) Program of the Student Council (FSR) of the Faculty of Life Sciences
On March 27, 2026, the Student Council (FSR) Life Sciences is planning a colorful program to welcome new students.
- Time: Tentatively from 08:15 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Location: In front of the canteen (Mensa) and – subject to final room booking – on the roof of the canteen.
- Program: The FSR offers campus tours and organizes info sessions for the start of studies. There is also the opportunity for lab coat distribution to first-semester Life Sciences students. Social interaction is also taken care of: games, music, snacks, giveaways, and, weather permitting, a picnic atmosphere await you on the canteen roof.
Email, Moodle, HISinOne & Co.
Setting up all necessary accounts early is an important prerequisite for a successful first semester.
An overview and assistance can be found on the university's IT Services website:
Student Advisory Service
The Central Student Advisory Service supports you with general questions about your studies and offers numerous events on various topics.
Student Service Point:
Faculty-Specific Information
Schedule / Timetable
The current version of the timetable can be found online on the Faculty of Life Sciences homepage at:
https://www.hochschule-rhein-waal.de/en/faculties/life-sciences
Degree Program Website
On your degree program's website, you will find examination regulations, module handbooks, and study plans (on the right under Quicklinks). These help you organize your studies and contain important information, e.g., on module contents and examination forms. Further information can be found at:
https://www.hochschule-rhein-waal.de/en/faculties/life-sciences/degree-programmes
Access to Laboratories
Access to laboratories is only possible after passing the general safety briefing and with a lab coat. The safety briefing must be completed online via Moodle (moodle.hochschule-rhein-waal.de).
Learning Agreement (Master's students only)
Did your bachelor's degree only have 6 semesters (180 CP) instead of 7 (210 CP)? If so, you are missing 30 CP, which you must catch up on before registering your master's thesis.
If you study Health Sciences and Management or Food Sciences and need a Learning Agreement: You can clarify questions regarding the type and scope of the Learning Agreement with the Examination Board.
If you study Biological Resources and need a Learning Agreement: Please visit the Moodle course "BR3 5099 Learning agreement" (Course: BR3 5099 Learning agreement | Lernportal HSRW) to receive further information instead of contacting the Examination Board.
Only for Biological Resources Students
All Biological Resources students must complete and pass the Lab Crash Course. This usually takes place in the first week of lectures and should, if possible, be attended right at the beginning of the 1st semester. Registration for the Lab Crash Course is necessary in advance - please enroll in the following Moodle course for further information: "BR3 5098 Laboratory Crash Course" (Course: BR3 5098 Laboratory Crash Course | Lernportal HSRW)
Student Council (Fachschaft)
The Student Council represents the interests of all Life Sciences students and sees itself as an interface between the public, the faculty, staff, and students. Further information can be found here:
https://www.hochschule-rhein-waal.de/en/faculties/life-sciences/faculty-student-body