Come In—Weeks at Your University
From September 14 to 27, 2026
Pre-courses
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Mathematics pre-course Zittau (14.-18.09.26)
The preparatory course teaches and reviews relevant basic mathematics concepts. It serves as the ideal preparation for the Math 1 lectures in the first semester. The preparatory course consists of lectures, practice problems, and exercises and concludes with a final test. The test provides you with personalized feedback on your performance.
Preliminary Course Content: Basic arithmetic operations, powers, roots, logarithms, equations, functions, derivatives
Please bring: a scientific calculator (no specific model required!)
Information on the preliminary course in mathematics in Zittau- Duration: 5 days, including a final exam (90 minutes)
- Daily
Lecture: 8:30–10:00 a.m.
Problem-solving session: 10:15–11:45 a.m.
Practice session: 12:45–2:00 p.m. (except on Friday!) - Friday: Final exam 12:45 PM – 2:15 PM
- In-person event at the Zittau campus
- Participation fee: none
- Calculator information: No specific model is required. In addition to basic arithmetic operations, the calculator should support logarithms, exponents, and trigonometric functions (available on almost every model).
Registration required. Schedule subject to change.
Recommended for:All students at the Zittau campus who are taking math as part of their degree program ( see the course catalog ) and need a math refresher. Be sure to download our self-assessment test and check your math skills. The test will help you determine whether you should take the math preparatory course.
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Mathematics pre-course Görlitz (21.-25.09.26)
The preparatory course teaches and reviews relevant foundational mathematics concepts. It serves as the ideal preparation for the Math 1 lectures in the first semester. The preparatory course consists of lectures, practice problems, and exercises, and concludes with a final test.
Preliminary Course Content: Basic arithmetic operations, powers, roots, logarithms, equations, functions, derivatives
Please bring: a scientific calculator (no specific model required!)
Information on the preliminary course in mathematics in Görlitz- Duration: 5 days, including a final test (90 minutes)
- Daily
Lecture: 8:30–10:00 a.m.
Problem-solving session: 10:15–11:45 a.m.
Exercise session: 12:45–2:15 p.m. (except Friday!) - Friday: Final Test 12:45 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.
- In-person event at the Görlitz location
- Participation fee: None
- Calculator information: No specific model is required. In addition to basic arithmetic operations, the calculator should support logarithms, exponents, and trigonometric functions (available on almost every model).
Registration required. Schedule subject to change.
Recommended for:All students at the Görlitz campus who are taking math as part of their degree program ( see the module catalog ) and need a math refresher. Be sure to download our self-assessment test and check your math skills. The test will help you determine whether you should take the preparatory math course.
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Electrical engineering pre-course Zittau (21.-25.09.26)
The Introductory Course in Electrical Engineering covers the basic concepts of electrical engineering, introduces the fundamental principles of electrical circuits, and applies these principles to calculations using simple examples. It is designed to build on prior knowledge of mathematics and physics and to serve as a bridge to the upcoming degree program. The preparatory course consists of lectures with exercises and a concluding laboratory course.
Course content: Basic concepts of electrical engineering (electric charge, current, voltage, resistance, power); fundamentals of electrical circuits (resistor circuits in parallel and series configurations)
Please bring: a calculator, a set of math workbooks
Information on the electrical engineering preliminary course in Zittau- Duration: 5 days, including a laboratory course (90 minutes)
- Daily
. Starting on September 21: 9:00–10:00 a.m., then continuing from 10:15–11:45 a.m. (for everyone)
. On all other days, sessions will be held in groups: 8:30–10:00 a.m. (Group 1) or 10:15–11:45 a.m. (Group 2)
Soldering lab session on September 24: 12:45–4:00 p.m. - In-person session at the Zittau campus
- Group assignments will be made on the first day
- Participation fee: none
Registration required. Schedule subject to change.
Recommended for:Students of automation and mechatronics, electrical power systems
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Preliminary computer science course Görlitz (14.-18.09.26)
This preliminary course is aimed at beginners in programming. The first division provides an introduction to how you can create simple websites using HTML and CSS technologies. The second division focuses on JavaScript. After a brief introduction to programming, you will learn how to program simple interactions for websites and web apps using JavaScript.
Contents of the preliminary course: HTML, CSS, JavaScript
Please bring along: Motivation and your own notebook
Information on the preliminary course in computer science in Görlitz- Duration: 5 days
- daily 9 - 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 - 2 p.m. (except Friday: 9 - 11:30 a.m.)
- Attendance event at the Görlitz location
- Participation fee: none
Registration required. Dates are subject to change.
Recommended for:Students in the Computer Science and Economics and Computer Science degree programmes
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Physics Refresher Course - Zittau (September 21–24, 2026)
The preliminary course in physics serves to refresh the central content of school physics lessons based on the curriculum at grammar schools in Saxony. In addition, mathematical and physical basics are covered, as experience has shown that first-year students often have gaps in their knowledge in this area. A further focus is on the implementation, evaluation and clear presentation of physical experiments and their results.
Information on- Duration: 3 days
- on September 21 and 22 from 12:45 p.m. to 2:15 p.m.
- on September 24 from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.
- In-person event at the Zittau location
- Participation fee: none
Registration required. Schedule subject to change.
Recommended for:all students at the Zittau location who have physics in their studies (see module catalog ) and need a refresher course in physics work practices.
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Chemistry pre-course Zittau (21.-25.09.26)
This preliminary course serves as a refresher in the basics of chemistry. It offers opportunities to review chemical arithmetic, basic principles of atomic and bonding theories, as well as setting up general reaction equations. The preliminary course consists of lectures with exercises.
Contents of the preliminary course: Atomic models, types of bonding, structure of the periodic table of elements, setting up chemical reaction equations, stoichiometric calculations, basics of acid-base theory and pH value calculations, introduction to the course of chemical reactions from a kinetic and thermodynamic perspective
Please bring along: Calculator, board book with periodic table of the elements
Information on the chemistry preliminary course in Zittau- Duration: 5 days
- Attendance dates and self-study units in the OPAL learning platform
- Attendance event at the Zittau location
- Participation fee: none
Registration required. Dates are subject to change.
Recommended for:Students in the Molecular Biotechnology and Environmental Sciences degree programmes
Participation in the preparatory courses is free of charge.
All students eligible for BAföG who attend at least one of our in-person preparatory courses (all sessions!) may be eligible to receive BAföG as early as September . Important: The application must be submitted to the appropriate authority by September 30 at the latest.
Proof of attendance is provided via an attendance list, which is sent centrally by the HSZG to the BAföG (German financial aid for students) office.
Participation in recreational activities does not qualify you for early BAföG (German financial aid for students) payments.
Leisure activities
Online registration will open on August 20.
Leisure activities at the Zittau site
Look forward to our wide variety of recreational activities during the Come In Weeks:
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September 14: First joint meal at the cafeteria in Zittau
First day at the university and feeling hungry around lunchtime? No problem—we’ll meet at the lecture hall building and head over together to the Zittauer student canteen. The student canteen is an 8-minute walk from the lecture hall building. That way, you’ll get to know some of the best shortcuts right away…
Meeting place: around 11:45 a.m. in front of Building Z IV (Audimax)
What to bring: student ID card and a debit card or cash for lunch.
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September 14: Guided Tour of Zittau
Even though Zittau may seem small, there’s plenty to discover. On this guided tour, you’ll have the chance to explore the city where you’re studying and learn a bit about its history along the way.
Meeting point: Tourism Center, Markt 9, Zittau
When: 2:30 p.m. (that’s when we start!) to 3:30 p.m.
What to bring: comfortable shoes
Cost (€): none
Please register online in advance
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September 15: Dezi-Bar—a get-together at the Zittau Student Club
This is where Zittau’s nightlife begins—whether you’re catching up over a cold drink, playing cards, or dancing to the beats of some awesome DJs, anything goes here. Let’s raise a glass together to the start of your college life.
Meeting place: Club Dezibar Zittau
When: starting at 8 p.m.
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September 16: Creative Workshop at Café X in Zittau
Together, let’s explore the space at Café X in Zittau and let our creativity run wild. Here, you’ll have the chance to get creative with jewelry soldering and other activities while getting to know each other.
Meeting place: Café X (Böhmische Str. 8 - 02763 Zittau)
Location link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/acYfMGsERTPqaFAs6
Start time: 2:30 p.m.
What to bring:
- any creative projects you haven’t finished yet, like that crocheted scarf you started :-)
- You can also bring beads, beach finds, and small stones, and we’ll solder them into jewelry
Please register online.
Space is limited—there are only 15 spots available!
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September 17: Get to Know Each Other While Playing Volleyball & Relaxing at O-See (Olbersdorfer See)
If you want to get away from the city and just need some peace and quiet, O-See is the perfect place. Let’s spend a relaxing afternoon here together. We can play a few rounds of Viking chess, volleyball, card games…
Meeting point:
- Zittau: right by the volleyball courts, starting at 4:30 p.m. (Location: maps.app.goo.gl/4ubQnWd3EkGgbf5Z8)
- Görlitz: right at the train platform at the station—the train leaves for Zittau at 3:18 p.m.
What to bring:
- sufficient drinking, small snacks
- swimwear if needed, and your favorite game if you’d like
Please register online; walk-ins are also welcome.
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September 18: Jugger and Games in Zittau
Summer, sunshine, and relaxation—it’s easy to enjoy all that in the city park. Let’s get to know each other over a game of Jugger and other activities, such as Viking Chess or any card or board games.
Meeting place: starting at 3:00 p.m. at Westpark in Zittau (50°53'48.7"N 14°46'54.4"E; large meadow: maps.app.goo.gl/tjUeUebUKNGQY29fA)
What to bring: sufficient drinking water and, if you’d like, your favorite game
There’s also a McDonald’s nearby
Please register online. You’re also welcome to just show up.
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September 19: Joint hike for first-year students from Zittau and Görlitz in the Zittau Mountains
Zittau is perfectly located for a getaway into nature. On Saturday, we’ll go on a leisurely hike (8 km) together in the Zittau Mountains and recharge our batteries in nature. Hopefully, the weather will be good, and you’ll be treated to beautiful views along our hiking route.
We’ll take a break at the Töpferbaude, where there’s also a restaurant.
Meeting points:
- 10:00 a.m. in Zittau at the narrow-gauge train platform (in the square in front of the train station): Our train departs at 10:16 a.m.
- Görlitz: It’s possible to travel together from Görlitz to Zittau: Departure from Görlitz Station at 9:18 a.m. (meet on the platform).
- Jonsdorf (at the narrow-gauge railway’s terminal station: train arrives at 11:05 a.m.).
What to bring:
- Food and drinks, money, and sturdy shoes
- Costs (€): Travel expenses—the semester pass is valid as a ticket! An additional “historical” surcharge must be paid for the narrow-gauge railway; your share is 8 euros (please bring cash).
Please register online; walk-ins are also welcome.
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September 25: Tips for a Successful Start to Your Studies in Zittau
At this event, which begins in the lecture hall, you’ll get an overview of (almost) everything important about college life—from student self-governance to tips for your day-to-day life. To wrap things up, you’ll receive some small gifts and explore the campus hotspots … so you can find your way around more easily in the coming weeks.
Aline Schulz and Miriam Meyer-Scheffel, who have successfully completed their studies at HSZG and are now working on the Studienerfolg@saxHAW project at HSZG, will share some insider tips.
When: September 25, 12:45 p.m. to 2:15 p.m.
Where: Building Z IV, Large Lecture Hall 001
Please register online, though walk-ins are also welcome.
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September 25. Please note: Change—Lecture Hall Cinema, Görlitz Campus
Note: We'd rather watch a movie in the lecture hall on the Görlitz campus than play volleyball at Berzi.
The weather won’t stop us, but it’s still a bit too chilly for a relaxing evening at Berzi!
So come on by and enjoy a relaxed and cozy evening with us in Lecture Hall GI 0.01. There’ll be popcorn and an exciting Görliwood movie.
To make sure you arrive on time from Zittau, we recommend taking the SEV from Zittau Station, departing at 4:47 p.m. (Bus RB65)
The last return trip on the SEV is at 10:24 p.m. from the Görlitz train station plaza (Bus RB65)
Please register online in advance, though drop-ins are welcome.
Leisure activities at the Görlitz site
Look forward to our wide variety of recreational activities during the Come In Weeks:
-
September 18: Tips for a Successful Start to Your Studies in Görlitz
At this event, which begins in the lecture hall, you’ll get an overview of (almost) everything you need to know about college life—from student self-governance to tips for your day-to-day life. To wrap things up, you’ll receive some small gifts and explore the campus hotspots … so you’ll be better able to find your way around in the coming weeks.
Aline Schulz and Miriam Meyer-Scheffel, who have successfully completed their studies at HSZG and are now working on the Studienerfolg@saxHAW project at HSZG, will share some insider tips.
When: September 18, 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Where: Building G II, Lecture Hall A112
Please register online, though walk-ins are also welcome.
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September 19: Joint hike for first-year students from Görlitz and Zittau in the Zittau Mountains
Zittau is the perfect place to escape into nature. On Saturday, we’ll join Zittau’s freshmen for a leisurely hike (8 km) in the Zittau Mountains and recharge our batteries in nature. With what we hope will be good weather, you’ll enjoy beautiful views along our hiking route.
We’ll take a break at the Töpferbaude, where there’s also a restaurant.
Meeting points:
- Görlitz: Group travel from Görlitz to Zittau: Departure from Görlitz train station at 9:18 a.m. (meet on the platform).
- Starting at 10:00 a.m. in Zittau on the narrow-gauge train platform (in the square in front of the station): Our train departs from there at 10:16 a.m.
- Jonsdorf (at the narrow-gauge railway’s terminal station: train arrives at 11:05 a.m.).
What to bring:
- Food and drinks, money, and sturdy shoes
- Costs (€): Travel expenses—your semester pass is valid as a ticket! An additional “historical” surcharge must be paid for the narrow-gauge railway; your share is 8 euros (please bring cash).
Please register online in advance; walk-ins are also welcome.
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September 21: Joint meal at the cafeteria in Görlitz
Is today your first day at college, and are some of you feeling hungry for lunch? No problem—right after the intro math class, we’ll head to the Görlitz student canteen during the break starting at 11:45 a.m. and enjoy the lunch special at a student-friendly price.
What to bring: your student ID card and money for lunch
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September 21: Mouse Night at the Student Club in Görlitz
The Maus Student Club is the place in Görlitz to meet students from different years and majors. Here you can enjoy cold drinks and dance to DJs*.
On Monday, we’d like to get to know each other over a game of table tennis or pool. A round of UNO wouldn’t be a bad idea either.
Meeting place: Maus Student Club (on the ground floor of the Vogtshof dorm: maps.app.goo.gl/itHfkdiK3MaJGrHE9)
Starting at 8:00 p.m.
What to bring: Money for drinks, games if you have them
Please register online in advance; drop-ins are welcome.
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September 22: Jugger and Games in Görlitz City Park
Summer, sunshine, and relaxation—it’s easy to enjoy all that in the city park. Let’s get to know each other over a game of Jugger and other activities, such as Viking Chess or any card or board games.
Meeting times:
- 2:15 p.m. at the Görlitz Campus
- or just come to the big lawn in the city park starting at 2:30 p.m.: 51°09'07.5"N 14°59'43.6"E (https://maps.app.goo.gl/Gz8cESi8dgEpTah96)
What to bring: Something to drink, a small picnic, and—if you’d like—your favorite game
Please register online in advance, though you’re also welcome to just show up.
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September 23: Guided Tour of Görlitz
Görlitz is one of the most beautiful cities in eastern Germany and has a very charming old town—at least, that’s what we’d say. A new story or legend awaits you around every corner. Let’s explore the city together and learn a thing or two along the way.
Meeting point:
- 2:30 p.m. at the Görlitz campus in front of the student canteen: we’ll walk to the Old Town together
- 3:00 p.m. in front of the Görlitz Information Center (Obermarkt 32: maps.app.goo.gl/6FpLoPfW2VqDzBem6)
What to bring:
- comfortable shoes
- Cost (€): none
Please register online in advance.
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September 23: Cooking Küfa at the Rabryka in Görlitz
One of the highlights in Görlitz is the extensive “Küfa” (Kitchen for Everyone) program, which offers a delicious vegan meal almost every day.
On Wednesdays, Küfa is always held at Rabryka, a diverse sociocultural center. We’d love to cook with you there and then enjoy a meal together as a large group.
After dinner, you’ll have the chance to play a little table tennis or foosball. Or you can just relax in the garden.
Meeting place: Rabryka (Conrad-Schiedt-Straße 23: maps.app.goo.gl/PHkEGXGcWrdpD1eH7 )
When:
- Cooking starts at 5 p.m.
- Dinner starts at 7 p.m.
What to bring: Money for food and drinks
Please register online in advance.
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September 24: Bar Crawl in Görlitz
Are you in the mood for a cold drink—or (in winter) something warm? On our bar crawl, we’ll show you the coolest bars in Görlitz. These venues serve both non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages. Please make sure to eat a good meal beforehand so you can enjoy the evening to the fullest.
Meeting point: Fountain at Obermarkt (Obermarkt/Brüderstraße: maps.app.goo.gl/f8UoCGSv5vELzYxi9)
Start time: 6:00 p.m.
What to bring: Money for drinks and food
Please register online in advance; walk-ins are welcome.
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September 25. CHANGE: Lecture Hall Cinema, Görlitz Campus
Note: We'd rather watch a movie in the lecture hall on the Görlitz campus than play volleyball at Berzi.
The weather won’t stop us, but it’s still a bit too chilly for a relaxing evening at Berzi!
So come on by and enjoy a relaxed and cozy evening with us in Lecture Hall GI 0.01. There’ll be popcorn and an exciting Görliwood movie.
Please register online in advance; walk-ins are also welcome.
-
September 26: Trip to Landeskrone Mountain in Görlitz
There’s also plenty to discover in the area around Görlitz. Let’s go on a hike together to the Landeskrone and leave the stress of everyday life behind us so that you can start the orientation week feeling refreshed. The Landeskrone is Görlitz’s local mountain and, as a former volcanic cone, a special landmark of Görlitz.
Meeting point in Görlitz:
- 11:00 a.m. at the tram stop by the Görlitz train station
- Departure at 11:07 a.m. on Line 2 toward Biesnitz/Landeskrone
What to bring: Food and drinks for the day (unfortunately, the restaurants on the mountain are closed), sturdy shoes
Please register online in advance; walk-ins are welcome.
By the way…
Immediately following the “Come In” weeks, the introductory events in the faculties and the formal enrolment ceremony (October 1). After a long weekend, the regular academic term begins on October 5.
We organize the leisure activities and say: Welcome to our HSZG!
2nd upper floor
1st floor