To study successfully, plan your course in stages and keep three things in view each semester: credit points, exam dates, and the next turning point, such as an internship, a semester abroad or your thesis. If you want to finish within the standard period of your degree programme, you do not need a perfect plan. You need one that you check briefly every semester and adjust as needed.
The key points at a glance
- The basis for your plan is the study regulations and module handbook of your degree programme. They show what is scheduled when.
- Divide your studies into phases: getting started, basics, specialisation, and completion. Each phase has a different focus.
- At the start of each semester, plan three to five goals, and check in the middle of the semester whether you are on track.
- Internships, working-student jobs and semesters abroad need lead time. Enter their application deadlines in your calendar early.
How can I study successfully semester by semester?
Start with an overview of the whole degree programme. Read the course plan, the module handbook and the examination regulations, and transfer the compulsory modules and deadlines into your own overview, for example a table with one column per semester. Count in credit points (ECTS) rather than in courses, because they show how far you have got.
With this framework, you then plan each semester anew. Which modules are due, where do the exams fall, and how much time does your side job take? The day-to-day details, such as calendars, task lists and study times, are covered in the article on how to organise your studies efficiently (in German).
Which phases does a degree have?
Every degree programme looks different, but the tasks repeat. The table shows four typical phases and what matters in each.
| Phase | Focus | What you should do now |
|---|---|---|
| Getting started | Orientation, study routine | Read the study regulations, build a timetable, find a study group |
| Basics | Compulsory modules, first exams | Do not postpone exams, register early, test your learning method |
| Specialisation | Elective modules, practice | Choose a focus, look for an internship or working-student job, check a semester abroad |
| Completion | Thesis, transition | Clarify topic and supervision, prepare applications |
Example: Tim, 22, Bachelor’s in business, third semester. He writes down which compulsory modules the course plan lists for the fourth to sixth semesters, and sees that the practical phase falls in the fifth semester. So he already enters the application deadlines for internships in his calendar in the third semester.
How do I stay within the standard period of study?
Your university sets the standard period of study in the examination regulations. It is a guideline for the structure of the degree, not a requirement, but depending on your situation, deadlines and entitlements are linked to it, for example under BAföG. So check early with the student advisory service how it applies to your degree programme.
Three habits help you keep to the plan:
- At the end of each semester, count the credit points you have earned and compare them with the course plan.
- Register for exams as soon as the window opens, and build in buffer time before the dates.
- If you fall behind, speak to the student advisory service early, before deadlines lapse.
Delays happen through illness, a side job or failed exams. What matters is that you notice them and respond.
How do I set goals in my course of study?
Derive semester goals from the overall plan. A goal names an action, a quantity and a deadline. “Pass all three exams of the semester by the end of January” is easier to check than “get through it well”. The article on setting and reaching goals in your studies (in German) explains how to formulate them using the SMART method.
In the middle of the semester, quickly review what is done and what is not. If you notice that a goal does not fit, change it deliberately and record the new date.
Which tips help with academic success in everyday life?
The plan only works if everyday life plays along. Three levers have the greatest effect:
- Learning: work actively by summarising, solving tasks and explaining, and review at intervals. Tips on focusing while studying (in German) are in a separate article.
- Time: plan fixed study blocks and breaks. Set priorities so that important things do not disappear behind urgent ones.
- Energy: sleep, exercise and time with others are part of the plan, not a bonus.
If you have not made progress for a while, look at the causes: material, schedule, overload, or lack of drive. For a longer slump, the tips on getting through a motivation slump (in German) may help. If you are persistently exhausted or worried, turn to the psychological counselling service of your university or the student services organisation.
When should I plan internships, a semester abroad and entry into work?
Earlier than you think. Internships, places abroad and theses have their own application deadlines, and some programmes require months of lead time. In the specialisation phase, find out from the internship office, the international office and the career service of your university.
Working-student jobs and internships show you what suits you professionally and build contacts. The article on career planning during your studies (in German) describes steps you can take from the first semesters onwards.
Frequently asked questions
How do I plan my studies best?
Start with the course plan of your degree programme and transfer compulsory modules and deadlines into your own overview. Set a few goals at the start of each semester, schedule study blocks in your calendar, and review where you stand in the middle of the semester. Adjust the plan if something changes.
What does standard period of study mean?
The standard period of study is the number of semesters the degree programme envisages under its examination regulations. It serves as a guideline for how the course is structured. How it affects deadlines or entitlements, you can find out from the student advisory service and the office responsible, such as the BAföG office.
What can I do if I am behind schedule?
First look for the cause, then speak to the student advisory service. It can go through exam deadlines, repeat options and alternatives with you. In your plan, drop a side project rather than a compulsory exam, and set realistic new dates.
Which tips for academic success matter most?
A plan that suits your degree programme, fixed study times, active learning and enough sleep. Add regular checks against the course plan. Everything else is fine-tuning.
So what do you do now?
- Get the course plan and examination regulations of your degree programme, and transfer the compulsory modules into a semester overview.
- Enter exam registrations and application deadlines for internships and study abroad in your calendar.
- Formulate three goals for the current semester.
- If you are unsure, arrange an appointment with the student advisory service.
Related articles
- Setting and reaching goals in your studies (in German)
- Planning your career during your studies (in German)
- Staying motivated during your studies (in German)
Last updated: October 2026. The German version is authoritative.
