Studying successfully with learning workshops

In order to be able to meet the diverse demands of study and work, it is worthwhile to deal with this question mentally and physically. Our posture consciously or unconsciously determines our external effect and is a decisive factor in achieving our goals. In this context, "inner" and "outer" posture cannot be separated from each other. Our own attitude and certain thought patterns are constantly reflected in our facial expression, appearance and behaviour.

Experiencing oneself and others in different attitudes, reflecting on this and getting to the bottom of one's own thought and behaviour patterns is a first step towards a successful attitude.

Contents:

• How do I behave successfully?
• How does my thinking influence my actions?
• What does empathy in roles and attitudes mean?
• How do I develop a confident attitude through scenic play?

Trainer: Stephanie Mader
Course language: German
Provider: Academic Coaching CST & Kontextlehre WTG
Date: Starting 19 October 2026, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Format: Multi-session on-site seminar
Registration: TUMonline

This online course is designed for students who don’t just want to get through the semester, but truly want to excel!

Sustainable academic success requires not only effective learning strategies but also the ability to self-regulate, along with awareness of your own mental health and well-being. Through expert videos and guided by a workbook, you will explore a variety of strategies and try them out. Afterwards, during the weekly group sessions, you can exchange ideas and insights. These sessions are highly appreciated by TUM students, as they provide a space to share experiences and support each other.

Course content:

• Semester planning – tools for self-management
• The influence of culture on studying and well-being
• Effective learning techniques – maximizing your mental performance
• How to achieve more with less – the psychology of successful goal pursuit
• Stress management – techniques to calm the mind
• Self-care – managing your energy during your studies
• Coping with exam anxiety – strategies for calmness and confidence
• Exam countdown – strategies for exam preparation

Trainers: Heidi Preis Barry
Course language: English
Offered by: Academic Coaching TUM CST & Kontextlehre WTG
Info-Session: 13 October 2026, 4:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. 
Date: Starting 20 October 2026, 4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Format: Online
Registration: TUMonline

This course invites participants to discover, reflect on, and, if necessary, realign their inner compass. The content focuses on personal goals, the roles we live and aspire to in daily life, and our individual decision‑making patterns. In doing so, we explore our personal value system and address questions such as:

• What is meaningful and valuable for me and my life?
• Which values and visions guide me?
• How do my values show up in the different roles I take on?
• In which situations do they support me the most?
• And when might they hold me back from pursuing my development goals?

To make these abstract topics tangible, we work with theoretical inputs, various coaching methods, as well as partner and group activities. After analyzing and reflecting on personal goals and roles, we will explore ways to shape them actively and intentionally in alignment with one's underlying values. This strengthens motivation and overall satisfaction along both the personal and professional life path.

At the end of the course, participants will reinforce their inner compass through a personally meaningful metaphor that can serve as a daily anchor for their value system.

Trainer: Quirin Schnack
Course language: German
Offered by: Academic Coaching TUM CST & Kontextlehre WTG
Date: Starting 23 October 2026, 9:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Format: Multi-session seminar
Registration: TUMonline

Do you study a lot but retain very little? Do you keep putting off studying, fall behind, and end up feeling completely overwhelmed? In this course, you'll reflect on your learning behaviour, get to know practice-proven study methods, and develop individual strategies for motivation, concentration, and your time and stress management. You'll also practise formulating questions clearly and actively seeking support from fellow students or instructors. Step by step, this builds a comprehensive personal learning system for your everyday student life.

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

• assess the conditions that hinder or support your learning,
• transfer the study techniques that work best for you into your daily routine,
• plan your study time more realistically and use it purposefully,
• reduce stress and cope with it better,
• record learning content clearly and in a well-structured way,
• ask questions and actively seek feedback and support.

Trainer: Rike Zeus 
Course language: German
Offered by: Academic Coaching TUM CST & Kontextlehre WTG
Info-Session: 26 October 2026, 6:00 p.m. – 6:45 p.m.
Date: Starting 2 November 2026, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Format: Multi-session seminar
Registration: TUMonline

The mere thought of an audience, no matter how big or small, can trigger fear and panic – many students say this when they have to give a presentation, ask a question in class, or introduce themselves in a job interview. Speaking successfully in front of others is a challenge that can be mastered if you tackle it directly. It’s not only about overcoming fear, but also about developing a powerful skill that can make a real difference in both your personal and professional life.

In this workshop, you will learn how to transform fear into positive energy. We will explore the psychology of anxiety and performance, and you will learn how to regulate your body, thoughts, behavior, and emotions in high‑pressure situations. Practical exercises and scientifically grounded methods will help you manage stage fright and presentation anxiety. With the right preparation, you can speak and present with confidence – even when all eyes are on you. Convince yourself and others of your knowledge and abilities – imagine how rewarding that could feel!

Trainer: Prof. Dr. Adina Mornel
Course language: English
Offered by: Academic Coaching TUM CST & Kontextlehre WTG
Info-Session: 29 October 2026, 6:00 p.m. – 6:45 p.m.
Termine: Starting 5 November 2026, 4:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Format: Multi-session seminar
Registration: TUMonline

Already during our studies, we are exposed to significant performance and time pressure. For this reason, it is important to learn effective strategies in order to:

• reduce nervousness and tension,
• make use of good time‑management practices,
• understand our personal stress traps, and
• maintain regular periods of recovery and relaxation.

All of this helps strengthen us for professional life and makes the transition into the workplace easier.

Within each module, there is room to address the needs of the group and to answer questions.

Trainer: Adele Brucks
Course language: German
Offered by: Academic Coaching TUM CST & Kontextlehre WTG
Info-Session: 26 October 2026, 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Date: Starting 9 November 2026, 2:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m
Format: Multi-session on-site seminar
Registration: TUMonline

Webinar I: Neurodivergent Study Skills at University – Studying in Tune with Your Brain

Do you feel like you learn, think, or organise yourself differently from others? In this webinar, you'll explore what neurodivergent ways of thinking involve and why they can bring both challenges and strengths to your studies. In Part 1 of this webinar series, we'll look at executive functions, strengths and challenges in learning and studying, and different ways of working. The goal is to help you better understand your own learning and study behaviours and to gain some initial ideas about what you need to study effectively.

This three-part webinar series is open to all students, but is especially relevant for neurodivergent students or those looking for alternative learning approaches. You will gain insights into how neurodiversity can sometimes make studying more challenging. We will also introduce strategies to help you manage your time more effectively, avoid procrastination, and boost your motivation. In addition, you will learn techniques to better navigate university life, reduce stress, and improve your concentration and productivity.

You can register for a single webinar or the entire series. The webinars take place during lunchtime from 12.30 to 2.00 PM – simply join all three sessions to gain valuable insights into studying as a neurodivergent student!

Trainer: Susanne Debbas
Course language: English
Offered by: ProLehre Study Skills
Date: 11 Nov 2026, 12.30 – 2.00 p.m.
Format: Online workshop
Registration: TUMonline

For a fulfilled and satisfying life, it is essential to set goals and achieve them effectively and efficiently. At the same time, it is important to maintain a healthy work–life balance in everyday life. Both aspects are crucial for staying successful, healthy, and happy on one’s personal life path.

In this workshop, you will learn how to adapt your daily routines to your individual needs and build an efficient and resilient self‑management approach. You will also explore how to define your personal and professional goals. In addition, you will discover which project and time‑management techniques can help you achieve your goals successfully and in a satisfying way. Gaining clarity about what motivates you or what hinders you in reaching your goals is just as important as communicating effectively with the people around you, both professionally and personally.

The seminar introduces you to a range of reflection exercises, management tools, and creativity techniques. You will also benefit from exchanging ideas with other participants as you develop your own approach to time and self‑management.

Trainer: Dr. Angela Firmhofer
Course language: English
Offered by: Academic Coaching TUM CST & Kontextlehre WTG
Info-Session: 30 October 2026, 10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m
Date: Starting 12 November 2026, 10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Format: Multi-session seminar
Registration:  TUMonline

Today I’ll start. For sure. Or maybe tomorrow? Do you also find yourself repeatedly making good resolutions about studying or writing an assignment – only to abandon them once again? Welcome to the workshop. Starting today, procrastination comes to an end.

In this workshop, you will explore the reasons why you too often start too late or not at all. You will complete self-assessments, use modern coaching tools to develop your own effective work strategy, and finally achieve your goals.

Trainer: Ursula Kronenberger
Course language: German
Offered by: Academic Coaching TUM CST & Kontextlehre WTG
Info-Session: 9 November 2026, 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Date: Starting 17 November 2026, 10:00 a.m.– 4:30 p.m.
Format: Online
Registration: TUMonline

Webinar II: Neurodivergent Study Skills at University - Strategies for Task Management

You know exactly what needs to be done - but not how or where to start? If that sounds familiar, this webinar is for you. You'll learn why getting started and staying on track can be especially difficult for neurodivergent students, and what you can do to make it easier to focus and get your tasks done. In Part 2 of this webinar series, you'll learn practical, everyday strategies for prioritising tasks, overcoming procrastination, and sticking to your study plans.

This three-part webinar series is open to all students, but is especially relevant for neurodivergent students or those looking for alternative learning approaches. You will gain insights into how neurodiversity can sometimes make studying more challenging. We will also introduce strategies to help you manage your time more effectively, avoid procrastination, and boost your motivation. In addition, you will learn techniques to better navigate university life, reduce stress, and improve your concentration and productivity.

You can register for a single webinar or the entire series. The webinars take place during lunchtime from 12.30 to 2.00 PM – simply join all three sessions to gain valuable insights into studying as a neurodivergent student!

Trainerin: Susanne Debbas
Course language: English
Offered by: ProLehre Study Skills
Date: 18 November 2026, 12.30 – 2.00 p.m. 
Format: Online workshop
Registration: TUMonline

Webinar III: Neurodivergent Study Skills at University – Stress Management for a More Relaxed Student Life

Studying requires a lot from you, and you're giving it your all – but how well are you actually taking care of yourself? Between deadlines, social events, and organising your studies, your own basic needs often end up being neglected. Neurodivergent students in particular may benefit from practical strategies for managing their energy, maintaining daily structure, and regulating sensory input in order to navigate student life with less strain. In Part 3 of this webinar series, you'll learn how to organise yourself while also taking good care of yourself - with flexible strategies, realistic routines, and attention to your basic needs.

This three-part webinar series is open to all students, but is especially relevant for neurodivergent students or those looking for alternative learning approaches. You will gain insights into how neurodiversity can sometimes make studying more challenging. We will also introduce strategies to help you manage your time more effectively, avoid procrastination, and boost your motivation. In addition, you will learn techniques to better navigate university life, reduce stress, and improve your concentration and productivity.

You can register for a single webinar or the entire series. The webinars take place during lunchtime from 12.30 to 2.00 PM – simply join all three sessions to gain valuable insights into studying as a neurodivergent student!

Trainer: Susanne Debbas
Course language: English
Offered by: ProLehre Study Skills
Date: 25 November 2026, 12.30 – 2.00 p.m. 
Format: Webinar
Registration: TUMonline

You know how to learn. That’s part of what got you into TUM. However, studying at TUM is on a different quantum level from high school. So it’s smart to look at techniques and strategies to get the work done and not drown in stress.

The first step in any project is to assess what’s on hand and what you need to acquire. To improve your learning you need to figure out where you stand, then look at possibilities of improvement. In the course we will look at the following areas:

• Learning style
• Time management
• Studying techniques

When it comes to learning and studying one size does not fit all: there is no single “right way to study”. To find out what works and doesn't work for you, you will get to know a lot of tools and techniques that might change the way you study.

Trainer: Dr. Stephanie Hann
Course language: English
Offered by: ProLehre Study Skills
Date: 28 November 2026, 9.00 a.m. – 4.00 p.m.
Format: On-site workshop
Registration: TUMonline

In everyday life, we often face a range of challenges, tasks, and time pressure. At times, we may feel overwhelmed and doubt whether we can meet all the demands and expectations placed on us. How could things simply go more smoothly?

In this seminar, you will reflect on how you handle everyday challenges. You will explore your personal resources and talents, and you will learn strategies to activate your strengths and use them effectively in daily life. Approach life’s challenges with greater confidence and ease in the future!

Key topics:

• Identifying your strengths
• Strengthening self‑esteem
• Defining and discovering important resources for academic and professional success
• Accepting or constructively using your “weaknesses”
• Reflecting on your values, personal influences, and inner drivers
• Getting to know and expanding the seven pillars and seven keys of resilience
• Focusing on what matters: What is important, urgent, and helpful for me, my tasks, and my goals?
• Networking

Trainer: Evelyne Mühlich
Course language: German
Offered by: Academic Coaching TUM CST & Kontextlehre WTG
Date: Starting 4 December 2026, 09:00 – 5:30 p.m.
Format: Two-part on-site seminar
Registration: TUMonline

Sooner or later, we all face them: the message we keep putting off, the piece of feedback that makes us uncomfortable, the conversation we can’t stop thinking about. Whether in a group project, a discussion with a lecturer, a shared living situation, or later in professional life: difficult conversations are unavoidable. The question is not whether they will happen, but how we handle them.

This workshop invites students from all disciplines to approach challenging conversations with clarity rather than confusion, and with empathy rather than escalation. Through reflection and practical exercises, you will learn to recognize emotional triggers, regulate your responses, and communicate your perspective constructively and confidently.

By strengthening your emotional self‑regulation and communication skills, you build a foundation that will support you not only throughout your studies at TUM, but also in leadership roles, research environments, and future professional contexts.

We will explore key aspects such as:

• Perception & unconscious patterns (unconscious bias, tools for difficult intercultural situations)
• Emotional intelligence & self‑regulation (amygdala hijack, emotional triggers, emotions & needs)
• Foundations of difficult conversations & preparation (descriptive language, paraphrasing, constructive communication, 4‑step preparation framework)

This seminar is designed for Bachelor’s and Master’s students and promotes self‑confidence, personal responsibility, and a mindful approach to communication.

Trainers: Michelle Eberhard & Helen Schliep
Course language: English
Offered by: Academic Coaching TUM CST & Kontextlehre WTG
Info-Session: 28 October 2026, 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Date: Starting 10 December 2026, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Format: Multi-session seminar
Registration: TUMonline

This course is aimed at students who are not yet accustomed to presenting themselves and their content freely and confidently in front of others. Participants will develop an awareness of how their presence and behavior affect others, and learn strategies to align their inner and outer posture in a congruent way. The course offers a space to experiment openly and without judgment, using exercises and elements from improvisational theatre and bodywork.

Improvisational theatre means getting into motion, reacting quickly, and surprising yourself. It involves creating roles, stepping into characters, inventing stories, and making bold or absurd claims – all methods for connecting with oneself, one’s body, and others. Bodywork supports this by sharpening and transforming awareness of one’s physical presence and impact.

Trainer: Veronika Molin
Course language: German
Offered by: Academic Coaching TUM CST & Kontextlehre WTG
Date: Starting 15 December 2026, 9.00 a.m. – 5.30 p.m.
Format: Two-part on-site seminar
Registration:  TUMonline

The transition from school to university can be challenging. That's why ProLehre has developed a support programme especially for first-semester students to help you get through your first semester at university.  In this Moodle self-study course, you will find helpful materials about learning in the first semester. You can enrol yourself in the course and learn at your own pace with the materials. Click here to go to the Electronic Learning Coach.

OPEN vhb courses are open online courses offered by the Bavarian universities that can be used free of charge by anyone interested. These offers also provide you with helpful information on topics such as self-regulated learning, motivation, emotional competence, resilience or stress management, among others.

These are non-curricular courses, i.e. ECTS credits cannot be earned here. It is not necessary to be enrolled at a university to register. All you need is a stable internet connection and registration at open.vhb.org/login. Once you have registered, you can start learning: All current courses remain available for at least five years and do not have to be completed in a set time. You can join a course at any time, you also determine your own learning pace. More information at https://open.vhb.org/