Freshmen

Freshmen site: Lecture information

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What can I expect during a lecture?
A large group of students who have gathered listen to a lecturer's presentation on a relevant subject. Lecture halls are large and the lecture itself is usually amplified. lecture room
Often, lectures are accompanied by slides, PowerPoint, videos, or overhead projection. These are usually also available on Blackboard. You are advised to listen closely to what is told and take notes. The lecturer usually works from a book. Beforehand he/she will tell you which chapter will be discussed during the lecture. This is usually available on Blackboard, too but the slides are more important.
Although many of these formal lectures will be new to you, it is still advisable that you attend them; you will benefit from them when it comes time to take exams. If you attend, do try to participate, otherwise it will be a waste of your time and the time of your fellow students who want to participate.

What is the difference between a lecture and a tutorial?
During lectures there is often very little interaction between the lecturer and the students. During tutorials, where groups tend to be smaller, you are expected to participate a lot more. You should ask any questions you might have during the tutorial. It will be much more difficult to get the answers you need if you wait.

How long does a lecture last and what can I do during the break?
A lecture usually consists of two blocks of 45 minutes, with a 15 minute break inbetween. Your break is yours to spend as you wish. You can also remain seated and talk with others or discuss assignments.

When does the academic year start?
There is always a formal ceremony marking the opening of the academic year in the University auditorium. There is usually a well-known guest, whose lecturre is published in the next day's papers.
The academic year officially runs from 1 September to 31 August, but the official opening ceremony is on the Monday closest to 1 September. In 2012 the official opening is on Monday September 3.
The lectures start in 2012 on Monday, August 27.
Always consult the study guide for the lecture timetable! Also, consult the University diary and opening hours.

Where can I find my schedule?
All the information relevant to the different teaching programs at Tilburg University, lecture and examination timetables and information about the lecturers can be found in the Electronic Study Guide (ESG). A lecture or an exam may have to be cancelled because the lecturer is ill, or it may have been changed to another time or place. These kinds of unexpected events are reported in the ESG as well. This is very convenient if you go away for the weekend, because all you have to do is to visit Tilburg University's website to check on any last-minute changes!

You can enter which courses you are taking in the studentportal. It will then show you only those schedules, changes and exams that are relevant for your studies. If you set this up right at the start of the academic year by filling in your program and subjects, your lecture and exam schedule will be automatically compiled for you. The same goes for your reading list. You can also print your schedules and reading list if you like. When you log in to the studentportal you will automatically see all changes to your lecture and examination schedules and any lecturer announcements.
You can find more detailed information about the study guide by clicking the Help button.

How must I prepare for a lecture?
It is advisable that you print the slides before the lecture and take them with you. You can use the printouts for taking notes. Some students read everything in advance while others do so only afterwards. It would be better to do both, but that is a question of personal choice. After attending a few lectures, you will decide on the best approach, but it will also depends on how the lecturer approaches the subject. If you have an idea of what the lecture is going to be about in advance, it will be that much easier for you to follow along. If you give it another good read afterwards and rewrite your notes, you will be a lot better prepared for your examns. Then it's just a question of revision.

What must I do in case I can't attend a lecture?
You don't need to report your absence to anyone. Whether you attend or not is your own choice and your own responsibility. If you don't feel motivated, if you simply don't feel like attending or if you have a hangover, then it is probably better that you do not attend the lecture. If you show up, then you should be prepared to pay attention, otherwise it will be just a waste of time.
For compulsory lectures you must report your absence the lecturer or to the coordinator. Usually, you are allowed to do this only once.
Missing a non-compulsory lecture is generally not such a big deal because the lecture is usually available on Blackboard as well. Tutorials, on the other hand, are much more important. If you really can't attend one, try join another group to make up for the tutorial you missed.
Tip: Get in touch with your fellow students about taking notes. Make sure that you don't miss important announcements, for example about exams or changes in reading material.

Does the university also have a general study guide, or does this vary per school?
No, the university doesn't have a printed version of the study guide. You can find anything you need in the ESG and on the internet.

Can I follow lectures even if I have not paid my tuition fees?
Officially, no. You must have submitted your registration forms before September 1st and have paid your tuition fees, or have authorized the university to debit your account. But, if you did submit all the paperwork late and are not yet officially registered because of processing time, then you may attend lectures. Otherwise you would miss too much information. It is doubtful that you will have immediate access to the electronic facilities immediately.
More information on registration, student cards and tuition fees.