Experience and advice

 

How many exams or ECTS credits is the minimum requirement for enrollment in the next year of studies? 

It differs in different years of study.

• 37 for enrollment ; 48 for budget financing
  
• 37 credits
  
• 48 credits
  
• 48 credits

What is the most complex subject/exam in the first year?
• Most of the subjects are general subjects seeking basic skills. None of them is particularly complex.
• The most complex subject is Technical mechanics because it contains statics, kinematics, dynamics, hydraulics and strength of materials. All this may sound scary but is not so, professor of this subject knows very well a very simple way to explain this matter to  students who are faced with it for the first time. The credits are collected throughout the semester, and anyone who works regularly cannot have a mark lower than 8. Students are  divided into groups in the exercises, so that each student has a chance to ask for clarifications explained in detail.

Are lectures and exercises compulsory? How much do they help in exam preparation?
• Lectures and exercises are compulsory and help a lot. First of all, we get used to the constant work and therefore the exam is easier to pass. In addition, a large part of credits is collected through the exercises and colloquiums.
• In 90% of the subjects exercises and lectures are compulsory. This does have its flaws, but definitely more benefits because the mere presence at the Faculty simply makes us work, which is always a benefit later on and helps in the exam preparation.
• They are. They help the student to gradually overcome the extensive material.
• Lectures and exercises are compulsory, and in most cases greatly facilitate preparation for the exam.
• They are compulsory. It is much easier to extract the essence of literature if attending lectures, exercises which are also important and easily learn the subject matter.
• It depends on the case, but they usually are. They greatly help in the preparation of both pre-exam tasks and the exam itself.
• Mostly they are. It helps a lot. The knowledge gained in lectures and exercises is mostly halfway to passing the exam.

Are the required books available? How can you find them?
• Books are mostly available and can be bought from the bookshop of the Faculty. Books can also be borrowed from the library of the Faculty. Some publications cannot be bought, so it is necessary to use photocopies. Basically most of the exams are prepared from textbooks and notes from lectures and exercises.

• Most of the books are available in the Faculty bookshop. None of the teachers will not tell you to copy their book, but also will not require the original and that it is a matter of choice.
• Literature is available, and the literature used depends on the subject. Most books can be purchased fro the Faculty bookshop.There is a copy shop near the Faculty, where you can find additional literature and draft textbooks of older colleagues.
• Most of the books (the originals) are available in the Faculty bookshop at reasonable prices. Usually it is not compulsory to have the original. However, that depends on the professor. Additional literature and books that are out of Faculty can be copied from the older students, or found at the copy shop nearby.
• Available in the bookshop and the library.
• Most of the books are available at the Faculty bookshop or from the subject teacher. In the recent period, I had to wait for some books because they were not available and I think that was the lack of organization at the Faculty.  It is not necessary to buy the originals, but there are professors who require the original book at the consultation lessons. Personally, I prefer the original, after all, a book is a book. Originals of books and and other literature are available in the library of the Faculty where they can beborrowed.
• As far as the professional literature  is concerned I never had a problem with professors. I was not in a position that someone asks exclusively for originals. I personally like to have originals in professional courses, and the faculty bookshop does not have many of them, so I conclude that this is an disadvantage.

 

Is it possible to have consultations with the teachers? How does that function?
• This is not a “massive” faculty and professors and assistants have time for students’ questions. Consultations are usually held at a specific time, once or twice per week. Although many students rarely use them in practice, consultations  help in the preparation of examinations or tests.
• All professors offer consultations. Some have specific hours for them some are scheduled via e-mail and for some you just barge into a cabinet … They mostly function without any problems.
• It is. They depend on the subject and whether the student has a need for them. They are most commonly scheduled via e-mail.
• All teachers give specific hours during the week for consultation. Consultations are mainly scheduled by e-mail, but sometimes it isenough just to look for professors and ask them to receive you.
• Of course it is. 🙂 Usually professors offer appointment hours for consultation, but there are possibilities for an appointment by e-mail.
• Consultation is provided by all teachers, during the hours agreed upon with the students. Consultation outside the agreed time is also possible, if the professor is at the Faculty and available.
• Yes. Each professor (the vast majority, 90%) is ready to provide consultations. Each teacher has a rule on which day and at what time they give regular consultations for students. My personal experience is that the help from teachers can be obtained at other times as well, but you need to contact them and ask when to discuss something.

Which method of learning do you recommend?
• My advice is regular keeping-up with lectures and learning regularly. It is much easier to pass the exam and learn a lot more in the subject matter itself. There are also “lighter” exams that can be prepared for a short time. Definitely regular learning and handing in of all exercises, essays, etc …
• The most important thing is to study on time and complete the pre-exam tasks and pick up as many points. If a student does that he/she will not find the exam hard, because  already a large part has already been prepared. There are serious exams that require more attention and time, but as the mattters are connected through all four years, regular work has the most effect. The system is such that throughout the year students must work regularly in order to achieve the necessary points for the exam. In this way, the exam is facilitated, but it is certainly necessary to prepare before the exam.
• I suggest regular learning because it can always bring good results
• Of course it is always better to learn in a timely manner, but it is also a subjective factor of to whom this fits best. Personally, I learn a few months before the exam.

• My logics is to actively learn during the semester and turn it up a little before the examination period. There are situations where  lectures and exercises during the semester are not helpful, so in that case I spend a lot of time on the first reading of the book,  underlining, copying of the papers and then learning. I think my method is not very successful in for a range of students simply because it is complex. Everyone should find their own method that achieves results, and that thing is not universal.

What do you think – who graduates from the study program in the easiest and fastest way?

Anyone who attends the classes regularly, or someone who knows how to cope with the stuff?
• It depends … If you found ways to”cope” with problems, you can have a problem in the third and fourth years in professional courses, where you need to aapply prior knowledge…
• Anyone who comes to class regularly, regularly works will not have problems with passing any exams. Those who work a little more can achieve very good results.
• Anyone who rushes after points and does not care for assessment and further application of knowledge will fail.
• Hard working students who work regularly graduate first.
• I believe that the easiest way to graduate is if you learn with understanding, but there is always someone who is lucky to pass with minimum knowledge. Sometimes there are no rules 🙂
• Smart and persistent students. At each faculty there are students who study through combinations or cheating, and waste time taking exams several times until passing. During that time they could have learned and passed more examinations, without the risk of cheating and waiting for their combination of questions.

• Definitely students who keep in touch and study on time. But another thing that is a problem is that small difference is made between such students and those who prepare only certain questions or make plans for passage. At one moment they are allowed the same as someone who takes study seriously. I think  it is a daily problem encountered at each faculty and therefore in this faculty as well.

Are these studies time-consuming? Do you have time for private interests, part-time job or similar?
• The studies are quite demanding and require a lot of time to exercises, graphics and seminars. It is good that classes are in shifts

(e.g. The first and third years have lessons in the morning, and the second and fourth year in the afternoon), so it is possible to organize for a part-time job, going out, etc.
• The first two were not demanding, whereas you are faced with serious work in the third and fourth years. With good organization there is always time for everything.

• I cannot say it is impossible, but if someone is planning to complete their studies on time, you should be devoted only to your faculty and never transfer exams.

• Since presence at the Faculty is compulsory, there is no time for some tasks. However, with good organization private affairs do not suffer.

• At the very beginning they are not so demanding, without too many obligations, which are approaching the end of the study  when subjects are serious and demanding. But with a good organization you can always find time for everything you want.
• At the start of the study I had more time for other duties, since the Faculty was not too time consuming. However, as I approached  the end of the study,  I was moredevoted to the faculty, and had less time for personal matters.
• If you are well organized, it is possible to achieve more things while studying. Such cases are very rare, but there are some. If average grade point is not important to you, and you just want to pass, there is a lot of free time. Otherwise, it is difficult to achieve everything good grades, work and hobbies.

Do you suggest some extracurricular activities and which ones?
• This study program provides a lot of opportunities for extracurricular activities! This is a way to learn a lot and meet people with similar interests. Students regularly for years exhibit their pieces of furniture at fairs at home and abroad (in Italy, France, Denmark, Norway, Belgium …). There are student organizations operating at the Faculty such as the Student Union of the Faculty of Forestry,  Hiking Association, the Alliance of students … The practices are organized mainly in the context of teaching and are performed in several specialized subjects. Some students went on an exchange to Poland, Italy, Slovenia … I recommend an international seminar of wood processing students “INTERFOB”, where our students participate for several years. It has been held in Poland since 2009.

• Students organizations definitely not. Projects are necessary, and as far as practice is concerned whoever needs and wants to go somewhere to improve can get information related to the practice through consultations.
•Since I am at the TMP department, before taking the stream of furniture design I highly recommend all kinds of engagement in design, furniture design, organization of space and interior, as well as participation in competitions, festivals and fairs. I think that is the only way to master basic things, if you want to be involved in this matter, and have at least some experience behind you, when you leave university.

• I recommend participation in competitions for students who opt for design. Practices exist in teaching and are very helpful. In some cases

there are also summer practices, which include work in certain companies for a few days.
• Of course, it is always nice to meet and socialize. There are plenty of fine organizations that the Faculty offers, such as afforestation, arboretum arrangement, sports, various projects, and so on.
• Of course, always be engaged in different activities offered by the Faculty or a specific Chair of the Faculty.
• Yes, of course. Our profession depends a lot on practical training. I would recommend to anyone their own initiative in finding practical training.

 

What advice would you give to new freshmen?
• My advice is to regularly do all the exercises, studies and graphic works and regularly attend lectures. They should be well informed

and have good contacts with colleagues, as this is very important everywhere, including the Faculty.
• Be wise, just define your priorities and stick to them.
• All you can finish, finish immediately, such as exercises, seminal papers, drawings. If you opt for design, look for older colleagues

and ask them to participate in competitions, make enquires and constantly explore. If you are hard working you can finish the first year

in June and use summer for the exchange and practice, as well as for the “Work and travel “program.
• The sooner you take an interest in the matter, the easier it will be later. I recommend the release before the exam (possible in some cases), with maximum effort during the
 examination prerequisites. The most important thing is not to transfer exams from the first and second year, because they will be facing

a much harder part later.
• You should go out and try to pass every exam even when you feel unprepared you never know whether you will get a question that

you really know. Do not leave difficult and comprehensive subjects at risk as enrollment condition.
• To be well organized and to do their obligations on time. Listening even to those classes that are not compulsory and regular

attend exercises , because each advice of professors or assistants enables faster and better mastering of the subject matter.
• To listen to the advice of professors and assistants, because in most cases this is the answer to the problem of how and what to

prepare in order to pass the exam and be successful.

I’m not a supporter of exam transfer in general so my advice is to go through a little more trouble during a semester and go on holiday

from June to October, i.e have three months without worries.

What would you recommend the new freshmen to avoid?

• To start seriously from the beginning, because it will be much easier. They need to understand the responsibility and obligations and never be relaxed, especially not before the end of the semester because then they need the most work and effort. They will later see the benefit.

• Not to postpone their obligations, because it will only get worse later. Try not to transfer exams (which is not difficult).
• Not to take the first year easily and relax, because you will later be faced with hard work. Not to transfer exams with the idea that  next year you will prepare them properly, as that never happens.
• Do not think only about the evaluation. Take advantage of the brief period at the Faculty to learn as much as possible from outstanding experts.
• Do not hand in identical or similar exercises that can put you in uncomfortable situations.
• Definitely not to listen to older students.
• Definitely not to listen to older students who are 30 and still have not passed half of the second, third and fourth year exams. Those who came to learn and work will certainly not end that way.

What is your general impression of the Faculty?
• The faculty building is quite large. The equipment is modest, but there are projectors in almost all classrooms and laboratories which function. The Computer Center for Students is available throughout the year. The TMP department is promising as far as the employment is concerned,  since it provides the most options, but it is relatively difficult. Teaching is of quite good quality and almost all professors are outstanding professionals. They appreciate when a student shows hard work and dedication, and know how to reward it.If someone loves wood, interior, furniture etc. they will learn a lot in this department.

• The Faculty is not difficult in terms of learning, but there are a lot of things to do. I would rate the quality of teaching with mark 3 on a scale of 1 to 5.

Professional equipment is missing at the Faculty with which the students would work and where each student would individually be explained how things work. The opinion on the teaching staff varies like at all faculties, but that most of them are good.

• I believe that the Faculty of Forestry provides a broad knowledge of wood processing. At the same time it is a disadvantage and an advantage. It is great because you get wide knowledge, and learn about design, management and technology, which gives you a wide knowledge, but on the other hand each individual has to pay a lot of time for training on topics of interest to them, especially if he/she wants to be engaged in design. The atmosphere for work is pleasant and there is great collegiality. Professors are generally in favour of students and help them.
• A very serious faculty. The first two years are a lot easier compared to the third and fourth year. The Faculty is equipped and the equipment is decent. Teachers are fair and a large number of them are top professionals. They help students greatly and appreciate  dedication.
• Although many say that this is one of the easiest faculties, this is not quite true. I do not want to scare you, but it is very importantto find a balance of learning and leisure activities. The quality of teaching is getting better each year. It is quite well equipped. In the course of study all professors were friendly and always ready to help, if possible. Of course, all of us have professors that we prefer and ones that are less suitable for us … But I can tell you that they really want to transfer knowledge, but also expect the same from us and we learn and appreciate their hard work 🙂
• The overall impression is definitely positive. The teachers are really friendly and ready for all types of cooperation and encounter with students. Their acquired expertise offers excellent quality of teaching, but the flaw is that the Faculty is unable to equip laboratories with more modern equipment and technology, which allow for easier study and understanding of the subject matter. It is also necessary to introduce more practical work, because you can learn best from practices. I believe that a lot is being done already and that better conditions will soon be enabled to younger generations.
• The Faculty has teaching staff with a high level of expertise and knowledge. The number of students is very small, and there are not many students in one class (80), which provides an opportunity for work in small groups and prominence of individuals. Communication is very good, both among students and with teachers. The profession is difficult but possible to learn. The importance of the students’ opinion and perception of some deficiencies is great.  It is being worked on and the problem of lack of equipment and field work is supposed to be overcome.  My impression as someone who is close to completing their undergraduate studies is that I am generally satisfied but I needed a lot of strength,energy and patience, especially in the fourth year.
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