First year essentials
First steps
First steps
You are about to start your studies!
Congratulations! Welcome to the University of Silesia in Katowice!
If you have already submitted your documents to the faculty, this means that you are officially joining our academic community. The admissions process is now behind you, which brings with it one very important organisational change. From this point onwards, the Online Application System (IRK) and information points will no longer be your main source of information Your dean’s office will now be looking after you.
Dean’s office: your support centre
It is there, on your faculty’s website or directly from the staff at the dean’s office, that you will find information regarding, amongst other things:
- your curriculum and class schedule,
- dates of on-campus sessions (for part-time studies),
- assignment of students to groups,
- tuition fees and your student ID card (and how to collect it),
- deadlines for logging in and registering on university systems,
- the faculty’s academic year inauguration.
You can find a list of all faculties and direct contact details for the dean’s offices on the university website.
USOSweb – your virtual dean’s office
USOSweb is the most important system in your student life. This is where you can check your grades, obtain information about awarded scholarships or dormitories, and find your assigned individual bank account number for payments.
- Logging in: Done via the Central Authentication Server (CAS).
- When can I log in?
You won’t be able to do that immediately after submitting your documents. The dean’s office needs time (usually up to 7 days) to enter your details into the system. If you can’t log in, ask your dean’s office when your account will be activated.
Technical support
If you have any problems with the system, contact USOSweb support.
UL system – registration for classes, P.E., and elective courses
The UL system is used to enrol in additional modules: language courses, physical education, tutorials, and monographic lectures. You log in to it in the same way as you do to USOSweb.
- Important rule
The UL system operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Keep a close eye on announcements regarding registration opening dates! - Foreign languages
As a graduate of a 1st-cycle studies, you must demonstrate proficiency in a foreign language at B2 level (B2+ for long-cycle studies). Before choosing a foreign language class, take the placement tests available on the Foreign Language Teaching Centre (SPNJO) website.
Please read the information on registering for foreign language classes available on the website.
- Physical education
Details regarding PE registration can be found on the Centre for Physical Education and Sport website.
Student ID card (mLegitymacja and traditional plastic student ID)
Every student starting their studies must obtain a document confirming their status.
- mLegitymacja (digital)
If you have a PESEL number, you are required to use the electronic mLegitymacja in the mObywatel app on your phone. You activate it via the USOSweb system.
- Traditional plastic card (ELS): Students without a PESEL number and those who also wish to have a traditional plastic card must submit an application and pay a fee of PLN 22.
Important note regarding fees: You will find the account number for the ID card fee in the USOSweb system. This is a completely different account number from the one to which you paid the application fee in the Online Application System (IRK).
To collect your ID card, please contact your faculty dean’s office.
You can find out more about the ID card on the Student website.
Dormitories, scholarships and health insurance
- Dormitories
You should submit your application for a place in a Student Residence Hall to your faculty dean’s office immediately after the end of the admissions process (preferably when submitting your documents). For more information, visit the website.
- Financial support
Information on health insurance, scholarships, and financial aid can be found on the Scholarships and financial aid page on the Student website.
- Contact information
The Student Social Affairs Office can assist you with matters related to financial support: tel. 32 359 13 40 (or extensions: 46, 79, 94), email: bstud@us.edu.pl.
Inauguration of the academic year
The university-wide inauguration is the most important, symbolic event marking the start of the new academic year. Its highlight is the ceremonial matriculation of newly admitted students. This event is always broadcast live.
Regulations and the course of studies
The Rules and Regulations of Studies at the University of Silesia are the most important document governing your rights and obligations. In the future, if you are looking for information on Individual Organisation of Studies (IOS), dean’s leave, student transfers, or the rules for passing courses – this is where you will find all the answers. Please take a look at the course of studies on the Student website.
