At FU Berlin, the academic year is divided into two parts, called semesters:

• Winter semester:

  The lecture period of the winter semester starts mid-October and extends to mid-February.

  Oficially the summer semester spreads from 01 October to 31 of March.

• Summer semester:

  The lecture time of the winter semester starts mid-April and ends around mid-July.

  Oficially the summer semester spreads from 01 April to 30 of September.

• Semster break:
  
  Sometimes exams are written in the first weeks that follow the lecture period or a second exam for those who want to improve their achievements is offered during semester break.
  
  A number of courses are offered as blocks between each semester's lecture periods. This includes the intensive language courses.

An exchange student usually will stay for one semester.