Choosing which semester to come

The 2nd semester (or 1st when you are from a country in the southern hemisphere) at my home university starts in January:
We strongly advise you to come in our 2nd semester that starts around 1 February. The exams of our first semester are in the last 2 weeks of January and if you come in our 1st semester, you cannot take those.

If your only option is an exchange in the first semester you can choose courses with take-home exams for the 2nd period. The way of examining is mentioned in the course details of each course.

The 2nd semester (or 1st when you are from a country in the southern hemisphere) at my home university starts after 1 February:
Both semesters are possible. Fewer students come in our 2nd semester, so if you choose the 2nd semester you have more chances of getting a room in a residence you prefer.