Studying in a foreign country is exciting, but also challenging at times. But don’t worry, international offices and student services are here to help.
As a new international student in Baden-Württemberg, you likely have a lot of questions. The eight student services organizations (Studierendenwerke) in Baden-Württemberg are here for you. They are your partners for cultural, social, financial and organizational questions. The student services also run the cafeterias and the dormitories.
Student services for internationals
They can help with information about housing, childcare, social or psychological services. If they don’t have the answers right away, they can point you in the right direction. Often, the student services have appointed mentors who can help with everyday questions and also organize day trips and group activities for international students.
Each university usually has an international office that offers support, even though they are named differently. In Stuttgart, for example, there is the Dezernat Internationales (IZ) that can support you in cultural, language, administrative and social challenges you may encounter. They can also appoint mentors to help you getting started in your new environment.
Special packages for international students
Some student services offer special packages for international students. They typically include housing, a meal plan, health insurance and support in administrative matters. Information is available at the international office at your chosen university in Baden-Württemberg.
These packages are meant to help you get started at your university of choice. You can therefore only book them for one semester. But by then, you will most likely to know your way around and can even mentor newcomers.
Welcome Centers
If you live or study in Ulm, Ravensburg, Villingen-Schwenningen, Schwäbisch Gmünd, Stuttgart, Heilbronn, Mannheim, Heidelberg, Karlsruhe or Pforzheim, a trip to one of Baden-Württemberg’s welcome centers may be worthwhile.
The welcome centers are primarily centers where international post-graduates, researchers and professionals can network with businesses in Baden-Württemberg. But international students are, of course, welcome as well to connect with others, find out about opportunities for work after completing their studies, and to take part in cultural activities in Baden-Württemberg.
