Social Advice

The STUDIERENDENWERK's social service is your point of contact for important information on all aspects of your life as a student and offers advice, support and encouragement in difficult situations.

The service is provided free of charge and all consultations are confidential. It is also possible to talk English during the consultation.

We offer information and advice on the follwing aspects:

Student financing
- Student loans, employment, child maintenance, scholarships
- Social benefits (child allowance, housing benefit)
- Social insurance (health, care, pension and unemployment insurance)
- Financial hardship

Studying as a parent
- Social benefits (parental allowance, child allowance, unemployment benefit, Mother and Child Foundation)
- Special arrangements (leaves of absence, exams, BAföG funding extensions)
- Childcare

International students
- Residence regulations and issues
- Health insurance, employment
- Special relief funds and scholarships
- Financial hardship

Studying with a disability and/or chronic illness
- Special BAföG arrangements
- Study assistance
- Application for a severely disabled person's pass
- Support in finding a barrier-free flat
- Income support

Inform yourself!

FAQ

Who can get advice?

No matter what kind of problem you are dealing with, our advice service is open to all students at the University of Duisburg-Essen, the Folkwang University of the Arts and the Ruhr West University of Applied Sciences.

Make an appointment
Is the consultation confidential and free of charge?

Yes, our advice is free of charge and subject to confidentiality. The last of course applies to universities, all authorities and other third parties.
How do I make an appointment?

We will advise you by phone, video and on site. Here you can book your appointment for a free and confidential advice.

In addition, you can make an appointment with us via e-mail or telephone.

Open telephone consultation
Spontaneous, without appointment: Every Thursday from 11:00 am - 01:00 pm we have an open ear for your issues.
How soon can I get an appointment?

Various appointments are available every Thursday for an initial contact: Make an appointment

Of course, you can also make an individual appointment by e-mail or telephone: all contact options at a glance
How is a consultation held?

At the beginning of each consultation, we clarify your concerns together and consultation goals. We support you with current problems and help you to sort out your situation and, if necessary, to reorient yourself.

If it is a video advice, we will send you all the necessary information and access data in advance. Please feel free to contact the consulting team if you have any questions.

Contact

By phone, video and on site

Free of charge and confidential: We are there for you. Gladly also in English.

Make an appointment

Bereichsleiter soziale und psychologische Beratung

Harald Kaßen

Advisor and Head of
Advisory Services

Email Details

Marina Hambach

Advisor
Advisory Services

Email Details