Diversity in Studying
The University of Bonn is committed to promoting equal opportunity at all levels, but especially for students. We present central programs, working areas and contact points at the university that further implement equal opportunities and make the university a place of fair, sensitive and individual support.
Studying together
The University of Bonn works actively to recruit a diverse student body, both in terms of social background and identity, not just because it is fair, but to unlock the full potential of society. The University should provide no room for discrimination of any kind.
We seek to engage with our diverse student body in a manner appropriate to their background. By taking their concerns seriously, we strive to establish conditions of studying and learning which enable all students to thrive. We are dependent on your input to realize this goal and welcome any suggestions. Please get in touch using our contact form.
Offers for students
Sometimes you need support in your day-to-day life at university. We want to introduce you to various contact points at the university that can help you with your questions and problems. Below you will also find specific offers that can help you connect with other students, among other things.
The Studierendenwerk
Advice about financing your studies and finding employment or accommodation. Click here for more information.
International Office
Advice and support for students on all aspects of international mobility.
Studying and Family
You can find information and support for students with childcare responsibilities here.
Healthy Campus
What steps can you take to ensure a healthy and mindful university experience? Healthy Campus Bonn provides a range of services to support you in this endeavor.
Students with disabilities
Do you know what disadvantage compensation is? The Representative for Students with Disabilities or Chronic Illnesses provides information about this issue.
Offers for LGBTQIA* people
You are queer, new in Bonn and looking for a place to meet other queer people?
From university into the workplace
Are you concerned with the question of what you want to do professionally after graduating from university? Then contact the Career Service of the University of Bonn.
AStA services
The General Student's Committee (AStA) provides advice and support services on a range of issues as well as participative events.
Counseling regarding racism
The individual consultation regarding racism is conducted by Eden Abrehet (she/her), psychological counsellor and trainer for empowerment and anti-discrimination. Eden is an external counsellor and offers to talk about concrete racist incidents or burdens due to racist discrimination within the university context.
She creates a space with you to reflect on your experiences and to support you in developing suitable individual strategies and ways of dealing with certain situations. She also develops future measures for the University of Bonn, based on her work with the students. Appointments can be made by email and will take place online for the time being. All emails are read only by Eden and are subject to confidentiality, just like the counselling sessions. This means that no information will be shared with others without the students' consent. Counseling is provided by the Equal Opportunity and Diversity Unit and was developed in cooperation with the former BIPoC department.
Consultations can be conducted in: German, English, Tigrinya
MitSprache
MitSprache is a program of the University of Bonn, which is carried out by the Department for Intercultural Communication and Multilingualism in cooperation with the Caritas Association Bonn. The concept sees language as the key to the integration of new immigrants, which enables educational opportunities and societal "co-speak" (Mit-Sprache), i.e. participation. The focus of the program is on integration and inclusion of young people of international origin who have recently moved to Germany and are interested in studying or in vocational training.
Further services for students
Would you like to meet and help like-minded people? Take a look at these opportunities for volunteering:
Intercultural exchange is an important, enriching part of campus life at the University of Bonn. Students can take advantage of a range of opportunities to gather intercultural experience and skills within an international environment.
Further information is available here.
An eTandem deploys digital communications to facilitate autonomous distance learning across national borders.
Further information about the e-Tandem program (german)
The LGBTQIA* contact point is open to all members of the University of Bonn and serves as a first point of contact for those who need advice or have questions about LGBTQIA* issues.
Further information is available here.
Whether you need to change your address, bank account details, your name or gender marker, all the relevant information is available here.
The Coordination Office for Refugee Support provides information about the programs and measures implemented at the University of Bonn to assist refugees in their studies as well as information about the range of intensive German-language courses open to them.
The MitSprache service-learning module is aimed at students of the University of Bonn who would like to qualify as volunteers for language support, as well as newly-arrived immigrants interested in studying or training in Germany.
Further information is available here (german).
New arrivals in Bonn wishing to join a congregation or religious fellowship will find like-minded students at the various religious associations affiliated with the University of Bonn. The various University faith associations organize common worship and a range of activities such as music groups, theater groups, discussions, lectures and film screenings and welcome new members. Some of the groups even provide accommodation.
Further information is available here.
The Nightline Cologne is available to english speaking students on Thursdays from 9 to 12 pm. Whether it's stress in your studies or everyday worries, exam nerves, money problems or problems in your relationship - no topic is too big or too small.
ArbeiterKind.de encourages school students to be the first in their family to go to university and provides advice and support during their studies. The Bonn branch of ArbeiterKind.de provides advice and support on a range of issues, including those arising from the current pandemic situation.
HateAid is a non-profit organization that campaigns for human rights in the digital space and is active on a social and political level against digital violence and its consequences. It also offers advice and legal support for people affected by digital violence.
The Hildegardis Association not only promotes womens’ studies, but also provides mentoring programs, organizes networking meetings for women academics and students and runs inclusion projects. Women academics at different stages in their career can apply for loans to fund qualification projects.
Are you looking for advice?
We all need a helping hand sometimes; a fresh pair of eyes and a confidential discussion are often useful in negotiating a path out of difficulty. The University of Bonn maintains a number of advice and support services to help students experiencing difficult situations.
Contact
Central Study Advisory and Counseling Service
This service provides advice and support to students considering an application to university, students unsure of how or whether to proceed in their degree and information about sources of psychological counseling. Information about who to turn to is available here.
Psychological Counseling
“Gain a new perspective, deal with problems” – The Psychological Counseling Service at the University of Bonn provides students with psychological counseling services to help them respond to challenges. Get in touch with the relevant contact person here.
Telephone appointment:
Mo, Tue, Thu
8.30 - 10.30 a.m.
and 2.30 - 3.30 p.m.
See also
Healthy Campus
The University health management team provides a range of services relating to physical and mental health and well-being.
Erasmus
The University of Bonn provides further opportunities for international exchange in addition to the Erasmus Programme.
MitSprache
This program provides new immigrants with help to learn German, thereby promoting integration.