Having doubts about your studies?
Of the 200 light bulbs that didn’t work, every failure told me something that I was able to incorporate into the next attempt.
Doubts about your studies are perfectly normal and not rare. The important thing is to seek support and advice to find the right path for you.
- Student advisory services at HHU
- At the study consultation and coaching service you can discuss your situation confidentially with an advisor. Whether you want to optimise your study techniques, rediscover your motivation or seek alternatives to your current study programme – we are here to support you.
- The psychological counselling service offers a safe space and support when personal or mental health issues make it difficult for you to concentrate on your studies and you want to talk to someone about them.
- You can also gain new impulses from exchange with others in the workshops & groups (German only).
- The advisory servicesfor the individual subjects can help you plan your studies to suit your needs and answer questions relating to study programme content.
In individual consultation sessions and events, the Career Service offers support on all aspects relating to your job perspectives.
Are you having financial problems? Are health issues impacting your studies? Are personal difficulties making it impossible to study at the moment?
The following offers may be helpful:
- Points of contact relating to financing your studies
- Master health issues and apply for compensation for disadvantages with the help of the Counselling Centre for Students with Disabilities or Chronic Illnesses (BBST)
Information on taking a leave of absence from your studies
Have you decided to change your subject and need support in realising this?
- You can contact the advisory service for the corresponding subject if you have specific questions about it and the recognition of courses completed.
- You can find specific information on how to change your subject here.
If you receive funding under the Federal Training Assistance Act (Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz – BAföG), please note the current regulations on changing your subject (German only) and talk to the corresponding contacts at the Studierendenwerk student support service organisation (German only) in good time.
Is studying different to how you thought it would be? Have your interests changed? Are you unsure about how things should continue?
The following offers can provide orientation:
- Events & consultations:
- In particular when it comes to job perspectives and alternatives to studying, a consultation with the experts from the Employment Agency can provide important assistance. Make use of the open consultation sessions at the SSC.
- At the “move!” info day, among other events, experts from the “move!” cooperation project can offer advice if you are having doubts about your studies. You can find dates and more information here (German only).
- A number of universities in NRW collaborate in the Next Career network and host the cross-regional study doubts focus weeks (German only). In free and largely online presentations, workshops and advisory sessions, you can obtain suggestions and helpful information to support your decision-making and reorientation.
- Practical experience and trying something new:
- On the website of the Stellenwerk Düsseldorf job portal (German only), you can find internships and secondary activities, which can offer you an insight into working life. Here, you can also find events offered by our Career Service, at which potential employers from various fields showcase what they offer.
- The International Office also offers advice on semesters or internships abroad.
- Voluntary services can also open up new perspectives. Find out about undertaking voluntary service (German only), a voluntary social year (German only) or development volunteer service abroad.
- Taster courses & reflection (all linked websites in German):
- Are you wondering whether a different subject might be more suitable for you but you don’t know exactly what many subjects involve? Try the virtual taster coursesand gain an impression of various faculties and subjects at HHU.
- If you would like to compare your own impressions and expectations with specific study programmes, you can take numerous online self-assessments (OSAs).
The BERUFENET website provided by the Federal Employment Agency offers a broad range of insights into a wide variety of study, apprenticeship and occupational fields. Use the website to identify areas of interest to you.
Would you like to do something more practical? Would you prefer more structure and support? Are you thinking about a dual course of study or an apprenticeship?
You can find an initial overview and advice offers here:
- Experts from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK), the Chamber of Trades and Crafts (HWK) or the Employment Agency offer advice on apprenticeships and dual courses of study in the framework of the “move!” cooperation project.
- Find a dual course of study:
- Find out about apprenticeship occupations (all linked websites in German):
- Information on vocational education and training occupations (provided by the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training)
- Apprenticeship occupations offered by the IHK
- Apprenticeship occupations offered by the HWK
- Apprenticeship occupations in Düsseldorf
It is also worthwhile finding out about funding under the Federal Training Assistance Act (Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz – BAföG) for apprentices (German only) at an early stage.