Studying together…
To make it easier for students to settle in at university, student networks are particularly helpful. Through these networks, students can connect easily and quickly with their fellow students and establish long-term contacts and friendships with like-minded people.
For first-generation students, such contacts can be essential for a successful course of studies, as they can give them a sense of belonging to the university. In addition, networking with other students can, at least to some extent, replace the network they might lack through their family background. Such a network can be very valuable when entering the job market, for example.
Furthermore, an additional opportunity for networking is offered by mentoring programs that enable first-year students to buddy up with already experienced students, thus making it easier for them to get started with their studies and their everyday lives at university. A later commitment as a mentor also offers first-generation students the opportunity to pass on their own experiences to other first-generation students.
Therefore, do not hesitate to encourage students to make use of the different types of student networks and mentoring programs – both as mentees and as mentors.
Student Networks and Student Groups
- Joining student activities
There is more to the student life than classes and exams. The university has many groups and initiatives in sports, music, movies, theater as well as university communities, associations, and interest groups. - Student Union of the University of Stuttgart (Stuvus)
The Student Union of the University of Stuttgart (Stuvus) is the major contact – by students for students – for all questions and problems students might have and tries to enrich studies at the University of Stuttgart with various projects. - Student groups
Student groups represent the interests of the students in relation to individual degree programs. They can answer all the questions to their specific degree program, for example what to expect in a certain module or how to prepare for exams. On this page you will find an overview of all student groups at the University of Stuttgart. - University groups
There are several recognized university groups at the University of Stuttgart. Interested students will find an overview here. - University sports
Doing sports together connects people. Here students can find information on the range of university sports. - Arbeiterkind.de Baden-Württemberg
Specifically for first-generation students, Arbeiterkind.de organizes monthly open meetings where students can discuss personal challenges and issues related to university life in a small group (Available only in German).
Mentoring
- Rookie meets Pro
The program "Rookie meets Pro" is specifically designed for first-year students of the humanities and connects them with experienced students to enable an exchange of experiences (Available only in German). - Intercultural Mentoring Program
The intercultural mentoring program offers international students the opportunity to network with experienced students and receive tips and tricks from them on how to organize their studies and find their way around campus, or to get to know Stuttgart and German culture together.