What’s next after high school? Anyone facing the decision to pursue a college degree is often confronted with a mountain of questions and forms—as well as worries and fears. At the Fachhochschule Dortmund, there’s a particularly easy and straightforward way to get oriented: the student advisors—or “StuBen” for short .(Opens in a new tab)
As students in their respective faculties, they provide counseling to prospective students directly from their own everyday university experience—on an equal footing, honestly, and without bureaucratic hurdles. “It’s reassuring for high school students to know that there’s someone there who’s only a few years older than they are. That often makes it easier to ask questions,” says Sina Polifka. She studies architecture and serves as a student .(Opens in a new tab)
As students in their respective faculties, they provide counseling to prospective students directly from their own everyday university experience—on an equal footing, honestly, and without bureaucratic hurdles. “It’s reassuring for high school students to know that there’s someone there who’s only a few years older than they are. That often makes it easier to ask questions,” says Sina Polifka. She studies architecture and serves as a student counselor. Together with her colleagues in other faculties, she acts as an important bridge between the young people and the university.
Life Questions Instead of Legal Provisions
The StuBen sessions also focus on real life on campus. How much free time is there besides studying? Can you balance your studies with a part-time job or sports? What can I do after graduation? And how much math do I really need to know for business administration?
“Many high school students don’t even know at first what the study programs entail or what career prospects they offer,” Dzhenifar Nikolova reports from her experience. She is a student in the Faculty of Business Studies, which offers programs in International Business, Business Administration, Logistics, Finance & Accounting, and Insurance. There is a great need for guidance, so office hours are held four days a week. “Most students don’t come alone; they bring friends, classmates, or family members with them. That’s good, because it brings up additional perspectives and questions during the conversations,” says Dzhenifar Nikolova.
In the architecture program, many counseling sessions revolve around the admissions process. “We don’t have a minimum grade requirement, but rather a creative aptitude test. Many prospective students are nervous about that,” says Sina Polifka. “Our job is to help them overcome their fears and share our own experiences.” In addition to in-person conversations and video calls, many inquiries also come in simply via email.
The StuBen’s services are aimed at everyone, whether they’re just starting to explore their options or already have a concrete plan in mind. They can also be found regularly at career fairs such as Vocatium or Stuzubi. Students can also reach out to the counselors with their questions. They’re easy to reach via email, during open office hours right on campus, or online.