Social Counselling Service for International Students

We have an open ear for students! During a personal meeting we are looking for solutions together concerning personal, social or economical obstacles. We offer support and advice for international students regarding, e.g. the ARD ZDF Deutschlandradio Broadcasting Contribution, concerning the correspondence with public authorities or the financing of studies, but also in regard to studying with children or studying with disabilities.

The counselling is free of charge and is bound to professional discretion. Counselling sessions can be held in German or English.

For general questions, please feel free to come by during the open office hours. In more complex situations please arrange an individual appointment with us via email or phone beforehand.

FAQs

• What questions can I ask the Social Counselling Service?

  As Studentenwerk, we support you in your everyday life as a student. Our social counselling service is the first point of contact for all students at Chemnitz University of Technology and University of Applied Sciences Zwickau for questions and problems relating to everyday student life, finances and social matters.

  We offer clarification and guidance for difficult study or life situations and provide support in the search for solutions to personal, study-related, social or economic problems. The counselling service is primarily designed as "help for self-help".

  Our main focus include for example:

  • Pregnancy and studying with a child
  • Students with disabilities or chronic illnesses
  • International students
  • Financing your studies
  • Working while studying
  • Health and long-term care insurance
  • Social benefits
  • Benefits and much more.

  Even if we are unable to help directly, we usually know a contact point that we can recommend to you.
• What does the consultation cost?

  Nothing! All counselling services, both social and legal counselling as well as psychological counselling, are completely free of charge for students of Chemnitz University of Technology and University of Applied Sciences Zwickau.
• Where does the counselling take place?

  Counselling takes place in the office of the respective counsellor.
• What is the difference between social and psychological counselling?

  Social counselling offers help with organisational issues related to your everyday student life, i.e. if you have questions about paying your next rent, your job, the broadcasting contribution, studying during pregnancy and with a child or your next appointment at the Foreigners Office, you can contact our social counselling team.
  
  Psychological Counselling, on the other hand, offers you help and support in dealing with stress, pressure and difficult situations in your studies and everyday life. If, for example, you are having problems concentrating on your next assignment, the thought of the next exam is keeping you awake or the world starts looking increasingly bleak in your everyday life as a student, psychological counselling is the right place for you to go.
  
  There can sometimes be overlaps here. So if you are unsure which of the two counselling services you should visit, simply contact us.
• How do I book an appointment?

  You do not need an appointment for our open consultation hours. However, in order to keep the waiting time manageable for all students, we ask that you only contact us with brief concerns or requests for information during these times. Please expect a possible waiting period during the open consultation hours.
  
  If you would like to discuss a more complex matter, you are welcome to make an individual appointment with us in advance by e-mail. This also save you waiting time.
• Who will be informed that I have received counselling?

  Counselling is bound to confidentiality. We will not pass on any information to third parties without your explicit consent.
• What about data protection?

  All important information on data protection and data processing in social counseling can be found here: Data protection (pdf, 43 kB)
• How can I give feedback on counselling?

  You are welcome to give us feedback on our counselling services. This is possible via an online questionnaire in either German or English. Your feedback is anonymous and all information is provided on a voluntary basis. We look forward to your feedback!