All about your studies

Advising for current and prospective Students

You decide which way you would like to receive advice.

As the first point of contact for current and prospective students at the University of Freiburg, the Advising and Counselling team (ZSB) at the Service Center Studium advises you free of charge, confidentially, and individually on all matters that come up before, during, or after your studies. If you have any special requirements, please let us know—together we will find a suitable solution.

In addition to individual counselling, we offer events and workshops to support you during your studies: from self-organisation, learning strategies and stress management to special offers for specific target groups.

Workshops and events

Events for prospective students and trade fairs

Offers for Schools

Service Center Studium (SCS)

Your first point of contact for all study-related enquiries.

study@uni-freiburg.de
Hotline: +49 761 2034246
Mon to Thu: 9.00 a.m – 4.30 p.m.
Fri: 9.00 a.m. – 12.00 p.m.
Info-Point on the ground floor:
Mon, Tue, Thu: 10.00 a.m. – 12.00 p.m.
Mon – Thu: 1.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m.
Service Center Studium
Sedanstraße 6
79098 Freiburg
Follow us on Instagram:
@ufr_servicecenterstudium

Our Advice and Counselling Services

Common topics at advising sessions

Should I study or not?
How can I learn my way around the many informational materials and orientation tools?
How can I find out more about a subject?
Which degree program is right for me?
What can I study at the University of Freiburg? What subjects can I combine and what degree can I earn?
I can’t decide between different degree programmes …
How is the degree programme structured?
What are the prerequisites for enrolling in a degree programme?
I have several plans. Is there a sensible way to combine them with one another?

I’m thinking about changing my subject and/or transferring to another university …
I’m nervous about my upcoming exams …
I’ve failed an important exam …
There have been several changes in my life that are having a negative effect on my studies. How can I deal with this?
I don’t know any more whether the subject I’m studying and/or the university is/are right for me …
I’m almost finished with my degree. What are my options after graduation?
What kinds of scholarships can I apply for?

Zoom consultation hours of the Info-Point

When?
Wed.: 1.00 p.m. to 3.00 p.m.
Thurs.: 3.00 p.m. to 5.00 p.m.

Please note: the Zoom consultation hour will not take place on Thursday, 20 November 2025!

Our point of contact for initial questions, if you can’t visit us in person. For more complicated questions, you can also request an appointment for an individual advising session.

At the times listed above, you can dial into the Zoom consultation hour ‘Info Point’ via the following link:
https://uni-freiburg.zoom-x.de/j/64377494079?pwd=T2VZRFhjTXd5SW1qeE1ZMnUxVHJrdz09

Please note that you will first be placed in a waiting room. As soon as a member of staff is available, you will be connected to the Zoom consultation hour.

Full individual advising (with appointment – in person, online, by telephone)

with appointment – in person, online, or by telephone

Who should take advantage of it?
It is advisable to make an appointment, e.g., if you will be travelling a long distance. We also recommend making an appointment if you have an issue to discuss that feels particularly ‘difficult’ – i.e., personally stressful. In cases of urgency, our open office hours are more suitable. All advising sessions are confidential.

How?
Please request an advising appointment via our online appointment request form .

As a rule, appointments are arranged a maximum of three weeks in advance.
Depending on the topic of your advising session, our advisers may contact you beforehand to let you know how you can prepare for the session.

Where can you find us?
The Advising and Counselling team (ZSB) is located on the first floor of the Service Center Studium at Sedanstraße 6, 79098 Freiburg.

Open Office Hours

In person and without an appointment

When?
Mon., Tues., Thurs.: 10.00 a.m. to 12.00 noon
Thurs.: 2.00 p.m. to 4.00 p.m.

Who should take advantage of them?
The open office hours are recommended as an individual advising format for issues of all kinds, especially urgent cases. There’s no need to make an appointment. If necessary, there is the possibility to arrange an appointment for follow-up sessions with the adviser during your advising session. All advising sessions are confidential.

Please note that you may have to wait until one of our advisers is available.

Where can you find us?
The Advisory and Counselling team (ZSB) is located on the first floor of the Student Service Center at Sedanstraße 6, 79098 Freiburg.

Advising and Counselling team (ZSB)

Dr. Friedrich Arndt

Director

friedrich.arndt@zv.uni-freiburg.de
+49 761 203 4464
– studies in Political Science (Dipl. Pol.), Philosophy, and Social Sciences; PhD in Political Theory

– broad teaching experience and supervision of student theses

– systemic counsellor (ISB Wiesloch)

– emphases: academic orientation, discovery of personal interests, dealing with diverse interests, writing advice, coping with stress and crises (resilience)

Kathinka Dettmer, M.A.

kathinka.dettmer@zv.uni-freiburg.de
+49 761 203 4224
– studies of Literature and Linguistics (M.A.), Elementary School Teacher Education (first state examination), and MA in Supervision

– various training courses on therapeutic methods

– state trainer for BEST and academic ambassador training courses at MWK, BEST trainer

– emphases: academic orientation, advice on decision-making, personal problem situations, changes of subject and university transfer, academic difficulties (dropout, difficulties with exams, advice on study habits), parental advising, exam anxiety

Dr. Alexandra Rüdell

alexandra.ruedell@zv.uni-freiburg.de
+49 761 203 67367
– studies of Early Historical Archaeology, Biological Anthropology, and Geology; PhD in Anthropology

– Systemic counselling (tandem Institut Freiburg)

-emphases: academic orientation, personal problem and decision-making situations, scholarship advising, studying with a child

Anna-Lena Lessle, M.A.

anna-lena.lessle@zv.uni-freiburg.de
+49 761 203 96863
– studies of Romance Literature and Cultural Studies, Scandinavian
Studies

– systemic counsellor (WISPO Systemisches Zentrum Freiburg)

– BEST trainer (Vocational and academic orientation training, MWK)

– many years of experience in communication of information and brief counselling

– emphases: academic orientation, advice on doubts and decision-making, integration into student life, personal problem situations, studying with children

Anna Mielich, M.A.

anna.mielich@zv.uni-freiburg.de
+49 761 203 96864
– studies of Cultural Studies and German Studies

– many years of teaching experience and supervision of student teaching research projects

– CoreDynamik coach and trainer, combination of movement-, body-, and intuition-based counselling approaches

– emphases: academic orientation, discovery of individual strengths, coping with complex personal situations (upheaval and decision-making processes, changes, stress, crises), studying with a child/children

Michaela Entner, M.A.

michaela.entner@zv.uni-freiburg.de
+49 761 203 67368
– Expertise in advising and admission of international students

– Advising of international prospective students and students

Vera Marx, Dipl. Hyd.

vera.marx@zv.uni-freiburg.de
+49 761 203 67369
– Study of hydrology (Dipl. Hyd.)

Expertise in advising and admission of international students, Coordinator of the Additional Programme for International Students

– Advising of international prospective students and students

Dr. Ingrid Bertleff

ingrid.bertleff@zv.uni-freiburg.de
+49 761 203 8833
– studies in comparative musocology and cultural anthropology, Ph.D. in Cultural Anthropology of music; prior craft training

– Experienced in diverse academic contexts (e.g. research, teaching, coordination)

– Coaching certificate

– emphases: academic orientation, decision-making, personal problem situations, writing advice, first generation students, students with children

Further advice services on specific topics

Advising for teaching degree programmes

The Advising for teaching degree programmes offers special advising and support services for prospective university-track secondary school teachers in polyvalent bachelor’s and Master of Education degree programmes. Make sure to be well prepared when starting your teaching degree programme, and later your teacher training!

Read more [de]

Paths abroad

Stays abroad during a course of study can enable important experiences. As there are numerous exchange programmes and funding opportunities available, we recommend that you inform yourself well in advance. We’re happy to provide you advice and support in implementing your plans!

Career entry and careers

Even during your studies, it’s worth it to regularly take a look at your subsequent career entry. The University offers events and qualification programmes for different groups and works together with external partners to help you make a successful transition to the world of work.

International applicants

Applicants from abroad or with higher education entrance qualification earned abroad ask different questions than German applicants when applying for admission to studies in Freiburg. On the following pages, we give you answers to the most important questions on applications, language certificates, tuition, Studienkolleg, and many more topics.

Intercultural Mentoring Program

The Intercultural Mentoring Program (ICM) pairs first-year international students (mentees) with experienced students of all subjects (mentors) according to subject. Find friends from around the world, get support, and participate in cultural events.

Students sit in the sunshine outside the Rempartstraße canteen having lunch

Additional Program for International Students (APIS)

Are you an international student at the University of Freiburg? Would you like to enrich your student life in Freiburg and benefit from additional offers that won’t cost you a cent? Then you’ve come to the right place.

Image of a woman's ear with a hearing aid.

Students with a disability or chronic illness

Students with a disability or chronic illness are often confronted with additional challenges and barriers. The University of Freiburg therefore provides support and advice to enable these students to participate in their studies and in student life as fully and as independently as possible.

Maternity protection and studying with a child

There are special protective measures and possibilities for support available to students who are pregnant, nursing, or caring for small children. Find out more and request advice if you have any questions!

Struggling with your studies

During your studies, you may encounter academic, organisational or personal challenges. Depending on the issue, you can find support either in your faculty or at the university’s central facilities.

A student drinks a coffee in Café Libresso in the university library

Student health: Staying mentally healthy throughout your studies

Mental health, balance, and strategies for coping with stress are important for well-being and academic success. We’ve put together a list of helpful resources and offers for students.