Advisory Services at the University of Bremen

Step 1: Knowing What You Want

What skills and interests do I have? What do I like doing at school, in my spare time, or in my job? Do I want to study at university or start a course of vocational training instead? And what would be best for me – studying at a university or rather at a university of applied sciences? What knowledge would I like to deepen during my studies and what do I expect from my degree? Self-tests can give you hints, but the decision is still up to you.

Note down answers to these questions in keywords. Of course, you can also visit the Central Student Advisory Service to talk about things.

Step 2: Finding Information

Look for the subjects that suit your interests and future intentions. Find out as much as possible about your intended degree program. Try to figure out what studying certain subjects requires of you and whether you feel up to these requirements. Advisory services such as the central student advisors at universities, subject advisors, student advisors such as the student body, career information centers, and career advisors at employment offices can help you in your decision-making process. You should also make use of written sources of information, such as information leaflets on study programs, course catalogs, and the green book “Studien und Berufswahl” [Studies and Career Choice] available from the of the Job Center.

Step 3: First, see what studying and your chosen career field are like

Nothing beats trying something out first. Make use of information days and trial offers. Most universities allow students to attend courses in the current semester without the need for formal registration. The Central Student Advisory Service will be happy to help you plan and prepare a self-organized trial experience.

Also try to get in contact with students. Who else is able to tell you better what to expect? And if you are interested in certain occupational fields that require a university degree, you should explore such professions as early as possible via an internship. This will help you to check your motivation and estimate whether you can imagine doing the job in future. A brief spell in a company or organization active in the field or talks with people already working in the sector, can be enlightening.

Step 4: Make a decision & apply

If you are uncertain about what to study, think about what is still needed to come to a decision. Problems in the choice of studies can also be discussed in the consultation hours of the Central Student Advisory Service. Once you have made up your mind, the all-important step follows: The application! From the beginning of May, you can obtain the required documentation; and see if you can apply online. Information on applications can be found on the Internet. The brochure “Studying at the University of Bremen” contains all the important information about studying at the University of Bremen as well as details of how to apply. It will be available in printed form from the beginning of May in the Bremen schools, at the Agentur für Arbeit [labor exchange], and in the administration building (VWG) of the University of Bremen. Many courses have subject-specific enrollment requirements (language certificates, internships etc.), which you should inform yourself about in good time. Application deadline for most undergraduate courses at the University of Bremen is July 15 of every year.

5th step: Take up studies

Incidentally, once you have obtained a place at the University of Bremen, you can prepare for your studies even before the official start. And it’s always helpful to improve your foreign language skills, because English literature is commonplace in every study program! The University also offers options for improving your math or EDP knowledge.

The orientation week and Uni-start events take place before the instruction begins in October and will help you get off to a smooth start. There are non-subject-specific events, guided tours, introductory courses, details of study programs, and lots of opportunities to meet your future fellow students. Good luck and a good start into the new territory of university studies!