Everything you Need to Know about your Studies: Services & Support

Getting to Know Ruhr University Bochum

• Programs of study: all subjects and degree courses at Ruhr University Bochum
• Student Advice Center: advice and support on how to enter Ruhr University Bochum (The link leads to a German-language web page)
• Academic Advisory Office: advisory services for every subject; all contact details are available under the respective program of study
• Talent scouts: assistance for school leavers from nonacademic and immigrant families (The link leads to a German-language web page)
• WhatsApp channel for prospective students: application tips, event information, insights into university studies for school pupils (The link leads to a German-language channel)
• Get to know Ruhr University Bochum: Offers before your studies: Interested pupils are provided with detailed information at RUB and can learn more about the degree programs (The link leads to a German-language web page)

Financing Your Studies

• Financing your studies: information on financing options and contacts (The link leads to a German-language web page)
• Advice on financing your studies provided by the AKAFÖ (Academic Services Office): The BAföG office can also be found here. (The link leads to a German-language web page)
• Scholarships: information on scholarships, application procedures, information meetings, advisory services
• Deutschlandstipendium (national scholarship program): financial support for young talents showing excellent performance and social commitment

Social Affairs

• Accommodation: Bochum offers many dormitories and comparatively affordable rents
• Students with disabilities: accessibility and equality measures for students with disabilities, reasonable accommodation and compensation for disadvantages (The link leads to a German-language web page)
• Student parents: support for student parents, childcare facilities, baby changing facilities, networks, etc.
• Academic Services Office (AKAFÖ): accommodation, culture, BaföG and much more (The link leads to a German-language web page)

Application & Enrollment

• Registrar’s Office: your contacts for all paperwork related to your studies
• Application: how to apply for a degree program at Ruhr University Bochum
• Admission Office: contact point for any questions regarding application and admission
• Enrollment (matriculation): In order to study at Ruhr University Bochum, applicants must enroll in due time and in due form
• Dates and deadlines: application and enrollment deadlines for each semester
• Health insurance: In order to enroll, applicants must provide proof of health insurance

For Teachers

• For teachers: support for them in their role as study and career choice coordinators; activities and events for school classes (The link leads to a German-language web page)

Getting Started

• Servicepoint: first contact points on campus for prospective students, enrolled students and visitors
• Enrollment (matriculation): In order to study at Ruhr University Bochum, you must enroll in due time and in due form
• Services and programs for first-semester students: first steps, preliminary courses, orientation weeks, introductory sessions, etc.
• WhatsApp channel for first-year students: regular information about starting as a student at RUB (The link leads to a German-language channel)

General Information

• Dates and deadlines: all important dates and deadlines for each semester at a glance
• Course catalogs: the complete study program – you can find the complete list of courses in the course catalog
• University Library & departmental libraries: research and borrowing – in addition to the University Library, there are various departmental libraries
• Faculties: Ruhr University Bochum houses 21 faculties
• Studying at the University Alliance Ruhr: joint teaching and learning space of Ruhr University Bochum, TU Dortmund University and the University of Duisburg-Essen
• Departmental student committees: Links to the departmental student committees at RUB are included within the description of the respective programs of study
• AStA (General Students’ Committee): representatives of the student body (The link leads to a German-language web page)

Organizing Your Studies

• Student Advice Center: supports students in all phases of their degree program and helps them to identify the right contacts for any concern (The link leads to a German-language web page)
• Registrar’s Office: your contacts for all paperwork related to your studies, such as:
• • Certificate of enrollment
  • Re-registration and social contribution
  • Change notifications
  • Leave of absence

Services

• Student ID: The RUB Card allows students to access many services on campus
• Semester ticket: traveling by public transport throughout Germany
• Moodle: online study platform at Ruhr University Bochum
• eCampus: online tool for managing your studies
• Internet access: internet access at Ruhr University Bochum for students (The link leads to a German-language web page)
• IT.SERVICES: contacting the IT.SERVICES servicecenter/helpdesk
• Copycenter: printing, copying, scanning and binding of theses, lecture notes, posters, etc.

Financing Your Studies

• Financing your studies: information on financing options and contacts (The link leads to a German-language web page)
• Advice on financing your studies provided by the AKAFÖ: The BAföG office can also be found here (The link leads to a German-language web page)
• Scholarships: information on scholarships, application procedures, information meetings, advisory services
• Deutschlandstipendium (national scholarship program): financial support for young talents showing excellent performance and social commitment

Social Affairs

• Accommodation: Bochum offers many dormitories and comparatively affordable rents
• Students with disabilities: accessibility and equality measures for students with disabilities, reasonable accommodation and compensation for disadvantages (The link leads to a German-language web page)
• Student parents: support for student parents, childcare facilities, baby changing facilities, networks, etc.
• Academic Services Office (AKAFÖ): accommodation, culture, BaföG and much more (The link leads to a German-language web page)
• Health insurance: health insurance and long-term care insurance are mandatory for students

Academic Success & Career Guidance

• Expanding your competencies: interdisciplinary continuing education, e-learning, Writing Center, etc.
• Workshops, coaching and guidance: Students are offered a wide range of workshops, coaching and guidance services related to their studies (The link leads to a German-language web page)
• Job offers: internships, student jobs and entry-level jobs – stellenwerk Bochum offers a wide range of employment opportunities. (The link leads to a German web page.)
• Career Service: supporting students in setting up their studies in a praxis-oriented way so as to start successfully in the world of employment as well as support for graduates
• Bochum Employment Agency – Academic Careers Team: the office of the employment agency at Ruhr University Bochum (The link leads to a German-language web page)
• WORLDFACTORY: support for students of Ruhr University Bochum who wish to start their own business

Opportunities to Study Abroad for Students of Ruhr University Bochum

• International Office: contact point providing information on how to study abroad
• Going abroad: study abroad, internships, research, thesis and financing for outgoing students

Support in Difficult Situations & Crises

• Psychological Student Counseling Service: workshops and coaching for all types of personal issues and problems that hinder or jeopardize academic performance, as well as advice on self-help
• Legal advice from the AStA (General Students’ Committee): free initial advice for students on all legal issues
• Workshops, coaching and guidance: Students are offered a wide range of workshops, coaching and guidance services related to their studies (The link leads to a German-language web page)
• Second-guessing and reconsideration: support for students who second-guess their studies (The link leads to a German-language web page)
• Conflicts at university – contact points for students: Ruhr University Bochum provides assistance in case of conflicts on campus (The link leads to a German-language web page)
• Accident reporting: Students at Ruhr University Bochum have statutory accident insurance through the Unfallkasse NRW (North Rhine-Westphalia Accident Insurance Fund) in the event of accidents in connection with their studies
• Safety on Campus: Overview of measures and offers for campus security at RUB

At the End of your Studies

• End of studies coaching: engage with fellow students on the brink of graduation and receive tailored coaching and mentorship from coach
• Exmatriculation: information about formal exmatriculation and steps to be taken
• Alumni network: Keep up to date with the exciting topics covered by the university, meet up with former fellow students and share your experiences with current students (The link leads to a German-language web page)

Doctorate

• Research School: support for doctoral students in all research areas, interdisciplinary workshop program, career training, etc.

Food & Drinks

• Mensa & cafeterias: menus and opening hours for the Mensa, Rote Beete, Q-West and cafeterias (The link leads to a German-language web page)
• Asta Kulturcafé: coffee shop and cultural venue (The link leads to a German-language web page)

Travel & Transport

• Semester ticket: traveling by public transport throughout Germany

Leisure & Recreation

• Tips for recreation, leisure and culture at the university and in the city of Bochum are available here:

Extracurricular Activities

After Successful Graduation

• Exmatriculation: information about formal exmatriculation and steps to be taken
• Alumni network: Keep up to date with the exciting topics covered by the university, meet up with former fellow students and share your experiences with current students. (The link leads to a German web page.)

Career Guidance & Career Entry

• Job offers: internships, student jobs and entry-level jobs – stellenwerk Bochum offers a wide range of employment opportunities. (The link leads to a German web page.)
• Career Service: supporting students in setting up their studies in a praxis-oriented way so as to start successfully in the world of employment as well as support for graduates
• Bochum Employment Agency – Academic Careers Team: the office of the employment agency at Ruhr University Bochum (The link leads to a German web page.)

Start-Ups

• WORLDFACTORY: support for students of Ruhr University Bochum who wish to start their own business

Doctorate

• Research School: support for doctoral students in all research areas, interdisciplinary workshop program, career training, etc.

Contacts

• RUBiss: International Student Services: information, services and events for international students, both prospective and enrolled
• International Office: assistance for international students and researchers
• Welcome Centre for international researchers and doctoral candidates: information and support, planning your research stay, accommodation, family, etc.

How to Enroll at Ruhr University Bochum

• Application for international prospective students: information on general requirements, financing, language requirements and the application process
• Information for exchange students: All you need to know about studying at Ruhr University Bochum and how to plan your exchange at RUB

For Refugees

• University without Borders: services and advice for prospective international students and refugee students

Entering the Job Market in Germany

• uniWORKcity: prepares international students to enter the German job market while they are still at university
• mycareer@rub: establishing contacts with regional companies, gaining practical experience, improving your chances in the German labor market