Challenges for international students
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Einleitung Sprachbarrieren, Finanzen und Alltag
Language barriers, finances, and daily life: challenges for international students
Studying in a new country opens up many opportunities, but it also comes with its own challenges. Language barriers, financial worries, or not knowing many people can all be stressful. Here, you’ll find guidance to help you feel more confident and settle in well.
As an international student, you often have to navigate much more than just exams. A new language, unfamiliar teaching methods, and high academic expectations can be exhausting. On top of that, financial pressure is common, as part-time jobs may not cover all expenses. Bureaucratic tasks - from finding housing to securing your residence permit - can quickly become overwhelming.
Many students also struggle with loneliness, especially when it’s hard to build friendships or social connections. These challenges don’t mean you’re not suited for university life - for many, they’re a normal part of settling in and adjusting to a new environment.
What matters is recognising the causes and reaching out for support.
University counselling services, language courses, and networks for international students can help you feel more secure step by step and make your studies a more positive experience.
Tipps für Studium & Alltag (Akkordeon)
Tips and support for student life in Germany
You may find that lectures, academic texts, or exams are more challenging than you expected. You’re not alone—many students need time to get used to the academic language and the German higher education system.
Here's what helps:
- Make use of your university’s language courses, writing centers, or tutorial sessions.
- Connect with others or join a language tandem.
- Look for workshops on academic writing and study skills.
- If you realise your degree program isn’t the right fit, explore your options early - such as switching subjects or choosing an alternative like vocational training.
Where to get support: Language Center, tutorial sessions, Student Advisory Service, International Office
You can find tips for learning German at Handbook Germany.
Use the Ankommen App: “Ankommen” means to arrive and settle in. The app provides helpful information for your start in Germany and includes an integrated German course so you can begin learning right away.
Moving to a new country also brings new and perhaps unfamiliar challenges: recycling, paying the TV license fee, grocery shopping, dealing with government agencies—and often living on your own for the first time. On top of that, you might feel homesick or struggle to fit in.
To help you connect with others and settle in more quickly, here are some things you can do:
- Attend the orientation events hosted by the International Office. There, you’ll get the most important information about daily student life and the places where you can get support.
- Many universities offer buddy programs. This helps you connect with other students and find support for your questions about daily life and living in Germany.
- Participate in university sports, student groups, or events to make connections.
- If you notice that you’re feeling emotionally down and feel very stressed or overwhelmed, seek help early on, e.g., at the Student Services’ psychosocial counseling center.
- Give yourself time—settling in takes time, and it’s okay to feel overwhelmed now and then.
You can find tips for learning German at Handbook Germany.
Use the Ankommen App: “Ankommen” means to arrive and settle in. The app provides helpful information for your start in Germany and includes an integrated German course so you can begin learning right away.
Rent, food, technology, and study materials—life can be expensive. International students are only allowed to work a limited number of hours.
What can help:
- A budget plan helps you keep track of your expenses. If necessary, contact the Student Services financial counseling office to find out what options you have for financing your studies.
- Note regarding part-time jobs: As an international student from a non-EU country, you may work 120 full days or 240 half-days per year without approval from the Foreigners’ Registration Office (exception: EU/EEA/CH). You will find a note regarding this in your residence permit. If you have questions about part-time jobs, you can also contact the financial counseling service at the Studierendenwerk, for example.
Where to get support: Student welfare advice (Sozialberatung) from the student service organisation (“Studierendenwerk”), International Office or the Career Service.
You can find more information about finances at Handbook Germany.
Also have a look at this section about financing and support.
Forms, deadlines, and government offices can feel overwhelming - especially in German.
What can help:
- Ask the International Office for support.
- Bring someone with you to appointments.
- Find out in advance about deadlines and rules for part-time work, changing your degree program, or residence permits.
Where to get support: International Office, advisory services for residence and legal matters (“aufenthaltsrechtliche Beratungsstellen“), your local immigration office (“Ausländerbehörde”).
Homesickness, loneliness, discrimination, or worries about your family can be very stressful. You don’t have to deal with this alone. Seeking support is a sign of strength.
What can help:
- Talk about your feelings - with friends or through counselling.
- Make time for things that help you feel grounded - sports, music, exercise, or community.
- If you notice that you’re feeling worse and worse and are under a lot of emotional strain, seek support—for example, from the Student Services’ psychosocial counseling center.
Where to find support: The Studierendenwerk’s psychosocial counseling service, self-help groups, and international communities.
Neue Wege gehen (Text)
If your studies aren’t the right fit: Explore your alternatives in good time
Many international students don’t start looking into alternatives until they’re about to withdraw from school. This is understandable, since their studies often come with high expectations from those around them. However, it’s better to explore your options early on; this gives you more flexibility and allows you to make decisions on your own terms.
Here’s how you can support yourself:
- Talk to someone you trust (a friend, family member) and/or the academic advising office or the International Office.
- Reflect on what aspects are difficult for you: Is it the subject, the structure of the university, the academic culture, or external pressures?
- Explore your alternatives: changing your major, transferring to another university, or other career options such as vocational training or a dual degree program.
Reflecting early on creates room to maneuver and reduces stress.
Withdrawing from Your Program as an Option
Are you unable or unwilling to continue your current program of study? There are various options you can pursue instead.
Here’s what you can do:
- Gather information: What are the deadlines for withdrawing from your program? What options do you have besides continuing your studies?
- Seek advice: Career Service, academic advising, mental health counseling, immigration counseling centers
- Make a plan: What steps do you need to take first, and what support is available to you?
Interne Verlinkung (Cards)
Your degree program just isn’t the right fit?
Die Initiative „Zweifellos – Finde deinen Weg" wird gefördert vom Bundesministerium für Bildung, Familie, Senioren, Frauen und Jugend im Rahmen der Initiative Bildungsketten.