Students in need: This is how we strengthen mental health at universities!
Find out everything about student counseling at the University of Freiburg: appointments, support and mental health for students.

Students in need: This is how we strengthen mental health at universities!
More and more students are confronted with psychological stress during their studies. In a recent survey by Forsa (2023), numerous respondents stated that they suffered from exam anxiety, self-doubt and stress. Friedrich Arndt, the head of the central student advisory service at the University of Freiburg, emphasizes that the university supports students and prospective students throughout their entire study journey.
The central student advisory service in Freiburg is open to anyone interested. Arndt explains that initial ideas for choosing a course of study can be useful, but no preparation is necessary for advice. The main goal is to help students find their next steps and provide methods for choosing a course of study. Urgent inquiries will be processed promptly; General appointments are available within three weeks.
Comprehensive support for students
Students who need support with specific concerns at the University of Freiburg can find advice on a variety of topics. This includes choosing a course of study, clarifying career prospects, but also challenges such as studying with children or chronic illnesses. The advisors also work closely with the representative for students with disabilities and, if necessary, refer you to the student union's psychotherapeutic counseling center.
Kari Reulecke, head of the Service Center Studies, points out the increasing relevance of mental health. Since the Corona pandemic, psychological stress among students has increased, which means that preventive measures such as resilience workshops have become more important. If you have further questions, there are numerous information platforms available, such as: Don't study alone, which shows specific offers to strengthen mental health.
Mental health during studies
The 'NotAloneStudying' platform offers students important support, including self-help tips, mindfulness training and information on contact points for psychological help. It is aimed at students who experience nervousness, loneliness or pressure to perform and would like to support them on their way to successful studies. An outstanding offer is free and anonymous access to the Telephone counseling, which is available around the clock.
The challenges that studying brings with it are diverse. These include pressure to perform, depressive moods and social anxiety. It is known among students that only about 30% of those who struggle with mental health problems actually seek psychological counseling. It turns out that university work culture often gives the impression that problems should be kept secret. Nevertheless, the low-threshold offers from the advice centers are important in order to receive prompt support without long waiting times.
Conclusion and further measures
Psychological counseling at universities is well-advised to focus on the needs of students. The combination of preventative measures and the opportunity to seek help early is crucial to reducing the pressure many students are under. Access to resources to care for mental health is essential to not only achieve personal goals, but also to promote an enjoyable college experience.