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Freie Universität Berlin: Mentoring für Studierende

Peer-to-peer mentoring in small groups to help students arrive, orient themselves, and progress in their studies.

Who is it for?

First-year students and students in transition phases

Program overview

The mentoring programme of Freie Universität Berlin supports students in "Arriving. Coping. Progressing" during their studies. Experienced students (mentors) accompany mentees in sensitive study phases, provide orientation and practical tips, and promote networking within the department.

For mentees

Benefits: From the start you receive answers to study-related questions, meet fellow students in small groups, and benefit from the mentors' experience.

For mentors

Benefits: As a mentor you can shift perspective and act as a peer coach; you receive professional preparation and departmental support.

Topics and content

The department-specific mentoring content is tailored to the respective study programmes. Regularly addressed topics include, among others:

Orientation at the university and within the department
Exchange and networking with fellow students
Study planning and time management
Learning and working strategies
Study-relevant and subject-specific methods
Preparation for term papers and exams
Balancing study, work and family
Internship and career opportunities
Planning study abroad stays

Qualification and organisation

Mentors receive professional training from the Career Service and are supported by their department. Mentoring offers from the respective departments are presented during introductory events and orientation weeks.

Participating departments (examples)

Department of Biology, Chemistry, Pharmacy
Department of Education and Psychology
Department of Earth Sciences
Department of Historical and Cultural Studies
Department of Mathematics and Computer Science
Department of Philosophy and Humanities
Department of Physics
Department of Political and Social Sciences
Department of Law
Department of Veterinary Medicine
Department of Economics
ZI Dahlem School of Education (mentoring for teacher education)

The programme aims to ease entry into studies, provide orientation, and promote academic success through exchange, methodological competence and networks.