English

Heidelberg University: Mentoring and Buddy Programmes (Verschiedene)

A university-wide collection of faculty-based mentoring, buddy and peer-support schemes at Heidelberg University offering subject-specific guidance, support for international students, peer coaching, psychosocial assistance, legal advice, language tandems and career mentoring.

Who is it for?

Students at Heidelberg University

What these programmes offer

Heidelberg University’s mentoring and buddy programmes bring together a variety of faculty-run and student-led initiatives designed to support study progress, social integration and personal well‑being. The offer ranges from subject-specific mentoring to peer coaching, low‑threshold psychosocial support and services aimed at international students.

Core types of support

Subject-specific mentoring and tandems — mentoring schemes paired to particular faculties or degree programmes to help with study planning and discipline-specific questions.
Buddies for international students — peer buddies and dorm tutors who assist newcomers with practical and social orientation.
Peer coaching and student counselling — student-run coaching and advisory hours that complement institutional counselling services.
Psychosocial support — informal help offered by departmental student committees and peer groups for students seeking low‑threshold, empathetic support.
Legal and practical advice — student legal advice initiatives providing support for students and other groups in need.
Language tandems and cafés — opportunities to practise languages with fellow students.
Career and alumni mentoring — mentoring and networking offers that connect students and alumni for professional orientation.

How the network is organised

The programmes are run by a mix of university units, faculties, institutes and student groups. Examples include faculty mentoring schemes (e.g. for law, psychology and economics), institute-run peer counselling, international office buddy programmes and alumni mentoring initiatives — as well as specialised student groups providing legal advice, mental‑health meet‑ups or listening hotlines.

Who can benefit

Students across degree programmes can find offers tailored to different needs: newcomers and international students seeking orientation, students needing study‑related guidance, those looking for peer coaching or informal psychosocial help, and students pursuing language practice or career contacts.

Notes

Many services are student‑led or supported by departmental student committees and university institutes, offering both formal mentoring and informal peer support.
Offerings vary by faculty and department; some are discipline‑specific while others are open university‑wide.