Counseling
TU Dortmund University offers a range of advisory offices for both prospective students and students in different stages of life: start of the studies, course of studies or the start into the working life. On this page, you find an overview of the according institutions.
International Office
Open Office Hours for International Students
A lot of questions can arise around your studies. We advise you personally via Zoom and help you find the right contact person, obtain information and accompany you on your way to a successful degree. Visit our open consultation hours:
When: every Thursday from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. The counselling session will not take place on 03 October 2024.
Where: Online via Zoom (Meeting-ID: 929 9479 1490, Kenncode: 998010)
We look forward to seeing you!
Social Counseling
Social Counseling at the International Office offers international students support with financial, familial or residence-law difficulties.
Social Counseling provides support for questions about:
- visas and residency
- finishing degrees
- financial aid and scholarship possibilities
- housing opportunities in Dortmund and the surrounding areas
- possibilities for cultural exchange and integration
- involvement in campus life
Office hours in presence
Along with consultations via phone or e-mail as usual, Social Counseling also offers office hours in presence on Wednesdays from 10.30 to 11.30 a.m.
Please book an appointment via Terminland. Consultation in presence/on site are held in room 212 (2nd floor) of the International Office that is located in Emil-Figge-Str. 61. The counselling session will not take place on 02 October 2024.
Consulting offers for students with a refugee background
Students or prospective students with a refugee background can use the consulting services of the Clearingstelle für Geflüchtete.
If you would like to have a personal consultation please contact the Clearingstelle by email (refugee.counselingtu-dortmundde) and they will arrange an appointment for online counseling via Zoom or by telephone. Consultation in presence/on site in the Refugee Counseling and Integration Office (Emil-Figge-Str. 73, Pavillon 10, Room 112) is offered every Wednesday from 13:00-15:00 and is only possible with a prior online appointment.
Additional Advising Centers
The Central Student Advisory Service (ZSB) is a center which provides you with information and guidance on the demands and structure of your studies. Here you can find further information as well as useful tips concerning course contents, study requirements and study options as well as advice on your choice of subject.
For any personal advice or difficulties regarding your studies, the ZSB also offers psychological counseling.
International student advisors are contact persons for students from abroad. You can find an international student advisor at each department.
Their duties are:
- counseling
- initial contact with the foreign students
- answering questions foreign students might have
- responding to letters of inquiry from the Foreigners' Registration Office
In order to support the implementation of the above-mentioned guideline, TU Dortmund University has established a central counseling center in the Staff Unit Equal Opportunity, Family, Diversity. This is a point of contact for people who feel affected by discrimination or sexualized violence.
The General Student Committee (AStA) officially represents the interests of students at the respective university and also their political interests towards the university and the state. The AStA is elected by the student parliament (StuPa) and consists of different sections, responsible for, e.g., educational policy, women’s policy, fundamental rights and civil liberties, culture and others.
The AStA represents the interests of students towards the administration, the ministries or other authorities. Above all, the committee provides support for any problems or queries that students may have. The AStA offers a wide range of services including publication of handouts as well as counseling services:
- international student counseling
- women's counseling
- social counseling
- tenant’s advisory
The Autonomous Foreigners Department, a department of the General Student Committee (AStA), is elected and lead by international students. The department not only organizes events but also offers counseling for international students.
Campus Family Office
In order to improve work-life balance in terms of studies, work and family, the “Campus Family Office” was established by TU Dortmund University, FH Dortmund and the family project of the City of Dortmund.
The Campus Family Office:
- informs and supports on the search for suitable child care
- mediates helpful contacts on how to combine studying, work and family life
- gives advice on services offered to children, young people and families
- answers any questions you may have before and after giving birth
Office hours and further information
Meet Other Parents at the "Elterntreff"
We would like to welcome you to our meetings! Our meet and greet or the so-called “Elterntreff” (i.e. meeting point for parents) is meant for parents with one or more children, pregnant women and women who would like to have children. Here you are given the possibility to meet other parents, ask for advice on the subject of child care, on how to juggle your finances or tips on how to combine your studies, research or work with family life.
You are very welcome to bring along your children! There are plenty of toys and your children can be taken care of without any problems.
Contact person:
The Department of Disabilities and Studies (DoBus) is an organization which supports students and applicants with
- physical disabilities
- visual impairment or blindness
- hearing impairment or deafness
- speech impairment
- chronic illness
- mental illness
and have difficulties in planning and implementing their studies or feel challenged by the organization of care, mobility or further potentially needed assistance.
Contact us
If you have any questions, please contact the Social Counseling for International Students.
E-mail: social.counselingtu-dortmundde
Consultationhours via Zoom: by prior appointment. Consultation hours in presence: Wednesdays from 10:30-11:30 a.m. by prior appointment via Terminland. On-site consultations take place in the International Office, room 212 (2nd floor, Emil-Figge-Str. 61, 44227 Dortmund).
We will be happy to advise you!