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Social counselling

Support when you need it most

If you’re facing challenges in your studies or in your personal life, we’re here for you. Our social counseling service helps you in crisis situations, provides guidance, and helps you get back on track. Whether you have questions, are facing an important decision, or simply need someone to talk to—we’ll listen to you and support you in moving forward with confidence and independence.

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Start and completion of studies

We’re here to help you get off to a smooth start and finish your studies successfully. We often receive questions like these:

  • “Should I even go to college?”
  • “My major probably isn’t the right fit for me. What should I do?”
  • “I realize that I don’t want to go to college after all. What now?”
  • “I’m having trouble finishing my degree because I keep postponing my exam dates.”

General university and social law issues

Get help with questions about enrollment, withdrawal, tuition, and financial aid. Here are some typical examples of such questions:

  • “What social benefits am I eligible for as a student?”
  • “How does switching from one degree program to another work?”
  • “What happens if I’m dropped from the university?”
  • “Under what circumstances can I get a refund for my semester tuition, and who should I contact?”
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Finances

Assistance with free meals, loans, children’s meal cards, grants/emergency scholarships, and energy-saving checks. These and similar questions come up frequently:

  • “How do I apply for financial aid for my studies?”
  • “What should I do if my BAföG isn’t enough?”
  • “How does the Kids’ Meal Card work, and who is eligible for it?”
  • “I have unexpected expenses—what kinds of emergency assistance are available?”

Accommodation

Find solutions for your housing situation and get help with housing problems:

  • “I’m in a wheelchair and can’t find a suitable apartment.”
  • “My roommates and I are constantly arguing—what can I do?”
  • “I’m having problems with my landlord—what should I do?”
  • “I can’t find an affordable apartment in Münster—do you have any tips for me?”
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Personal and social problems

Whether it’s loneliness, illness, or other personal challenges—we’re here for you. We often get questions like these:

  • “I feel lonely and don’t know how to make friends.”
  • “I’m sick and don’t know how I’m going to finish my studies.”
  • “My studies are getting to be too much for me—now what?”
  • “I feel like there’s no one I can talk to about my problems.”

Book an appointment online now at

Would you like to talk to us and get some help? Simply schedule an appointment online.

Book an appointment
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Frequently asked questions about social counselling

You can contact the Student Counseling Service at any time if you need support with problems related to your studies or your personal life. Whether you’re dealing with financial concerns, questions about your studies, or personal challenges—we’re here for you.

Yes, our counselling sessions are anonymous and confidential. We handle your concerns with discretion, and we are legally obligated to protect your personal information. You can speak openly about anything that’s weighing on your mind.

Our counseling services are free for students. So you don’t have to worry about any additional costs—we’re here to help you without charging you anything.

You can easily schedule an appointment for social counselling online. Choose a time that works for you and decide whether you’d like to meet in person, by phone, or online.

Book an appointment

We recommend making an appointment to avoid waiting times and to ensure that we have enough time to address your concerns. However, you’re also welcome to drop by during our walk-in hours: Tuesdays from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at the Central Information Point (ZIP) and from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at our BIK offices.

If you are unable to attend your appointment, please let us know as soon as possible. You can easily reschedule or cancel your appointment online so that we can offer the spot to other students.