The Buddy Program
Buddy Programme
To help you settle in smoothly, we will assign you a student buddy. Your buddy is familiar with both Koblenz University of Applied Sciences and the city of Koblenz and will:
- pick you up from the train station and take you to your accommodation,
- support you during your first days and help you overcome any initial difficulties,
- assist you with administrative procedures such as enrolment, opening a bank account, visiting the immigration office, and registering with the local authorities,
- show you around the university and provide important information about studying in your department,
- introduce you to other students,
- show you around the city and answer any questions you may have.
Please inform your buddy at least one week before your arrival about when and how you will be arriving in Koblenz.
Orientation Week
Before the start of each semester, Koblenz University of Applied Sciences organizes an Orientation Week for incoming exchange students.
During this week, you will complete your enrolment and, together with your buddy, take care of all important formalities, such as registration with the relevant authorities, opening a bank account, and arranging health and liability insurance.
Participation in the Orientation Week programme is mandatory for all exchange students.
You will also meet your departmental coordinator to discuss and finalize your course schedule and, if necessary, make adjustments to your Learning Agreement. Together with mentors and fellow students, you will become familiar with the campus and the city of Koblenz.
Your department may also offer subject-specific introductory sessions, which you are strongly encouraged to attend. These sessions provide an introduction to your field of study and an opportunity to meet professors, tutors, and fellow students. Please contact your departmental coordinator for further information.
German Language Courses
The International Office offers intensive German language courses at A1/A2 and B1/B2 levels during Orientation Week, followed by a two-hour weekly course throughout the semester.
Participation in these German courses, as well as in Orientation Week, is mandatory for all exchange students.
Erasmus Student Network (ESN)
Each semester, the Erasmus Student Network (ESN) Koblenz and the International Office of Koblenz University of Applied Sciences organize a wide range of activities, including:
- welcome events and social gatherings,
- seminars and workshops for academic and personal development,
- day trips and multi-day excursions,
- international evenings,
- and many other exciting events.
These activities provide excellent opportunities to meet international and German students, make new friends, explore Koblenz and the surrounding region, and enjoy student life together.
We look forward to your participation!
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date with upcoming events.
You can also purchase an ESN Card for €10. To obtain your card, simply provide a passport-sized photograph.
Tutorials
If you experience academic difficulties in a course, you may apply for a tutorial group. Tutorials are available for groups of at least five students and are led by an experienced senior student.
Participation is free of charge and designed to help you overcome subject-specific challenges.
To request a tutorial for a group of at least five participants, please contact the International Office via incoming(at)hs-koblenz.de.
Student Counselling Services
If you encounter academic, social, financial, or personal challenges during your studies, you can make use of the counselling services offered by the Studierendenwerk Koblenz.
Available services include:
- individual counselling on financial, social, and personal matters,
- workshops and seminars on topics such as time management, stress management, exam anxiety, and more.
You can also seek support from the Student Union (AStA) Social Counselling Service, which will be happy to assist you.