Lectures, open consultation sessions and workshops offer an opportunity to reflect on one’s own situation, identify personal strengths and interests, and plan concrete next steps. This is not just about deciding whether to continue with a degree course: alternative educational and career paths outside higher education are also presented.

A highlight of the programme is the major study and careers advice day, which the Central Student Advisory Service at the University of Wuppertal is organising on 17 November at the Federal Railways Directorate at Wuppertal Central Station, in collaboration with the Solingen-Wuppertal Jobcentre, the Düsseldorf Chamber of Skilled Trades and the Bergisch Chamber of Industry and Commerce. Experts from student advisory services and the world of work will be on hand throughout the day to answer questions and provide personalised advice.

“Through our services, we aim to encourage students to get to the bottom of their doubts with professional help and to make a sound decision about their future career path,” explains Jennifer Abels, a member of staff at the Central Student Advisory Service at the University of Wuppertal.

Breaking taboos and creating new perspectives

Many young people are familiar with questioning their choice of degree, yet doubts and thoughts of dropping out remain a social taboo. The University of Wuppertal, along with many other higher education institutions in North Rhine-Westphalia, is helping to break this taboo and therefore organises, in addition to the nationwide ‘Study Doubts’ theme weeks held every March, a programme of events during the winter semester where young people can seek support if they are unhappy with their current study situation.

The Wuppertal programme “bergauf. Perspectives when in doubt about your studies” aims to show that doubts can be an opportunity for new perspectives. “There are many reasons why students question their decision to study and sometimes want to explore a new direction. Openness and a broad understanding can help young people take on a new challenge,” Jennifer Abels continued.