Next Step – Mid-Degree Guidance and Support through Community and Connection
Feeling lost halfway through your degree? We’re here to help you move forward! Whether you want to reconnect with your motivation, explore new directions, or feel more connected to others: the the ESF+-funded project “Next Step – Mid-Degree Guidance and Support through Community and Connection” offers concrete one-on-one and group-based support for bachelor’s and master’s students at the University of Potsdam.
Mid-degree challenges — and you’re right in the middle of it
Project goals
Key facts
What we offer — an overview
Group program: Staying on track together — guidance, connection, and motivation in the mid-degree phase
Do you find it hard to stay motivated on your own? Would you like to work alongside other students and be part of a community that helps you stay engaged and keep moving forward?
In a group of up to 12 University of Potsdam students facilitated by student advisors, we will meet every two weeks throughout the summer semester 2026 to work together in-depth on the topics that matter most to you. The group combines guided input and practical exercises with space for peer exchanges and mutual support. An optional online community will help you stay connected between sessions.
The group sessions are scheduled as follows (subject to change):
| May 6, 2026 | 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. | Welcome, introductions, and housekeeping |
| May 20, 2026 | 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. | Finding your thread |
| June 3, 2026 | 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. | Motivation |
| June 17, 2026 | 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. | Strengths, resources, and self-confidence |
| July 1, 2026 | 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. | Managing stress and pressures |
| July 15, 2026 | 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. | Self-organization, study and work strategies |
| July 22, 2026 | 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. | Wrap-up and evaluation |
Language: German
The meeting location will be shared with you in advance.
Midway through the program, we’re planning a casual evening get-together, possibly a small picnic at Neues Palais campus.
After the group phase ends, interested participants can continue to work in small groups.
For registrations and questions about the group, please contact next-stepuuni-potsdampde until April 29, 2026.
One-on-one academic advising and support
If you would like to talk about your personal situation in the middle of your degree, you’re welcome to use our academic advising and support. These one-on-one sessions give you space to reflect on where you are, begin to make changes, and develop practical solutions — especially during periods of uncertainty or lack of direction.
You may want to schedule an advising session if you:
- feel lost or unsure about your direction
- are struggling with motivation
- have doubts about your academic program
- feel uncertain about your own abilities
- find it hard to “stay on track”
- are looking for more connection and community
… and many other reasons.
Languages: German and English
We are happy to support you through regular meetings and/or over a longer period. To schedule an appointment, email next-stepuuni-potsdampde or use the Central Student Advisory Service online booking form.
Academic advising events in the 2026 summer semester
In the 2026 summer semester, we will run a series of events featuring core topics from the offerings of the Central Student Advisory Service. Choose from a range of information sessions and workshops that help you explore relevant topics, gain new insights, and connect with other students and advisors.
| April 1, 2026 | 4:00 p.m. | Equal opportunities in the lecture hall – individual equality measures explained simply. Peer-to-peer event. Spreakers: Marlon Schwarze & Sharon Wieries Registration: barrierefreiuuni-potsdampde (Login details will be sent after registration) |
| April 8, 2026 | 11:00 a.m. | Studying with a positive mindset: Tips and strategies for getting started Registration: studienstartuuni-potsdampde (Login details will be sent after registration.) |
| April 9, 2026 | 2:00 p.m. | Get-together: A motivated start to the summer semester. Bring your individual questions and topics. Registration: studienstartuuni-potsdampde (Room details will be sent after registration.) |
| April 9, 2026 | 4:00 p.m. | Casual group run through Sanssouci Park (5 km) In case of bad weather, an alternative option will take place at the same time. Details will be sent after registration Registration: studienstartuuni-potsdampde (Meeting place will be shared after registration.) |
| mondays from April 13 - July 24, 2026 | 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. | Check-in: Structuring Your Week Language: German Registration:eineunifueralleuuni-potsdampde |
April 14, 2026 | 11:00 a.m. 2:00 p.m. April 15, 2026 | 11:00 a.m. 2:00 p.m. April 16, 2026 | 11:00 a.m. 2:00 p.m. | ZSB on the Road: We’re coming to you! Got questions about your studies? We’ve got the answers – right on your doorstep (or rather: your cafeteria)! => 3 days, 3 locations, 0 detours. Just stop by the ZSB booth, grab some info, and get your questions answered right then and there. |
| April 16, 2026 | 4:00 p.m. | "The more options, the harder the choice." - Information Event on Changing Degree Programs Speaker: Dr. Marlies Reschke |
| April 23, 2026 | 4:00 p.m. | Study Stream #23: “Am I in the right place?” – Doubts During Your Studies Language: German |
| May 7, 2026 | 2:00 p.m. | Workshop on Saying No – Taking Control of Your Own Path Speakers: Magdalena Vock & Ulrike Sträßner Registration: eineunifueralleuuni-potsdampde |
| May 20, 2026 | 2:30 p.m. | Gut Feeling, Statistics, or: How Do I Make a Decision and, if so, What for? Workshop on Decision-Making Skills Sometimes, however, making decisions becomes a problem – and this is where the ZSB workshop format comes in: Based on an analysis of the decision-making process, participants are introduced to knowledge and methods that make this process easier and help dispel common myths. The focus is on reflecting on one’s own biography and individual resources, as well as exchanging ideas with fellow students. The student advisory service has developed a workbook on the topic of “decision-making,” which is used during the workshop. The workbook includes a theoretical input section on decision-making, a practical section with case studies, and a designed “journaling section” that participants can continue to use beyond the workshop for their personal development, much like a diary. Speaker: Lucas Mielke Registration: lucas.mielkeuuni-potsdampde |
| May 28, 2026 | 4:00 p.m. | Connecting the Dots – Finding Your Common Thread Link to the Meeting Speaker: Stephanie Sumner |
| June 1, 2026 | 15:30 Uhr | Study Stream #24: Understanding Loneliness: Current Research and New Perspectives Language: German |
| June 4, 2026 | 4:00 p.m. | Charting Your Path – Turning Connections into Coherence This workshop builds on concepts introduced in "Connecting the Dots – Finding Your Common Thread," but can be attended independently. Speaker: Stephanie Sumner Registration: stephanie.juerriesuuni-potsdampde |
| June 8, 2026 | 1:00 p.m. | Workshop on Exam Preparation: Getting Through the Study and Exam Period with Less Stress Language: German Registration: eineunifueralleuuni-potsdampde |
| June 30, 2026 | 1:30 p.m. | Wanted: Discover and maintain study motivation! Language: German More information will follow shortly. |
| July 9, 2026 | 3:00 p.m. | "So what can you do with that?" - Career orientation & competency profiles for humanities students This workshop is offered as a satellite event to the Matching Day 2026. Speaker: Stephanie Sumner |
Details about additional events will be posted here soon.
Contacts
Project Head
Christoph Beier
Project Officer
Magdalena Vock
Project Officer
Bettina Hertrich
