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.

Group program: Staying on track together — guidance, connection, and motivation in the mid-degree phase | Winter Semester 2026/2027

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 winter semester 2026/27 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. 

The group sessions are scheduled as follows (subject to change):

Dates	Themes
October 26, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon	Introduction, Getting to Know Each Other & Organisation
November 9, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon	My Personal Journey
November 23, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon	Motivation
December 14, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon	Resources & Self-Esteem (Winter Brunch from 12:00)
January 4, 2027 | 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon	Dealing with Stress & Pressure
January 18, 2027 | 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon	Self-Organisation, Learning & Work Strategies
February 1, 2027 | 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon	Closing Session & Evaluation

Language: German

After the group phase ends, interested participants can continue to work in small groups.

If you are interested in participating from the winter semester 2026/27 onwards, please send a message to next-stepuuni-potsdampde.

All sessions take place at the Am Neuen Palais Campus.

The number of participants is limited to 12. Before the group starts, each participant will have an individual preliminary meeting.

Stay on course together - A support and skills group for international students

Are you sometimes feeling lost in your studies? Do you find it hard to stay motivated on your own? Do you wonder if other students feel the same way? Would you like to connect to other students and be part of a community that helps you stay engaged and keep moving forward?

With the support and skills group for international students, we’re here to help you to stay on course!

Who is this group for?
You are an international (or English speaking) student at University of Potsdam in the mid-degree phase (Bachelor and Master from 2^nd semester on) who is searching for support and connection to other students.

What does the group offer you?
Studying abroad can be an enriching and exciting experience, but sometimes, worries and concerns come along as well. Uncertainty, disorientation, and self-doubt are common feelings for international students in the mid-degree phase, and are sometimes difficult to overcome on your own.

Whether you want to reconnect with your studies, talk about your concerns as an international student, explore new directions, or feel more connected to others: the group ‘Stay on course together’ offers group-based support to navigate through your studies. The aims of the group are to provide guidance and psychological education, increase social integration, train your social skills, strengthen your personal resources and enhance a sense of self-efficacy.

In a group of up to 10 University of Potsdam international students guided by professional psychological and student counselors, we will meet every two weeks throughout the winter semester 2026/27 to work together in-depth on the topics that matter most to you. The group combines helpful knowledge and practical exercises with space for peer exchanges and mutual support.

Dates	Topics
November 5, 2026 | 10 a.m. – 12:00 noon	Getting to know each other & Assessing your current situation
November 12, 2026 | 10 a.m. – 12:00 noon	Cultural differences and typical challenges for international students
November 26, 2026 | 10 a.m. – 12:00 noon	Motivation & Self-learning strategies
December 10, 2026 | 10 a.m. – 12:00 noon	Homesickness & Loneliness Christmas Lunch afterward
January 7, 2027 | 10 a.m. – 12:00 noon	Coping with stress
January 14, 2027 | 10 a.m. – 12:00 noon	Future and Perspectives & Farewell

All sessions will take place at Campus Neues Palais. 

The group will be held in English. 

The number of participants is limited to 10. An individual preliminary meeting is scheduled with each person before the group begins.

Mental Health Counseling meets Next Step
The group will be facilitated by professional counselors of the Central Student Advisory Service and the Mental Health Counseling of the University of Potsdam

Sophia Simonis | M. Sc. Psychologist Psychological counselor for domestic and international students Systemic counselor Mental Health Counseling

Magdalena Vock | M.A. Linguist Student counselor in the project ‘Next Step - Mid-Degree Guidance and Support through Community and Connection’ Mediator and Confidant Central Student Advisory Service

Interested?
If you are interested in joining the group, please contact us at next-stepuuni-potsdampde. We are looking forward to get to know you!

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.

Bergfest (Mid-Semester Celebration) in the Winter Semester 2026/2027

Save the date: Wednesday, January 13, 2027, at Campus Am Neuen Palais

We are halfway through the winter semester! Let's celebrate what we have achieved so far and get some fresh momentum for the second half of the semester.

More information will follow soon.