Services for students

Next Step Niederrhein

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Life at university is a time of change, growth, development and progress. But positive experiences can also be marred by doubt: am I in the right degree programme? Is university even the right path for me?

Next Step Niederrhein is a project and service of Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences for students with serious doubts about their studies. In one-on-one coaching sessions, we can help you navigate the uncertainly and come to a personal decision that works best for you. Coaching sessions are judgement-free, confidential and focused entirely on your specific needs and questions. At the end of the process, you’ll be ready to make a confident decision on whether to continue your studies, change degree programmes, or pursue a new career path. If you’re considering withdrawing from university, coaching sessions will also explore alternative vocational qualification paths. Where needed, we can also refer you to the right contact person for help with specific aspects of your situation.

Contact

Silke Neuhaus
Phone +49 (0) 2821 80673 9747
E-mail Next Step

Appointments are available online by request and in person in Kleve and Kamp-Lintfort as soon as the situation allows.

Further information

Do you find it increasingly difficult to find a reason to go to lectures? Are you dreading or delaying certain modules? Are you enrolled, but not really studying (any more)? Do you find yourself wondering if you chose the right study path, or if you even want a degree?

Students sometimes have their doubts. It’s completely normal and actually very helpful, as it gives us an opportunity to reflect on our current path and future goals. Sometimes we stumble and lose sight of the path or our goals. Sometimes it’s the goals themselves we’re unsure of. Perhaps we already know in our heart of hearts that we would drop out of university just as soon as a viable alternative presents itself.

Though study-related doubts, including thoughts about switching degrees or dropping out entirely, are completely normal – in fact, many successful people were plagued by these same doubts at one time or another – this topic still remains taboo. Doubts are synonymous with weakness, dropping out is like admitting failure. The result? Students feel pressure to “fix” the problem on their own, without any outside help or advice. But if doubts can’t be put to rest quickly, they often grow stronger, faster and lead to even more discontent than before. Important decisions are delayed again and again, until you feel completely paralyzed and unable to act on anything.

 

The "Next Step Niederrhein" Project

That’s why we developed the new project Next Step Niederrhein, to provide you with both support and guidance, as well as comprehensive information and contact persons with open-door policies. In specific cases, we can also arrange individual and neutral coaching sessions. This offer ist for all students of the Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences. Pleas contact Silke Neuhaus silke.neuhaus@hochschule-rhein-waal.de or +49 2821 80673-9747.

Coaching

Coaching sessions are neutral, held in private settings and designed to help you work through your doubts and ultimately find the best solution. Coaching is individual, meaning we focus solely on your specific issues, and can clarify the best course of action for you, whether changing degrees or dropping out of university to pursue another vocational path or employment.

Coaching sessions generally cover the following topics:

  • Overview of the coaching process
  • Clarifying problems / the task at hand
  • Taking stock of resources, creating a personal profile
  • Discovering courses of action
  • Off-campus information and advising services, contact
  • Decision-making support
  • Examining the issue from other perspectives
  • Accompanying support up to a final decision and the first step afterwards
  • Follow-up appointments (where necessary)

Coaching sessions complement and actively collaborate with other advising offices of the University, as well as with network partners from the regional job market. For Coachings requests, please contact me via Email.

Next Step Niederrhein is offered exclusively to students at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences and at no additional charge.

If you have other questions, for example about your studies or alternative degree options, or you would like help mapping out your studies, then please don’t hesitate to contact other advising offices at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences.