Doubts about your studies

It’s normal to have doubts about your studies. Next Step offers impartial and confidential support – whether you decide to carry on, switch courses or drop out. Coaching is available online or in Kleve and Kamp-Lintfort.

Going to university means embarking on a new journey and personal development – but this can also give rise to doubts: Am I studying the right subject? Is university the right fit for me? This is normal: around 50 per cent of all students experience doubts at some point during their studies. If these doubts persist, it is worth taking active steps to resolve them.

Next Step is here to support you if you are having second thoughts about your studies or are thinking of dropping out – in a neutral, confidential way that focuses on your questions. Through coaching, you can decide whether to carry on, change your subject or university, or drop out. If you do decide to drop out, we’ll support you in exploring new options (e.g. vocational training) and, if you wish, provide information and contact details for subject, study or vocational guidance services.

Typical signs: You keep putting off attending lectures, you do not register for Examinations, you are still enrolled but hardly study at all, or you have fundamental doubts about your subject and study path. Doubts do not necessarily mean failure – they can help you readjust your course. However, if they become persistent, they can lead to dissatisfaction and an inability to make decisions.

Coaching may include:

  • Initial consultation and clarification of your concerns
  • Resource-based work and personal profiling
  • Developing options and exploring possible courses of action
  • Information and contacts for counselling and support services
  • Decision-making support and a change of perspective
  • Follow-up appointments as required

Next Step works closely with the university’s counselling centres and partners in the regional labour market. The service is aimed at students at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences and is free of charge. More information: nextcareer.de
Note: Please also keep an eye out for regular updates on the CV check organised by the Federal Employment Agency at the university campuses.

Important for international students: Dropping out of your course, De-registration or changing universities may have implications for your right of residence. Latest information: https://www.make-it-in-germany.com/de/


Next Step also has close links with companies and organisations that can help with finding an apprenticeship.

Consultation appointments are available by arrangement, either online or in person in Kleve and Kamp-Lintfort.

Silke Neuhaus
Next Step

For Coachings requests, please contact me via Email nextstep@hochschule-rhein-waal.de

+49 2821 80673 9747

Kleve Campus

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