The University of Bremen’s Student Mentor Program is a volunteer initiative run by the Central Student Advisory Service. What makes this program unique is the direct insight into student life it offers, made possible by the voluntary participation of students.

Pia is a student in Department 10 and is involved in organizing the Student Mentor Program. She emphasizes the program’s importance. In 2025, 228 inquiries were received. These can be submitted via the Student Guides’ website (form available at the following link: www.uni-bremen.de/studium/orientieren-bewerben/studienorientierung/studienlotsinnen/treffen-mit-einer-studienlotsin-oder-einem-studienlotsen). The program is not only exciting for prospective students but also for current students who want to learn about a new degree program. Over time, the program has grown and become increasingly visible and accessible. Above all, the commitment of the student guides deserves special recognition. Despite university and personal commitments, the majority of current student guides find time for their volunteer work and actively contribute to the program’s success. To ensure this positive development continues, commitment is essential. The student guide program thrives solely on student participation: we are always looking for new student guides. 

Unfortunately, the program does not yet cover all degree programs. Pia notes that it is a shame when inquiries come in about degree programs for which there are not (yet) any student guides. This applies, among others, to Department 10. One of the reasons is that Department 10 primarily consists of smaller degree programs, such as linguistics or Romance studies. It would be highly desirable if students could be found here to represent their degree programs as part of the student guide program.

There is even a particular relevance within Department 10: At first glance, degree programs in the department, such as German Studies or English-Speaking Cultures, seem to share many parallels with the familiar high school subjects. However, many prospective students are unaware that studying these subjects differs significantly from high school instruction in many respects. In such cases, the student guides shed light on the matter. They provide an honest and realistic insight into the academic disciplines. It is even possible to attend lectures with them and thus gain a direct impression.

On the Student Guides’ website (link to the website: www.uni-bremen.de/studium/orientieren-bewerben/studienorientierung/studienlotsinnen/anmeldung-zur-schulung-als-studienlotsin), you can sign up for the training program to become a new Student Guide. The next session is scheduled for March 2026. The training prepares you for your duties as a Study Guide. Another benefit is that you not only help prospective students but also learn new things about the university and academic life yourself. For example, the university’s counseling services are introduced, and visits are offered. It’s also important to note that as a Study Guide, you don’t have to know everything. Especially for specific questions, you should refer students to the department’s academic advising center or relevant counseling services. Pia emphasizes that the Study Guide program isn’t a marketing program, but is designed to provide honest insights on an equal footing. She especially likes that the program helps you make new connections quickly. During the training, there’s a lively exchange among the prospective student guides, and you also get to know many new people while working as a future guide.

Direct contact with students reduces the barriers to asking questions and expressing uncertainties. The Student Mentor Program has received particularly strong validation through a great deal of positive feedback. As a result, the program is a valuable resource for both prospective students and current students at the University of Bremen.

Alena Klages is a bachelor’s student in teacher education at the University of Bremen. She is studying German and Geography with the goal of working as a teacher at a high school or secondary school. This article was written as part of a seminar on “Text Types and Formats in Online Journalism.”