Counselling for students in all situations - ‘respectful of the person and situation’

Away from home for the first time, a new place to live, a new circle of friends: starting a degree programme can be a huge challenge in itself. If you have doubts about your studies, financial difficulties or relationship problems, everything can quickly become overwhelming. But don't worry: RPTU students can get straightforward help and counselling from Studierendenwerk.

How can I get rid of my exam nerves? What can I do if I can't get my study routine together? What if there is a crisis in my family or relationship? How can I juggle my studies and my child? And can I study at all if I have financial problems? Students deal with questions like these on a daily basis. But they are not left to deal with them alone: RPTU students from Landau receive uncomplicated help and counselling from Studierendenwerk Vorderpfalz. More precisely, from a dedicated small team led by Manfred Kleinecke, Head of Social Services and Counselling at the Studierendenwerk - he says: ‘We provide advice on social, psychological and financial challenges. Anyone can get in touch with us. Our counselling is free of charge and respectful of the person and their situation. And if we can't help, we refer you to an organisation that can help.’

‘We offer an initial consultation promptly’

How do students get in touch with his team? ‘Usually by email or via a contact form on our website. Others call us directly.’ Sometimes contact is also made via the student councils or the International Office. Kleinecke and his team of three employees then try to respond to an enquiry as quickly as possible: ‘We arrange an initial meeting, which usually takes place one to two weeks after the first contact is made.’ However, if it is particularly urgent, a counselling appointment can also be arranged at very short notice.

Help with social, financial and psychological challenges

In terms of content, social counselling deals with issues such as housing, employment, contact with the authorities, studying with a child and childcare options, says Manfred Kleinecke, describing the specific situations. Financial counselling focuses on financial emergencies and their solutions. In psychological counselling, on the other hand, a distinction must be made between study-related and personal matters: ‘Study-related matters are about exam anxiety or working time management, for example.’ Personal issues are about family or partnership. ‘In the same way, people come to us with fears about the future or depressive moods.’ 

In a specific situation, several problems can arise at the same time, adds Manfred Kleinecke. ‘In the case of international students, there are also questions about immigration law. An international student may not know how to live and pay for accommodation here in Germany. At the same time, they have to account for this to the immigration authorities.’

The team at the advice centre has an open ear for a wide range of concerns, they provide information on where to get further help - for example, when it comes to maintenance or child benefit. ‘Once a young woman came to us. She was pregnant. I talked her through what needed to be done before the birth, what she should take care of. And whether the pregnancy might have an impact on her student job.’

Which problems are particularly common? The students' new living situation, says Manfred Kleinecke: ’Many are away from home for the first time. They have to find their feet in a new place and build up a circle of friends.’ For some students, the associated expectations are a problem: ‘They put themselves under a lot of pressure.’

‘We meet people where they are’

Professionally, Manfred Kleinecke is well equipped for his job: he trained as a businessman. He then went on to study social work via the second educational route. He then worked a lot with young people and in the refugee sector. ‘I also trained as a systemic coach and systemic counsellor.’ The 62-year-old has now been head of department at Studierendenwerk Vorderpfalz since 2021 - and is passionate about his job: ‘We advise students from Germersheim to Landau.’

How does counselling actually work? How does he go about it? ‘We meet people where they are.’ If someone has an organisational problem, for example, a 12-week plan is drawn up together: ‘We discuss how much time you should plan for which things. And we make sure that we find time to balance our studies.’ Put simply, it's always about getting everything in order, says Manfred Kleinecke. ‘We take a close look at where someone stands. What resources he or she has and how they can be utilised.’ For some problems, a change of perspective helps: ‘If someone is having problems tackling their bachelor's thesis, for example, we think with them about how it would feel if the work had already been done.’

‘The customer is king’  

What happens after the first meeting? ‘The customer decides whether there is interest in further discussions afterwards.’ Students who seek his advice are, after all, his customers, laughs Manfred Kleinecke. ‘And the customer is king.’ The customer also decides whether he is the right advisor for a situation: ‘Perhaps he or she would prefer to speak to someone else from our team.’ For example, a student once sat in front of him who was having problems with her father. ‘Then, of course, the question that only she can answer is whether she would like to talk to me about it, i.e. a man who is the same age as her father.’

In some cases, the team at the advice centre refers clients to psychological freelancers with whom they work closely: ‘Of course, they are trained differently to us.’ Depending on the initial situation, they may then pursue a depth psychology or behavioural psychology approach.

‘But sometimes I just see myself as a neutral person who listens - and who you can confide in,’ adds Manfred Kleinecke. Is it always necessary to have an on-site consultation in Landau? Not necessarily, he says, video calls or phone calls are certainly possible - for example if someone is abroad. But he generally prefers face-to-face dialogue: ‘In some situations, something is said by saying nothing.’ Non-verbal communication is part of a dialogue situation - Manfred Kleinecke knows what makes a good consultant. ‘Empathy and the individual are our top priorities. And, of course, we are bound by confidentiality.’ A sympathetic ear - for a wide range of student concerns.

Contact and further information: www.beratung.stw-vp.de or at finanzen.stw-vp.de