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I am really struggling with my studies right now. What can I do?
The most important thing first: you are not alone! Almost all students are familiar with the experience of reaching a low point in their studies, feeling overwhelmed or not knowing what to do. The good news is that you can do a lot by yourself to feel better and experience success and satisfaction in your studies again. Here are some measures you can take right away:
- Self-help material for various psychological problems (recommended by our psychologist!)
- Self-help material for managing stress by WHO in various different languages (recommended by our psychologist!)
- If you need to talk to a professional in person: make an appointment with our psychological counselors at the Faculty of Engineering or the University Outpatient Clinic for Psychotherapy.
- If you have trouble adapting to the German university system and establishing a good routine for studying: Please read our booklet “Mastering your studies”.
- If you need to improve your physical wellbeing and get out of you head: join a sports course offered by our University Sports
- If you are concerned that you might not pass your conditional subjects within one year or might fail the third (i.e. last) attempt of an exam: Please apply to another English-taught Master’s program for the next semester (so that you have a backup plan) an make an appointment with your study advisor.
- If you feel lonely and would like to make friends: join one of our student initiatives or the language exchange events of Studentenwerk. Female students are cordially invited to join the monthly International Women’s Café (Students’ Edition), organized by the Erlangen Women Center. The international student association DEGIS has produced this great video on how to make friends in Germany, which is a good starting point.
- If you find that the content of our study program is simply not for you (i.e. you don’t know what the professors are talking about in class and/or you are barely passing or not passing your exams), there is absolutely no shame in admitting that and in looking for alternatives. Plaese be honest with yourself early on and assess if our Medical Engineering program is the right fit for you. If you lie to yourself (and your family) you will lose a lot of time and money and end up without a degree. If you admit that you made the wrong choice, you can apply to other programs (e.g. at Universities for Applied Sciences) and find a career that matches your skillset.
…and talk about your struggles with fellow students. They may be feeling just like you and be glad that you bring up the topic. Everything is easier when you share it with others!