Author: Kim-Kristin Hain

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Recap: 31.08. Protecting Your Mental Health in Studies and Work Life: Stress Management and Overload Prevention | FIT: Well-Being & Social Integration

Balancing coursework, jobs, personal commitments, and high expectations can easily push student life into overdrive. On August 31st, we gathered online for an essential session focused on mental health, sustainable study habits, and long-term well-being.

Led by psychologist Julia Barden, the three-hour workshop broke down how stress actually develops in our minds and bodies, and crucially, how to spot the early warning signs before everyday pressure turns into chronic exhaustion or burnout. Understanding the difference between temporary stress and harmful overload set the foundation for meaningful self-reflection.

Rather than sticking to abstract theory, participants took an honest look at their personal stressors, uncovering both external pressures like heavy workloads and internal drivers like perfectionism. Together, we explored practical coping mechanisms, tested out effective relaxation techniques, and identified everyday activities that genuinely recharge our batteries. Everyone left with clear, realistic strategies to set boundaries, protect their energy, and build a healthier balance throughout the semester.

A warm thank you to Julia Barden for sharing her professional guidance and practical insights, and to all the participants for creating such an open, supportive virtual space.

Prioritize your well-being—sustainable success starts with taking care of yourself. 🌿🧠

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Recap: 22.08. Stronger After Rejection: Building Resilience and Confidence in the Job Application Journey | FIT: Well-Being & Social Integration

Applying for jobs or internships is rarely a smooth ride, and receiving generic rejections without actionable feedback can quickly turn into self-doubt, frustration, and drained motivation—especially for international students navigating a new job market. On August 22nd, we held an intensive, interactive workshop dedicated to turning those setbacks into powerful growth opportunities.

Throughout the five-hour session, we explored the hidden mechanics behind German recruitment processes, demystifying how hiring decisions are actually made. Gaining this behind-the-scenes perspective made it much easier to separate personal worth from standard hiring outcomes and stop taking rejections personally.

Through a mix of psychological insights, group reflection, and practical exercises, participants focused on building real emotional resilience. Together, we worked on strategies to stay motivated after setbacks, transform rejections into constructive feedback, and develop personalized action plans for long-term career momentum. Everyone walked away with concrete tools and a noticeably stronger, more confident mindset to tackle upcoming applications with clarity and persistence.

A huge thank you to everyone who joined, shared their candid experiences, and supported one another along the journey.

Remember: a closed door is often just a detour toward the right opportunity. Keep moving forward! 💼🚀

 

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Recap: 24.07 Enough with Exam Jitters — A Practical Workshop for Exam Success | FIT: Well-Being & Social Integration

When exam season hits, racing thoughts, restless nights, and sudden self-doubt can easily get in the way of showing what we actually know. On July 24th, we came together to tackle exam anxiety head-on in a calm, encouraging space.

Led by psychologist Christina Eisenbach, the interactive session took the mystery out of test nerves by first exploring what actually happens in the brain and nervous system under acute pressure. Understanding why stress triggers physical reactions like brain fog or a racing heart made it much easier to address those feelings without panic.

From there, the focus shifted entirely to practical, hands-on strategies. Together, we explored and practiced quick body-mind calming techniques, tried out focus-boosting exercises, and designed personalized pre-exam routines tailored to individual study habits. Participants walked away with actionable tools to stay grounded and clear-headed right up to exam day.

A big thank you to Christina Eisenbach for sharing such valuable psychological insights, and to all the students who joined in, shared their experiences, and took proactive steps toward their well-being.

Take a deep breath and trust in your preparation—you’ve got this!

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Recap 03.07. Creative Relaxation – Mind, Body & Imagination | FIT: Well-Being & Social Integration

 Date: 03.07.2026
Time: 14:00 – 18:00  

Recap: Creative Relaxation – Mind, Body & Imagination

Study stress and endless deadlines can easily get overwhelming, leaving us with a racing mind and heavy shoulders. That is why we recently came together for a collective creative reset. Guided with plenty of heart and expertise by Lisa Fröhlich, our workshop offered a safe space to slow down, breathe, and gently recharge our batteries.

We started by calming our nervous systems with gentle physical movements and targeted breathwork, before letting our thoughts flow freely through intuitive drawing and creative writing. It was a wonderful mix of practical relaxation and artistic self-reflection, showing us how easily mindfulness can be integrated into a busy student schedule.

The feedback from our community perfectly captures the warm and peaceful energy of the day:

“The Creative Relaxation Event at the University of Siegen was the perfect way to unwind and recharge. I loved the peaceful, artistic atmosphere and will definitely continue using the relaxation techniques we practiced.” — Eyad

For many, the workshop was also a beautiful reminder of how good it feels to step away from our screens.

“Writing with an actual pen on paper felt surprisingly personal—something I realised I'd lost touch with. The drawing session was also a wonderful reminder to pick my pencils and brushes back up.

My biggest takeaway, though, was realising that relaxation doesn't have to wait until after a deadline. This workshop showed me that some highly effective stress-relieving techniques take very little time and work especially well between tasks.” — Joyce Helena

This powerful shift in perspective is exactly what we hoped to achieve. Relaxation doesn’t have to be time-consuming or complicated. Sometimes, all it takes is a few conscious deep breaths or a quick scribble on a blank piece of paper to break the loop of deadlines and hit the mental reset button.

A huge thank you to Lisa Fröhlich for her guidance, and to all the students who joined us to breathe and create together.

Remember to take your breaks—you’ve earned them.

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Recap 26.06. Increase your Self-Confidence — A Practical Workshop for Feeling More Grounded & Secure | FIT: Well-Being & Social Integration

 Date: 26.06.2026
Time: 10:00 – 16:00

✨ Increase your Self-Confidence - A Practical Workshop for Feeling More Grounded & Secure

Stepping into a new environment, navigating major life changes, or simply keeping up with the demands of university life can sometimes leave us feeling a bit disconnected or unsure of ourselves. It’s completely natural to occasionally lose touch with that sense of familiarity and confidence we once had. To address exactly this, we recently gathered for an interactive workshop led by psychologist Christina Eisenbach, focusing on how to build and strengthen a stable sense of self-worth.

Together, we explored what self-worth actually is, how it develops, and the ways in which big life transitions can impact our identity and confidence.

Whether participants were still adjusting to a new routine, feeling a little disconnected, or simply wanting to grow their self-confidence, the room was filled with a deeply supportive energy. We walked away not only with a better understanding of ourselves, but with tangible tools to help us feel more grounded, secure, and resilient as we move forward.

A heartfelt thank you to Christina Eisenbach for sharing her expertise, and to everyone who brought their openness and presence to this valuable session.

Be kind to yourself—your inner strength grows one small step at a time. 💙

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Recap: 21.05. Beat Procrastination — A Practical Workshop for Getting Started & Staying on Track | FIT: Well-Being & Social Integration

 Date: 21.05.2026
Time: 16:00 – 19:00

The workshop “Beat Procrastination” focused on helping students better understand procrastination and develop practical strategies to overcome it in everyday academic and personal life. It addressed common experiences such as delaying important tasks, struggling to get started, and feeling stressed or overwhelmed because of constantly putting things off.

A central aspect of the workshop was the understanding that procrastination is not simply a sign of laziness, but often connected to deeper habits, emotions, and thought patterns. Together, participants reflected on their own routines and explored why certain tasks are repeatedly postponed.

Throughout the session, participants worked on identifying personal procrastination patterns and discussed realistic ways to break the cycle. The workshop introduced supportive tools and techniques to help participants start tasks earlier, stay focused, and manage workloads more effectively.

Key topics included:

  • Understanding procrastination and the psychological mechanisms behind it
  • Recognizing individual habits and triggers that lead to delaying tasks
  • Learning practical strategies for task initiation and maintaining motivation
  • Exploring techniques for focus, time management, and realistic goal-setting
  • Developing healthier and more sustainable work routines

The workshop created an open and supportive atmosphere where participants could share experiences and reflect on common challenges related to studying, productivity, and self-organization. By the end of the session, participants left with a better understanding of their own working habits and practical tools to feel more in control of their daily tasks and responsibilities.

This workshop counts for 2 points in the "Well-Being & Social Integration" category of the Employability Pass

 

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Recap 29.04. Speed-Friending | FIT: Well-Being & Social Integration

On April 29th, 2026, our Speed Friending event brought together a mix of familiar faces and many new participants, creating a lively and friendly atmosphere. At first, things were a bit quiet, and some people were a little shy, but it didn’t take long for the room to warm up.

Throughout the evening, participants enjoyed tasty snacks, played games, and took plenty of photos, all while making new connections and catching up with new friends. Laughter and conversations filled the room as everyone got more comfortable and engaged.

The highlight of the night was our quiz, which crowned three well-deserved winners with prizes, including vouchers for Café Bergwald and a local ice cream shop. It was a fun, competitive, and memorable way to wrap up the evening.

Events like these are a great reminder of how important it is to come together, connect, and build a sense of community. We’re excited to continue hosting more gatherings like this in the future and can’t wait to welcome even more people to join in the fun.

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Recap 16.04. | Digital Orientation Meeting for Late Arrivals | FIT: Welcome & Orientation

More details about the Orientation Days

Including all Presentations

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For students who were unable to attend the on-campus Orientation Days—whether due to a late arrival or ongoing preparations for the Summer Semester 2026—the International Office provided a digital orientation meeting as an accessible alternative.

This online session ensured that participants could still receive essential information about starting their studies, including key organizational steps and an introduction to academic life in Siegen.

The format allowed students to catch up remotely, ask questions, and gain clarity on important topics, helping them begin the semester well-informed despite missing the initial in-person events.

Overall, the digital meeting offered a flexible and inclusive solution to support all incoming international students in their transition to university life.

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Recap 07.-10.04. | Orientation Days for International Students (Late Arrivals) | FIT: Welcome & Orientation

More details about the Orientation Days

Including all Presentations

More Info

Before the start of the lecture period, the Department of International Student Affairs hosted its Orientation Week for Erasmus+ exchange students and international degree-seeking students beginning their studies in the winter or summer semester.

Throughout the program, participants were guided step by step through essential administrative processes, including enrolment and registration with local authorities. In addition, the sessions provided key information about studying in Siegen, as well as an overview of student services and campus life.

Beyond the formal sessions, the week offered a valuable opportunity for students to familiarize themselves with the university, explore the city, and connect with fellow international students. This helped create an open and supportive environment right from the start of their academic journey.

The program was supported by the Erasmus Student Network (ESN), whose members contributed to organizing activities and fostering connections among participants.

Overall, the Orientation Week ensured that new international students were well-prepared, informed, and socially integrated as they began their studies.

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Recap 11.+12.06.2026 | Workshop: German Work Culture | FIT: Soft Skills & Employability

People sitting at a table. One woman shakes a person's hand.

Over two interactive workshop sessions, international students explored how to navigate German workplace culture with confidence and professionalism. The workshop “Professional Behavior, Communication & Intercultural Competence” focused on helping participants better understand the expectations, communication styles, and unwritten rules that shape professional life in Germany.

Through a combination of practical exercises, role plays, discussions, and real-life workplace scenarios, students reflected on cultural differences and developed strategies for communicating effectively in academic and professional settings. Particular attention was given to professional behavior in meetings, clear and respectful communication, and building positive working relationships in diverse teams.

Participants also explored the role of body language, professional appearance, business etiquette, and networking. They practiced small talk and learned how to make a positive first impression in professional environments. In addition, the workshop addressed how to handle feedback and criticism constructively—an important skill for both personal and professional growth.

By the end of the workshop, participants had:

  • Gained a better understanding of German workplace culture and expectations
  • Improved their communication skills for professional and everyday work situations
  • Learned how to present themselves confidently through body language and appearance
  • Practiced networking and small-talk techniques
  • Strengthened their intercultural competence for working in diverse teams
  • Developed strategies for giving and receiving feedback effectively

As part of the Employability Pass, the workshop counted for 3 points in the category Soft Skills & Employability.

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