For the seventh time, universities in North Rhine-Westphalia are organising the "Study Doubts Weeks". In more than 40 events, students are given the opportunity to reflect on their study decisions, learn about alternatives and develop new perspectives. The Hochschule Niederrhein (HSNR) is also taking part in the state-wide initiative, which aims to remove the taboos surrounding doubts about studying and offer guidance.
Whether workshops, lectures or talk formats: The theme weeks create space for open exchange and individual counselling. The aim is to support students in making an informed decision, regardless of whether they want to continue their studies, change subject or reorient themselves. Doubts about studying affect many young people, but are often concealed. The participating universities are therefore consciously taking a stand against the stigma of failure and emphasising that doubts can be an important impetus for personal and professional development.
A digital event with Luca Bischoni, former mechanical engineering student, author of the book "Als man mir den Stecker zieht" and host of the podcast "Psychologie - die menschliche Energie", will kick off the event on 2 March 2026 at 10 a.m. He talks openly about his long hesitation before changing subject, the feeling of being alone with his insecurities and what ultimately helped him to take a new direction. "There is always a way, sometimes you just have to ask someone at the crossroads," says Bischoni and encourages students to talk about their doubts and accept support.
Comprehensive programme for all needs
The themed weeks are aimed at students at all stages of their studies. In addition to individual reflection, the focus is on specific counselling services: from information on changing subjects and alternatives outside the university to career prospects. In addition to the universities' Student Advice Centres, experts from the labour market, including the Federal Employment Agency and chambers of commerce, are also involved. The result is a comprehensive support programme that takes both academic and professional paths into account.
Growing network of universities
What began with 13 universities has now grown into a nationwide network of around 30 universities. In the "NEXT CAREER" project, they pool their experience, further develop counselling formats and provide students at almost all university locations in North Rhine-Westphalia with access to the events. The initiative is organised by the Student Advices and Career Services of the NRW universities and sponsored by the Ministry of Culture and Science of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia.
"We have created a broad programme in which students with doubts about their studies or thoughts of dropping out can exchange ideas, reflect and develop concrete solutions for their next steps," says Miriam Kneisel, Head of the "NEXT STEP" programme at The Hochschule Niederrhein. Companies are also involved: In an online lecture, HSNR will provide information on how dropouts can be recruited as specialists.
Participation and registration
Participation in the events is free of charge, but registration is required for individual events. Further information and the full programme can be found on the websites of the participating universities and at: https: //nextcareer.de/themenwochen_studienzweifel/
Participating universities: RWTH Aachen, FH Aachen, HS Bochum, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, Universität Duisburg-Essen, FH Dortmund, TU Dortmund, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Hochschule Düsseldorf, FernUniversität in Hagen, Universität zu Köln, TH Köln, FH Münster, Universität Münster, Hochschule Niederrhein, Hochschule Rhein-Waal, Universität Siegen, Westfälische Hochschule, Bergische Universität Wuppertal
