International Welcome

As an international student, you will face many different challenges at the beginning of your studies. Our goal is to support you from the start and help you feel comfortable and find your way in your new environment.

Programme winter term 2025/26

The International Welcome already starts with information events well before the semester begins. The RUBiss team offers the following preparatory events in September/October 2025:

• Preparatory webinar for international regular students (students starting a Bachelor's or Master's degree)
• Preparatory webinar for exchange students (students studying at RUB for one or two semesters)

Online events

During this period, one online event will take place every day at 2 p.m. (UTC +2) each of which deals with a topic related to life and study in Bochum.

• Monday, 22.09.2025: Welcome event “Starting your studies” and 1x1 of the RUB - Important information on starting your studies and technical requirements for studying at Ruhr University
  • in German and English at the same time
• Tuesday, 23.09.2025: New in Bochum: Important information on dealing with authorities (city registration & foreigners' office); our student employees will also give you tips on how to organize your student life in Bochum (at a reasonable price)
  • in German and English at the same time
• Wednesday, 24.09.2025: Input & Talk: Awareness on Campus: In this input session, you will learn about the work of the Anti-Discrimination Office and the project ‘Our Campus – Against Sexism at Ruhr University Bochum’. Nina Bartholomé, employee at the anti-discrimination Office, will also introduce you to various services and counselling centres at the Ruhr University. Social interaction on campus and during studies will also play a role in this input – in particular, how we can treat each other with solidarity and make our everyday university life as aware and diversity-sensitive as possible. Following the input, there will be plenty of time for questions and discussion.
  • Input in English, Presentation & Talk in German and English
• Thursday, 25.09.2025: How do I finance my studies at Ruhr University? Information on financing your studies
  • in German and English at the same time
• Friday, 26.09.2025: Health insurance in Germany

Register here for the events:

Registration Online Events

Face-to-face events

You will get to know the RUB campus and important local institutions during the on-campus events.

• Thursday, 09.10.2025:
  • 11:00 am: Campus tours across the RUB campus - Here you will be guided across the campus in small groups by our volunteer campus guides (local RUB students from your faculty) and get to know the buildings and important contact points.
    • Meeting point: In front of the Student Service Center (SSC) by the large stone stairs (RUB site plan)
    • Please register here!
• Friday, 10.10.2025:
  • 11:00 a.m.: Flea market of the Erasmus Student Network Bochum (ESN) - You can buy useful household or decorative items for your shared room or apartment at low prices.
    • Location: Euroeck, Spechtsweg 20, 44801 Bochum
    • No registration needed.
• Saturday, 11.10.2025:
  • 3:00 p.m. City tours through Bochum
    • Meeting point: Bochum main station in front of the exit city centre
    • No registration needed.
• Sunday, 12.10.2025:
  • 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Workshop: Embracing Diversity: Exchange - Engage - Empower
    This workshop enables you to explore cultural similarities and differences, understand values, and improve your communication skills for a transcultural environment. Ideal for getting started in Germany!
    • Only limited places available!
    • Please register here!
• Thursday, 16.10.2025:
  • 4:00 p.m. Official welcome with the Rectorate and Head of the International Office - The Vice-Rector for Teaching and Studies Dr. Kornelia Freitag and the Head of the International Office welcome you to RUB
  • Afterwards, there will be games organized by the International Office and you will have time to get to know your new fellow students in a relaxed atmosphere with drinks and snacks.
    • Location: Event Center (VZ)
    • Please register here!