Last updated: March 2026

TL;DR: Buddy programmes at German universities pair international students with local (often German) students to help with settling in, navigating bureaucracy, academic orientation, and social integration. They're free, voluntary, and available at most major universities. Sign up during or before your first semester.

Studying in Germany is exciting, but it comes with challenges: navigating German bureaucracy, finding accommodation, understanding academic systems, and building a social network. Buddy programmes (also called Tandem or Mentoring programmes) are designed to help international students overcome these hurdles by pairing them with experienced local students.

What is a Buddy Programme?

A buddy programme matches incoming international students with current students (usually German or senior international students) who serve as personal guides. Your buddy helps you with practical matters, answers questions about university life, and introduces you to German culture and social life.

Most buddy programmes are:

• Free of charge
• Organized by the university's International Office (Akademisches Auslandsamt)
• Voluntary (both for buddies and incoming students)
• Available in the first semester (sign up during orientation week)

What Your Buddy Can Help With

Administrative Tasks

• Residence registration (Anmeldung) at the Bürgeramt
• Opening a German bank account
• Setting up health insurance
• Navigating the Ausländerbehörde (immigration office)
• Getting your student ID and semester ticket

Academic Orientation

• Understanding the German university system (Vorlesung, Seminar, Übung)
• Course registration and timetable planning
• Finding libraries, labs, and study spaces
• Exam preparation tips and study group connections

Social Integration

• Introducing you to student groups and clubs (Hochschulgruppen)
• Exploring the city and local attractions
• Language exchange (they practice English, you practice German)
• Attending social events, parties, and cultural activities

Daily Life

• Finding accommodation and dealing with landlords
• Grocery shopping tips (discount stores like Aldi, Lidl)
• Public transport navigation (Deutschland-Ticket at €58/month)
• Understanding German customs and cultural norms

Universities with Notable Buddy Programmes

| University | Programme Name | How to Apply | |

---|

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---| | TU Munich | TUMi Buddy Programme | Through TUMi (TUM International) | | LMU Munich | LMU Buddy Programme | International Office website | | RWTH Aachen | RWTH Buddy Programme | International Office | | University of Heidelberg | Buddy Programme | International Relations Office | | TU Berlin | TU Berlin Buddy Programme | International Office | | University of Freiburg | Buddy Programme | International Office | | University of Göttingen | Start Buddy Programme | International Office | | University of Hamburg | Buddy Programme | International Office |

Most universities announce their buddy programmes during orientation week or on their International Office websites. Check your university's website for specific sign-up procedures.

How to Sign Up

1. Check your university's International Office website for buddy programme details (usually available 2–3 months before the semester starts).
2. Fill out the registration form with your details, interests, study program, and language preferences.
3. Get matched: The International Office pairs you with a buddy based on study field, language, and interests.
4. Meet your buddy: Usually during orientation week. Some programmes organize group events first.
5. Stay in contact: The programme typically runs for the first semester, but many buddy pairs stay friends much longer.

Tips for Getting the Most from Your Buddy

1. Be proactive: Don't wait for your buddy to reach out. Send the first message and suggest meeting up.
2. Prepare questions: List the things you need help with before your first meeting.
3. Be respectful of their time: Your buddy is a volunteer student with their own studies and commitments.
4. Offer something in return: Share your culture, cook a dish from your country, or teach them a few words of your language.
5. Attend group events: Many buddy programmes organize city tours, cultural evenings, and excursions.
6. Use it for language practice: Speaking German with your buddy (even basic phrases) accelerates your learning.

Beyond the Buddy Programme

Once you've settled in, there are many other ways to integrate:

• ESN (Erasmus Student Network): Social events and trips for international students
• AStA/StuRa: Student government, often organizing cultural events
• Hochschulgruppen: Student clubs covering sports, music, politics, culture
• Tandem language programmes: Formal language exchange partnerships
• Volunteer organizations: A great way to meet Germans outside university

Conclusion

Buddy programmes are one of the most valuable (and underused) resources available to international students in Germany. They provide personalized support during the challenging first weeks and help you build connections that last throughout your studies and beyond.

For more information about student life in Germany, explore our guides on living in Germany and best cities to study in Germany.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are buddy programmes free?

Yes, buddy programmes at German universities are completely free for both international students and local buddies. They are funded by the university's International Office, often with support from DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service).

When should I sign up for a buddy programme?

Sign up as early as possible, ideally 1–2 months before the semester starts. Many programmes have limited spots and match buddies on a first-come, first-served basis. Check your university's International Office website for registration deadlines.

Can I request a buddy who speaks my language?

Most programmes try to match you based on preferences including study field, interests, and languages. While you can request a buddy who speaks your native language, the goal is often to pair you with a German student to encourage cultural exchange and German language practice.

What if my buddy is not helpful?

If your buddy is unresponsive or unhelpful, contact the International Office. They can reassign you to a different buddy. Remember that buddies are volunteers, so there can be variation in engagement levels.

Do all German universities have buddy programmes?

Most major German universities offer some form of buddy or mentoring programme through their International Office. Smaller universities may have informal mentoring arrangements. Check your specific university's International Office website or contact them directly.