For Mentees (👤 New International Students)

• A smoother start to life and studies in Freiberg
• Reliable support and personal contact from day one
• Faster insight into German academic and student culture
• Access to practical tips and helpful resources
• A chance to make friends from the very beginning and feel connected

For Buddies (👤 Local TUBAF Students):

• Recognition through a Confirmation of Participation
• Volunteer experience and social engagement
• Intercultural exchange and language practice
• Development of communication, mentoring, and soft skills
• A sense of community and personal enrichment

1. Registration

Both Buddies and Mentees register via an online form before the start of the semester. Based on the information provided (language preferences, study program, arrival date, etc.), we do our best to create suitable matches.

• Register as a Buddy
• Register as a Mentee

2. Matching and Introduction

Once paired, we inform both sides via email and encourage the buddy to contact their mentee approx. three weeks before arrival. Early communication can ease concerns and allow mentees to prepare better for their journey.

3. First Meeting

Most buddy pairs arrange to meet shortly after the Mentee arrives in Freiberg by picking up their Mentee from the train station. Also, a short tour of the city or campus, a coffee meet-up, or help with moving in is a nice start. The International Office also organizes a welcome event (Orientation Days) which we highly recommend all new international students to participate in.

4. Ongoing Support

The buddy stays in touch with the Mentee for at least the first semester. Some pairs form long-term friendships, while others keep the contact more informal. The format is open and flexible.

5. Re-Registration or Confirmation of participation (for Buddies)

At the end of the semester/In the beginning of the new semester, the coordinator of the Buddy Program circulates an email to ask all Buddies to either re-register for the following semester or apply for their confirmation of participation. The confirmation is a letter sent to the Buddy's address including details, such as:

• Name, Date of Birth, Matriculation No.
• Duration of your time as a buddy
• Number of supported Mentees throughout your participation
• Country of origin of the Mentees

This can be useful for CVs, scholarship applications, or further volunteer work.

How to register as a Mentee

To be matched with a buddy, you need to register using the online form provided by the International Office. Registration is possible at any time. Please make sure to register good in advance of your arrival, to ensure the matching goes smooth.

After successful registration, you will get an initial email message with further information on the program as well as our Mentee Guide that gives practical advice.

After matching, you will receive an email from your assigned Buddy who will contact you before your arrival. The earlier you register, the better your chances of being matched. The program is free of charge and designed to support you with your start in Freiberg.

If you have not been contacted after registration or your plans change, please inform the Buddy Program Coordinator.

Sign up here!

To fully benefit from the Buddy Program, we encourage you to stay in regular contact with your assigned Buddy and don’t hesitate to reach out with questions or concerns. Be open and curious. Your buddy can share valuable insights into student life, German culture, and local customs. Ask for help when needed; no question is too small, whether it’s about shopping, using public transport, or registering for courses.

It’s also a good idea to join the Orientation Days organized by the International Office in the beginning of each semester. They offer a great opportunity to meet other students, make friends, and learn more about getting involved in campus/student life.

Finally, please remember that your buddy is volunteering their time, so showing appreciation and mutual respect helps create a positive experience for both sides.

The more engaged you are, the easier it will be to settle in and feel at home in Freiberg.

While your buddy is there to help you settle in and supports with organziational matters, there are some things they are not responsible for:

• They cannot provide legal advice, e.g., regarding your visa, residence permit, or insurance matters.
• They are not professional translators and cannot translate official documents or contracts.
• They are not responsible for finding or arranging your accommodation.
• They cannot complete university or city registration on your behalf.
• They are not available 24/7. Please respect their time and responsibilities as fellow students.

If you need help with official matters, please contact the International Office or the Student Office directly. Your buddy will gladly help you find the right contact person or guide you to the right office.

Once you are matched with your Buddy (approx. three weeks before your arrival), feel free to contact them with any questions you may have before your journey. Your buddy can give you helpful tips on how to travel to Freiberg, what to bring with you, and what to expect in your first days. You can also ask about the weather, local stores, or how to reach your dormitory. This early communication can make your arrival a better experience and help reduce any uncertainty or stress.

One of the most important steps when preparing for your stay in Freiberg is finding suitable accommodation. We understand that this can be a challenging and time-sensitive task, especially for international students arriving for the first time. While our Buddy Program is here to support your start at TU Bergakademie Freiberg, please note that your assigned Buddy is not responsible for finding or arranging your accommodation.

The main responsibility for securing housing lies with the student. We strongly recommend starting your search as early as possible. Ideally as soon as you receive your admission letter. Demand for rooms, especially at the beginning of the semester, can be quite high.

There are generally two types of accommodation available in Freiberg:

1. Student Dormitories (operated by Studentenwerk Freiberg):
   These are the most popular option among international students. Rooms are furnished and affordable, and you’ll be living alongside other students, both German and international. Applications can be submitted online via the Studentenwerk’s website. Please note that applying early increases your chances of getting a room.

   Your Buddy can assist you in understanding the application procedure or navigating the website, but cannot submit the application on your behalf or reserve a room for you.

2. Private Accommodation:
   This includes rooms in shared apartments (in German so-called "WGs"), private flats, or single rooms in houses. Offers are usually posted on local platforms such as WG-Gesucht.de or (eBay) Kleinanzeigen, and sometimes in Facebook groups for Freiberg students. This option may require more initiative, especially in contacting landlords and arranging viewings.

   Again, your Buddy may be able to give you tips or help with understanding rental offers, but they are not expected to act as agents or intermediaries.

Important Advice:

• Always read the rental conditions carefully.
• Never send money to unknown persons before having a signed contract.
• Make sure to confirm your move-in date, key handover, and contract terms in advance.

In some cases, you might not have a room secured before your arrival. In that case, we recommend booking temporary accommodation (such as a hostel, hotel, or Airbnb) for the first few days. Let your Buddy know your arrival plans. They can support you with orientation in the city, but again, not with last-minute room searches.

Please refer to the International Office’s official website for more detailed and updated information on housing options in Freiberg.

Also consider to download the guide to finding accommodation in Freiberg offered by the International Office.

When you arrive in Freiberg, try to meet your buddy in person. Ideally, your assigned Buddy picks you up from the train station. A short campus or city tour, a walk, or even a drink together can be a great start. Your buddy can help you find important places such as the university buildings, the Student Office, or the Mensa. They may also explain how to register with the city, where to buy a SIM card or open a bank account, and how to use the student platforms. These first steps are easier when someone is there to guide you.

Starting your studies in a new country can be a transformative journey, but no one has to go through it alone. The Buddy Program is here to help you make the most of your time in Freiberg from day one.

Whether you are new to Germany or have lived here for years: As a Buddy or a Mentee, you are part of our diverse and welcoming university family.

We look forward to welcoming you to the TU Bergakademie Freiberg Buddy Program!

If you would like to support a new international student, you can register as a buddy via our online form. Registration is usually open at any time. Based on your study program, language skills, and preferences, we will try to match you with a suitable Mentee. After matching, you will receive their contact details and are expected to reach out proactively (i.e. first contact). Participation is voluntary, and you will receive a confirmation of participation upon request when you decide to withdraw from the program. This can be done by completing a separate form that will be circulated in the beginning of the new semester.

Register here!

After successful registration, you will get an initial email message with further information on the program as well as our Buddy Guide that might support you.

If you have any questions or special concerns, you are welcome to contact the Buddy Program Coordinator via email.

Each semester, we ask all current buddies to confirm whether they would like to continue in the program for the upcoming semester. This helps us plan ahead!

Re-registration is quick and takes less than two minutes. We usually open the process midway through the semester and share the link via email and Instagram. Please make sure to check your messages and re-register within the deadline.

Your re-registration ensures that the Buddy Program remains well-organised and that we can match buddies reliably. Thank you for your continued support!

Re-Register for the following Semester here!

If you no longer wish to take part, we kindly ask you to fill out a form to officially let us know. This is also useful to receive your confirmation of participation.

Apply for your confirmation of participation here!

As a Buddy, you take on the important role of being the first local contact person for an international student. This means offering guidance, answering questions, and helping them find their way, especially in the first days and weeks after arrival.

Your responsibilities include:

• Getting in touch with your mentee before arrival
• Answering practical questions (e.g. where to shop, how to get to Freiberg from the airport, student registration, health insurance, opening bank account)
• Assisting with moving into dormitories or finding their way to university buildings
• Introducing your mentee to everyday life in Freiberg
• Helping them navigate the university campus, online portals, academic calendar and other student services offered by the university
• Encouraging participation in local student activities and events
• Meeting up occasionally for informal conversations, walks, or coffee

The commitment is flexible. From experience, it takes usually around two to four hours per week during the first few weeks of the semester. Your role is not to provide professional counseling, but to be a friendly and reliable contact person. For subject-related matters, you can always redirect your Mentee to the subject advisors at the respective Faculty.

In the Buddy Program, we do not expect our volunteering local TUBAF students to solve legal or health issues. While you may redirect your mentee to the medical centre (we recommend the MVZ [Medizinisches Versorgungszentrum]) in Freiberg close to the Freiberg hospital, please remember the privacy of your Mentee.

In addition, please refrain from translating official documents. The Mentee should seek advice from a professional translator agency that prepares his/her documents accordingly for official recognition.

Last but not least, studies should always be given top priority. Remember, you have a visa for study purposes, not for buddying purposes.

You can use this checklist when reaching out to your assigned international student for the first time:

• Read the information from the matching email carefully
• Write a friendly and welcoming message via email
• Introduce yourself (name, study program, interests)
• Mention that you are their Buddy from TUBAF
• Ask for their arrival date and travel plans
• Offer help with questions or arrival arrangements
• Suggest how you can stay in touch (WhatsApp, email, etc.)
• Be patient and follow up if you don’t hear back within a few days.

Sometimes a Mentee may not reply to your initial message. This can happen due to late arrival, travel delays, missed emails or other reasons.

If you haven’t received a response within a week, feel free to send a polite follow-up message. If there is still no reply, inform the Buddy Program Coordinator. Please do not worry, not every mentee makes use of the program, and it is not your fault. Your willingness to help is still appreciated, and you may be matched with another student if there is a need.