Starting a degree programme is a formative phase. Those starting out with family challenges or without previous academic knowledge, for example, benefit from low-threshold offers from the university - from orientation events to mentoring programmes.

• Starting your studies: welcome to JMU! Here you will find everything you need to know to start your studies with us. Our tips to help you get through your first semester well organised

• First steps into studying: orientation lecture on starting your studies, in which basic terms and backgrounds are explained to compensate for different prior knowledge

• Examination office: as a service centre for students, this takes care of all administrative tasks relating to examination matters, including study and examination regulations, admission regulations and admission requirements.

• Writing Centre at the Centre for Academic Education and Teaching (ZBL): offers a variety of programmes to promote writing skills

• Social Counselling Service of the Studierendenwerk: offers free and confidential guidance on all questions regarding social challenges related to the organisation of studies

• Tandem days / studylive: company a student of your chosen subject at the university for a day in a small group. You attend lectures and seminars together, meet other students and lecturers, have lunch together in the Mensateria and get to know the campus

International students, researchers and lecturers are often confronted with language barriers, cultural differences or a lack of orientation in the higher education system. Discrimination can manifest itself through exclusion, institutional barriers or a lack of intercultural sensitivity. Counselling centres for exchange students offer support here in order to enable fair and inclusive study conditions.

• Alumni Office: offers support for stays abroad by former JMU members in their respective home cities.

• Buddy Programme: is aimed at all German and international law students. It is intended to give German students the opportunity to make international contacts, to pass on their own experiences abroad or simply to look beyond the Würzburg horizon.

• Erasmus Study: advice on all aspects of studying abroad, scholarships for study-related stays abroad, information on university cooperation for JMU students and staff, as well as support for international incoming students and visiting academics.

• European Access Network: is a non-profit organisation that campaigns throughout Europe for broader access to higher education for groups of people who are currently underrepresented, partly due to their social background.

• Evangelische Studierendengemeinde Würzburg: offers students a place where they can quickly feel at home, whether it's a communal meal, music, choirs, dancing, church services, excursions or good conversation - even in difficult times there is always a sympathetic ear.

• International Office: coordinates and supports both outgoing and incoming mobility, manages international partnerships, EU mobility programmes such as Erasmus+, admission procedures, scholarship advice as well as transfer and networking activities.

• Catholic University Community Würzburg: the KHG in Würzburg is a meeting place where all those who study, teach and work at Würzburg's universities find time and space for social, political and societal commitment and an open and broad spirituality.

• Mentoring programme: offers support for professional development from working JMU alumni

• SCIENTIA International: specially designed for international female scientists and researchers, this programme facilitates the social and cultural integration process into German society and at the same time supports individual and professional development.

• Language Centre: JMU offers various language courses

• DAAD scholarship database: provides information on all DAAD scholarship programmes for international students and researchers as well as selected funding offers from other organisations. Students with a non-academic background can receive additional financial support as part of Erasmus+ funding.

• Welcome Centre: central service point for newly appointed professors and international academics. The Welcome Centre provides support with all administrative and practical questions relating to starting or staying at JMU.

• Würzburg International Network (WIN): a dynamic group of JMU students and volunteers who organise various events to promote cultural exchange and mutual understanding.

• Charm-EU: offers international networking opportunities with European partner universities to promote joint study programmes, mobility and innovative educational formats.

People with family commitments - such as parents, carers or single parents - benefit from a particularly high degree of flexibility and understanding. Family-friendly university structures, childcare, flexible examination regulations and information services are essential to ensure that educational paths are not blocked by care work.

• Advice for expectant student parents in the office of the University Women's Representative at JMU: helps with questions or looking for information on study organisation and examinations during maternity leave and/or childcare for expectant student parents

• Counselling for parents-to-be working in science and academia: the Office of the University Women's Representative supports academic staff at the University of Würzburg with questions relating to the compatibility of family and career

• Familie³: joint initiative and events organised by the three universities in Würzburg for family-related topics

• JMU Family Service: in addition to childcare options during work and study , there is also support in finding babysitting and tutoring services

Physical and mental health are basic prerequisites for a successful teaching, learning and working environment. The university environment therefore offers, among other things, barrier-free psychological counselling, awareness teams and health-promoting support services.

• General university sports programme: a wide range of sports activities for students, employees and support association members of all ages

• Company medical service: supports the University Hospital and the University of Würzburg as well as other cooperation partners in fulfilling their occupational health and precautionary obligations, e.g.laboratory work, ophthalmological examinations and work with computer screens

• Healthy University: collaboration with many different stakeholders for holistic health management for all university members at JMU. The Healthy University offers a wide range of measures to promote physical and mental well-being through exercise programmes, mental health support, workshops, information services and participatory formats for employees and students.

• University Outpatient Clinic for Psychotherapy: the Institute of Psychology at the University of Würzburg offers comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic help for mental and psychosomatic disorders.

• Information portal on the subject of care: offers legal and organisational information for employees and students with relatives in need of care

• Contact and Information Centre for Students with Disabilities and Chronic Illnesses (KIS): supports students (as well as prospective students and lecturers) in ensuring equal opportunities and participation in their studies - for example through counselling, lending of aids, compensation for disadvantages, adaptation of study materials, training for staff and promotion of barrier-free study conditions.

• Sexual harassment contact point: offers (anonymous) counselling in cases of sexual harassment for all JMU students and staff, regardless of their gender, gender identity or sexual orientation

• Crisis network Lower Franconia: offers quick and localised help for around 1.3 million people in crisis situations

• Psychotherapeutic counselling of the Studierendenwerk Würzburg: helps to develop a deeper understanding of personal problems, to explore solutions and to take courage for upcoming steps towards change

• Representative body for severely disabled employees: is responsible for all matters relating to severely disabled and equivalent employees at JMU and represents their interests

• Occupational Safety, Health, Animal Welfare and Environmental Protection Unit (AGTU): monitors operational safety and offers advice on health protection and accident prevention as well as prevention days for employees and students

• KVB therapy placement service: ensures that outpatient psychological help is available anywhere and at any time throughout Bavaria

Students who are the first in their family to study can face particular challenges: a lack of knowledge about academic structures, financial insecurity and the feeling of "not belonging". This is why there are now a number of contact points that provide targeted support, networking and make social career paths visible.

• ApplicAid: non-profit organisation that helps young people from educationally disadvantaged backgrounds to find and apply for scholarships

• ArbeiterKind.de: non-profit initiative that offers prospective students from families without university experience support on their way to becoming the first in their family to go to university

• Aufsteiger: non-profit mentoring initiative that brings together business leaders in the D-A-CH region with mentees who were the first in their family to study and would like support in starting or developing their careers

• BAFöG: information on student financing at the Studierendenwerk Würzburg

• Career Centre: advises all JMU students on the subject of careers. The team offers a wide range of support throughout the entire profile building and application process, for example through individual career counselling, workshops, application portfolio checks, events, skills profiles and access to job portals

• Erste Generation Promotion (EGP e.V.): non-profit organisation that offers peer coaching and networking to Master's students and doctoral candidates without an academic background throughout Germany

• Netzwerk Chancen: non-profit organisation that supports young people from financially disadvantaged and non-academic backgrounds across Germany with mentoring offers and puts them in touch with suitable employers

• Speed Up, Buddy!: a non-profit organisation that supports first-generation students on their way through their studies to their first job

Discrimination can affect all age groups. Age diversity enriches the university community: information and offers for different age groups help with challenges in everyday university life.

• Academic Association of Senior Citizens in Germany (AVDS): The AVDS provides information and advice on studying for senior citizens and lifelong learning. It offers a study guide, personal counselling and a website for older students

• Bavarian State Ministry for Family, Labour and Social Affairs (StMAS): promotes cohesion between the generations and supports projects for active coexistence, such as the "Self-determined living in old age" (SeLA) programme, the "Living in old age" coordination office, the Bavarian Senior Citizens' Academy and model projects such as senior citizen dancing, reading mentors and neighbourhood networks to support older people.

• Federal Association of Senior Citizens' Organisations (BAGSO): represents the interests of older people and is committed to active and dignified ageing

• Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS): creates the framework conditions for solid old-age provision for all citizens

• Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (BMFSFJ): offers a wide range of services and programmes to support families, young people, senior citizens and to promote gender equality

• German Pension Insurance: provides information and advice on statutory pensions, old-age provision and rehabilitation services

• Deutsche Seniorenliga e.V.: campaigns for the interests of older people and offers information material and campaigns on health, pension provision and social participation

• German Centre for Gerontology (DZA): federal research institute whose studies focus on social participation throughout the life course, with a particular focus on the second half of life

• Early studies: programme for motivated and high-achieving pupils from year 10 onwards

• Internet by seniors for seniors e.V.: the organisation helps older people to navigate the digital world safely with the aim of improving their media skills.

• JMU Youth and Trainee Representation: represents the interests of trainees at the university

• Children's University: offers lectures for children between the ages of 6 and 13

• Würzburg Care Support Centre: offers individual and free counselling for people in need of care and their relatives on assistance and support services

• Prevention knows no age limit: DGUV initiative, which is committed to safe and healthy working conditions at any age and provides targeted support for older employees

• Würzburg Seniors' Forum: informs and networks older people on social, cultural and societal issues

• Studying in old age (fernstudieren.de): The brochure offers comprehensive information on study opportunities and educational programmes for older people

• Studium Generale and Senior Studies: JMU study programmes for people aged 55 and over

• Addiction counselling at JMU: answers questions about the consumption of alcoholic beverages, psychoactive medication and illegal drugs

• Part-time employment in the BayernPortal: employees of the Free State of Bavaria can apply for a reduction in working hours

• Knowledge for all: offers from science and research for interested people of all ages

Social background, role models or educational counselling influence access to academic education. Interest in studying should not be restricted by role models, elitist structures or a lack of information. Participatory study choice programmes help to reduce such inequalities.

• Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR): provides information about the "Aufstiegsstipendium", the only German programme for the promotion of talented students that specifically supports people with vocational training and practical experience in financing a first degree course

• Specialist study counselling: provides information on study contents as well as university and subject changes. It also offers counselling for those with vocational qualifications.

• Guest study programme: fee-based offer to attend individual courses as a guest student

• GSiK teaching programme (Global Systems and Intercultural Competence): teaches interdisciplinary skills in intercultural communication, sustainability and global systems alongside studies and enables all students at the University of Würzburg to obtain certification of participation - even in the first semester.

• Conference of Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs (KMK): provides information about opportunities to acquire a vocational or part-time degree without a school-based university entrance qualification

• Taster programme: for five weeks, prospective students can attend various teaching and information events on a regular or occasional basis to get to know the study programme and get a taste of the study atmosphere.

• Study Info Day (SIT): this is an annual one-day event with information stands and lectures on the various degree programmes at JMU

• Student Office: as a service centre for students, the Student Office handles all administrative tasks in connection with admission to and completion of the degree programme. It also offers counselling for prospective students and provides information on options for student financing and funding for study and research stays in Germany and abroad.

• Part-time study: serves as an alternative to full-time study of a Bachelor's degree programme for all those who can only study part-time due to their personal situation

• uni@school: presentation of various fields of study in the upper secondary school and information on access to studies, requirements and content. Our study ambassadors will be happy to come to your school and talk about their studies and everyday life at university.

• Synopsis Kolleg: JMU's one-year programme with a certificate degree (60 ECTS points) is aimed at young people with A-levels who want to find out more about their personal interests, strengths and goals before deciding on a degree course.

• University Library: offers the library account for students, employees and interested parties from the region aged 14 and over, as well as courses for students and staff

• Central Student Advisory Service: offers individual counselling and numerous information formats for prospective and current students

• Blog: My studies in Würzburg: the University of Würzburg's student blog offers personal insights into everyday student life, financing, stays abroad and degree programmes.

Discrimination at universities can take many forms. It not only affects individual well-being, but also the entire teaching, learning and working atmosphere. Offers and structures for prevention, intervention and empowerment can be found at various counselling and information centres.

Contact persons for anti-discrimination at the JMU

• Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency: supports people who are affected by discrimination

• Bayerischer Jugendring: the mobile counselling centre is responsible for a sub-project in the respekt*land Bayern network together with AGABY , among others .

• Counselling centre for employees of the University Hospital of Würzburg (UKW): the counselling centre for employees of the UKW can, depending on the situation and the wishes of those seeking advice, provide personal support or act as a moderator while maintaining confidentiality.

• Complaints centre for JMU employees: responsible for all employees of the University of Würzburg in the event of legal discrimination

• CLAIM: counselling centres for victims of racist violence and discrimination with a focus on anti-Muslim racism

• Diversity Management, Religion and Education (M.A.): Master's degree course in which , in addition to professional skills such as management, communication and organisation, applied knowledge is acquired with regard to the legal, business and organisational ethical, cultural and educational theoretical requirements of the professional field.

• Diversity³: a series of lectures organised by the three Würzburg universities. Students and employees can acquire a certificate.

• Intercultural training for employees in HR development at JMU: with this training, the University of Würzburg's HR development provides space for individual, cooperative and organisational learning

• Conflict management at JMU: provides information and advice as an independent contact point for employees, managers and staff at the University of Würzburg on dealing with conflicts

• Anti-discrimination contact point: offers all university members confidential and, if desired, anonymous online counselling in German or English in the event of experiences or observations of discrimination in the university context.

• Staff development: offers target group-orientated events for employees in science, science management, administration and technology, e.g. courses to raise awareness of the needs in diverse teams, including educational biographical differences

• Recherche- und Informationsstelle Antisemitismus Bayern (RIAS Bayern): documents anti-Semitic incidents in Bavaria and supports those affected

• Barrier-free department at JMU: aims to tear down barriers that start with steps and end with toilet doors that are too narrow in order to ensure integration

• Department against racism: contact point for people affected by racism and other misanthropies

• Queer:Feminism Unit: contact point for people who have been/are discriminated against due to their sexual or gender identity

• Strong!: state anti-discrimination office as a contact point including a counselling hotline and personal consultation hours

• Student Spokesperson's Council (SSR): the anti-discrimination department advocates for any concerns of students at the University of Würzburg

• Vice President for Equal Opportunities, Career Planning and Sustainability: as Vice President, Anja Schlömerkemper represents a cross-sectional area that deals with several topics that are also included in the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations. She would like to expand the advancement of women and promote other areas of equal opportunities throughout the university

• Würzburg looks: offers professional counselling for people who are discriminated against and want to take a stand against discrimination

• Certificate in Anti-Semitism-Critical Education for Teaching and Schools (ZABUS): helps prospective teachers to recognise anti-Semitism in everyday school life and to counter it effectively with knowledge, attitude and appropriate methods. The programme is aimed at students on all teachertrainingcourses, regardless of subject combination or type of school

• Centre for Education Critical of Anti-Semitism: is a point of contact for research, teaching, counselling and further education in dealing with anti-Semitism in schools, universities and extracurricular education.

Advice and awareness-raising services, career development programmes and information on protection against sexual harassment and discrimination are available on the topic of gender equality. Contact persons for gender equality do important work here and promote a gender-sensitive teaching, learning and working environment.

• Gender Equality Officers of the JMU Student Representation: help with problems or questions relating to gender equality

• Gender data report: the report shows the results of comprehensive gender equality monitoring, which records the proportion of women among students, in the academic qualification levels, in appointment procedures and in management positions and committees at JMU

• Gender Forum: the University of Würzburg endeavours to strengthen gender aspects in research and teaching through the Gender Forum and offers a platform for exchange and networking within and outside the university.

• JMU Equal Opportunities Officer for academic support staff: the Equal Opportunities Office is responsible for all matters relating to gender equality at the University of Würzburg

• Gender equality concept (2021-25): result of a detailed internal reflection and intensive examination of possible fields of action for the university's efforts to achieve gender equality in studies, teaching, research and academic self-administration at JMU

• Miss_mutig: organising and sharing local queerfeminist actions

• Rainbow Office: provides explicit psychosocial (specialist) counselling in the context of sexual and gender diversity as a full-time position in Lower Franconia

• University Women's Representative (UFB): contact point for all JMU students, academics and scientists and advises on issues relating to gender equality in science

• #Women in Science: presents outstanding female researchers as role models, lets them talk about their careers, the challenges in science and tips for equal opportunities and careers

• Rethinking Physics: presents the travelling exhibition "RETHINKING PHYSICS - 100 years of quantum mechanics: Time for a female perspective!", a project of the Cluster of Excellence ct.qmat (Würzburg & Dresden). The exhibition shows portraits of established and aspiring female physicists who share their passion, achievements and future prospects - with the aim of making women in quantum physics more visible and promoting diversity and equal opportunities in science

• Mentoring programme for female doctors: MENTORING med supports young female scientists at the Medical Faculty of Würzburg specifically in career planning, networking and further scientific qualification.