The support programme for all new students
FirstGeneration
If you’re the first in your family to go to university, you probably have different questions from your fellow students who come from academic families. As a first-generation student, Heinrich Heine University supports you at every stage of your academic journey, from your bachelor’s degree through your doctorate. This page provides an overview of the resources available at HHU, as well as important information and points of contact.
Key topics
You can obtain information about study stays and traineeships abroad from the International Office.
The DAAD offers first-generation academics special grants for a stay abroad (website in German) during their studies, providing up to €250 extra per month (in addition to grants such as BAföG funding for stays abroad or Erasmus+). It’s best to talk to your ERASMUS Departmental Coordinator.
The Düsseldorf section of the Erasmus Student Network, ESN for short, can also help you with any questions you may have about studying abroad.
Did you know that out of 100 students who are eligible for BAföG funding, only 30 actually apply for it? You can find information about BAföG and other funding options from the Studierendenwerk Düsseldorf (website in German).
Click here for the BAföG FAQ (website in German), which explains e.g. why you don’t need to worry about BAföG debt.
The Office of Social Affairs of the General Student’s Committee (AStA) offers a partial refund of the travel pass fee and a budget advice service (website in German).
HHU offers its students a wide range of scholarship programmes. Click here for an overview.
In addition to the buddy programme for first-year students and the FirstGen-Club@HHU for all students from the third semester, there is also a local group of the Arbeiterkind.de portal (website in German).
Other resources:
- Student representatives (Fachschaften)
- The General Student’s Committee (AStA) (website in German) (the elected student representatives)
- University sports association (website in German)
- University Choir (website in German)
- Events on campus
- Events organised by the Studierendenwerk student support service organisation
Would you like to work at the University as a student assistant or research assistant? If so, check your department’s website or ask your professor directly.
Looking for a part-time job? The Stellenwerk (website in German) is the job portal for student jobs at HHU and Düsseldorf University of Applied Sciences.
Whether a résumé review, LinkedIn optimisation, working with AI or practising for job interviews – the Career Service is here to help.
You can find everything you need to know about starting your studies at HHU here.
Download the HHU first-year student guide app (German only)!
Recipients of social benefits under the age of 25 can apply for a one-time study start grant of €1,000; applications can be submitted up to two months after the start of your studies. Click here to submit your application online (website in German).
Finding an apartment in Düsseldorf is a struggle. The SSC checklist can help.
Click here for information on the halls of residence offered by the Studierendenwerk Düsseldorf and the flatshare portal “WG-Gesucht” (both websites in German).
Click here for information on housing allowance and the certificate of eligibility for housing(both websites in German).
You can also ask your student representatives!