The current events in Ukraine are currently occupying the whole world. We experience how people who live less than a two-hour flight away lose their belongings and suddenly have to leave their homes. Countless people are afraid for the lives of friends and family right now.
Student life in Schleswig-Holstein is characterized by the fact that students from all over the world study peacefully together at the universities, on campus, in halls of residence and canteens - including students from Ukraine and Russia. Diversity and plurality are lived here every day and this should continue to apply.
We would like to offer our help to all students who are in need due to the current situation.
Service of the Studentenwerk SH (constantly updated)
If you have financial worries, questions about residence status, or if you would like to bring your family and friends to Schleswig-Holstein – please contact the student advice center: Mail: sozialberatung@studentenwerk.sh
Phone: Mon – Thu, 11 am - 2pm, 0431 8816 299
or find your local contact.
If you need support to talk about your experiences and feelings – please contact the psychological counseling team.
If you live in one of our dormitories and cannot pay your rent at the moment, or want to apply for an extension of your dorm place - please contact the dorm administration team to clarify what is possible now: wohnen@studentenwerk.sh
Emergency aid fund of the state of Schleswig-Holstein to secure the livelihood of Ukrainian students
Ukrainian students who are enrolled at a university in Schleswig-Holstein and have found themselves in financial difficulties as a result of the Ukraine-Russia war can now apply for immediate subsistence aid from the state of Schleswig-Holstein.
What is the emergency subsistence aid for Ukrainian students?
Emergency aid is financial help to secure a livelihood. You can apply for it for one to three months and up to €861 will be paid out per month. The amount of the emergency aid is calculated according to your individual needs.
Who can apply for emergency aid?
Students
• with a Ukrainian passport,
• who are currently enrolled at a university in Schleswig-Holstein,
• and are in financial distress.
When can the emergency aid be applied for?
Applications can be submitted digitally from March 21, 2022.
How can I submit an application?
- Download and fill out the application form from our website.
- Scan the required proof: identity card/passport, current certificate of enrollment, proof of income if applicable and proof of extraordinary expenses if applicable.
- Send the complete application and the required evidence by email to: nothilfefonds@studentenwerk.sh
- We will then check at short notice whether you are eligible to apply.
- If everything fits, we will pay you the short-term emergency aid in up to three monthly installments.
Application form (German)
Application form (English)
Burdened by bad news? Tips for dealing with the current political situation
The war in Ukraine triggers fears in many people. Not least because of the geographical proximity to Germany, the suffering of the people is even more noticeable and makes the potential threat to us even more real. More and more students are telling us in the counseling sessions that their existing personal stress situation is getting worse due to global political events.
The unpredictability of further developments creates fear and triggers feelings of loss of control in many.
We would like to give you some tips on how to deal with this situation.
In the first step, it is helpful to observe your experience more closely:
What feelings am I currently experiencing?
I am scared? am i angry Or do I rather feel a feeling of helplessness and hopelessness?
In the second step you can observe your impulse to act:
Am I just trying to shield myself from everything?
This could be an indication of the "escape reflex". By avoiding fear-inducing stimuli (such as seeing news images from the war zone), the brain succeeds in reducing fear, at least in the short term.
Do I experience an inner drive, maybe also anger?
In this case, the anger could possibly also be understood as "fear in disguise" and an expression of the "fight reflex".
Am I feeling paralyzed?
This suggests the reaction of the "freezing". The so-called play-dead reflex (first observed in the animal kingdom) often leaves us humans with a feeling of powerlessness and resignation.
By becoming more mindful of our emotions, we can become aware of these three highly automated fear reactions. As a result, we can develop sensible and differentiated alternative courses of action.
The fear is always about the question "what if...". This results in worry loops and often thoughts of catastrophe. It is important to get out of this subjunctive cycle, i.e. the possible consequences that may occur, into a cycle of action. This explores the question of what I can actually do in this situation in order to (at least on a small scale) influence what is happening. This procedure prevents the feeling of powerlessness.
For example, you can make an impact and show your solidarity by:
• Express your opinion (with friends, family, in seminars)
• Go to peace demonstrations
• Make a poster or sign for a demo
• writes letters to the editor
• Voluntary support for aid organizations:
• sorts and packs aid supplies; donates clothing, supplies, or money; assisting incoming refugees upon arrival in the country (e.g. escorting them to accommodation); sponsor a family
It is helpful to find a balanced amount of information:
• Select a time window of the day in which you can inform yourself about the events for a limited time (!). Avoid watching/listening to the news before falling asleep.
• Choose reputable sources, avoid information channels that are known for highly emotionalized news presentations. The social media algorithm aims to arouse emotions. Video material in particular can quickly overwhelm the brain emotionally and lead to the images “not being able to get out of your head”.
As in all other stressful situations, it is important to pay special attention to self-care during these difficult times. That means pay attention to:
• Eating regularly
• Getting enough sleep
• Daily exercise
• Encounters with people who are good for you
• Daily structure
Don't be afraid to seek professional help. There are many advice centers where you can find support, we are one of them.
Here you will find the contact details of our
psychologists on your campus.
