Getting involved and making things happen

The work of the students in the General Student Committee (AStA) is focused on representing the interests of all students at Saarland University. In addition to this, AStA also provides a range of student advisory services. AStA runs the university film club Unifilm that shows a film each week during the main teaching period, many of which are shown with the original soundtrack or as the original version with subtitles. Tickets only cost €2.50. The programme covers films of all types, from blockbusters to smaller independent films.

Sustainability  is another important aspect of life at Saarland University. For example, students organize and manage the student allotments in the former botanical gardens, run a bicycle loan scheme and they have set up a bike self-repair workshop.

Music enthusiasts can join the popular University Choir. The choir has been in existence since 1953 and is Saarland University’s oldest musical ensemble. The choir, which has been led since 2002 by the university’s Musical Director Dr. Helmut Freitag, is characterized by the enthusiasm of its members – students, university staff and external members. The annual Saarklang Festival in Saarbrücken showcases regional artists through a programme of concerts ranging from classical to pop and rock and also by hosting a range of accompanying musical workshops. Saarklang is organized by students on the university’s B.A. programme ‘Music Management’.

AStA  runs a support unit for international students and students with children. The unit provides advice and guidance to international students on studying at Saarland University and on living and working in Germany, as well as to students who need to combine studying with childcare responsibilities. The unit also works to help international students integrate and to promote intercultural exchange.