Social affairs & advising

When it's becomes financially tight - we leave you not alone

Our social counselling service is often contacted by students who have got into financial difficulties. Often the first thing they do is save on food - to somehow still be able to pay the rent and keep their flat.

To prevent this from happening in the first place, we will support you as far as we can:
As the Paderborn Student Union Free tables (i.e. free meals in our canteens) to students who urgently need help.

Our aim is to relieve you in difficult times - because nobody should have to go without a hot meal for financial reasons.

Two trays lie in front of each other on a table. On the front tray is a plate with a stew, spinach leaves and naan bread.

Two people smiling in a modern room with tables and chairs in the background. Bright, friendly atmosphere.

Information on the free tables project

In what form are free tables granted?

The free tables are only available as DeliCard top-ups. The amount of the top-ups is determined by the Studierendenwerk. Cash payment is not possible.

What is the aim of the free tables?

The aim of allocating free meals is to support students in financial need and provide them with a balanced, healthy meal. This not only promotes health, but also fulfils the Studierendenwerk's task of looking after the economic interests of students.

Frequent Questions about the free tables (FAQ)

What are the free tables?

Free meals are monetary assistance in the form of DeliCard top-ups due to the economic need of the applicant. The free tables are awarded to ensure that those seeking assistance have a healthy, balanced diet. As part of the „Freitische“ offer, students are issued with a DeliCard topped up with €50.00 credit once per semester after intensive counselling on their financial situation and a positive assessment of their need and after presenting a current certificate of enrolment. As part of the programme, this can only be used to purchase food and non-alcoholic drinks in the catering establishments run by the Studierendenwerk Paderborn. The programme is aimed exclusively at students of Paderborn University, the Catholic University of Applied Sciences North Rhine-Westphalia, Paderborn Department, and Hamm-Lippstadt University of Applied Sciences.

How are the free tables issued?

Free tables will only be issued following a counselling session regarding the applicant's financial situation. This is carried out by the counsellors of the Social Services Department of the Paderborn Student Union. The offer is initially limited to 50 free tables per semester. The assistance is a voluntary service provided by Paderborn Student Services. The decision on the allocation is made by the counsellors of the Social Services Department, if necessary in cooperation with the Head of the Social Services Department. There is no legal entitlement.

Prerequisites

Enrolment at the University of Paderborn, the Catholic University of Applied Sciences North Rhine-Westphalia (Paderborn department) or the Hamm-Lippstadt University of Applied Sciences.
Students must not be on a semester of leave and must not be receiving BAföG.
Students who have less than € 200.00 left for their living expenses after deduction of their rent (including utilities, electricity and heating) and health insurance costs in the previous month and the month of application and who have no savings or cash assets or investments that could compensate for this deficit are eligible. Proof of this must be provided by means of bank statements for the last two months from the date of application.
Before submitting a written application using the forms provided for this purpose, a detailed counselling interview regarding the current emergency situation and the options for further student financing must have taken place. Students have a duty to cooperate in the counselling session in order to achieve permanent, basic student financing and to avoid future emergency situations. The counselling sessions must be documented for this purpose.

Can hardship cases be taken into account?

Special cases of hardship can be taken into consideration after a corresponding individual case assessment and availability. These decisions are always made in cooperation between the counsellor and the head of the Social Affairs department.