Intercultural
A place of Learning- and the cultural togetherness
The creation of a European Higher Education Area and the increasing networking of universities pose not only academic but also cultural challenges. Because where many people from different walks of life come together, there needs to be room for understanding, exchange and encounters.
As Studierendenwerk, we actively contribute to the success of cultural integration and respectful coexistence at our university locations - through forms of housing, counselling, social services and community activities. In this way, we create places where not only knowledge but also cultural diversity is lived.
Welcome to during studies - Welcome to on campus
As a social service centre, we support you at the start of your studies and in your new everyday life in Paderborn, Hamm or Lippstadt.
To make moving in easier, every new tenant receives a welcome bag from us with lots of useful information and small aids to help them get started.
At the start of the semester, our Social Affairs department also organises welcome events directly in your hall of residence together with the team members. You can pop in, get to know new people and meet your neighbours.
We are also there for you with our offers and topics at first-year events and fairs. This will help you make connections quickly - on campus and in your new city.
Events & Dates
Be up-to-date and click through our events and dates for the coming weeks!
CanteenFlea market - Browse sustainably and enjoy together
Every semester we transform the canteen on the Paderborn campus into a lively canteen flea market.
The idea behind it: Passing on things that you no longer need yourself instead of throwing them away. This creates a place where sustainability and social interaction go hand in hand. In a relaxed canteen atmosphere, you can browse, find bargains and perhaps even discover some real favourites. At the same time, the flea market offers the perfect opportunity to socialise with others and have a great time together. Whether you want to sell, swap or simply browse - the Mensa flea market invites you to join us.
Take a look at the MensaFlohmarkt page and find out about the next planned MensaFlohmarkt date.
CanteenTalk - Your opinion counts!
At MensaTalk, we get straight into dialogue with you. Together with Paderborn University's student health management team and the AStA, we'll answer your questions about the canteen & co.
We want to show transparency, listen to your opinion and talk about improvements together. Your feedback is important to us - we have already been able to implement valuable suggestions from the last Talks.
Come along, bring your questions and actively help shape the services offered by the Studierendenwerk!
The MensaTalk always takes place regularly in the winter semester. We will inform you about the next date here.
Studying abroad - Your advice centres
For foreign students or students who want to study abroad:
Paderborn
ASV (Foreign Student Representation)
Student organisation that represents all foreign students at Paderborn University, whether they are students, language course participants or applicants.
International Office Paderborn
Information about studying with a degree, exchange programmes in Paderborn and studying abroad.
Hamm and Lippstadt
Contact network with contacts at foreign universities and companies. University cooperation programmes are underway with Australia, China, Brazil, Jordan, Malaysia, Turkey, Poland, Austria, Romania, Thailand and the USA.
MENSAPARTY
Canteen and party don't go together? Then you haven't been to our legendary MensaParty yet!
Once a year, at the start of the winter semester, we celebrate the start of the new semester with you!
True to the motto „Dance where you are“, the canteen on the Paderborn campus is transformed into a party location with good music, cool drinks and a lively atmosphere!
Come along and celebrate the new semester with us at the Paderborn campus!
As soon as the date for the next MensaParty has been finalised, you will receive all the information and details here!
Events in the Grill|Café
| date | Appointment name | Description of the |
|---|---|---|
| 06.02.2026 - 07.04.2026 | Grill|Café closed | Closed during the lecture-free period |
| 08.04.2026 | Opening Grill|Café | |
| 09.04.2026 | O-Week Quiz | 15:00 - 18:00 |
| 23.04.2026 | Turkish karaoke | |
| 27.04.2026 | Improv theatre | from 17:30 |
| 30.04.2026 | International Quiz Night | 19:00 - 22:30 |
| 06.05.2026 | Canteen flea market | 16:00 - 19:00 in the FORUM |
| 20.05.2026 | QuestionsSPEGtacle | 18:00 - 21:00 |
| 21.05.2026 | Turkish karaoke | |
| 02.06.2026 | Board game evening |
Karaoke and co. in the Grill|Café
Every semester, we offer you various formats and events on our premises. Admission is free - just come along and see if there's something for you!
Our Quiz Nights have become almost legendary. Tip: Arrive early to secure the best places for you and your team.
Do you have ideas for new formats? Then let us know - we look forward to your suggestions!
summerBattles
The SummerBattles took place for the first time last year in 2025 - the grand finale of the CampusBattles!
In the CampusBattles, the student councils and initiatives of Paderborn University compete against each other in 5 to 6 exciting battles per semester in the Grill|Café. Each team collects team points throughout the winter and summer semesters to qualify for the final SummerBattles:
Battles such as FlipFloSlinging, SpeedGrillen or WaterBomb bid farewell to the summer semester with good humour and action.
You can find out more about the next SummerBattles here.
Frequent Questions about intercultural issues (FAQ)
Your contact persons
Head of Marketing and Communication
Mareike Wecker
Room: 4.05 (Mersinweg 2)
Grill|Café
Ingo Thiele-Kupsch
Room: Grill|Café Campus UPB
Marketing and communication
Nina Karbstein
Room: 4.06 (Mersinweg 2)
Social affairs/counselling
Anke Migula
Room: 2.06 (Mersinweg 2)
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