“Did you know about this hidden gem?” asks Nini in an Instagram video that shows her in Freie Universität’s Earth Sciences Library. We see her trying out various couches, working in an individual study room, and waltzing through aisles of books. “This library is perfect if you want to study in peace – or if you just need a nap.” Providing tips like these on social media is one aspect of the weStudent student ambassador program. Every year, up to six students at Freie Universität take part in the program, where they share tips and tricks for navigating university life on social media.

Freie Universität will welcome approximately 34,000 students to its campus on October 16, when the 2024/2025 winter semester officially begins. Particularly for new students, this is a period that gives rise to many questions: How do I best get around campus? What options do I have for financing my studies? What are the must-see events of the academic year? Starting a university degree doesn’t just mean organizing seminars, classes, and courses, but also dealing with a completely new environment. The weStudents student ambassadors’ aim is to make the transition to university life easier. To this end, they produce a variety of content on topics close to their hearts.

For example, Ehsanullah comes from Afghanistan. He uses the university’s social media platforms to share his experiences as a refugee and student. He hopes to empower students to continue their academic journeys even in the face of adversity. After Ehsanullah made an Instagram post explaining the resources available to refugees and displaced persons at Freie Universität, there was a noticeable increase in the number of applications for German language courses.

Karem, who is studying film studies, and Lenny, who is studying political science, used the lead-up to the annual Campus Run to take a sportier approach with their social media activities: Their Instagram videos, posted on the official Freie Universität account @fu_berlin, showed them training for the ten-kilometer run. Collectively, they had more than 34,000 views.

Le, who is studying chemistry at Freie Universität, posted an Instagram video that showed her attending the Long Night of the Sciences. Decked out with lab coat, goggles, and camera, she explored different events on offer, for example, creating her very own slime. Sophie uploaded a “study with me” YouTube video where she invites viewers to join her for two and a half hours of focused work. Regular breaks are an important part of the video, as is the calming rainfall that can be heard in the background. Sophie uses the format to promote a productive learning environment and show how students can support each other, even during busy periods of the academic year.

The weStudent program provides more seasoned students with a chance to pass on their knowledge to others. The information shared by the weStudent ambassadors helps new students have a positive experience right from the start of their time at Freie Universität. But new students aren’t the only ones who benefit; weStudents provide advice for all students – not just those in their first semester.

For example, the Earth Sciences Library also has one more surprise up its sleeve: a bowl of candy that students are free to help themselves to, as Nini demonstrates with a smile. A little something to sweeten your day never hurt, and these treats fit every student’s budget!

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This article originally appeared in German in the Tagesspiegel newspaper supplement published by Freie Universität Berlin.