Tips from Kirsten Brandenburg, Student Advisor at Goethe University Frankfurt
UniReport: Ms. Brandenburg, the term semester break is still widely used in everyday language. From your experience, is it still correct to speak of a “break” for students?
Kirsten Brandenburg: In reality, what many still call the “semester break” is a chock-full period for most students. Exams, term papers, mandatory internships, or part-time jobs are all packed into this time – and there’s often little opportunity to truly switch off. Many also use this time to take care of larger tasks or projects that were left undone during the semester. In our experience, very few students have what you’d call a traditional “holiday” – which is exactly why it’s so important to consciously take time off and create personal space.
The possibilities differ widely depending on time and especially financial resources. What do you recommend – should a summer vacation be part of it?
If personal circumstances allow – absolutely. That doesn’t have to mean a long-distance trip or an expensive vacation. Often, it’s not about where you go, but how – like spending time away from university routines, in a different environment, or doing things that are totally unrelated to university, without appointments or to-do lists. Even just a few unscheduled days to find your own pace again can be incredibly beneficial and relieving. The important thing isn’t the destination, but the distance from academic routines.
For those who would rather use the time to earn some money: Where can students find short-term job opportunities?
There are several good resources in Frankfurt. First and foremost is Goethe University’s own job portal, which regularly features short-term assistant or office jobs – often in fields related to students’ academic interests. If you’re looking for a job close to campus, you’ll also find current openings for tutors or student assistants there. The Student Services (Studierendenwerk) also has a job board, and platforms like Jobmensa are tailored to student jobs. Many faculties also have bulletin boards with job postings.
What general advice would you give students for this period?
Use the time consciously and intentionally. It’s not about making the lecture-free period as “productive” as possible – but shaping it in a way that meets your own needs. That could mean a mix of working, exam prep, and planning for the next semester. You can use the break to organize study materials or reflect on where you stand: What went well? What would I like to change? It’s also important to allow space for new or completely different things that create distance from the tightly structured semester routine. For those feeling motivated, the university’s language center offers intensive summer courses in many languages – from English to Arabic or Japanese.
Or try a new sport. The University Sports Center runs a full holiday program with a wide range of classes during the lecture-free period. Or, of course, simply enjoy some plan-free days: meeting friends, spending time outdoors, or just doing nothing. One thing is certain – the next long winter semester is coming.
