Freitische (free tables)

Students who find themselves in a financial emergency and are often the first to save on food in order to at least be able to pay the rent and not lose their apartment often seek advice and help from the social affairs department of Studierendenwerk Paderborn. Studierendenwerk Paderborn provides “Freitische” (free tables) for students in need within the scope of its responsibility and its statutory purpose of “promoting student assistance”.

“Freitische” are monetary aid in the form of DeliCard top-ups based on the applicant's economic need. The outdoor tables are allocated to ensure a healthy, balanced diet for those seeking help. As part of the “Freitische” offer, students are issued a DeliCard loaded with €50.00 credit once per semester after intensive advice on their financial situation and a positive need assessment as well as upon presentation of a current certificate of study. As part of the program, this can only be used to purchase food and non-alcoholic drinks in the catering establishments run by Studierendenwerk Paderborn. The program is aimed exclusively at students at the University of Paderborn, the Catholic University of Applied Sciences, Paderborn Department, and the Hamm-Lippstadt University of Applied Sciences.

The aim of allocating “Freitische” is to support students in financial need and to enable them to eat a balanced, healthy meal. This not only takes health promotion into account, but also fulfills the task of Studierendenwerk Paderborn of looking after the economic concerns of students.

“Freitische” will only be issued following advice regarding the applicant's financial situation. This is carried out by the advisors from the social affairs department of Studierendenwerk Paderborn. The offer is initially limited to 50 “Freitische” per semester. The help is a voluntary service provided by Studierendenwerk Paderborn. The decision about the award is made by the consultants in the Social Advice department, if necessary in collaboration with the Social Advice department head. There is no legal claim.

• Enrollment at the University of Paderborn, the Catholic University of Applied Sciences (Paderborn department) or the Hamm-Lippstadt University of Applied Sciences
• Students may not be on a semester off and may not receive BAföG.
• Eligible are students who, after deducting their rent obligations of up to €500.00 and their health insurance costs of up to €130.00, have less than €200.00 left over for their living expenses in the previous month and the month in which the application is submitted and who have over have no savings or cash assets or any investments that could compensate for this deficit. This must be proven using bank statements from the last two months from the day the application was submitted.
• Before submitting a written application using the forms provided, a detailed consultation must have taken place regarding the current emergency situation and the options for further financing your studies. Students have a duty to cooperate with advice in order to achieve long-term, basic student financing and to avoid future emergency situations. The consultations must be documented for this purpose.

Special cases of hardship can be taken into account after appropriate individual consideration and availability. These decisions are always made in collaboration between consultants and the head of the social department.

“Freitische” are only possible as DeliCard top-ups. The amount of the charges is determined by Studierendenwerk Paderborn. A cash payment is not possible.

Guidelines for the allocation of “Freitische”

Ms. Migula can help with difficulties in understanding.