International students do need a central platform providing all the essentials at a glance: relevant information about culture, sport associations and events in the wir4-region. Furthermore, the digital platform should contain a job forum and contact to regional companies/ employers as well as a housing exchange. Our digital STAY2GROW hub will be exactly this central contact and communication channel for students and other local players.

During the world café held as part of our kick-off forum, many challenges were already discussed. Communication and information form a central thread that runs through all areas. The solution: a digital info point — or a digital hub, as we call it. On the STAY2GROW hub, you will be able to find the following in the future:

• What’s going on in the region? Everything related to culture and sports, including an event calendar and the “KulturPass” (cultural event discount for international students).
• Job board including internships, student jobs, and semester, bachelor’s, and master’s theses.
• housing market place.
• Contacts and assistance for administrative and government-related questions/issues.

We are now starting the development of the digital STAY2GROW hub. Our goal is to be ready to launch by winter semester 2026/27. This is ambitious – but as the STAY2GROW project team, we are optimistic and working at full speed on an initial prototype. It’s going to be exciting!