Stube - which stands for “Student Meeting Place.” That’s exactly why the Asta launched the project. “We’re offering a space here that serves two purposes: first, for student councils and student initiatives looking for a venue to host events. On the other hand, students in particular are also welcome - especially those looking to kill time between lectures or while waiting for the train home,” says Emily from the Office for Projects and Student Infrastructure, who initiated Stube. They’ve already successfully hosted a game night and the premiere of a series filmed by students.

The university provided active support regarding the property: after the copy shop moved out, the university secured the space and made it available to students; the university also continues to cover the rent. “This has enabled us to create this space specifically for students,” says Emily. University Vice President Jürgen Sander is pleased with this solution. “I’m delighted that there’s a new space on campus that students can shape on their own terms and where they can gather for a wide variety of activities. I hope that the Stube becomes a vibrant hub of student diversity and communication.”
Following the temporary closure of the StudCaf in front of Lecture Hall 1, such student-run spaces have become scarce. “The Stube is a place to relax and unwind, where students can recharge their batteries” - a safe space for students. Thomas Hanold, Head of Construction and Building Management, sees the Stube as more than just a break room for students. In addition to the Stube, he also advocated for the Fazze student-run bicycle repair shop to move into the building. “With the combination of these two spaces, student life will radiate out into the neighborhood in the future, replacing the dreary vacancy,” says Hanold.

The Stube is cozy and well-furnished: all the furniture is donated, some of it spontaneously from the neighborhood. The launch was already marked by great generosity: “We were able to set up almost everything within two days. We even had to turn down some donations from the neighborhood,” says Emily, pointing to a sofa. “This is the finishing project of an older gentleman who completed his apprenticeship as an upholsterer.” In addition to seating, the lounge has more to offer, including a fully equipped kitchen with a refrigerator, coffee maker, stovetop, microwave, and dishwasher that students can use. Additional features are in the works. For instance, the lounge will be upgraded with improved accessibility and a changing table. Eduroam internet and a screen will also be installed in the coming weeks, and there are plans to display student artwork on the lounge walls.

“We were absolutely surprised by how helpful everyone was,” says Shelly from Team Stube: “People are happy to do something good for the student body, and that makes us very happy.”
The Stube has been so well-received that the schedule for the coming weeks is already nearly fully booked. Nevertheless - and also for this reason - the Stube is always open to ideas and collaboration, even without joining the initiative. Peter from Team Stube sums it up: “We’re working on becoming the heart of the university.”

Current information and opening hours can be found on Instagram and on the Stube’s window. The team can be reached at projekte@asta-hildesheim.