Students enrolled in joint programmes typically have access to services provided by multiple universities. Due to the fact that students are simultaneously enrolled at more than one university, they can benefit from the services offered by the universities involved in the joint programme. These include general services such as access to libraries, study and work zones, learning platforms, IT and career services. In addition, many universities provide access to sports facilities, in-house training offers, and language & culture courses. 

To help students integrate into the local culture and language, the importance of culture & language offerings is emphasized. Universities may offer language classes, organize language tandem programmes and intercultural awareness workshops. Check  Multiculturalism and Multilingualism for further information.

In the context of a joint programme, joint services may be established. These services can take different forms and cover various types of support provided to students enrolled in the programme. Some examples of services are listed below.

●      Joint programme website: Universities can opt to create their own website for a JP, covering all relevant topics, such as the application procedures, selection criteria, curricula and scholarships.  In the case of an Erasmus Mundus joint programme, creating a joint website involving all participating universities is mandatory.

●      Welcome booklet for new students enrolled in the JP:  As part of the introduction to the joint programme for new students, universities can work together to produce an information booklet. This booklet can combine both academic and non-academic topics. Academic topics may include a brief introduction to administrative procedures, course selection and registration. Moreover, contact details for academic counseling, if applicable, and student support services (e.g., student union) at different universities can be listed. Non-academic topics in the booklet can include a map of the city, information about accommodation, health care, transportation, sports & language offerings etc.

●      Welcome center: A welcome center acts as centralized point of contact that can provide (new) students with information on for example entrance requirement (EU/non-EU), housing possibilities, local health care system, local transportation and access to sports/culture and language courses. Moreover, checklists on formalities upon arrival/departure, such as residence registration and deregistration, can be provided. Within Unite! Community 3 it is foreseen that an online joint platform for welcome centers will be established. Students can then select a particular university to find out more about their services.

●      Buddy/Mentoring programme: To help students find their way within a joint programme, universities can set up a joint buddy/ mentoring programme. New students can be matched with senior students. Senior students of the programme will be able to guide new students around their new campus and provide academic support. Universities can discuss matching criteria and possible benefits for buddies, such as a certificate, upon taking part in the buddy programme.

Language tandems: Although universities might have their own language centers and language courses, universities can think of setting up overarching services, such as language tandems to practice the local languages of the respective partner universities. See Multiculturalism & Multilingualism