Data Protection
Updated on Sep 29, 2025.
Thank you for your interest in Studydrive!
We always want to offer you the best possible experience on Studydrive: when learning, interacting with your fellow students, and searching for the perfect internship or job. To achieve this, we collect, store, and use personal data and data generated when using our platform.
The security of your data and your privacy are very important to us, and therefore we would like to explain transparently and in detail below why and how we use certain data.
Enjoy reading and, as always, have fun on Studydrive & good luck with your studies!
1. General Information
• As of: Aug 25, 2025
• Data Controller: meinestadt.de GmbH, Jülicher Straße 26, 50674 Köln, Germany
• Data Protection Officer: Heiner Tent, Email: legal@stepstone.de, Phone: +49 (0)30 55579464
2. Introduction
meinestadt.de GmbH, Jülicher Straße 26, 50674 Köln ("Studydrive") operates the studydrive.net platform ("Platform"). The Platform is available via the website www.studydrive.net and the mobile app "Studydrive" ("App").
meinestadt.de GmbH is part of the StepStone GmbH group of companies (the "StepStone Group"). The StepStone Group is a global online job board company that operates online job portals to connect candidates and companies.
Users can share learning materials with other users via the platform and engage in discussion forums. Users also have the opportunity to learn about companies as potential employers and their career opportunities, and to apply to them via a job board.
meinestadt.de GmbH collects, processes, and uses personal data in accordance with the content of this privacy policy, the General Data Protection Regulation (“EU GDPR”), and applicable German data protection laws, in particular the Federal Data Protection Act (“BDSG”) and the Telemedia Act (“TMG”).
The following paragraphs describe which data is collected, stored, and processed by meinestadt.de GmbH via the platform and for what purpose.
This privacy policy applies to the entire service of the Studydrive platform, both to the use of the platform via the website www.studydrive.net and to the use of the platform via the app.
3. Collection and processing of personal data
meinestadt.de GmbH collects and processes personal data from users of the platform. Personal data, as defined in this privacy policy, refers to individual details about personal or factual circumstances as well as user behavior.
3.1. Login data
3.1.1. Registration with Email Address
As part of the registration process, users are asked to provide some personal information. meinestadt.de GmbH stores the following user data entered during the registration process:
• First and last name
• College/University where the user is studying
• Course of study and starting semester
• Email address
• A password
• Profile picture (optional)
The legal basis for this processing of personal data is Article 6 (1) (b) of the EU GDPR.
3.1.2. Registering with Facebook login
Users have the option of registering with Studydrive using their Facebook account. Facebook is operated by Facebook Ireland Limited, 4 Grand Canal Square, Dublin 2, Ireland.
To register, users are redirected to the Facebook page, where they can log in with their Facebook user data. This links the user's Facebook profile to the website or services of Studydrive GmbH. Through this link, Studydrive automatically receives the following data from Facebook Ireland Limited:
• Facebook ID
• Facebook first name
• Facebook last name
• Facebook profile picture
• Facebook cover photo
• Facebook email address
• Gender
• Country
• Language
This information is used for registration and to create a profile on Studydrive. The Facebook ID is required to enable users to log in to Studydrive using the Facebook login function after the initial registration.
Further information about Facebook Login and privacy settings is available online in the data policy and terms of use of Facebook Ireland Limited.
Registration is completed after users use Facebook Login, and the following data entered by users is saved:
• College/University where the user is studying
• Course of study
• Starting semester
• Courses the user is taking during their studies
The legal basis for this processing of personal data is Article 6 (1) (b) of the EU GDPR.
3.2. Usage data / cookies / use of third-party services
During the use of the platforms, meinestadt.de GmbH collects data on user behavior in order to make its Internet offering more user-friendly and effective and to be able to offer a better and even more user-tailored service.
3.2.1. Logfiles
The server logs store information transmitted by the browser or via the app as soon as users access websites or the Studydrive platform via the app. The log files contain the following information:
• IP address of the computer or device ID of the mobile device
• Date, time, status, amount of data transferred, and the website from which the requested page was accessed (referrer)
• Product and version information about the browser (user agent), operating system, language settings
Saving this information serves to maintain and improve the platform, its security, and to identify and track potentially illegal user activities. The log files are anonymized.
The legal basis for this processing of personal data is Article 6 (1) (b) of the EU GDPR.
3.2.2. Cookies and similar technologies
Using the platform involves the use of cookies and similar technologies. Cookies are text files that are placed on the computer, mobile phone, or other device when users visit a website. Cookies are used to make the platform's offerings more user-friendly, effective, and secure. Most of the cookies used by Studydrive are so-called "session cookies." They are automatically deleted after the end of the page visit. Other cookies remain stored on the user's device until they are deleted. These cookies enable Studydrive to recognize the user's browser on the next visit.
A similar technology is used for visits to the app, so-called mobile identifiers. These enable companies to recognize the user's device when users, for example, access an app again. For example, the Firebase SDK library uses an app instance ID to identify individual app installations. By default, mobile device IDs (e.g., the Android or iOS advertising ID) are collected in the Firebase SDK using technologies similar to cookies.
Studydrive uses cookies and similar technologies to collect important and necessary information for performing relevant processes on the platform. Cookies are used to identify and authenticate users and to store data.
Users can configure their browser to be informed about the use of cookies and to only allow cookies in individual cases, to exclude the acceptance of cookies for specific cases or generally, and to activate the automatic deletion of cookies when closing the browser. Disabling cookies may limit the functionality of this website.
Studydrive also makes it easier for users to specifically disable cookies via the Cookie Control Center, which can be accessed under the keyword "Privacy Settings" in the footer of the website.
Cookies that are necessary to carry out electronic communication or to provide certain functions requested by users are stored on the basis of Art. 6 (1) (f) of the EU GDPR. Studydrive has a legitimate interest in storing cookies to ensure the technically error-free and optimized provision of its services.
3.3. Tracking
3.3.1. Hotjar
We use Hotjar, a web analytics service provided by Hotjar Ltd., Level 2, St Julian’s Business Centre, 3, Elia Zammit Street, St Julian’s STJ 1000, Malta (“Hotjar”), to better understand usage behavior and the needs of our users, and to optimize our services and user experience. Hotjar enables us to better understand the user experience on our websites (i.e. how long users spend on which of our pages, which links they click on, what they like and what they don’t like, etc.) so that we can tailor our offerings to user feedback. Hotjar uses cookies and other technologies to collect information about user behavior and user devices (in particular the IP address of a device (which is collected and stored anonymously), screen size, device type (unique device identifiers), browser information, geographical information (only on a country basis), preferred language for displaying our website). Hotjar stores this data in a pseudonymized user profile. Neither Hotjar nor we will use this information to identify individual users, nor will the data be merged with other data about individual users. Further details can be found in Hotjar's privacy policy at this link: https://www.hotjar.com/privacy. You can object to the creation of user profiles, the storage of data about your use of our site by Hotjar and the use of tracking cookies by Hotjar on other sites at any time at the following link: https://www.hotjar.com/opt-out. We have concluded a data processing agreement with Hotjar. The use of Hotjar is based on your consent in accordance with Art. 6 (1) (a) GDPR.
3.4. Newsletter & Email notifications
3.4.1. Mailgun
Studydrive uses the Mailgun service to send emails and newsletters. Mailgun is provided by Mailgun Technologies, 535 Mission St., 14th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94105, USA. Mailgun is a service that, among other things, can be used to organize and analyze the distribution of newsletters.
Mailgun receives access to personal data such as users' first and last names and email addresses from Studydrive for the purpose of sending emails and ensuring correct salutation within emails. The data is stored on Mailgun Technologies servers in the USA.
We have concluded a contract with Mailgun containing so-called standard contractual clauses, in which the service provider undertakes to comply with EU data protection standards.
With the help of Mailgun, Studydrive can analyze sent mailing campaigns. When users open an email sent with Mailgun, a file contained in the email (a so-called web beacon) connects to Mailgun's servers in the USA. This allows us to determine whether a newsletter message has been opened and, if applicable, which links have been clicked. Technical information is also recorded (e.g., time of retrieval, IP address, browser type, and operating system). This information cannot be assigned to the respective newsletter recipient. It is used exclusively for the statistical analysis of newsletter campaigns. The results of these analyses can be used to better tailor future newsletters to the interests of the recipients.
If users do not want Mailgun to analyze their data, they must unsubscribe from the newsletter. We provide a corresponding link in every newsletter message. They can also unsubscribe from the newsletter directly on the website. Data stored by us for other purposes (e.g., email addresses for the members' area) remains unaffected.
Data processing is carried out on the basis of Art. 6 (1) (b) of the EU GDPR for emails that are necessary for the performance of the contract and on the basis of Art. 6 (1) (a) of the EU GDPR for newsletters that the user has subscribed to via opt-in on Studydrive.
Users can revoke their consent to receive the newsletter at any time by unsubscribing from the newsletter. Users can find more information on unsubscribing from the newsletter in section 4.1.1 of this privacy policy. The legality of the data processing operations already carried out remains unaffected by the revocation.
Further information can be found in Mailgun's privacy policy at: https://www.mailgun.com/privacy-policy/.
3.4.2. Braze
We also use the services of Braze, Inc., 318 West 39th Street, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10018, to send emails and newsletters. Braze is a service that allows emails to be sent simultaneously to a large number of recipients. Braze receives access to users' usernames and email addresses from Studydrive for the purpose of sending emails and ensuring correct salutation within emails.
You can find more information about data processing by Braze in Braze's privacy policy. Studydrive has concluded a contract with Braze containing so-called standard contractual clauses, in which we oblige Braze to protect our customers' data, not to share it with third parties, and to comply with the provisions of the standard contractual clauses pursuant to Art. 46 GDPR when transferring personal data to the USA. Data processing is carried out on the basis of Art. 6 (1) (b) of the EU GDPR for emails that are necessary for the performance of the contract.
3.4.3. Sending Newsletters and Job Alerts
Furthermore, Studydrive may use the StepStone Engage service to send emails and notifications. StepStone Engage is provided by StepStone Deutschland GmbH, Völklinger Straße 1, 40219 Düsseldorf. StepStone Engage is a service that analyzes and organizes the distribution of job and internship advertisements.
StepStone Engage receives access to personal data from Studydrive, such as users' first and last names, email addresses, and career aspirations or presumed career aspirations, for the purpose of sending emails, ensuring correct salutation within emails, and personalizing job and internship offers. For this purpose, StepStone uses processors who process the data in the United Kingdom. The processing of this data is based on standard contractual clauses of the European Union.
With the help of StepStone Engage, Studydrive can analyze mailing campaigns sent. When users open an email sent with StepStone Engage, a file contained in the email (a so-called web beacon) connects to the StepStone servers. This allows us to determine whether a message has been opened and, if applicable, which links have been clicked. Technical information is also recorded (e.g., time of retrieval, IP address, browser type, and operating system). This information cannot be assigned to the respective recipients. It is used exclusively for the statistical analysis of mailing campaigns. The results of these analyses can be used to better tailor future notifications to the recipients' interests.
If users do not wish to be analyzed by StepStone Engage, they must opt out of receiving notifications. A corresponding link is provided in these notifications for this purpose. They can also unsubscribe from these notifications directly on the website. Data stored by us for other purposes (e.g., email addresses for the members' area) remains unaffected.
3.5. Content Data
Content data is data that users upload to the platform. This includes, for example, the materials users upload, the comments they leave, and the content they make available to other users or that is generally accessible. Studydrive GmbH will not share this data with third parties. However, the content is visible to other users and can be downloaded and copied by them.
4. Use of data
meinestadt.de GmbH uses the data to offer its services to users via the platforms and to ensure the functionality of the platforms. The contact information provided by users is used to contact users and manage the user account with Studydrive GmbH.
4.1. Inventory Data
4.1.1. Use of inventory data
First and last names, as well as educational background, are visible to all other users. The email address and self-selected password remain confidential.
Studydrive GmbH uses the email address to inform users about changes and updates on Studydrive. Users are also informed about jobs, career events, internship opportunities, and employer information from Studydrive partner companies.
Users have the option to unsubscribe from notifications at any time either in the settings of their Studydrive account or by sending an email to info@studydrive.net. Users can find their Studydrive account settings here: https://www.studydrive.net/en/settings . The option to manage their email notifications can be found in the "Email Settings" section.
The legal basis for this processing of personal data is Article 6 (1) (b) of the EU GDPR.
In an effort to provide users with suitable career opportunities even after they enter the workforce, users' title, name, and email address may be shared with the StepStone Group. Users will be informed in advance about the data transfer and have the opportunity to object to the transfer.
The legal basis for this processing of personal data is Article 6 (1) (b) of the EU GDPR.
4.1.2. Search functions and active feeds
Some personal information is accessible and searchable by other users. This information includes the provided name or pseudonym and the college/university. When users search for courses, the name or pseudonym of other users is visible to them.
4.1.3. Comments
Users can participate in discussions on Studydrive and leave comments. They have the option of participating either anonymously or using their name or pseudonym. If the user chooses to do so, the name or pseudonym provided is visible to other users on the platform.
4.2. Usage data
meinestadt.de GmbH is constantly striving to improve the platform for its users. Therefore, Studydrive determines how the platform is used to identify usage patterns, peak times, and the popularity of certain offers and features.
The data collected in this way is used to implement technical adjustments and functional improvements for users. The use of analytical tools and cookies is therefore crucial to providing users with an excellent service. The information collected can help improve the platform for users.
4.3. Content Data
4.3.1. Content Accessibility
Users alone have control over the content they upload and make available to other users. This includes all types of files, comments, and personal data. Studydrive GmbH merely provides the technical requirements and is not responsible for the actions of users. Should a user decide to upload third-party material or information, they bear sole responsibility. Studydrive GmbH has no influence on the extent to which information is shared on Studydrive. Therefore, users alone decide which content they make available.
4.3.2. Course Suggestions, Group Suggestions, and Data Synchronization
Studydrive offers users the opportunity to join various courses and groups. Studydrive compares the content of the courses and groups followed with others in order to provide users with various suggestions for further courses and groups.
5. Reward Shop
5.1. Registered users of the platform have the opportunity to collect credits through various virtual activities on the Studydrive platform, which they can exchange for the rewards listed there in the Reward Shop. Users can select their desired reward in the Reward Shop, which corresponds to their credit balance, and fill out a form to exchange the reward.
5.2. Studydrive is responsible for the collection, processing, and use of personal data within the Reward Shop. Service providers who process data on behalf of Studydrive to initiate the transfer of the reward are contractually or legally obligated to comply with data protection regulations for the processing of the reward transfer.
5.3. To process the rewards transfer, personal data is transmitted to the partners participating in the rewards program who provide or send the rewards. Studydrive has concluded contracts with its partners for contract data processing, where applicable. In individual cases, there may also be a legal obligation to transmit personal data to public authorities.
5.4. Depending on the reward, different personal data of users is collected and used. This may include, among other things, the user's name, postal address, email address, or clothing size (when selecting clothing). Users enter the data required for processing independently.
6. Participation in Surveys
6.1. Registered Users
To provide Studydrive with product feedback, registered users have the opportunity to participate in surveys. Registered users who have consented to be contacted for this purpose will be informed about upcoming surveys and can choose whether or not to participate in the current survey. Participation is voluntary and uncompensated.
Depending on the type of survey, surveys can be recorded via video interview and/or conducted by completing an online questionnaire. A link to the survey will be sent to participants via email. Studydrive uses the provider Mailgun to send emails.
We use the tool Dovetail to further process and store your data and to enable the structured presentation of the collected data. For this purpose, data is transferred to our partner Dovetail. Dovetail is an Australian company and can be reached at the following business address: Dovetail, Level 1, 276 Devonshire St, Surry Hills, NSW 2010 Australia. There is no adequacy decision from the European Union for Australia; for this case, we have concluded the European Union's standard contractual clauses with Dovetail, the wording of which can be found here.
Transfer to countries outside the European Union or the European Economic Area also takes place when we use Microsoft Teams, a service provided by Microsoft Corporation, One Microsoft Way, Redmond, WA 98052-6399 USA, as a video interview platform. There is no adequacy decision from the European Union for the USA; for this case, we have concluded the European Union's standard contractual clauses with Microsoft, the wording of which can be found here.
In order to select suitable participants for surveys with registered users, participants' inventory data is processed in accordance with Section 3. Depending on the type of survey and its collection method, surveys can either be anonymous or linked to the participant's respective user profile. Participants are informed before participation whether the survey is anonymous. Personal data collected during a survey will be deleted once the survey has been evaluated. This includes any reference to the user profile.
Data processing is based on Art. 6 (1) (a) of the EU GDPR (consent) for the selection of participants, communication with them, and conducting the surveys. Users can revoke their consent to participate in surveys at any time. The legality of data processing operations already carried out remains unaffected by the revocation.
6.2. Registered Users
To provide Studydrive with product feedback, users have the opportunity to participate in surveys by subscribing to a survey mailing list. Registered users are informed about upcoming surveys and can choose whether or not to participate in the current survey. Participation is voluntary and uncompensated.
Depending on the type of survey, surveys can be recorded via video interview and/or completed by completing an online questionnaire. A link to the survey will be sent to participants via email. Studydrive uses the provider Mailgun to send emails.
We use the Dovetail tool to further process and store your data and to enable the structured presentation of the collected data. For this purpose, data is transferred to our partner Dovetail. Dovetail is an Australian company and can be reached at the following business address: Dovetail, Level 1, 276 Devonshire St, Surry Hills, NSW 2010 Australia. There is no adequacy decision from the European Union for Australia; for this case, we have concluded the European Union's standard contractual clauses with Dovetail, the text of which is available here.
Transfer to countries outside the European Union or the European Economic Area also takes place when we use Microsoft Teams, a service provided by Microsoft Corporation, One Microsoft Way, Redmond, WA 98052-6399, USA, as a video interview platform. There is no adequacy decision from the European Union for the USA; for this case, we have concluded the European Union's standard contractual clauses with Microsoft, the text of which is available here.
To conduct surveys and the communication preceding them, the username and email address of participants are processed. Depending on the type of survey and its collection method, surveys can be anonymous or assigned to the respective email address of the participant. Participants will be informed before participation whether the survey is anonymous.
Personal data collected during a survey will be deleted once the survey has been evaluated. If participants no longer wish to participate in surveys and notify Studydrive of this, their personal data will be deleted from the survey mailing list.
Data processing is based on Art. 6 (1) (a) of the GDPR (consent) for notifications about surveys and for conducting surveys.
Users can revoke their consent to participate in surveys at any time by unsubscribing from the survey mailing list. The legality of the data processing operations already carried out remains unaffected by the revocation.
7. Participation in competitions
7.1. The party responsible for conducting the competition within the meaning of data protection law is
meinestadt.de GmbH
Jülicher Straße 26, 50674 Köln
Telephone: +49 (030) 555 794 64
Email address: info@studydrive.net
7.2. To participate in competitions, you must provide personal data. This may vary depending on the competition, but generally includes personal information, in particular your first name, last name, and email address. Data processing is carried out on the basis of Art. 6 (1) (b) GDPR (contract) for the implementation of the competition. The data will be deleted within four weeks after the end of the competition.
7.3. In the event of a win, the winners will be notified of their prize in writing or by telephone. If you are notified of a win, we may request additional personal data, which will be used solely to send the prize. If the winner does not provide this information, the prize cannot be sent. Data processing is carried out on the basis of Art. 6 (1) (b) GDPR (contract) for the conduct of the competition. Furthermore, the winner's name will be published on Studydrive's platforms. This includes the announcement of the winners on the Studydrive website and its social media channels. Publication of the name online is based on Art. 6 (1) (c) GDPR (legal obligation).
7.4. Participants may cancel their participation in the competition at any time and with immediate effect until the winner is determined. Cancellation of participation must be sent in writing to the organizer's contact details provided in the competition imprint. After cancellation, the participant's personal data collected and stored as part of the competition will be deleted immediately.
7.5. If participants have given their consent to be contacted for advertising purposes in addition to participating in the competition, data processing will be governed by Section 3.3. The legal basis for contacting them for advertising purposes is Art. 6 (1) (a) GDPR (consent). You can revoke your consent at any time and without giving reasons, with effect for the future.
8. Information about user rights
8.1. Right to lodge a complaint with the competent supervisory authority
In the event of violations of data protection law, those affected have the right to lodge a complaint with the competent supervisory authority. The competent supervisory authority for data protection issues is the State Data Protection Commissioner of the federal state in which Studydrive GmbH is headquartered. A list of data protection officers and their contact details can be found at the following link: https://www.bfdi.bund.de/DE/Service/Anschriften/anschriften_table.html.
8.2. Right to Data Portability
Users have the right to have data that Studydrive processes automatically based on their consent or in fulfillment of a contract handed over to them or to a third party in a common, machine-readable format. If they request the direct transfer of the data to another controller, this will only be done if technically feasible.
8.3. Information Requests, Account Deletion
Users have the right to request information about stored data. Furthermore, users have the option to have their personal data edited, blocked, or deleted at any time. To do so, they can send an email request to info@studydrive.net or contact meinestadt.de GmbH by post. Users are asked to provide the following information in written requests: last name, first name, email address, address, and identification via a copy of their ID (valid ID).
For technical reasons, personal data may remain visible for a few days after deletion. meinestadt.de GmbH is obligated to ensure the availability of data. Therefore, deleted data may remain in the backup system for a limited period of time. However, the information will not be publicly accessible.
Thank you for reading our privacy policy! If you have any questions about our privacy policy, please feel free to email us at info@studydrive.net.
See you soon on Studydrive and good luck with your studies!