AStA is the acronym for “Allgemeiner Studierendenausschuss" (General Student Committee). This is a democratically elected board to represent the interests of students. AStA consists of a variety of departments (for instance, finances, culture, etc.). Its routine tasks include, for instance, advising and supporting students, organizing events, and representing student interests in committees and in public. AStA is also responsible for managing and distributing semester fees and furthermore can also provide other services for students, such as legal advice.