A warm welcome - garnished with fine soul music, improv theatre and useful tips: over 2,200 first-year students experienced the atmospheric start to their studies at the University of Oldenburg on Monday.
Monday morning, 8.00 a.m.: The first new students are already sitting on the steps of the lecture hall centre an hour before the official welcome in the Audimax. Some look sleepy - most are curious and full of anticipation. The foyer under the stairs is already bustling with activity. Staff from the university counselling centres and dedicated students are busy setting up their stands. Together they are organising an information market today, which, following the welcoming ceremony, will entice students with many offers relating to studying and answer the first nagging questions.
Then it's time to open the doors of the lecture theatre. Twice in the course of the morning: although the Audimax is the university's largest lecture theatre, it does not have enough space for everyone at the same time. No wonder: with a total of over 2,200 first-year students, the rush is great and the hall is quickly filled to capacity. Then it's 9.00 a.m. and the first round starts. Earth Wind and Fire" kick things off, at least that's what it sounds like! With "Dancing in September" by the music student formation "Better Call Soul", everyone is wide awake by now at the latest.
After this drum roll, the President of the University takes to the stage: Prof Dr Dr Hans Michael Piper welcomes all the newcomers. For him, the university is more than just research and study - it is also a place of encounter. His appeal: remain critical and inquisitive! This was followed by welcoming words from the Vice President for Studies and Teaching, Prof Dr Sabine Kyora, and the Head of Division 3: Student and Academic Affairs, Nadine Carina Waitz. The two spokespersons for the AStA, Katharina Corleis and Katharina Humbert, talk about what is currently on the student committee's mind - and look forward to meeting new committed members. After another soul number and a passionate performance by the Oldenburg improv theatre group "Wat Ihr Wollt", Master's student Ghena Hatoum gives an impressive account of her journey from Beirut to Oldenburg.
With "Uptown Funk" ringing in her ears, she finally leaves the Audimax in high spirits - and embarks on the adventure of studying. Welcome to the University of Oldenburg!
