"Celebrating the start of your studies here and now, together and in-person, means a lot to our university and to me personally. As a place to meet, talk and debate, our campus is irreplaceable. You will spend one of the most formative times of your life here - that much is certain!" With these words, University President Prof. Dr Ralph Bruder welcomed almost 1,900 first-year students in the university’s Audimax on Monday.
The freshers experienced an opening ceremony with lots of music, theatre, tips and good wishes. In order to make it possible for all new students to participate, the traditional opening ceremony to kick off the orientation week took place twice in the morning - for the first time again in-person after two years of corona-related online formats.
The programme also included words of welcome from the Vice President for Instruction and International Affairs, Prof. Dr Karsten Speck, the Head of Division 3 Student and Academic Affairs, Nadine Carina Waitz, and the Student Council (AStA). Katerina Tounousidi, a student of education and biology from Greece, gave insights into her studies in Oldenburg - and reported on what a colourful, international university means to her. The freshers could also enjoy a performance by actor Hagen Bähr, ensemble member of the Oldenburg’s theatre (Oldenburgisches Staatstheater). The student band "S-Way" under the direction of Peter Janßen provided the musical framework. Graduate Mafalda Nogueira led through the programme.
The freshers received information and tips on studying as well as on the cultural and sports offerings on campus at the information market in the foyer of the lecture hall centre. With their official welcome, the numerous events of the orientation week began on Monday, 10 October. Until 14 October, the new students have the opportunity to get to know their university as a learning and "living space". Lecturers from the various fields of study introduce themselves and present the content of their studies; the student councils, counselling centres and other facilities of the University and the student services organisation (Studentenwerk) offer insights into their work and services.
Already the week before week, the orientation week for international first-year students took place. Prof. Dr Karsten Speck, Vice President for Studies, Teaching and International Affairs, welcomed around 200 international students in the university library’s hall and online. Around 450 students have been admitted to a Bachelor's or Master's programme this winter semester and 60 exchange students have chosen the University of Oldenburg as their temporary alma mater. There are currently 1,200 international students from over 100 countries studying at our university, most of them from India, Syria and Iran.
