The university welcomed its new students with two colourful opening ceremonies in the Audimax of the lecture hall centre. The information market in the foyer also provided the "newcomers" with information and tips on studying and the cultural and sports programme on campus.
Almost 2000 students are starting their very first semester at the University of Oldenburg these days. They were all bustling around the lecture theatre building early this morning: equipped with freshly brewed coffee and a brand new university bag, they wandered through the foyer. The new arrivals were able to obtain information at the information market stands - for example about opportunities to study abroad, the tasks and projects of the General Students' Committee (AStA), the university sports programme and many other services offered by the university and the student union.
The doors to the Audimax opened shortly before 9.00 a.m.: hundreds of first-semester students streamed into the hall to watch the opening ceremony. The lecture theatre was filled to capacity. In order to give all new students the opportunity to take part in the ceremony, it was held a second time at 11.30 am.
Official start to studies
The programme of the ceremony included welcoming speeches by the University Vice Presidents Prof. Dr Sabine Kyora and Prof. Dr Esther Ruigendijk, the Head of Division 3: Student and Academic Affairs Nadine Carina Waitz and representatives of the General Students' Committee (AStA). Romanian Bianca Bratosin spoke about her experiences as an Erasmus student in Oldenburg - and her plan to return here soon.
Entertainment was provided by ensemble member Fabian Kulp from the Oldenburg State Theatre with an excerpt from the play "Knall! - Wasnlosalter" and music students from the university big band. Jens-Steffen Scherer, Master's student at the Department for Neuroscience and winner of the Oldenburg Science Slam 2018, led the programme.
Start of the orientation week
The opening ceremony also marked the start of the orientation week, which offers a varied programme for new students until 12 October. Here they will get answers to pressing questions about studying and everyday university life: How do I create my timetable? How do I organise my first semester? And where can I find important facilities on campus? Lecturers from the various subjects introduce themselves and present course content; advice centres, student bodies and other university and student union facilities provide insights into different areas of student life and learning.