"Approach your studies with confidence and joy. It is an amazing phase in your lives!" With this message, University President Ralph Bruder welcomed the new students to the University today.

Due to the Covid pandemic, the more than 1,600 freshers were welcomed via video stream instead of in the University's Audimax. The winter semester takes place as a combination of teaching in person and proven online teaching offers. "Responsible on-campus activities are our motto", Prof. Dr Ralph Bruder emphasised. "If we all contribute to this, we can finally use the campus again more as a place for learning, working and personal encounters."

The Vice President for Instruction and International Affairs, Prof. Dr Verena Pietzner, and representatives of the General Students' Committee (AStA) addressed the freshers as well. In the video, student Mafalda Nogueira gave a tour of the campus, and other students shared their favourite spots / favourites when it comes to studying and living in Oldenburg.

During the orientation week until 15 October, there will be numerous events "live" on campus in addition to videos and online presentations. During these events, new students will receive specific information about their respective degree programmes and many tips on topics such as student financing, studying abroad, the campus management system, or scientific writing.

For the winter semester, the university has planned a study routine in which classroom teaching is an integral part. Hygiene and distance rules continue to apply in order to avoid chains of infection as far as possible. If, as is currently the case at the Oldenburg location, the 3G rule of the Lower Saxony Covid Ordinance also applies, only those who have recovered, been vaccinated and tested have access to classes with more than 25 participants.