The (HWG LU) welcomed around 475 new students at today's Freshers' Welcome (according to provisional figures) - 350 prospective Bachelor's students and around 125 Master's students. The Bachelor's degree courses in Marketing, Business Psychology and Business Informatics were in particularly high demand this semester.
The fresher's welcome with subsequent fresher's week always takes place one week before the regular start of lectures.
Ludwigshafen University of Business and Society (HWG LU) welcomed around 475 new students (according to preliminary figures) at today's Freshers' Welcome - 350 prospective Bachelor's students and around 125 Master's and MBA students. The greeting from the City of Ludwigshafen was delivered by Alderman Alexander Thewalt, flanked by a video message from Lord Mayor Jutta Steinruck. Nils Sitar, alumnus and member of the University Communications team, then introduced the new students to the university before liaison lecturer Prof. Dr. Birgit Angermayer conveyed her greetings and wishes for the start of the semester, followed by Petra Schorat-Waly, who introduced the Diversity department, followed by Viktoria Fayl and Nicolas Hölzel, who presented the areas of activity and services offered by the General Student Committee (AStA) and the student parliament (StuPa). The Studierendenwerk Vorderpfalz, the university chaplaincy and Arbeiterkind.de also outlined their advisory and support programs.
"Our university is located in the heart of the metropolitan area Rhine-Neckar with its diverse range of companies from SMEs to global players," said University President Prof. Dr. Gunther Piller, opening the welcome address, adding: "Take advantage of the opportunities and get in touch with the professional world while you are still studying." The President also emphasized the family atmosphere, the diversity and the opportunities to get involved. "Get involved - in the metropolitan region as well as in the university - in the committees, the student council, as a student employee or in campus design," the President encouraged the first semester students.
"We are delighted that you are studying in Ludwigshafen," Alexander Thewalt then emphasized, and invited the students to attend the symbolic storming of the Oggersheim brewery by the carnival guards of the Grand Council from 2.33 p.m. on Rose Monday. There is also much else to discover in Ludwigshafen, e.g. the State Philharmonic Orchestra or the Hack Museum. Mayor Jutta Steinruck also welcomed the students in her video message: "You are studying at one of the strongest research universities in Rhineland-Palatinate. The university and its graduates enjoy a good reputation among companies and employers," said Steinruck.
Following the central welcome, the first-semester students were able to talk to each other over drinks and snacks or ask questions at the information stands: Representatives of the four Departments as well as the Student Service Center, the International Office and the Bafög Office were on hand to answer questions. The AStA and StuPa, the departments of Studies & Education, the Equal Opportunities Coordination Office, the Studierendenwerk and the university chaplaincy were also on hand to answer any questions. The university's e-sports team, the university choir and cultural and sporting institutions such as the Kunstverein Ludwigshafen, the Staatsphilharmonie and the TFC were also present. And, of course, there were once again the coveted freshers' bags with the city's cultural voucher booklet and other surprises for all new arrivals. Degree ceremonies were followed by guided tours of the campus and the new building.
The rest of the week is also dedicated to the start of studies: there are many other events for the new students at degree program and department level under the title "Freshers' Week". On Tuesday, 04.03.2025, at 9.30 a.m., the traditional welcome service will also take place in the auditorium. On Wednesday, 05.03.2025, the AStA then invites you to the Ersti-Get2gether in the (old) Mensa from 17:00, followed the next day by bar hopping through Mannheim's trendy Jungbusch district.
