The Ludwigshafen University of Business and Society (HWG LU) is welcoming around 320 new students to Ludwigshafen at today's Fresher's Welcome (according to preliminary figures). The Freshers' Welcome followed by Freshers' Week traditionally takes place one week before the regular start of lectures.
President Prof. Dr. Gunther Piller, Vice President Prof. Dr. Edith Rüger-Muck and Chancellor Carolin Nöhrbaß welcomed the approximately 320 new students (according to preliminary figures) on behalf of the university in the university auditorium. Ludwighafen's mayor Jutta Steinruck and liaison lecturer Prof. Dr. Birgit Angermayer conveyed their greetings and wishes for the start of the semester via a recorded video message. Laura Blasek and Katharina-Sophia Freund, students in their 2nd semester, introduced the new fellow students to the university. Maurice Fuchs, Vanessa Binz and Claudio Albano then presented the fields of activity and the services offered by the AStA and the StuPa student parliament. The social department of the AStA, the Studierendenwerk Vorderpfalz and the university chaplaincy also outlined their advice and support program, before the Institute of Sport presented the broad sports program of the University of Mannheim, which is also open to Ludwigshafen students.
"Be open, explore new options, get involved, also in student self-administration," University President Prof. Dr. Gunther Piller advised the new students and emphasized the familiar atmosphere, the high practical relevance and the excellent location of the university in the heart of the metropolitan area Rhine-Neckar. "You are among the students who will soon be able to enjoy our wonderful new premises," said Chancellor Carolin Nöhrbaß, giving a preview of the new building on the Ludwigshafen-Mundenheim campus, which is due to be available for the 2023/24 winter semester and will feature a large canteen, a completely redesigned library and offices as well as numerous lecture, education and group work rooms for students. Vice President Prof. Dr. Edith Rüger-Muck then whetted the students' appetite for international encounters and intercultural exchange and presented the Buddy Program in addition to the opportunities for international exchange. She also invited the first-year students to the "Café International" on April 5 and the International Football Tournament on May 25, 2023.
Following the central welcome, the first-semester students were able to talk to each other over drinks and snacks in the foyer or clarify any unanswered 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. And, of course, there were once again the coveted Ersti-Bags with the city's cultural voucher booklet for all newcomers. Degree ceremonies were followed by guided tours of the campus.
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 "Fresher's Week". On Tuesday, 07.03.2023, at 9.30 a.m., the traditional welcome service will also take place in the auditorium. On Wednesday, 08.03.2023, the AStA then invites you to the Ersti-get-together in the Mensa from 17:00, followed two weeks later by the legendary first semester party in Club Chaplin.
