The HWG LU welcomed almost 900 new students - 719 prospective bachelors and 163 prospective masters or MBA students - to Ludwigshafen at today's Freshers' Welcome (according to provisional figures). The Freshers' Welcome marks the start of Freshers' Week, which traditionally takes place one week before the regular start of lectures.
In the university auditorium, President Prof. Dr. Gunther Piller and Vice President Prof. Dr. Nina Knape welcomed the 882 new Bachelor's and Master's students (according to provisional figures) on behalf of the university. Mayor Prof. Dr. Cornelia Reifenberg conveyed the greetings of the city of Ludwigshafen am Rhein. Nils Sitar, alumnus and employee of HWG LU, then introduced the university as a whole. Liaison lecturer Prof. Dr. Birgit Angermayer conveyed her greetings and wishes for the start of the semester and Claudio Albano and Nicolas Hölzel presented the fields of activity and the services offered by the General Student Committee AStA and the student parliament StuPa. The Studierendenwerk Vorderpfalz and the university chaplaincy also outlined their counseling and support program, before Meike Trommer presented the project "Healthy studying in Rhineland-Palatinate" at the Degree. Due to the large number of people attending, the Freshers' Welcome was also livestreamed into the foyer and conference rooms.
With a view to his own time as a student, University President Prof. Dr. Gunther Piller gave the first semester students the following words of welcome: "You are now entering a new phase of your life. Be open, explore new options, get involved, also in student self-administration". The President also emphasized the family atmosphere, the high practical relevance and the excellent location of the university in the heart of the metropolitan area Rhine-Neckar as well as the advantages of the newly designed campus with the newly occupied Building C and the new, large library.
Vice President Prof. Dr. Nina Knape then swore the new students to the values of the university, above all openness, tolerance and mutual respect. "I have four wishes for you: think critically, ask questions. Realize that studying is a social privilege that also entails responsibility. Be part of the university community, get involved. And cultivate a respectful and tolerant attitude," said the Vice President.
"We are delighted that you are studying in Ludwigshafen, one of the leading life science locations in Germany, embedded in the vibrant metropolitan area Rhine-Neckar," said Mayor Prof. Dr. Cornelia Reifenberg in the city's welcome address, adding: "The university and its graduates enjoy a very good reputation among companies and employers." A degree, supplemented by internships and experience abroad, broadens horizons and helps to shape the future, said Reifenberg.
Following the central welcome, the first-semester students were able to talk to each other over drinks and snacks in the foyer 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. AStA and StuPa, the Equal Opportunities Coordination Office, Studierendenwerk and the university chaplaincy, the university's e-sports team and the "Healthy Studying in Rhineland-Palatinate" project were also on hand to answer any questions. And of course there were once again the coveted Ersti-Bags, including the city's cultural voucher booklet for all newcomers. New this semester: the Studierendenwerk invited all first-year students to a free canteen meal with a voucher. Degree of the central first semester welcome included 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 "Fresher's Week". On Tuesday, 17.09.2024, at 9.30 a.m., the traditional welcome service will also take place in the auditorium. On Wednesday, 18.09.2024, the AStA then invites you to the Ersti-Get2gether in the (old) Mensa from 17.00, and on 1.10.2024 the Ersti-Party will take place in the Mannheim club Tiffany.
