The central first semester welcome ceremony took place this morning for the first time in person and numerous new students took the opportunity to attend. According to preliminary figures, a total of around 840 new students will start their studies in Ludwigshafen in the 2022/2023 winter semester - including around 670 Bachelor's and 170 Master's students. Regular lectures will then begin on September 26.
For the first time in four semesters, the start of the 2022/2023 winter semester took place entirely in person today. In the university auditorium, President Prof. Dr. Gunther Piller, Vice President Prof. Dr. Edith Rüger-Muck and Chancellor Carolin Nöhrbaß welcomed around 670 new Bachelor's students (according to preliminary figures) on behalf of the university. 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. Marco Michel from the General Students' Committee (AStA) introduced the new students to the university and then outlined the areas of activity and services offered by the AStA and the student parliament StuPa. Studierendenwerk Vorderpfalz and the university chaplaincy also presented their advisory and support programs.
"Be open, open yourself up to new worlds, get involved," 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. "We are already well positioned, but from next year it will be even better," said Chancellor Carolin Nöhrbaß, giving a preview of the new building on the campus in Ludwigshafen-Mundenheim, which is due to be ready for occupancy from early summer 2023 and will feature a large canteen, a completely redesigned library and offices as well as numerous education and group study rooms for students. Vice President Prof. Dr. Edith Rüger-Muck then whetted the students' appetite for international exchange and diversity and presented the Buddy Program and the European University Network "European Innovation Alliance" in addition to the opportunities for international exchange. She also invited the first-year students to the "International Day" on 27.10.2022 on the topic of "Successful Immigration and Integration" and to the "Mental Health Week" from 20.10.2022.
Following the central welcome, first-year students were able to talk to each other over drinks and snacks in the foyer or ask questions at the information stands: Representatives from 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 the 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, 20.09.2022, at 9.30 a.m., the traditional welcome service will also take place in the auditorium. In the evening, the AStA invites you to the Ersti-get-together in the Mensa from 5 p.m., followed by the legendary first semester party in Club Chaplin from 10 p.m. on 21.09.2022.
