"Great to see you" is written brightly above the entrance to the Dortmund Opera House. Inside, the stage is bathed in orange light and the large auditorium is filled right up to the top tiers. Expectant excitement at the start of a new phase of life. Fachhochschule Dortmund welcomed its first semester students on Monday, September 23, 2024. More than 2,000 new students are starting their studies on one of around 70 Bachelor's and Master's degree courses.
"Contrary to the trend, we actually have more new students than at the same time last year," says UAS Rector Prof. Dr. Tamara Appel. "And we are not yet full." Late deciders are still applying for the available study places(Opens in a new tab) and are being supervised and enrolled by colleagues in the Office for Student Affairs. With 13,500 students, Fachhochschule Dortmund is one of Germany's largest universities of applied sciences.
In the festive atmosphere of the Opera House, the Rector looked back on her own start to her studies, the excitement and the many questions that accompany this new phase of life. Addressing the students, Tamara Appel said: "You have a lot to look forward to. You will learn, discuss, argue. You will doubt and perhaps despair at times." That is completely normal. "Don't give up then!" There is help for almost every challenge at Fachhochschule Dortmund - from the math help desk to the family service. "Talk to us - we're here for you!" says the Rector.
Lord Mayor Thomas Westphal advised the new students to remain calm and confident. "This will make things better," he said in his welcoming address. "Focus on what is going really well right now. Be happy in Dortmund." The city offers a wealth of opportunities for this - from soccer to culture. It was no coincidence that the fresher's welcome was held at the Dortmund Opera House. Theater Dortmund and Fachhochschule Dortmund have been cooperating for more than ten years. This enables students to go to the theater or opera house free of charge, and a companion is also allowed to join them.
In the foyer of the opera house, new students were able to make contacts and ask questions at the student councils, library, student advisory service, sustainability office, AStA, student services, family service, international office and other institutions.
For many students, there will be a wide range of orientation offers from the faculties and student councils in the coming days. The highlight of Freshers' Week is the big Freshers' Party on September 26, 2024 at the FZW(Opens in a new tab) . Among others, Fachhochschule Dortmund DJ Oliver Seifert from the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering will be DJing there.