Welcome Day “As of today, you belong to one of Germany’s best universities”

“With Heidelberg University you have chosen an absolutely wonderful place for your journey into a new phase of life.” With these words Prof. Dr Frauke Melchior, Rector of Ruperto Carola, greeted the newly enrolled students. “As of today, you belong to one of Germany’s best universities – recognized worldwide for outstanding research and excellent teaching.” To launch the lecture period in the 2025/2026 winter semester, Heidelberg University was holding a Welcome Day for freshers on University Square in the old city. 

“Starting a university course is a great step. You deliberately decided to acquire new knowledge, new skills and new perspectives – I can only congratulate you for that because it is very enjoyable,” the Rector emphasized in her address, challenging the new students: “Trust yourself to ask questions, take a position, make mistakes. And play an active role in shaping this university – after all, you, too, are part of its life.” The Welcome Day on 13 October 2025 was meant for all students beginning their courses now or having enrolled at Heidelberg University in the last summer semester.

Heidelberg’s Mayor Prof. Dr Eckart Würzner and Prof. Dr Perizat Daglioglu, managing director of the Heidelberg student services organization, welcomed the freshers as well, as did Jana Seifert, chair of the Constituted Student Body. Representatives of the faculties – deans, deans of studies – likewise brought greetings, inviting them to explore not only their own subjects but also neighboring disciplines. Members of the Collegium Musicum conducted by University Music Director Michael Sekulla provided the musical setting.

Following the welcoming addresses to freshers at University Square, they had the opportunity to attend an information fair featuring the various advisory and service organizations of the university and city, alongside various student-led initiatives. These included the Central Student Advisory Office, the university’s heiSKILLS Competence and Language Centre, and the University Library. These and other facilities that support everyday student life presented themselves at 85 stands in the New University building.