Study“Start Your University Courses with Courage and Optimism”
17 Oktober 2022
Welcome to first-semester students on University Square – support organisations presented themselves in the New University and the Triplex building
Courage and optimism to start a special new stage in their lives – that is what Prof. Dr. Bernhard Eitel, Rector of Heidelberg University, wished the new students who are starting their degree course at Ruperto Carola this winter semester, or did so last summer semester. The newly enrolled students had gathered on University Square for a “Welcome Day” on 17 October 2022, where the Rector greeted them on the first day of the lecture period.
“I encourage you to be optimistic,” Prof. Eitel underlined, also emphasising that it characterised Heidelberg University to stand together and to be outward-looking and open-minded. Work was ongoing to meet the current challenges, together with the students, he stated. The new students applauded vigorously when he announced that he would do everything to prevent a new “closure” of the university on account of the Covid pandemic or the energy price crisis. “We will stay on campus.”
The new students on University Square came from all 13 faculties of Heidelberg University, including the new Faculty of Engineering Sciences. “Don’t have too much respect for your professors,” said Prof. Dr Johannes Glückler, Dean of the Faculty of Chemistry and Earth Sciences. Like his counterparts from the deans’ offices of the other faculties, he combined this advice with the challenge to critically question ones studies and, at all times, to seek to enter into dialogue with the academic community.
Show full screen mode
Show full screen mode
Show full screen mode
Show full screen mode
Show full screen mode
Show full screen mode
Words of greeting to the new students also came from Prof. Dr. Eckart Würzner, Mayor of the City of Heidelberg, and Peter Abelmann, representing the Student Council. A musical setting, including the university anthem, resounded from a brass ensemble composed of members of the Collegium Musicum, the university orchestra, under the baton of University Music Director Michael Sekulla.
Following the welcome, there was an opportunity at an information fair to get to know the advisory and service organisations of Heidelberg University, for example the Central Student Advisory Office, the Career Service and the University Library. The City of Heidelberg was represented, and also the Citizens’ Office. These and other organisations accompanying everyday student life presented themselves in the building housing the Triplex Mensa and in the New University adjoining University Square. Campus tours through the old city were also on offer for the freshers. The guided tours organised by heiMOVE, the sports facilities of Heidelberg University, gave an opportunity to get to know the location of future learning environments and other important centres of university life.