A warm welcome! On Monday, 2 March 2026, 550 first-semester students began their university studies at Ostfalia. Many things still felt unfamiliar on the first day - the campus, the people, the procedures. That's part of it. Studying also means arriving and finding out what works where and how. We asked some "first-year students" what they were looking forward to the most.
Small groups, new people and interesting content
Maxim Huber (19), Electrical Engineering and Information Technology: "I'm mainly looking forward to finding out whether Ostfalia really is as practical as people say it is." He already has a good impression of the preliminary course in maths and was able to see that the students are being catered for. "The smaller groups definitely ensure that you're not so stressed."
Damien Tebeu (20), also studying Electrical Engineering and Information Technology: "I'm looking forward to meeting lots of people." He followed the good reputation of Ostfalia. "When I was researching the right place to study, I discovered how many opportunities Ostfalia offers. The technology inspires me. What's more, the university is very well networked."
Calvin Wolf (27), Social Work, says: "I'm particularly looking forward to learning new things during my studies and meeting new people here." Janine Tönnies (30), Social Work, feels the same way: "I'm looking forward to the course content, especially the movement education programme." The Thai boxer wants to specialise in martial arts education, as this has only been offered in large cities such as Hamburg, Berlin and Munich so far.
Kira Blank (28), who specialises in computer science, is also excited about the content of her studies. "I'm particularly interested in the new developments in the IT sector, which is a very big area for me. However, I'm also observing the development of AI to some extent, but with a cautious distance."
AI is at the top of the list for Dhaivat Piyushbhai Raval (25), Digital Technologies. "At Ostfalia, I can combine AI with IT security, which is extremely rare and not possible at other colleges and universities." This is also why he moved to Wolfenbüttel from India, where he would like to put his theoretical knowledge into practice.
Welcome by the vice presidents
The new students were welcomed at the various campus locations by the Ostfalia Vice Presidents - not with stiff phrases, but with inspiring thoughts. For example, that studying is not just about collecting credit points, but above all about trying things out - both professionally and personally. Discovering future topics that will shape our society and developing your own point of view on them is what Ostfalia is all about.
Students are invited to help shape the future
In the auditorium in Wolfenbüttel, Volker Küch, full-time Vice President for Human Resources and Finance, made it clear that studying is more than just a timetable and exams: "From today onwards, you will be travelling new, unknown paths, but you can also pave new paths. You can leave your footprints here. For example, by working with lecturers on projects and ideas and getting involved in shaping university life."
Ostfalia offers enough space to grow
Prof. Dr Ina Schiering, Vice President for Research, Development and Technology Transfer at the Suderburg campus, also emphasised the opportunities that Ostfalia offers: "In addition to lectures and seminars, in-depth specialist knowledge and practical experience in our laboratories, our university offers you the opportunity to grow as a person. You can explore future topics such as sustainability, climate protection, digitalisation, artificial intelligence and social change - in your field of study and beyond."
At the campus in Wolfsburg, Prof. Dr Thomas Benda, Vice President for Teaching, Studies & Continuing Education, reminded the audience what else is important in addition to all the specialist knowledge: "Numbers and scientific facts will undoubtedly be important for you in the coming years. Please never forget the things that are particularly close to your heart. If the content of your degree programme is one of those things close to your heart, then nothing can go wrong!"
Rotary Prize for special social commitment
Lisa Steffens, who studies at the Faculty of Social Work and volunteers in youth welfare in criminal proceedings, was also honoured at the fresher's welcome ceremony in Wolfenbüttel. Dr Thomas Böckmann, President of the Salzgitter-Wolfenbüttel Rotary Club, presented her with the club's "Award for Special Social Commitment" in the amount of 1000 euros. "As a service club, Rotary is committed to social projects both locally and worldwide. That's why we are particularly keen to recognise individuals who have the courage and energy to get involved in social projects alongside their studies."
Campus tours, quiz formats and hands-on stands
After the welcome speeches, the first-semester students were given a compact overview of important contact points and support services at the university. A list of all useful contacts with all the important information for a successful start to your studies can also be found on the first semester website.
Faculty-specific programmes with tours and introductions to central systems then followed at the campuses. Activities such as campus tours, quiz formats and hands-on stands also offered the opportunity to network.
Facts and figures about Ostfalia
Ostfalia University of Applied Sciences was founded in 1971 and is a university of applied sciences in Lower Saxony with campuses in Wolfenbüttel, Wolfsburg, Salzgitter and Suderburg. Around 10,200 students are currently enrolled in twelve faculties.
