Traditionally, most students start in the winter semester, but around 550 first-semester students will also begin their studies at one of the four campuses of Ostfalia University of Applied Sciences in the summer semester of 2026. 30 of them have opted for a degree programme in Civil and Environmental Engineering or Commerce and Social Work at the Suderburg campus.
Prof. Dr Ina Schiering, Vice President for Research, Development and Technology Transfer, welcomed the new students on 2 March 2026 together with Prof. Dr habil. Detlef Gaus, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Commerce and Social Work, and Prof Dr Thorsten Albers, Dean of the Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, welcomed the new students to Suderburg.
"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," said the Vice President for Research, Development and Technology Transfer, Prof. Dr Ina Schiering.
Prof. Dr Thorsten Albers, Dean of the Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, emphasised the importance of the network you build up during your studies: "You get to know each other here on campus and form a network that extends far beyond your studies, into your professional life and for many years to come. This is something that Suderburg stands for and is also repeatedly demonstrated later at alumni meetings. Take advantage of it. We will support you along the way."
Prof. Dr habil. Detlef Gaus, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Business and Social Work, wished the first-year students the necessary composure for the new phase of their lives: "What I wish for you today - stay calm, stay composed. Everything you experience here has a meaning, a purpose and will come together to form a well-organised life plan. You will find out very quickly here in Suderburg how things are connected."
After the welcoming speeches from the two faculties based at the location, Commerce and Social Work and Construction-Water-Soil, the new students got to know all the important contact points such as the dean's offices, learning coaching, the Student Service Office (SSB), the Career Service and the contact persons for studying abroad, university sports, student self-administration and other committees, service centres and student initiatives.
Calvin Wolf (27), who has decided to study Social Work, says: "I'm particularly looking forward to learning new things during my studies and meeting new people here." There was an opportunity to do just that at the joint breakfast on campus. The General Students' Committee (AStA) also offered the new students a tour of the most important facilities for student life on campus and invited them to a get-together with a barbecue at the Student Administration Centre at the end of the day.
In addition to the activities on site, there is a first semester website with all the important information. At www.ostfalia.de/erst semester (external link, opens in a new window), new Ostfalia students can find useful contacts and information on support services for the start of their studies.